Reborn as an Ugly Wife in the Countryside-Chapter 1316 - 1318: Suggesting to Take Disciples

Xiaoxiao was quite satisfied with Zhong Lihui’s attitude. Without someone stepping up, it would still be quite hard to handle. However, seeing Zhong Lihui secure this business deal, Xiaoxiao knew that her older cousin wasn’t too shabby and could certainly keep the factory running. But relying solely on his strength wouldn’t be enough. "Big brother, you can’t do this alone. It’s best to find a few people to work with you and train them to help our family secure more business."

"Yes, big brother understands." Zhong Lihui nodded in agreement. Xiaoxiao’s suggestion today truly startled him. He had been racking his brains for days but could only come up with ways to increase everyone’s pay, not knowing how to convince them otherwise. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

As Xiaoxiao said, this proposal seemed to bring significant benefits to the villagers, but in the long run, it was great for their old Zhong family. The key was for them to go out and bring business back.

The people in the room were still pondering Xiaoxiao’s suggestion and couldn’t quite grasp it when Xiaoxiao spoke again, "Dad, Uncle, I think for our Stone Mountain to rise, we need to rely on the objects that our brothers craft to earn Silver. These stones are too heavy, and although there’s no bluestone near us, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any farther away. Stones are inherently challenging to transport, so we must prioritize close proximity. Only this unique craftsmanship can sell further. But this skill is only possessed by our old Zhong family. Even if you worked tirelessly, you couldn’t produce many objects, so I was wondering if you might consider taking on apprentices."

"This..."

Xiaoxiao’s suggestion left the whole family stunned, quite unexpectedly, as in their hearts, this craftsmanship was never to be passed down publicly.

Seeing everyone’s reaction, Xiaoxiao knew this matter might not be easily accepted. However, if they wanted to expand their market, it had to be done. Those simple paving stones couldn’t be sold far due to poor transportation, only those lifelike objects could attract interest from farther places.

Xiaoxiao looked at her brothers and said, "In the future, when big brother brings back business, yet you can’t complete the orders, you can only watch the Silver slip away. If you teach some apprentices, once they learn, they can join in crafting the large objects. It would be similar to making those paving stones; payment would be by piece, but since they’re making larger items, they should be paid more."

This reasoning made sense, but the idea of teaching their skills to others made them quite uncomfortable, each pursing their lips in silence.

Xiaoxiao continued, "Are you worried about teaching apprentices and starving the masters? Can’t you research new things yourselves? Is that all you know how to do?"

Hearing Xiaoxiao’s challenge, her brothers spoke up, "Of course we can craft other things."

"Yeah, don’t underestimate us."

"Show us any object, and when we return we can use this stone to figure it out."

"..."

"..."

Xiaoxiao smiled, "Then take on apprentices! All talk and no action is useless."

"Take them on, we will."

"But this still depends on Dad and the uncles."

"Indeed, Uncle, just tell us what to do and we’ll do it."

"..."

"..."

The younger generation pushed the decision back to the elders, as Zhong family’s eldest uncle said, "We are all old, with only a few years left before we’re in the ground anyway. If you all agree, then that’s enough."