Chapter 806: Solidifying Position

Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Xuhua had just finished his tasks outside the county and readily agreed to

Chu Qingzhi’s request, “Alright, I’ll go first thing tomorrow morning.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Then I’ll leave this task to Big Brother.”

Chu Xuhua smiled and replied, “Sure.”

Chu Qingshuang’s voice could be heard from outside, “Fifth Sister, where are you? I’ve brought back the big jars!”

Chu Qingzhi walked outside, “Qingshuang.”

Chu Qingshuang waved at Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth Sister, where should we place the big jars? I’ll ask the guys to move them over.”

These jars were bought by Chu Qingzhi for making cured meat. When she decided to make cured meat, she sent a letter to Chu Qingshuang, asking her to buy ten of the largest jars available. Chu Qingshuang acted quickly, having already made the purchase.

Chu Qingzhi directed, “Put them in the room used for treating the sick in the old house.”

“Alright.” Chu Qingshuang gestured to the men carrying the jars and then headed towards the old house.

The room designated for treating the sick in the old house had been cleared out completely, leaving nothing inside. Ten large jars were slowly carried in and arranged in two neat rows. There was still plenty of room left in the room, enough to accommodate five more jars without any problem.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Qingshuang, take them to have some water and rest for a bit. I’ll go find Ruyue to get some silver for the payment.”

“Okay,” Chu Qingshuangresponded.

Chu Qingzhi headed towards the workshop area.

Inside the office, Shen Ruyue was visibly upset.

Zhang Yun and Sun Xia stood in front of her, looking quite aggrieved.

Trying to contain her anger, Shen Ruyue said, “Hand over the materials, and leave the workshop.”

Zhang Yun quickly tried to appease, “Ruyue, we’re all family here, no need to make a big deal out of this. Forgive us this time, and we won’t dare do it again.” Shen Ruyue firmly replied, “I’ve already given you a chance before. But you didn’t learn your lesson and even got worse. This time, it’s impossible. Later, I’ll calculate the cost of the items you stole. If your wages aren’t enough to cover it, you’ll need to pay the difference.”

After finishing her statement, she took out the payroll book to calculate their wages and the cost of the stolen items.

Zhang Yun slammed the table, “What do you mean by this, Shen Ruyue? Do you really think you’re something special?”

Shen Ruyue coldly responded, “Yes, I do consider myself important. I’m the chief steward of Chu’s Trade, and I have the authority to decide whether you stay or go!”

Zhang Yun pointed angrily at Shen Ruyue, “I’m your elder. You dare to dismiss me? I’ll go to Qingyu right now and see if she sides with me or you!”

Chu Qingzhi entered, slightly furrowing her brows, “There’s no need for that. My mother definitely won’t side with you. It’s best you leave voluntarily to keep some dignity.”

Zhang Yun immediately played the victim, “Qingzhi, we’re family. Shen Ruyue is an outsider. She won’t side with your family.”

Chu Qingzhi responded incredulously, “If I remember correctly, you’re also an outsider, right?”

Realizing his mistake, Zhang Yun quickly said, “Qingzhi, I’ve always been on your side. How can you treat me this way?”

Chu Qingzhi couldn’t help but think, “Stealing from my workshop is being on my side?”

Zhang Yun, trying to find a noble excuse, said, “My mother-in-law is old and wanted to eat some cakes, so I took a few. Just a few. She’s an old lady. Let it go, okay?”

Chu Qingzhi was astounded by their flawed logic. “If she really wanted to eat, she could have told me. A few cakes I can certainly afford to give. But taking without asking is theft. Feeding your mother-in-law stolen goods makes you a ‘good’ daughter-in-law.”

Initially, she took just one, thinking no one would notice. Gradually, she took more, and soon Sun Xia saw her and joined in. They thought they were unnoticed until their theft was discovered.

“Fine, we’ll leave. But you must pay us for almost a month’s work!”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “Return the cakes to my workshop, and I’ll pay you.”

Zhang Yun became angry, “You…”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the door, “Leave now, or I’ll let Da Bai in.”

Everyone knew Da Bai wouldn’t hurt anyone, but his presence alone was enough to intimidate. Zhang Yun and Sun Xia left reluctantly.

Chu Qingzhi said to Shen Ruyue, “I’ve bought ten large jars for curing meat, at two taels of silver each. Including the transport fee, that’s twenty-one taels in total.”

Shen Ruyue unlocked a cabinet, revealing a box from which she counted out twenty-one taels of silver for Chu Qingzhi.

“Ruyue, compared to relatives, you’re truly one of our own. Don’t let those outsiders bother you,” Chu Qingzhi consoled.

Shen Ruyue smiled and nodded, “I know.”

Patting Shen Ruyue’s shoulder, Chu Qingzhi took the silver and left.

Shen Ruyue stored the silver, sat back down, and smiled. How could a few words sway her? Her position in the Chu family was solid.

Touching her stomach, she thought about having another child to further secure her place in the family.

Yet, why wasn’t the child coming?

When Chu Qingzhi went to find Chu Qingshuang, she had already cleaned two of the large jars. “Qingshuang, here’s the silver for you.”

Chu Qingshuang put down her cloth and approached Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth Sister, I’ll go give the silver to them first, then come back to continue cleaning.” “Are you not going back to the porcelain kiln today?” Chu Qingzhi inquired.

Chu Qingshuang shook her head, “Not today. I haven’t had a day off in half a month due to a big order. Master told me to rest at home for two days.” “That’s good. Tomorrow we’re slaughtering pigs at home, and I’ll make something delicious for you,” Chu Qingzhi promised.

Chu Qingshuang beamed, “Fifth Sister is the best.”

Together, they left the house; Chu Qingshuang to find the workers, and Chu Qingzhi to the pharmacy, as the medicine should be ready by now.

Just as she arrived, Chu Qingning came looking for her, “Fifth Sister, all the medicinal herbs have been ground into powder. What’s the next step?” “Mix them according to the proportions evenly,” Chu Qingzhi instructed.

Chu Qingzhi oversaw the blending of the medicinal powders, ensuring everything was mixed correctly. “This is good. Fourth Sister, could you and the medicine apprentices weigh the powder, one liang per packet, and then wrap them in medicine bags? After that, there’s nothing else needed for now.” Chu Qingning nodded, “Understood. Leave it to me.”

Chu Qingzhi then made her way to the home of Chu Yiping, who specialized in woodworking, “Uncle Yiping, do you have those small barrels that can hold ten kilos of water?”

Chu Yiping responded, “Yes, just give me a moment, and I’ll fetch them for you.”

“Thankyou for the trouble,” Chu Qingzhi said politely.

Chu Yiping, dismissing the notion of trouble with a wave of his hand, quickly returned from his house carrying two small barrels, “These are the barrels. If they’re not what you’re looking for, I can make adjustments right away.” Chu Qingzhi examined the barrels, finding them perfect for her project to create a watering can that could hold ten kilos of water, “These barrels are great. Uncle Yiping, may I use some of your tools?”