Chapter 805: Settle Down

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Shen Qiuhua’s heart sank when she talked about the retired soldiers and their families. They spoke to her carefully when they came to the paper mill and found out that she was the person in charge.

Shen Qiuhua saw the worry in their eyes when she received them. Her heart ached for them when she saw their expressions. Some of them were just skin and bones.

She would have found it hard to believe that these people were retired soldiers if it had not been for her daughter’s invitation cards.

Shen Qiuhua brought everyone to the dormitory and prepared all the daily necessities for them. She also told them there was a dormitory manager in the area and that they could refer to the manager if they needed anything. Shen Qiuhua said, “Thankfully, 1 received them personally. I’ll know if they were to face any issues. I also instructed the manager to take good care of those families and report to me if they needed anything.”

She planned to hire these families to work at the paper mill and printing factory. She would also give them jobs at the flour processing and grain processing factories, among others, in the surrounding area.

Su Binglan asked, “Mother, weren’t you exhausted after handling all that yourself?”

Shen Qiuhua shook her head. “No, of course not. It was a meaningful thing to do, after all.’

She wanted to help as many people as possible. Therefore, she would not feel tired even if she helped a hundred more people. Instead, she felt it was a very fulfilling day.

“The dorm managers helped me just now, so the living arrangements were bearable.” Shen Qiuhua gained much experience in management after working at the tofu factory.

Furthermore, she was a member of the Shen family, and her grandmother influenced how she managed certain things. Now that Shen Qiuhua was in charge of many things, she could consider all aspects and do a good job. Su Binglan said, “It’s time we start making paper since they finally arrived.”

“All right, I’ll follow your instructions.” Shen Qiuhua nodded. Even she was excited to start making paper.

Su Fengmao was enjoying his chicken rolls and barely had time to speak. After eating two rolls, he said, “l want to help at the paper mill, too.”

Su Wenzhe and Liu Yinyin were also eager to visit the paper mill, wanting to

see how Su Binglan would make paper. However, they were in charge of everything to do with noodle products at the noodle shops.

Many foreign merchants waited for their products, so the couple had to handle them first. They could not just leave their responsibilities and visit the paper mill.

Su Binglan helplessly asked, “What about the tofu factory, Father?”

Su Fengmao responded, “Well, the tofu factory already has managers. They’re handling things with ease there. I barely need to watch over them.”

Shen Qiuhua added, “Indeed, the tofu factory was our first ever business. It’s already on the right track to run independently. Your father and I barely need to do anything whenever we visit.”

“Your mother’s right.” Su Fengmao nodded.

The older couple were busy when the tofu factory first opened. Over time, the employees had grown accustomed to how the place worked. The managers also did well in keeping things in order.

Moreover, the employees would help each other if anything went wrong in the factory. Everyone worked diligently, and no one was lazy.

Su Binglan noticed her parents’ excited expressions and could only allow them to help at the paper mill. Su Binglans said, “You two are just excited to see how we make paper, right?”

Su Fengmao smiled, saying, “As expected, we can’t hide anything from you. Well, paper-making is a historic event for us. We’ll be making paper and making it cheaper for everyone to use. Your mother and I want to participate in it.”

After some thought, Su Binglan said, “Then I’ll let you two help me watch over the paper mill while the managers at the tofu factory keep the place in check.

Still, you’ll need to visit the tofu factory occasionally.”

Shen Qiuhua and Su Fengmao were delighted when their daughter agreed to let them help with the paper mill. Su Binglan said, “In that case, we’ll visit the paper mill tomorrow and officially start operations.”

“All right!” Su Fengmao was thrilled.

Su Wenxiu was ecstatic, too. He considered how proud he would be once his students started using the paper that came from his family’s paper mill.

Su Binglan added, “After making the paper, it’ll be much more convenient for us to use it for ourselves. When the time comes, we can even open a stationery store and sell various books in it.’

After discussing the paper mill, everyone shifted their attention to the chicken rolls. One of them said, “These are delicious. I’ve already eaten two of them.”

Su Wenxiu smiled. “I’ve also eaten two, and I feel full. I want another one. If

Wenwu were here, he could easily eat three.”

Su Wenzhe was aware of Su       martial arts skills. The latter’s muscles were more prominent, so he had a bigger appetite than his two brothers. Su Wenwu also had a high metabolism, so he would not get fat even if he overate.

Liu Yinyin was already full from eating. She said, “Sister-in-law, you have a knack for making such delicious food. If you sell these chicken rolls, they’ll be famous.’

Su Binglan said, “Chicken rolls aren’t technical to make, Everyone can copy it at a glance.”

“That’s true.” Liu Yinyin nodded.

Speaking of setting up stalls, Shen Qiuhua thought of something and said, “Oh, Lin Yishi was one of the people who visited the paper mill just now. He came with his family. His mother held my hands and kept thanking me.

“She told me that you cured her even though the doctors said they couldn’t save her. She also said that you taught her family how to make scones.

“Lin Yishi and his mother will be setting up a stall while his wife works at the paper mill. I’ve also arranged for Lin Xiaoxi to attend Blue Mountain Academy for free, as you instructed.

“Mr. Kong has received Prince Ruozhu’s letter. Mr. Kong will settle these children into the school.’

Su Binglan said, “Yeah, now everyone can work in peace.”

Shen Qiuhua sighed, saying, “Some of the retired soldiers’ families recognized me as your mother when I settled them into the dorms. They were so grateful that they even knelt to thank me.”

Su Wenxiu understood those people’s feelings. “Mother, it seems like they’re a little uneasy coming here from so far away. They probably need time to adjust to the village.”

Shen Qiuhua took a bite of the chicken roll and said, “Yeah, I can tell they feel a little anxious. Still, they came here because they trusted Prince Ruozhu’s judgment. They told me that they never expected our village to be so prosperous..”