Huo Shu stuck to his old method, just like when he sold goods in the northern frontier—riding out street by street to announce and promote their business.
Following the example of grain shops that collected harvests, they hitched up a cart and hired two eloquent men to parade through the streets.
They spread the word that the new street now had a horseback archery range and a archery workshop opening. Those who came to watch would receive free rice, flour, and soy sauce as gifts.
For the first three days of opening, the archery range would waive entry fees, and longbows and sharp arrows would be sold at affordable prices.
Once the news spread, people flocked to the scene like fish swimming across a river.
Temporarily hired clerks stood at the entrances of both the archery workshop and the archery range, handing out pastries and candies to greet the onlookers.
"All this shouting and promotion just attracts those looking for small bargains. Look, how many are actually here to buy anything? They just stroll around and leave with free gifts," Ji Wanglan remarked, watching the plainly dressed commoners rushing in, afraid they’d miss out on the giveaways. Seeing them walk out happily with their gifts, she couldn’t help but crane her neck.
"Giving away so much to outsiders—might as well have given it to our own family."
"Third Sister, you’ve never done business, so you don’t understand the tricks of the trade. This is a new street—people barely come here. If we don’t promote it well, how would they know there’s a rice shop or a archery workshop here?"
"Don’t underestimate these people just because they aren’t buying anything. Once they come and see the excitement, they’ll talk about it when they go back. Word spreads from one to ten, from ten to a hundred—soon enough, more people will know, and business will come naturally."
Ji Wanglan pursed her lips. "Wenliang’s been following Ji Taoyu and that live-in husband of his for so long that he’s picked up some skills. Even Xiaoqi understands business now."
"Arguing among siblings on such a joyous occasion—don’t let outsiders laugh at us."
Ji Yangkai, surprisingly, mediated fairly for once.
"Third Sister, if you don’t understand, just say less."
Ji Wanglan angrily clamped her mouth shut as Ji Yangzong approached. "Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Sister… come inside and take a look. There’s plenty of space!"
The group followed him in. "Anshun peaceful and smooth) Archery Range?"
Ji Yangkai paused at the entrance, eyeing the gilded signboard. "Looks like the archery workshop up ahead also uses 'Anshun' in its name."
"Ah, I only have so much learning in me. I just went for an auspicious name for peace and smoothness," Ji Yangzong said. "They didn’t even consult me on the matter, yet insisted I be the one to decide the name."
"Sixth Brother, you’re blessed. Your son-in-law respects and honors you."
Though Ji Yangzong tried not to look too pleased, the joy on his face was unmistakable amid the flattery from relatives. He waved them in. "Come on, let’s go take a look around."
Though Ji Yangzong had visited several times before, this was the first time for most of the Ji family’s relatives.
Entering and seeing the archery range spanning dozens of mu, they couldn’t help but gasp.
The archery workshop was already impressively spacious, with rows of beautifully displayed bows. But now, seeing the archery range, the former paled in comparison.
Ji Yangkai, observing the scale and setup of the range, began to doubt whether this was truly funded by loans from the bank or if Ji Taoyu had deceived him.
He had even felt guilty for days, too embarrassed to face Ji Yangzong.
Ji Yangzong walked with one hand behind his back, gesturing with the other as he gave a tour. His smile never faded the entire morning.
Huang Yinsheng also dropped by briefly but didn’t stay long—his medical hall was busy. After greeting everyone, he left.
The archery range was packed with both curious onlookers and actual riders and archers.
Their own dozen or so horses were in high demand, barely enough to meet the needs. Ge Liang even temporarily contributed his three horses to help out.
Everyone was swamped with work. The visiting relatives, there mostly to see the spectacle, didn’t leave until nearly noon.
Huang Manjing and Yuan Huiru stayed behind, cooking lunch for everyone and helping with minor chores.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that the crowd at the range thinned, allowing everyone to finally sit down for a late lunch.
Around mid-Shenshi (4 pm), students from the academy finished classes, and another wave of youngsters arrived.
"Uncle, is it true that we can try archery for free today since it’s the opening?"
Ji Taoyu, exhausted from a long day’s work—his throat dry and calves sore—was resting in the archery workshop’s courtyard when Zhao Pan’s voice rang out.
"Ah, today and the next two days are all free."
Ji Taoyu looked at Zhao Pan, still in his academy uniform. "You came right after class?"
Zhao Pan nodded. "I meant to go home and change first, but my classmates were eager to come, so I didn’t even have time to stop by."
"They’re all in the front hall looking at bows, trying to pick one that suits them for the archery competition."
Ji Taoyu said, "If there’s one you like, buy it. Otherwise, the range has bows too—no need to spend recklessly."
Zhao Pan agreed, understanding Ji Taoyu’s meaning.
Not all scholars came from wealthy families—it wouldn’t do to push sales and burden them.
"Alright, I understand."
"Xiao Taozi, who is it?"
Huang Manjing and Yuan Huiru, washing dishes in the kitchen, poked their heads out upon hearing voices.
Ji Taoyu froze slightly at the sight of them.
"This is A-Pan, the child of A-Shu’s friend."
He paused, not introducing Huang Manjing and Yuan Huiru to Zhao Pan, and instead said, "Go ahead and tend to your classmates. I’m a bit tired from working all morning—I’ll leave it to you."
Zhao Pan acknowledged with a nod, bowed politely to the two women, and hurried off.
"What a handsome young man," Huang Manjing remarked. "I don’t recall you or A-Shu mentioning him before."
Ji Taoyu pursed his lips. "With all the business dealings, we’ve met many people. I haven’t had the chance to tell you about every one."
Huang Manjing didn’t think much of it. She was about to suggest to Yuan Huiru that they finish the chores and head back to the village early to catch a cart at the city gates before dark. But when she turned, she noticed Yuan Huiru staring blankly at the door.
"What’s wrong?"
Yuan Huiru snapped out of her daze.
Her face was slightly pale as she murmured, "Nothing. It’s just… that child’s features… they somewhat resemble Changsui’s."
Huang Manjing hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before she could speak, Yuan Huiru forced a laugh.
"Must be my old eyes playing tricks on me."
"Let’s finish washing up. We should head back to the village soon—if we’re late, there won’t be any carts left at the city gates."
Thank you for the update!!!
ReplyDelete