Chapter 27

(Dragon Boat Festival greetings)

Amidst the fluttering cherry blossoms, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

Tens of thousands of people flooded into the small Qingyun Valley, leaving Li Xian with a headache. Most of these people were injured soldiers, the best of whom had lost a few fingers, and the worst had lost both arms. Taking care of tens of thousands of such people was a huge challenge.

Moreover, the families of the injured soldiers also came—some were still packing their belongings, but it was expected that within the next ten days, the valley would be filled with thirty thousand people.

Grain and fodder sent from Anyang City were piled up in stacks, and the factory managers were loudly recruiting workers. The scene was chaotic, but it was clear that most of the injured soldiers were very happy, shouting about their cultivation levels and special skills. The manpower issue wouldn't be a problem for a long time.

For these injured soldiers, Li Xian offered the same salary as ordinary craftsmen. After all, these soldiers were injured while fighting for the Li family.

The Great Xia Kingdom was on the verge of collapse, and places like Anyang were essentially the Li family's backyard. Faced with his own backyard, Li Xian was very dedicated.

In the evening, Song Xing and his group arrived, dusty and weary from their continuous and frantic journey. They had not rested for over three days, almost riding non-stop.

"You've worked hard." Seeing the four dusty and weary men, Li Xian was truly moved. Originally, he thought they would be able to reach Wuyang City in three days, but they had managed to make a round trip in that time.

"Master, the three young masters said that 2,500 dan of textile materials would be delivered within three days, and they would come personally. We traveled for a day and a half, and they will arrive the day after tomorrow.

Additionally, the Wang family's Neon Lantern Shop has replicated our lanterns!" Without hesitation, Song Xing untied the package from his back and reported the information he had gathered.

"The Wang family, huh?" Li Xian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "You did well. Mr. Song, give each of them one tael of gold as a reward, and cover Song Xing's expenses. Additionally, reward Song Xing with 50 taels of gold."

"Thank you, Master." Song Xing was overjoyed.

It wasn't until Song Xing and the others left that Xu Ren suddenly spoke, "Master, you've given too much."

"Too much?" Li Xian shook his head. "Not at all. Mr. Xu, what do people work so hard for? It all boils down to one word: 'profit.' I want to tell them that as long as they work for me, I will reward them. Those who do the right things will be greatly rewarded, and those who take the initiative to do important things will be richly rewarded!

The rewards must exceed their expectations to truly unite people."

Xu Ren smiled bitterly. "Master, I know you're right, but the treasury now has only a little over 300 taels of gold left, not enough for next month's craftsmen's salaries."

Li Xian laughed heartily. "Mr. Xu, you'd better start establishing a second treasury. Before the New Year, we expect to have 10,000 taels of gold in the treasury. Ha ha...

Mr. Xu, please witness the miracles created by industrial power."

Returning to the research department, everyone opened and inspected the lanterns produced by the Wang family.

After carefully examining all the lanterns, Tang Rong concluded, "They have switches and have imitated our grounding technology, with a one-year lifespan. The only difference from ours is the lack of a glass outer shell."

Li Xian remained calm. "Being imitated was completely expected. There are too many talented people in the world. But don't worry, let them enjoy their moment of glory for now. For now, our focus should be on textiles.

But we can't do nothing. I think it's not just the Wang family that has replicated our lanterns; other families and even other countries must have done so as well.

Teacher Sun Ming, the lantern business should still focus on brand management, increasing the production and sales of mirrors. Starting today, abandon all low-end markets and focus all efforts on the mid-to-high-end markets. We want to be the leaders in the industry.

Additionally, we need to target the top market.

I have a design called the 'Crystal Chandelier,' a chandelier specifically designed to hang from the center of the ceiling. For the switches, use some low-grade, leftover seaweed silk as conductors.

Also, ask Aunt He to help weave a beautiful cover for these seaweed silks. This cover will protect the seaweed silks and also be aesthetically pleasing. The cover should be as thick as chopsticks but come in various colors, allowing customers to choose freely.

Seaweed silk will also be sold separately, priced at five taels of gold per meter, and we will introduce our unit of measurement.

The Crystal Chandelier will be priced entirely in gold. Before the New Year, we need to make at least nine Crystal Chandeliers. They should be golden and luxurious, red and alluring, crystal clear, light purple and elegant, light blue and mysterious, misty white and hazy, elegant yellow and soft, candlelight warm, and multicolored.

The golden one should be sent to the imperial palace. We need to tell everyone that we make the best. The remaining eight will be auctioned!

When making the Crystal Chandeliers, use only the best and most expensive materials. Use stainless steel for some of the hanging rings. Ensure a two-year lifespan and a ten-year maintenance guarantee. Use the various pure-colored glasses we have developed. We have made so many preparations for this moment!

I want them to know that they can only look up to our backs and can only do the low-end market we abandon."

As he spoke, Li Xian was full of confidence.

Sun Ming, despite his age, was still vigorous. "Nine is no problem, even ninety would be no problem. The molds and other tools needed for the Crystal Chandeliers are already available."

Li Xian chuckled. "Teacher, rarity is what makes things valuable. Since we are targeting the top market, we need to keep the market in a state of hunger. As long as we control the seaweed silk and the pure-colored glass technology, this top market will be our private market, and others can only drool."

Sun Ming looked at Li Xian for a long time and reaffirmed his evaluation: "A cunning merchant!"

Li Xian, with his thick skin, said, "I'll take it as a compliment from my teacher. Additionally, starting now, all lanterns will have a two-year lifespan, and the price will be increased by half. Since we are targeting the mid-to-high-end market, we must ensure quality."

Sun Ming's lips twitched, and he sighed helplessly. "The longest array we have developed can last five years, and it only requires a little seaweed silk, about three inches long."

"Then let's use the five-year lifespan." Li Xian was unusually generous.

"You're being so generous?" Sun Ming couldn't believe it. Was this cunning merchant really being so generous?

Li Xian's next words revealed his true intentions. "Increase the price tenfold."

"Consider I never said anything." Sun Ming conceded.

For a moment, the research department was filled with joy. As they spent more time together, the group became less unfamiliar, and Li Xian truly integrated into the world of these "former craftsmen."

The joyous atmosphere spread throughout the Qingyun Valley. Two days later, the families of the injured soldiers began to move in. For these injured soldiers, being able to work again was not just about additional income; more importantly, it gave their lives new meaning and hope for the future.

But the most exciting event was two days later, at sunset, when a long line of carriages spanning 1,500 miles appeared in front of the Qingyun Valley, delivering 2,500 dan of textile materials.