Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Inquiring (2)_1 Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Inquiring (2)_1 “No problem.” Wu Dayou said, slapping his chest confidently.
The villagers were extremely envious upon hearing that Wu Dali and his crew would be helping out at the Lin family.
“Twenty-five copper coins a day, that’s a lot.”
“I heard there’s also a share of the profits if you do a good job.”
…
Lin Ziyin had never personally tried the wooden oil pressing method. As a student, she had only toured an old oil mill where a master demonstrated the skill. The master held nothing back, perhaps because he reckoned this traditional craft was being phased out due to modern equipment. Therefore, he enthusiastically explained the process to the visiting students in great detail.
Hence, at the start, Lin Ziyin didn’t expect to succeed in the first go.
“Brother, spread the seed cake evenly along the venting areas. Sister-in-law, keep the fire up,” Lin Ziyin directed incessantly.
The spring weather was already quite warm, but the oil mill was steaming. Even in short sleeves, Changshu and the others were quickly soaked with sweat.
“Done,” Changshu replied.
After the seed cake was steamed, Lin Ziyin had everyone make the molds. “Brother Dayou, sort out the oilseed straw and put it into the oil ring,” she instructed.
Bai Dazhuang and the rest were pressing oil for the first time. They dared not be negligent and followed Ziyin’s instructions closely.
Thus, after a few days, the first batch of soybean oil came out smoothly and without any mishap.
“Now we just wait for the oil to settle and separate. It will be ready in a few days.” After several days of hard work, Lin Ziyin too was exhausted. “Everyone has worked hard. We’ll definitely share some from the first batch of oil for everyone to taste. Also, once business improves, wages will increase.”
“Alright, Ziyin, we’ll be waiting for your big sale,” Bai Dazhuang responded cheerfully.
“We finally did it.” Looking at the big vat of soybean oil, Wu Dali and the others couldn’t help but smile gleefully.
Being directly involved in the oil extraction process, they saw the competence of the Lin family and their faith in following the Lin family’s steps was strengthened.
Six days later, the oil was finally ready to eat. Overjoyed, Lin Ziyin gave two pounds each to Bai Dazhuang and Wu Dali’s families. She also made several dishes with the soybean oil at lunch to treat her family.
“Delicious.” The old man stated cheerfully after taking a bite.
“Indeed. It’s even more delicious than dishes fried in lard,” Zige agreed with a smile.
“Sister, what’s your plan for selling these?” asked Changshu while eating.
“Most will be sent to the temple. The rest will be sold to the big customers who come to buy tofu and bean sheets,” Ziyin responded.
“And the price?” asked Changshu.
“One hundred and fifty Wen per pound,” answered Ziyin. “One hundred pounds of soybeans only yields less than forty pounds of oil. The process is not only complicated, but it also takes effort. If we sell it cheap, we would be at a loss.”
“Wouldn’t it be hard to sell at such a high price?” Zige asked with concern.
“I’m not worried. Selling pure soy oil is tough, the buyers are certainly going to be big customers. They won’t lack this bit of money,” Ziyin was confident.
“Listen to Ziyin,” the old man chimed in.
Thus, the price was successfully set.
“Miss Lin, my young master has arrived.” As the Lin family had just finished their meal, they heard a knock on their gate.
“What’s Si Si doing here at this time?” Changshu asked in puzzled bewilderment, having no fondness at all for the ‘young master’ mentioned by Si Si.
These days, as Si Si came to get tofu every day, the people in the Lin family were quite familiar with his voice. Changting quickly went to open the gate.
“Miss Lin.” As Si Si entered and saw the displeased expression on Changshu and the others’ faces, he felt somewhat embarrassed.
However, Si Jinhan, who followed him in, paid it no mind. He wore a gentle smile as he looked at Lin Ziyin, “I came today to inquire about something.”
He seemed to have completely forgotten how he had treated Lin Ziyin at their previous meeting. Chu Suifeng, who arrived with him, stood expressionless in the courtyard, giving off an air of self-importance.
“This humble one pays his respects to the Prince.” The old man was terrified upon seeing Suifeng, whom he knew was a prince. Zige and the others were also very cautious.
Lin Ziyin frowned slightly. “Both the young master Si and the Prince have come especially for me?”
“Yes,” Si Jinhan answered with a light smile, his gaze revealing his interest in her.