Chapter Fifty: Opening Doors for Business

The families of the soldiers were stirred by Lin Miaomiao's words, but she quickly made a gesture to pause. Immediately, the chatter ceased. Lin Miaomiao addressed them, “Our factory cannot accommodate so many people, so we must conduct a selection.”

She glanced at the crowd of women, most of them burdened with elderly mothers or children. Clearly, the rooms she had prepared were somewhat cramped, but villagers were accustomed to sleeping on straw mats, so families with many children wouldn't find it too crowded.

After signaling for silence, Lin Miaomiao continued, “I need people skilled in dyeing fabrics, embroidery, and making clothes.” She looked at the women, “I know many of you can sew, but few excel at it.”

Some fell silent; indeed, many could make clothes, but those whose stitches were truly fine were rare.

She spoke again, “Soon, your land will be allotted, and it won’t be possible for everyone to work in the factory. This place is small, and those with many children will not want to be cramped here for their whole lives.” Her words struck a chord, and she smiled at them, “So, these rooms will require a rent of one copper coin per month.”

Surprised, the women wondered why she wanted rent. A single coin was affordable for every household. Lin Miaomiao explained, “I won’t keep the money. I’ll place a box in the courtyard, and each month you’ll put your coin inside. I’ll deposit the coins in the treasury, and once a certain amount is reached, I’ll use them to make cotton-padded clothes for the soldiers at the frontier.”

The families fell silent, thinking of their husbands defending the border. How could they not feel pain and worry? Yet they were helpless, having moved here with nowhere to live, and the land, though granted, was barren.

Lin Miaomiao smiled at the women, “After your village and land are divided, you can still choose to live here.” She took a sip of water and continued, “I have many workshops here. As business grows, I may expand with other factories. For now, focus on turning the soil. You can plant spices, and I will buy all of them for my factory.”

As she spoke, Lin Qi produced seeds and stood beside her. Lin Miaomiao stepped down from the stage, and Lin Qi addressed the women, “Those who have land but lack seeds, come collect them from me. Once the spices mature, we will buy them in bulk, package, and sell them. Of course, the factory will expand later, but that will take time. Please be patient.”

Lin Miaomiao nodded in satisfaction. After her selection, the soldiers' families quickly joined her clothing factory.

Lin Qi, experienced in management, soon organized the production lines, while Lin Miaomiao began making her first winter cotton-padded coat. Inspired by modern times, she recalled how stylish women wore little yet always donned oversized cotton coats outside, keeping warm.

She decided to design a large cotton coat, so that noble ladies could wear her creations over simple dresses, attending events or banquets, and shed the outer garment without feeling cold.

Lin Miaomiao started designing modern down coats, though the task was challenging. She could only reference contemporary designs. She had long wished to learn fashion design and envied her friends who spent their days sewing.

Her friends knew her desires and often let her help with making skirts and drawing patterns. That winter, she knitted several sweaters for Li Yanhe, as well as for Lin Langluan and Lin Langze.

Cuiliu’s sweaters were well made, so Lin Miaomiao and Lanzhi together knitted more for the family. Lin Ji Wang had just returned from Li Zheng’s place and was deeply moved to receive sweaters made by Cuiliu and Lin Miaomiao.

That winter, merchants coming to Daankou for goods saw Lin Miaomiao’s new factory, her Korean-style sweaters, and pleated skirts. They were beautiful, and Lin Miaomiao had specially used yarn to crochet flowers in accordance with Dayong dynasty aesthetics. The merchants rushed to buy from Lin Qi.

Seeing the orders, Lin Miaomiao decided to expand the factory, adding a new production line for knitting sweaters. Sweater-making was simple, whether for men or women, so most of the soldiers’ families ended up working in the factory.

There were so many families that only one member from each was allowed to work, ensuring everyone had income and none starved. The diligent families had children growing spices in their fields, selling them all to Lin Miaomiao’s factory.

Lin Miaomiao reviewed stacks of account books daily. As winter approached, she couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly time passed when one was busy. Looking at the withered branches outside, she diverted one production line to make cotton coats for the border soldiers.

Their position was precarious. If the soldiers could hold Daankou, they would be safe. The people of Daankou relied on the frontier fighters for survival; without them, their fate would be grim.

Lin Miaomiao’s factory invigorated the economies of the fifteen border cities and, with her demand, also launched their livestock industry.

One day, Lin Qi’s expression was strange. Lin Miaomiao was busy, having suspended a production line to make winter coats for soldiers. She hadn’t expected Lin Qi to enter, his face sour. Lin Miaomiao looked at him curiously.

It was then she noticed the Third Prince, Li Tai’an, standing behind Lin Qi. She was momentarily stunned.

The Third Prince smiled at her, “I wish to discuss a business deal with Boss Su. Am I fortunate enough?”

Lin Miaomiao stood and replied, “What kind of business? If you’re here for goods, I can offer the Third Prince priority.”

She smiled as she spoke, and Li Tai’an nodded. Lin Miaomiao glanced at Lin Qi, “It’s after hours now. See what the Third Prince needs, and have the workers produce it first thing tomorrow.”

Lin Qi wanted to say something, but Lin Miaomiao interrupted, “No matter who it is, we do business with everyone who comes. We accept all orders.”

Lin Qi nodded. The Third Prince’s order was substantial. Lin Miaomiao reviewed it silently.

“Miss, the Third Prince…” Lin Miaomiao waved Lin Qi’s concern aside. “We’re allied with Li Yanhe, but we’re also open for business. We mustn’t give others grounds to criticize us or embarrass Li Yanhe.”

Lin Qi understood and nodded. Lin Miaomiao glanced at the factory, and the two rode back to their courtyard.

Li Yanhe noticed their late return and wondered why. Lin Miaomiao glanced at him.

Cuiliu had prepared dinner. Everyone ate quietly, even the lively Lin Langluan and Lin Ji Wang behaved themselves.

After dinner, Lin Miaomiao and Li Yanhe retreated to the study. She looked at him and said, “Today the Third Prince came to the factory for goods, so I did business with him.”

She spoke cautiously, stealing glances at Li Yanhe’s icy expression. She knew he and the Third Prince were at odds, but businessmen could not refuse such deals.

Seeing her worried gaze, Li Yanhe smiled, “You run a business; you can’t refuse Old Three. If you don’t sell to him, he’ll just find someone else to buy. Today, Old Three came himself to see if you would sell to him.”

He sighed heavily and continued, “Now, most shops in the capital source their goods from you. Daankou’s traffic has increased thanks to your factory, and the locals are becoming more prosperous. You do the work of a merchant, but without the merchant’s tricks. That’s why the workers respect you so much.”

Lin Miaomiao nodded, “The weather’s getting colder. I’ve paused one production line recently to have the women focus on making clothes.”