Chapter 874: One Hundred Fish

Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi gathered the children and laid out the colorful strings on the table, starting to teach them knotting, beginning with the simplest design, a copper coin shape.

The copper coin was brown, so she used brown-colored string, adopting a double coin knot technique. Under Chu Qingzhi’s skillful hands, after a series of knots, the string transformed into a copper coin.

One child clapped in amazement, “Wow, sister, you’re so skilled.”

Chu Qingzhi asked everyone, “Did you all see how I did that clearly?”

The children shook their heads, except for Zhang Lingmei, who nodded, “I saw it clearly, sister. Let me show you.”

She took a brown string in her hand, folded it, flipped, threaded, and pulled, creating a copper coin.

Chu Qingzhi examined the copper coin in her hand, “Not bad. Teach your brothers and sisters next. Start with making five hundred. I’ll buy them from you for two coins each.”

It was the New Year, and the workshop also wanted to distribute some souvenirs.

Zhang Lingmei felt like she was being showered with unexpected fortune, “Sister, we’ll follow your instructions.”

Chu Qingzhi patted Zhang Lingmei’s shoulder, “Then work hard. Life will get better.”

Zhang Lingmei nodded, “Yes, sister.”

Chu Qingzhi and Zhang Lingmei taught the children how to make copper coins. Having a skill meant having a way to earn a living, so everyone was very serious about learning.

When Tang Jinghong arrived, he saw Chu Qingzhi teaching the children knotting, while Elder Zhang was making tables nearby.

The ordinary courtyard became colorful and lively because of Chu Qingzhi’s presence.

“Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi waved to Tang Jinghong, “Come here.”

Tang Jinghong quickly walked over, curiously asking, “What’s up?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the strings, “What pattern do you like? I’ll make one for you.”

Tang Jinghong, charmed by Chu Qingzhi’s smiling face, spontaneously said, “Can you make a girl in your likeness?”

“That’s quite an original idea.” Chu Qingzhi glanced at Tang Jinghong, “I haven’t tried before, but I’ll give it a go.”

“Do you need help?”

“No need, just watch.” Chu Qingzhi internally noted, Jinghong has it tough, always dealing with military affairs, often working late into the night.

Tang Jinghong wasn’t just a spectator; after watching Zhang Lingmei make two copper coins, he picked up a red string and tried his hand at knotting.

“It’s quite simple.”

“You’ve learned it too?” Chu Qingzhi paused her work to look at Tang Jinghong’s hand, which skillfully handled a copper coin.

Tang Jinghong nodded, “Yeah, I got it after watching once.”

The children felt challenged, “Why can’t we learn it after watching once?”

Tang Jinghong explained, “Because you’re still young, your learning abilities are still developing. It’ll get better as you grow.”

The children sighed, “Being grown-up sounds great.”

Tang Jinghong chuckled, encouraging, “Eat well, work hard, and you’ll grow up fast.”

The children nodded in unison, “We will.”

Under Zhang Lingmei’s tutelage, after some time, the children mastered the art of making copper coins, and their creations were quite good.

Zhang Lingmei showed her work to Chu Qingzhi, “Sister, is this okay?”

Chu Qingzhi adjusted the copper coin slightly, “Like this, don’t leave any loose ends. Take your time, no rush.”

Zhang Lingmei obediently responded, “I got it.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

He Wenyou came over, seeing everyone busy knotting, “Are these knots for play, or are you selling them?”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “For sale. Are you interested in buying?”

He Wenyou said, “I’m not in business, but I have a friend who deals in accessories. He’s been looking for new designs. If these knots are made more delicately, or into flowers, he might be interested.”

This presented an opportunity. Chu Qingzhi asked, “Where is he? Can we arrange a meeting?”

He Wenyou thought for a moment, “I’ll talk to him. If he’s free, I’ll bring him over.”

“Thanks, that would be great.”

In the afternoon, He Wenyou brought his friend over, named Yin Xuegui, a businessman specializing in accessories.

Chu Qingzhi presented many knots she made, including animals, flowers, and ornaments, totaling twenty varieties, “Mr. Yin, take a look. If they’re not suitable, we can make more.”

Yin Xuegui picked up a butterfly-shaped knot, examining it closely, “Miss Chu, did you make all these?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Yes. Is there an issue?”

Yin Xuegui quickly reassured, “No issue at all. I was just impressed by how intricate they are. These will definitely appeal to young ladies.”

Zhang Lingmei and the other children closely watched Yin Xuegui, hoping he would purchase their knots.

Yin Xuegui added, “I like all these knots. If the price is right, I intend to buy them.”

Chu Qingzhi, observing Yin Xuegui’s expression, suggested, “If Mr. Yin plans to purchase them regularly, we can set the price at five coins each for these simple ones. If you need more complex ones, we can make those too, but the price will be different.”

At two coins for a pair of strings, selling them at five coins each was already quite profitable.

“Let’s do as Miss Chu suggests,” Yin Xuegui agreed readily. “With the New Year around the corner, many are buying gifts. Could you make one hundred red fish for me? I’ll come to pick them up tomorrow. How about that?”

Chu Qingzhi agreed on behalf of the children, “That’s possible.”

To boost the children’s confidence, Chu Qingzhi also had Yin Xuegui write a contract, providing assurance which further motivated everyone.

Yin Xuegui, busy with his business, left after the agreement.

Chu Qingzhi, Tang Jinghong, and the children started making fish.

Zhang Lingmei voiced her concern, “Sister, if we make fish for him, we might not have enough copper coins for you.”

Chu Qingzhi wasn’t worried, “It’s okay, we’ll make as many as we can.”

Zhang Lingmei looked at Chu Qingzhi with gratitude in her eyes, “Sister, thank you.”

“I can only help so much. The rest is up to you. Remember to come to Chu Village to get seeds for spring planting next year. Don’t miss the time.”

“I’ll remember it well, I won’t forget.”

Nie Huiyang approached briskly, “Qingzhi, the house is ready. Come take a look.”

The children eagerly asked, “Uncle, is the house really ready?”

Nie Huiyang smiled and nodded, “It’s ready. You can all come and see.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Let’s all go together.”

Hearing the house was ready, Elder Zhang nearly dropped his axe. Zhang Lingmei supported him as they headed to the charitable hall together.

The charitable hall, just next door, was no longer dilapidated and run-down but entirely new.

Entering, there was a large courtyard with houses on both sides for storing farm tools or harvested grains.

The main house was directly ahead.

Inside the main house, it was spacious, intended for receiving guests or holding meetings. It was still unfurnished.