The technology of spinning machines on the market was quite mature. They were improved three-spindle foot-operated cotton spinning machines, which were two to three times more efficient and easier to operate than the old ones.

However, the looms on the market were still ordinary foot-operated looms. The loom used by the Hong sisters, Qiu Yan and Qiu Yue, was a slant loom, requiring both hands and feet to work together and resulting in productivity ten times that of ordinary looms.

More importantly, this slant loom was more complex than ordinary slant looms, incorporating some jacquard functions, allowing for the creation of more intricate and colorful patterns during weaving.

With such a jacquard slant loom, it was no wonder the Hong sisters wove so much cloth.

As Hong Qiu Yan and Qiu Yue explained the functions and usage of the jacquard slant loom, Su Yujin listened attentively, nodding in agreement and becoming increasingly excited.

With such a loom, making money in the weaving workshop would be no problem!

After inspecting the loom, Su Yujin carefully reviewed the details of the exclusive usage agreement with the Hong sisters, Hong Qiuyan and Hong Qiuyue. After discussing it, both families signed and affixed their fingerprints to the agreement.

They agreed that Su Yujin would send someone to deliver the first year’s payment of one hundred taels of silver the next day, and the sisters would make an identical, brand-new loom for Su Yujin within half a month.

At the same time, the sisters were to teach anyone appointed by Su Yujin how to use the loom.

Once all these matters were settled, and after the snow stopped, Su Yujin, disregarding the melting snow, went to find Madam Zhou and Li Shi to discuss opening the weaving workshop together.

Given Su Yujin’s current financial situation, she could certainly open the workshop alone, even using all her savings.

However, the preparation and daily management of the weaving workshop, as well as the sale of raw materials and goods, were all tedious and troublesome. Su Yujin felt that her abilities were limited and she needed a seasoned veteran in the business world to help her.

Moreover, although the business prospects of the weaving workshop were good, since it was a business, there was no such thing as a sure thing. Bringing in some partners to do it together was also a good way to share the risks.

Thinking this way, Su Yujin didn’t hide her thoughts from Madam Li, explaining everything clearly. “These are my ideas. What do you think of this business, Madam?”

“It’s an excellent business,” Madam Li nodded repeatedly. “If this weaving workshop opens, and it uses such efficient looms, it should be able to produce medium-grade fabric comparable to that of Songjiang Prefecture. Excluding transportation and handling costs, the price will be very competitive. It’s a profitable business.”

“I’m very optimistic about this business, but if you, Miss Su, were to ask me to invest money, I would agree without hesitation. However, if you want me to invest with looms and money and have me manage the weaving workshop, I’m afraid I lack the experience.”

“Furthermore, the Zhou family has always been in the medicinal herb business. I can’t find a master manager who is proficient in the fabric business, and even finding cotton for weaving and selling the finished fabric is a difficult task for me.”

“The Zhou family’s medicinal herb business is currently stable and growing. To expend extra energy on a new business would be counterproductive, and I’m afraid the elders in the clan wouldn’t agree.”

“As for me, if I can’t help Miss Su with this business and achieve the original expectations, it would actually hinder such a good deal, and I would feel very guilty.”

“Indeed,” Su Yujin nodded in agreement.

Although somewhat discouraged, she knew that Li Shi, like her, was unfamiliar with the business. Even if Li Shi agreed to the business because of their friendship, the partnership would likely still face difficulties and numerous problems. It was better to clarify things now and abandon such thoughts than to force a partnership.

Su Yujin fully understood Li Shi’s considerations and actions.   

“Miss Su, don’t be discouraged. Although I can’t do this business myself, I can introduce you to someone who can,” Madam Li said with a smile.

“Oh?” Su Yujin immediately became interested. “Who does Madam want to introduce?”

“The Feng family,” Madam Li said. “The Feng family has been in the tea and cloth business for a long time, especially the cloth business. They’ve been doing it for many years, and their sales channels are very smooth. Moreover, the Feng family is large and powerful, and they have a lot of experience in managing workshops. They will definitely do a great job.”

“If Miss Su thinks the Feng family is a good match, I will find a suitable time in the next couple of days to talk to Young Master Feng and see if he is interested.”

“Then I’ll trouble Madam to make the introduction.”

From the preparation of the Qinghe County Chamber of Commerce to now, Feng Yuandong’s abilities have been evident to all, and Su Yujin has a very good impression of him.

If Feng Yuandong was willing to do this business together, then the business of this weaving workshop could be said to be largely secured.

“Miss Su, you’re too kind. It’s all my pleasure.” Madam Li smiled and instructed someone to bring Su Yujin a fresh cup of tea.

Su Yujin had been so engrossed in conversation that her tea had gone cold.

Now that a hot cup of tea had been brought, Su Yujin realized she had been talking for a while, and her throat was a little dry. She took a sip and chatted with Madam Li about everyday matters.

“Mother.” Zhou Ruoyi entered the room, his face beaming. “Sister Su is here too?”

“Hello, Sister Su.” Zhou Ruoyi gave Su Yujin a proper bow.

“Hello, Yi’er.” Su Yujin looked at Zhou Ruoyi, who seemed like a little adult, with a big smile. “You’re back now. Did you just get out of school?”

“That’s right.” Zhou Ruoyi nodded. “I just finished school and saw my grandmother. I came to see my mother and am going to the study to review today’s lessons.”

“I heard from the servants that Sister Su has been here for quite a while. It’s already this late. Would Sister Su like to have dinner at home? My mother said that the new cook in the small kitchen makes chrysanthemum fish that’s sweet and sour and very delicious. Sister Su could try some.”

“Yi’er means well and shouldn’t refuse, but Sister Su has to go to Huibinlou later. I’m afraid she can’t eat here. How about we come another day?”

Su Yujin reached out and ruffled Zhou Ruoyi’s hair, smiling.

“Then let’s wait until the sixteenth of this month. School will be closed that day, so Sister Su can come over for lunch, and I can keep her company.”

Zhou Ruoyi counted on his fingers for a while. “Yesterday, I heard my mother say that she asked someone to buy a lot of dried seafood from Shandong. It should arrive around that time.”

Su Yujin, “…”

(End of Chapter)

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