In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Farriha shook her head, her tone serious but not harsh: "You sold the goods, so you are responsible for their quality. Whether you knew it or not, selling inferior goods is a violation of the market rules. Now you need to compensate this customer for their loss and accept the punishment according to the regulations."

"A penalty?" The stall owner's forehead was sweating, and his voice trembled. "Miss Faliha, this is a small business. Could... could you make an exception for the fine? I promise I'll check more carefully in the future!"

Farriha pondered for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the other pottery pieces displayed on the stall.

She walked closer and picked up a few pieces to examine them. She found that the glaze on the bottom of two bowls was uneven and the body was too thin, which meant they were obviously defective products from the same batch. However, the pottery next to them did not have similar problems and were all good pottery.

She gently placed the items aside and looked at the stall owner:

"The punishment may be suspended, but you must immediately remove all the flawed pottery from your stall and not sell it again."

"If there are any random checks or complaints in the future, I will impose penalties in accordance with the regulations and record them—at that time, it will be more than just a fine."

The stall owner, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, bowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Miss Faliha! I'll put it away right now and never sell it again!"

After saying that, he hurriedly picked up the obviously poor-quality vessel to put it away, but after thinking about it, he directly smashed it on the ground in front of the onlookers.

He handed the item to the woman, pretending it was fishy and smelly, and said it was a sour, sour thing.

The woman took the money, her expression softening, and thanked Fariha, saying, "Thank you for upholding justice; otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do."

A ceramic bowl isn't actually expensive, but the feeling of buying junk and then being slapped in the face is really unpleasant.

Farriha nodded slightly: "This is the responsibility of market management. If you notice anything unusual when you make your next purchase, you can report it to me or the patrol team of thirty people on the spot."

The woman nodded her thanks again.

The dispute was resolved smoothly, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

As soon as Faliha turned around, she saw Wang Yan standing a few steps away, and a smile immediately appeared on her face: "Long time no see, Wang Yan."

Wang Yan stepped forward: "You resolved a dispute so easily. As expected of you, Faliha."

"Haha, these are just trivial matters." Faliha waved her hand, then looked at Wang Yan and asked, "Are you going out of town? Or are you going to buy something?"

“No, I came to see you. I have something I want to ask you,” Wang Yan said.

Fariha asked curiously, "Looking for me? Let's talk over there first."

She pointed to a small house not far away, which should be her workspace.

Chapter 59 The Council of Religious Affairs' Support Policies

Farha led Wang Yan through a small path to her secretary's office.

The room was small, but it was very well organized. Various documents and scrolls were neatly stacked on the bookshelves, showing the owner's style of doing things.

"Please have a seat." Faliha gestured for Wang Yan to sit in the chair opposite her, then sat down behind her desk. "So, what would you like to ask?"

Wang Yan then eloquently recounted the project overview that she had already prepared.

"It's about a brand new daily necessity, which I call toothpaste. It's a paste-like product specifically designed to clean teeth and care for the oral cavity, and its effects far surpass those of existing mouthwashes and tooth powders on the market."

"I have already collaborated with Dr. Zakaria of Health House to improve the formula, and Kavi of the Mysticism School has also agreed to help design the production line. In terms of raw materials, I have also contacted Liam, a merchant from Daochenglin, to provide a stable supply."

Farriha initially appeared relaxed, thinking it was just a small-scale project transformation common among academics.

But when she heard the names Zakaria and Kavi, she sat up straight.

When Wang Yan mentioned that the formula had been optimized, the production line was being planned, and the raw material channels had been secured, her eyes revealed a clear sense of importance.

As Nizam's secretary, Fariha was naturally aware of the importance the Church currently placed on such high-quality projects.

"How much investment is needed?" Fariha pressed.

"Initially, the main tasks are setting up the production line and procuring raw materials. Kavi estimated that the first pilot production line would require about 50,000 Mora. As for raw materials, Liam is willing to provide two truckloads of samples first, and then supply them in the long term at market prices. The factory and labor costs have not yet been included—this is exactly what I would like to ask the Executive Yuan for support."

"What about output and profits?"

"The cost of a tube of toothpaste, based on the current formula, is estimated to be around 3-5 molars. Referring to the selling price of mid-priced daily necessities in Sumeru City, we initially set the price at 10-20 molars. After deducting costs and other expenses, the profit is expected to be over 10 molars."

Toothpaste is naturally divided into regular and professional types, so the prices are also different.

Wang Yan paused for a moment, then added, "If the promotion goes smoothly, given the coverage of Health Home and Dr. Zakaria's reputation, it shouldn't be difficult to sell tens of thousands of units in Sumeru City and surrounding towns in the first year. In the long run, if it can be promoted to other countries, the scale will be even larger."

After listening, Fariha remained silent for a moment, then tapped her fingers lightly on the table. Her tone had turned into a businesslike formality: "Your project is very good. The Order of the Church currently offers various support methods for high-quality projects like this. It just depends on which one you prefer."

Wang Yan perked up: "Could you explain in detail?"

“Of course.” Fariha took out a document bearing the insignia of the Church from a drawer. “It’s roughly divided into three categories.”

"The first category is direct financial subsidies."

The Council of the Church can provide an interest-free start-up loan, typically ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 Mora, disbursed in installments according to project phases.

The repayment period is flexible, generally starting after the project becomes profitable, and can be repaid within five years.

Suitable for projects that need to start quickly but lack sufficient self-owned funds.

"The second category is resource matching support."

The Church can coordinate the provision of production sites—for example, there are several vacant spaces in the old warehouse area on the west side of the Sacred Tree, which can be used as factories with slight modifications;

At the same time, it can help recruit and train workers, especially providing jobs for people seeking stable employment in rainforests and deserts.

This part doesn't provide direct financial compensation, but it saves a significant amount of upfront investment and time.

"The third category is policy and channel support."

The Educational Council can endorse projects, assist in obtaining operating permits, and reduce or exempt some taxes;

At the same time, through the external relations department of the Academy of Religious Affairs, it helps connect with chambers of commerce and retailers inside and outside the Sumeru Kingdom to accelerate product expansion.

This is even more valuable for projects aiming for long-term growth and hoping to build a brand.

As Fariha explained, she gently pushed the documents toward Wang Yan: "You can choose one of them, or you can apply for a combination. However, the Academy will review the projects and decide on the level of support based on the evaluation results. Of course, your project has two scholars, Zakaria and Kavi, co-authored, and it is a collaboration between multiple schools of thought, so passing the review should not be difficult."

She paused, a slight smile appearing on her face: "Furthermore, the Academy has consistently promoted initiatives to improve people's lives, encouraging scholars to transform their research findings into benefits for the people!"

"If your toothpaste can provide a certain number of jobs, you may be able to apply for additional job subsidies."

What Faria said largely matches what Erosan said.

Wang Yan quickly processed this information and already had a plan in mind.

He looked up, his eyes bright: "If I want a combination of the second and third categories, namely venue and personnel assistance, plus policy endorsement and channel support, while also seeking job subsidies, how do I apply?"

Fariha nodded and took out a blank application form from the side: "Fill out this 'Application Form for Support of the Council of the Church's Livelihood Projects,' and attach your project proposal, a joint letter from Zakaria and Kawi, and a cost-profit calculation sheet. I will deliver it to Mr. Nizam as soon as possible, and there will be an initial response within a week."

She handed the pen to Wang Yan and added, "Of course, while we wait, you can continue to advance the production line trials with Kavi and confirm the raw material details with Liam. These practical advancements will help the review process pass faster."

About a week later, it was ready. Just then, Liam delivered the raw materials, and we started trial production on the production line.

Wang Yan took the pen and began to write.

I originally just wanted to find out more about the situation from Faliha, but I didn't expect to get straight to the form-filling step.

Because Wang Yan was already very familiar with the entire project, filling out the application form was also a breeze for him.

Soon, Wang Yan filled out the application form and handed it to Faliha: "I'll send it to you after I write the joint letter."

Fariha took it, glanced at it briefly, and nodded slightly: "Good, the materials are very detailed, which increases the chances of the application being approved."

"Then I'll trouble you," Wang Yan said.

Farriha shook her head: "It's just my job."

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Being dutiful is being dutiful, and being sentimental is being sentimental. These two things are not in conflict."

"By the way, I haven't seen Ian and the others lately," Wang Yan changed the subject, talking about friends they both knew.

Ian was one of the three young scholars who traveled back to Sumeru City with the Liam caravan along with Wang Yan.

It was through them that Wang Yan first got to know Faliha.

"They're probably still busy with their theses."

When talking about friends, Fariha's smile became more friendly.

Wang Yan shook her head: "I wanted to treat them to a meal, but I couldn't find them even after looking for several times."

This is no exaggeration. After Wang Yan established himself in Sumeru City, he did try to find Ian and his two companions several times, but they seemed to have already left Sumeru City and gone on a field expedition.

“That’s how the Elementary Theory is. If the earth’s veins change even slightly, their data in their papers will have to be re-examined. They’re probably still out in the wild right now,” Fariha said with a smile.

"It's not easy for anyone," Wang Yan sighed, then invited, "When they come back, I'll treat you all to a meal together, just like a friends' get-together."

If you were to ask Faliha, Vizier's secretary, to thank her and invite her to dinner, she would definitely refuse.

But it's different if it's a gathering of friends.

Public is public, private is private.

“Sure, it’s been a long time since I’ve hung out with Ian and the others.” Fariha readily agreed.

"Then it's settled."

Wang Yan stood up.

"Don't worry, I won't stand you up."

Fariha saw the person out the door.

Chapter 60 The Vizier's Interrogation (Please continue reading)

Five days later, in an old warehouse area outside Sumeru City.

This warehouse originally belonged to the Confederation and had been idle for many years. Now, after simple cleaning and reinforcement, the interior space is spacious and bright.

In the center of the warehouse, an experimental toothpaste production line designed by Kavi has been installed.

Several waist-high metal containers are connected to valves via pipes, with a small sealing machine at the end. Although the overall structure is simple, it exudes the precision unique to scholars of the "Miao Lun School".

The production line is driven by elemental forces, and the energy source is a fragment of an element.

According to Kavi, current production capacity does not require large-scale equipment for extracting elements from the earth's veins; a single element fragment is enough to keep the production line running for more than seven days.

Two trucks filled with sacks were parked outside the warehouse.

The sack contained the first batch of medicinal herbs that Liam had delivered on time: mint, honeysuckle, scutellaria, cloves, bletilla... Each herb was categorized, dry and clean, and exuded a faint herbal fragrance.

Wang Yan and Kavi stood beside the production line, discussing the debugging details in hushed tones. Zakaria had to stay at the Health Home and didn't have time to come over.

Today is not only the day for trial production, but also the day for the Education Bureau to come and inspect the results.

Perhaps it was Fariha's efforts that made it work, or perhaps the joint letter submitted later by Kavi and Zakaria was indeed effective.

The support from the Religious Academy, which was previously said would take seven days to process, was actually completed in three days.

The Order of Education not only provided this warehouse as a factory, but also promised to help train employees. After inspecting the results today, the Order of Education will also help promote the product.

That's incredibly thoughtful.

While Wang Yan and Kavi were busy, footsteps came from outside the door, getting closer and closer.

Vizier Nizam entered, accompanied by his secretary, Fariha.

He was dressed in a dark green robe, his face serious, his gaze quickly sweeping across the warehouse layout before finally settling on the production line.

Behind him were several young people.

They were dressed simply, looked reserved, their hands hanging awkwardly at their sides, and their eyes looked around with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

Judging from their skin color and clothing, they were not local residents of the rainforest, but rather people who had recently arrived in Sumeru City from the desert.

These should be the employees trained by the Order of Education.

Of course, the main purpose of the Education and Training Institute is not to arrange such a few employees. The main purpose is that once the toothpaste industry is established, its upstream and downstream supply chains can arrange more jobs.

For example, the cultivation, production, processing, and research and development of medicinal herbs, and even the export of toothpaste... all of these will create corresponding job positions.

“Mr. Nizam, Miss Fariha, welcome.” Wang Yan stepped forward and nodded slightly in greeting.

Nizam nodded, his voice steady: "On behalf of the Council of Religious Affairs, I will inspect the project. Scholar Wang Yan, Scholar Kavi, are you ready?"

If things are not ready, Nizam is willing to wait a moment.

There's no way around it; there are just too few high-quality projects, so giving them some preferential treatment is reasonable.

“Yes, everything is ready.” Wang Yan turned to the side, gesturing towards the production line. “Next, Kavi will demonstrate.”

Kavi stepped forward and gave a scholar's salute: "The production line is currently only a trial model, but it is sufficient to verify the entire process from mixing and homogenization to packaging. We plan to conduct the first trial production today."

Nizam approached the production line and gently touched one of the valve interfaces.