In Quanzhou’s merchant circles, apart from the Family Head, Shang Zhan, being famous as a kind person, there was also a merchant prodigy. It was said that at the tender age of eleven, this prodigy, with just a hundred taels of silver, made his first foray into business. He strategized with great acumen, reviving a bankrupt shop within a year and transforming it into a gold shop that made a fortune day by day, amassing a vast wealth, and thus became renowned as a merchant prodigy.
However, this talented prodigy had one disadvantage: he was naturally frail and often ill, spending his days accompanied by medicine. As a result, he rarely appeared in public and usually nursed his health at home. Despite that, he participated and guided many of the business decisions.
The family’s growth into its current large scale undoubtedly owed much to his contributions, but due to his health issues, he chose to remain a transparent figure.
Song Ci listened, secretly thinking in her mind, "It’s flattering to call him a prodigy; unflattering might label him a shrewd businessman."
But he was a shrewd businessman who knew how to build a reputation, taking from the people and giving back to the people.
Mèi Niang did not praise her husband, only humbly saying a few words, "I also heard there is a renowned doctor in the capital good at health maintenance, so I came to see if I could meet them. If possible... look at me, why am I talking about this, I shouldn’t ruin the Old Madam and the Commandery Princess’s mood. Please, have a seat, I’ll send someone to bring some jewelry items for you to choose from."
Song Ci nodded with a smile.
Once others left, she said to Niu Pan’er, "Even from the distant Northeast, you know of such a person?" ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮※𝓷𝓮𝓽
Niu Pan’er smiled faintly, "The merchant family is kindhearted. Besides donating to charities, they supply materials during war efforts. I occasionally heard my father praise them, so I remembered." She paused and lowered her voice, "It’s said that the prodigy was born frail, and many doctors asserted he wouldn’t live past twenty-five."
Song Ci was stunned for a moment, "Is it then why he engaged in so many good deeds?"
Niu Pan’er didn’t know either. Although the merchant family was benevolent, every family had its struggles. Even though the merchant family was large and prosperous, it was no different. The prodigy was the second child, with an elder brother above and younger siblings below him.
She looked at the candied fruit, wanting to reach out.
"Don’t eat too much, we’re still having lunch, or else you won’t eat," Song Ci handed her just one piece and softly said, "You’re pregnant, be cautious of food outside."
Who knows if there are people with ulterior motives.
The candied fruit lost its appeal!
Mèi Niang soon returned, followed by two or three maidservants carrying trays filled with exquisite jewelry and some novel, interesting items.
Song Ci became interested, first picking out jewelry for her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, even buying a few small targets, then choosing new gadgets for her grandsons, also adding a pocket watch.
A sand clock to tell time was not as convenient as a clock, so she bought one; it wasn’t as if her family couldn’t afford it.
Mèi Niang was indeed a businesswoman, her words as smooth as if they’d been coated in oil, very quick and slick, and her sales tactics left Song Ci in awe.
In modern times, this would unmistakably make her a gold medal salesperson.
In no time, Song Ci spent over a thousand taels, and even after Mèi Niang offered a discount, it still amounted to over a thousand taels.
Song Ci looked at Mèi Niang with a sigh, "Now I understand how the merchant family amassed such wealth."
"No one ever leaves your store empty-handed, right?" Song Ci’s tone was quite certain.
Leave no trace as the goose flies.
So, are you complimenting or criticizing me?