The Young Dragon of the Ming Dynasty: Bound to an Industrial Blueprint from the Start

Jasmine with sandalwood, osmanthus with agarwood, rose with musk—each combination produces a different effect.

She wrote down all the recipes, intending to collect enough to report to her employer.

At the same time, she did not forget the "body odor balm" that Zhu Zhanji had mentioned.

She consulted Dr. Wu and obtained some cloves, patchouli, and mint, which she then tried adding to the balm.

The first batch of samples had a strange smell.

But she didn't give up and kept trying.

On October 20th, a fast horse galloped into the city from the north.

It was a messenger from Xuanfu Town, delivering an official document to the Crown Prince's residence.

Zhu Gaochi opened it and saw that it was a copy of Wang Gui's report.

The report stated that the northern inspection army had arrived in Xuanfu, and His Majesty inspected the border troops, whose morale was high.

The wound-cleansing ointment continued to be used in the wounded soldiers' camp, with remarkable results; some soldiers with frostbite had already recovered and returned to their units. Wang Gui once again kowtowed to express his gratitude to His Highness the Crown Prince for his kindness.

At the end of the report, a line of small print was attached:

"The Ministry of Works has already piloted the 'Three Strategies for Road Improvement' proposed by the Crown Prince on the section from Xuanfu to Huailai. The initial results are evident: the road surface is smooth and the transport of military supplies is unimpeded. On behalf of the border troops, I thank the Crown Prince once again."

Zhu Gaochi stared at the words for a long time in silence.

He carefully put away the report and did not immediately tell his son.

But that night, he made an exception and asked the kitchen to prepare two extra dishes, and the family ate a quiet meal together.

At the dinner table, he glanced at his son several times but said nothing.

Zhu Zhanji sensed it.

October 25th, Mingyue Tower's routine monthly meeting.

Payment must be made before reimbursement is required.

"This month, 500 bottles of 'flower dew' were shipped, generating an income of 3,000 taels of silver. After deducting costs and labor, the net profit was 1,200 taels of silver."

The second payment of one thousand taels to the Shen family has arrived. Three hundred taels were paid in spices, leaving seven hundred taels in cash.

"Regarding the wound-clearing ointment, the Ministry of War's order of 300 taels has arrived, and Xuanfu Town has added another 500 jin, which is expected to be delivered next month."

"The Drunken Immortal Brew 'Elegant Brew' has begun to be distributed. Three restaurants are testing the product. Of the first batch of fifty bottles, thirty-seven have been sold, generating revenue of one hundred and eighty taels of silver."

He closed the ledger, a smile on his face: "Boss, at this rate, saving five thousand taels in three months is no problem."

Zhu Zhanji nodded and then looked at Sun San.

Sun San reported on the progress of the Ministry of Works' vehicles, as well as his two "wildly pondered" ideas.

Zhu Zhanji's eyes lit up after hearing this.

"Master Sun, both of these ideas are excellent," he said. "Especially the detachable carriage. Keep thinking about what materials you'll need and tell Manager Qian."

He then looked at Lin Xiuniang.

Lin Xiuniang reported on the feedback regarding the sandalwood flower dew, as well as the progress of the body fragrance balm trial.

Zhu Zhanji nodded: "Lady Lin, there's no rush with the perfume balm; we can test it slowly. But the sandalwood flower dew can be mass-produced now."

Finally, he looked at Guo Sheng.

Guo Sheng reported on the progress of the logistics network: transit points have been set up in Tongzhou, Liangxiang and Changping, which can shorten the time of north-south freight by two to three days.

After listening, Zhu Zhanji remained silent for a moment.

Then he said, "In three months, we should have five thousand taels in our account, and after another three months, we should have ten thousand taels."

He looked at Qian Lai: "We'll discuss the money shop matter then."

Qian Lai nodded emphatically.

Although the others did not understand what a "money shop" was, they knew from the owner's expression that it was a big deal.

Zhu Zhanji stood up.

"Let's call it a day. We'll meet again on this day next month."

The four men rose, bowed, and filed out.

Only Zhu Zhanji and Chuntao remained in Tingxue Pavilion.

"Chuntao, let's go back."

The horse-drawn carriage rumbled out of the back alley.

He leaned against the car wall and closed his eyes.

The road ahead is long, but every step we take is moving forward.

Just then, Qian Lai picked up his teacup, and the waiter rushed in.

"Shopkeeper, the Shen family has arrived."

He put down his teacup, straightened his clothes, and went out to greet them.

The person who arrived was the second manager of the Shen family branch, surnamed Zhou, in his forties, with fair skin and a friendly manner.

After the two exchanged greetings, Manager Zhou took out a letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Manager Qian, this is a letter written by our master himself."

Qian Lai took the money, opened it, and examined it closely.

The letter was written by Mrs. Shen herself; the handwriting was elegant, yet the wording was crisp and concise.

"Manager Qian, please be wise:"

The first batch of 500 bottles of floral dew arrived at the main store in Nanjing and sold out in three days. Ladies from Jiangnan were vying to buy them, and they were so sought after that they were hard to find.

We have ordered another 2,000 bottles of floral dew and 500 boxes of perfume, which we hope will be delivered within three months.

The payment is 10,000 taels, payable in four installments: the first installment of 2,000 taels is attached to this letter, and the remaining balance will be settled according to the delivery schedule.

In addition, Wengui Workshop has a newly developed sandalwood flower dew. If it can be mass-produced, the Shen family is willing to pay an extra 20% to purchase it exclusively.

The trade route to Southeast Asia is now open, and a ship will depart from Quanzhou to Borneo (Note: present-day Kalimantan Island) next month. If your client is interested, we can bring samples for trial sales.

This is to convey your regards. I look forward to your reply.

Shen bows respectfully.

After looking at the money, his hand trembled slightly.

Two thousand bottles of floral dew, five hundred boxes of perfume, and a total payment of ten thousand taels of silver.

This is the largest order Mingyue Trading Company has received since its opening.

He took a deep breath and said to Manager Zhou, "Brother Zhou, please have a seat. Allow me to go in and give an answer."

Manager Zhou nodded with a smile: "No rush, Manager Qian, take your time."

Qian Lai turned around and went into the backyard, heading straight for Tingxue Pavilion.

Zhu Zhanji happens to be at Mingyue Tower today.

He listened to Qian Lai's report, took the letter and read it carefully, but said nothing.

After waiting a while, Qian Lai couldn't help but ask, "Boss, this order is too big, should we accept it?"

"I'll accept it." Zhu Zhanji put down the letter, his tone decisive. "Why not?"

"But the production volume," Qian Lai hesitated, "Lin Niangzi's side can only produce a maximum of five hundred bottles of flower dew a month now. Two thousand bottles would take four months."

"Then expand production," Zhu Zhanji said. "Hire more people for Lin Niangzi's workshop, and if the rooms in the back building aren't enough, rent another courtyard next door."

Qian Lai's eyes lit up: "What does the boss mean?"

"The Shen family's ten thousand taels are like giving us free capital." Zhu Zhanji stood up, walked to the window, and looked outside.

"With this money, we can do a lot of things."

"Also," Zhu Zhanji turned around, "accept Madam Shen's request for trial sales in Southeast Asia. Have Madam Lin prepare the best samples, ten bottles of each, with exquisite packaging. Tell the Shen family that this batch will be free, as a token of our sincerity."

"Master, this..."

"Those places in Southeast Asia will be of great use in the future." Zhu Zhanji didn't explain further, "Just do as instructed."

Qian Lai didn't ask any more questions and bowed in agreement.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Zhanji called him back: "Wait, how will the Shen family pay this ten thousand taels?"

"It will be paid in four installments," Qian Lai said. "The first installment of two thousand taels of deposit has been enclosed with the letter. It is a bill of exchange from Nanjing. The remaining balance will be settled according to the delivery schedule and should be in cash."

"Court drafts," Zhu Zhanji pondered for a moment, "Manager Qian, could we discuss with the Shen family that all subsequent payments for goods should be made using court drafts?"

Qian Lai was taken aback.