Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 27 The Xu Family's Business Strategy (Two chapters combined, please continue reading)

Dongxi Village.

The Xu family mansion.

"Third brother?"

The head of the Xu family tapped his knuckles on the table, his eyes slightly red and bloodshot. "Since Xu Mao is your own flesh and blood, my Xu family has already given everything we have to save him."

His brows were slightly furrowed as if frozen by frost and snow, and his tightly pursed lips revealed the weariness of not having slept all night.

Suddenly, he looked up, his gaze as deep and cold as a still pool, and said calmly, "If he causes trouble again after he's released from prison in a few days, even the Xu family will be powerless to help. So, you know the importance of this, don't you?"

Master Xu's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists inside his sleeves. After a long pause, he nodded emphatically, his dark sleeves cascading down like an ink waterfall with the movement: "Don't worry, brother."

As for the Xu family…

The Xu family patriarch, with his silver beard, sighed and trembled slightly. His eyes were filled with a melancholy mist. After a long while, he stroked his knee and sighed, "From now on, when the Xu family sees anyone from the Xu family, we shall treat them with the utmost courtesy and never provoke them."

Neither Xu Zhen nor Master Xu refuted it.

The rise of the Xu family is like a wildfire spreading across the plains, sweeping away all obstacles, and is beyond the reach of my Xu family and its ilk.

A genius with the potential to become a master, who also had a good relationship with the county magistrate.

Even prominent families in county towns would treat him with courtesy.

"Thinking of Xu Chuan," the head of the Xu family sighed, stroking his silver beard, with a mixture of disdain and admiration, "Back then, he was nothing more than a nobody in our household, always bowing and scraping before people, like an ant before the steps."

But such a stroke of luck has occurred; truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable.

"Unfortunately, my Xu family does not have such a talent."

The Xu family began to decline after only three generations, and the fourth generation produced no one who would bring prosperity to the family. Instead, many troublemakers and parasites emerged, causing them great harm.

It is feared that by the fifth generation, they will part ways due to personal interests, completely ruining the family business.

Very few families in the world can stand out from the crowd.

Only by building upon the achievements of three generations and working together with one heart can a family endure for a hundred years and lay the foundation for its long history.

a few days later.

Xu Mao was picked up by the Xu family's carriage and taken back to his mansion after being released from the county jail.

"Where is everyone? Didn't they see I've returned, young master? They didn't even offer me a cup of tea?"

"You bunch of idiots, I'm going to dock your wages."

Xu Mao was shouting and yelling in the hall.

Immediately, Master Xu and two guards walked in.

"Father, the maids and servants in the house are too irresponsible. I suggest we sell them off and replace them with a new batch."

Seeing Master Xu's gloomy face, Xu Mao didn't take it seriously at all, and even said with a hint of reproach, "No, I just got back, and you're already giving me a bad look, Father."

"Don't you think it's unlucky!"

"Bad luck? Having a son like you is my biggest bad luck!"

Master Xu roared, "You two, hold this rebellious son down! Today I'm going to break his legs to prevent him from going out and causing trouble again, thus ruining the Xu family's foundation."

The guards did as instructed.

"How dare you! Let me go!"

"Dad, are you serious? I'm your only son!"

Master Xu raised the wooden stick, tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and his face showed a look of struggle and reluctance.

But Xu Mao's next sentence made him make up his mind.

"You old bastard, you're about to die, if you break my legs, who will take care of you in your final days!"

"brute!"

Master Xu's eyes widened, and without the slightest hesitation, he swung his wooden stick and struck down fiercely.

"Bang bang bang~"

"Ahhh-"

A pitiful howl echoed through the courtyard.

The maids and servants dared not approach, but upon hearing the voice, their frustration suddenly eased, and they felt somewhat relieved.

"Brother, I heard that Xu Mao from the Xu family had his leg broken by his father."

"Tsk tsk, how ruthless."

"However, it's truly gratifying, hahaha~"

When Xu Mingxuan returned from the martial arts school and heard the news, he was overjoyed and immediately ran to Xu Mingwei.

"Master Xu is still decisive."

"But if it were our father, I reckon he would be even more ruthless. If he encountered unfilial descendants, he would probably execute them on the spot to end it all."

"No way, Father loves us so much."

"So, in order to prevent this from happening, my father taught me earnestly, using both love and strictness."

Xu Mingwei patted him on the shoulder, "Fortunately, Father has taught us brothers very well, so you don't need to worry about Tantou."

"Big brother, you're just scaring me."

A few more days.

Xu Chuan called Xu Mingyuan over and discussed the future business development of the Xu family with him.

“A-Yuan, tell me your thoughts on what’s to come first.”

Xu Chuan handed over almost all of the Xu family's business operations to Xu Mingyuan.

Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment, "Now our Xu family is famous in Qingjiang County, and we are truly a rising star in Qingjiang."

"My elder brother has the potential to become a grandmaster, and his name will be known throughout Qingjiang."

"Furthermore, my father is on good terms with Magistrate Yang. I've heard that even the county magistrate has to show some respect to Magistrate Yang."

"Therefore, I think we should first stabilize the fruit shop, open a branch in March, and open the branch in the East Market within a year to earn money from those wealthy merchants."

"As for a chain, with the Xu family's brand, we can indeed see benefits quickly, but it's still a bit of a waste."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "What do you think is the most valuable thing our Xu family has right now?"

"Reputation? Brand?"

“It’s this friendship with Magistrate Yang!” Xu Chuan said, “But friendships have their limits.”

"Nowadays, many wealthy households and merchants value this relationship highly, believing that it is profitable to befriend us. If they can get close to Magistrate Yang, they will be willing to give us all the benefits they want."

However, whether it's reputation or the potential of the stone, we must look to the future.

The longer the time frame, the more important reputation becomes.

The longer the time goes on, the more the stone breaks through and even reaches the Innate Realm, and the more support and enticements it receives from many people in Qingjiang.

But not now.

What's most valuable now is my relationship with the county magistrate.

Therefore, this year is the most crucial period for the development of our Xu family.

Let the wealthy merchant families of Qingjiang County see the potential of my Xu family, and transform our relationship from being on good terms with Magistrate Yang to becoming bound by shared interests.

Then interest compounded, growing exponentially like a snowball.

Xu Mingyuan nodded, finding Xu Chuan's words quite reasonable. "But Father, how exactly should we do it?"

"The foundation of the common people's lives can be summed up in four words: clothing, food, housing, and transportation."

"Open a winery, a restaurant, a clothing store, a department store, and a perfume shop."

"Use the profits from the fruit shop to complete the commercial layout in Qingjiang County within a year."

Xu Chuan began to hand over to Xu Mingyuan all the recipes for various wines, clothing designs, and cooking recipes that he had researched in his spare time over the years.

Xu Mingyuan held the booklet, his eyes widening as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.

He froze.

It's simply stunning!
"These are all my savings accumulated over more than ten years, and I'm handing them all over to you. Make good use of them."

Although Xu Chuan is a time traveler, he is not omnipotent.

He only has a general understanding of the brewing process and methods. As for clothing, he has to rely on his memory and combine it with current preferences to make modifications. This includes soap, perfume, toothbrush, and other items, which he has to try out himself.

These are all valuable assets.

Once the right opportunity arises, one can quickly accumulate a large amount of wealth.

In the past, Xu Chuan held a lowly position and knew that rashly exposing himself would bring disaster rather than fortune, so he always kept a low profile.

But now is the best time!

He possesses the tiger skin of Magistrate Yang and the potential of a master like Stone.

In a short period of time, many powerful families will be wary of the Xu family, allowing the Xu family to expand rapidly without any scruples and quickly complete its business layout.

In just two or three years, even if the powerful families of Qingjiang County wanted to take action against the Xu family, they would have to consider whether they were willing to fight to the death.

"Thank you, Father. A-Yuan will never let you down!"

Xu Mingyuan's pupils contracted sharply, as if flames were rising in his eyes, making his dark pupils appear bright and clear.

Seeing the potential of the Xu family, many families in Qingjiang County are willing to befriend them.

Xu Chuan also visited Yang Zhao every few days.

There is love when we meet.

Sometimes we also discuss people's livelihood governance, catering to their preferences.

Although Yang Zhao knew that Xu Chuan had his own ulterior motives, he also learned a lot from Xu Chuan, so he was willing to keep in touch with him.

Upon hearing that the Xu family's fruit shop was thriving, Xu Yan sent Chen Ergou to investigate the business strategy.

Xu Chuan only said that Xu Mingyuan was in charge of these matters. As Chen Ergou got older, he became more concerned about his reputation and couldn't bring himself to ask a nephew for advice, so he had no choice but to give up on the matter.

The Chen family's fruit shop business was mediocre.

Fortunately, no one came to cause trouble, so we could continue living peacefully.

Most importantly, Xu Mingyuan couldn't care less about the Chen family.

He was busy with the Xu family's business development plan, recruiting people to secretly brew wine and tailor clothing, and then opening a restaurant.

A month later, a new restaurant called Zuiyunju opened in the West Market.

Its dishes are novel and delicious, and the business is booming every day.

Next came the winery and the Qianjin Workshop.

It means that the wine here is worth a fortune.

Because brewing takes time, even though Xu Mingyuan recruited many brewing masters, the business did not officially open until three months later.

Among them are yellow wine, rice wine, white wine, and fruit wine, each with an elegant name such as "Qingye Zui" and "Huangliang Meng".

Suitable for all ages and genders.

It also offers two main categories: high-end and affordable, catering to both wealthy families and ordinary citizens.

The appearance of Qianjinfang's wine in Zuiyunju has caused its business to boom once again.

Soon, restaurants of his could be found in both the eastern and western markets.

Then came clothing shops and shoe shops, where all sorts of novel and pleasing clothes and shoes began to become popular in Qingjiang County, attracting people to follow suit.

Finally, there was a perfume shop named Yunxiang Pavilion.

Perfume is a luxury item, only available in the East Market, and is very expensive.

With a variety of flavors to suit the tastes of most women, it is very popular among the wives of wealthy merchants.

In addition, Xu Mingwei continuously had people develop more product categories.

He knew that innovation was the core competitiveness of the Xu family.

Of course, some people were blinded by greed and caused trouble, but Xu Mingyuan found ways to resolve them one by one. If he couldn't resolve them, he would go to Magistrate Yang.

Out of respect for Xu Chuan, Magistrate Yang would make things easy for him as long as it wasn't illegal.

--------

Spring passes and autumn comes.

In the blink of an eye, three years have passed like a fleeting moment.

The Xu family's fruit and vegetable business already occupies 30-40% of the business in the West Market, and there is also a presence of fruit and vegetable markets in the East Market.

Market stalls are in short supply, and rents are rising frequently.

Furthermore, it has signed contracts with many restaurants and inns to provide fresh fruit daily.

Businesses such as Zuiyunju, Qianjinfang, Tianyige, and Yunxiangge were also making a fortune every day.

There are branches in both the East and West markets.

Now, the monthly income is tens of thousands of taels, and sometimes it can reach more than one hundred thousand.

Even among the wealthy merchant families in Qingjiang County, their earning power ranks among the top.

As the scale increases, the population naturally needs to keep up.

The Xu family has hired a lot of people in the past two years.

There are about seventy or eighty employees and managers in the businesses under his name in the county town.

Dongxi Village has employed more than a hundred long-term laborers, servants, and maids.

More than a hundred guards were recruited, most of whom were young and strong martial artists who had practiced martial arts.

They might guard various industries in the county to prevent trouble, or watch over homes, and patrol fields and forests.

For convenience, the Xu family also purchased a house in Dongshi, Qingjiang County.

Sometimes, when they were in contact with the Yang family, they couldn't leave the city gates late at night, so they would stay here to rest.

------------

Qingyun Street.

The road here is paved with bluestone and is wide.

The Yang residence is located on this street.

A young man nearly two meters tall and a girl sitting on the back of a white tiger with red and gold eyes swaggered into the gate of the Yang residence.

Upon seeing this, the guards at the door quickly cupped their hands and smiled, "So it's Miss Ming Shu and Young Master Xu. Please come in."

When they met the eyes of the white tiger, which was half a person's height, they felt a chill run down their spines, as if they were being pricked by thorns.

"I told you not to bring it, you scared them."

Xu Mingwei chuckled and tapped Xu Mingshu's head with his hand.

"Xiaobai said it was too stuffy staying at home, so I brought it out for some fresh air. Don't you think so, Xiaobai?"

As if it understood, the white tiger roared in response, startling the guards of the Yang residence into taking several steps back.

"I'm really curious, Xueji, how did you manage to make such a ferocious mutant so obedient?"

"Hehe, this is talent, you can't learn it, big brother."

"Xiaobai and I are in perfect sync."

Hearing the tiger's roar, Yang's eldest son walked over. "It really is you, Xiao Xueji. Could it be that you've brought your Xiaobai to take revenge on me?"

"Hmph, I'm not as petty as you, Brother Shichang. I came with my elder brother to deliver some jade pears to our godparents so they can have a taste, and also to visit Sister Ronghua."

Yang Dalang laughed heartily, understanding the situation perfectly, and joked, "Brother Xu, I've been waiting with bated breath for your family to come and propose marriage."

Xu Mingwei shook his head speechlessly, "Brother Yang, it's not that I'm unwilling, but my father wants me to become a Xiantian martial artist before I consider starting a family."

“Xiantian, Uncle Xu is really heartless. He’s been too harsh on you.”

“You’re not even nineteen yet, while my father was almost thirty when he became a Xiantian.”

"Hmph, how could you possibly guess what my father is thinking!" Xu Mingshu retorted first, then smiled and said, "However, I also agree that my elder brother should marry Sister Ronghua as soon as possible, so that she can chat with me often."

"You girl!"

"Your brother got married just so he could have a sister-in-law to chat with?"

Both of them were at a loss for words, neither laughing nor crying.

Yang Shichang began to examine the white tiger, circled it around, and exclaimed in admiration, "You're quite something, girl, to actually tame such a strange creature."

Xu Mingshu said triumphantly, "My father said that Xiaobai is not yet fully grown up. When he comes of age, even a peak-level martial artist might not be able to defeat him."

If you provoke me again, I'll have Xiaobai spank you.

The white tiger swung its thick, long, black-and-white striped tail, resembling a long whip.

If it strikes you hard, even a top-tier martial artist would probably vomit blood.

Yang Shichang looked at Xu Mingwei and said, "Your sister is so fierce, I'm afraid no one will dare to marry her in the future."

"None of your business." Xu Mingshu grinned and made a face at Yang Shichang.

Little White was left in the front yard and not taken to the back yard.

It lay there quietly taking a nap, and no one dared to provoke it.

The rear residence of the Yang family.

"Sister Ronghua, I've come to find you."

Xu Mingshu swaggered into Yang Ronghua's boudoir.

Yang Ronghua was doing needlework when she heard the sound. She immediately put down her needlework and got up to greet the person.

Her face was like a lotus leaf glistening with dew, her eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like pools of autumn water, and a touch of vermilion on her lips.

Her forehead was adorned with a butterfly-shaped floral design, her black hair was styled into a swan-like bun, and a kingfisher-feather silver hairpin was tucked into her hair. Bright moon earrings swayed gently with her steps.

The upper body is a cloud-patterned green silk cross-collar blouse, with silver thread embroidered on the edges to resemble intertwined branches. The cuffs are narrowed into a pipa shape, and when the arms are raised, they resemble overlapping waves.

Her lower body was covered with a light green pleated skirt, revealing a crimson waistband as she walked. The skirt was adorned with twelve jade pendants, which jingled as she moved.

"Sister Xueji, what brings you here today? Weren't you forced by Uncle Xu to practice martial arts?"

"Relaxation is also important in martial arts training."

Seeing Yang Ronghua's eyes constantly glancing towards the front door, Xu Mingshu covered her mouth and laughed, "Sister Ronghua, what are you looking at?"

“My older brother went to my godmother’s place and is talking to her.”

"I didn't ask him." Yang Ronghua blushed slightly, her flawless face turning a little red.

Xu Mingshu giggled and said, "Sister Ronghua, I think you should ask your godfather and godmother to talk to my father and ask him not to be so strict with my eldest brother and to let him marry you as soon as possible."

"Sister Xueji, you're making fun of me. I'll scratch you if you do that."

The two sisters started chatting and joking around, and suddenly they were all dressed up in colorful clothes, which was quite amusing.

the other side.

"Aunt Yang, these are some green jade pears and seasonal fruits that my father brought for you to try."

“Brother Xu, you are too kind. I thank you on behalf of my husband,” Madam Yang said gently.

Xu Mingwei then took out an invitation from his pocket and handed it over, saying, "In half a month, my Xu family mansion will be officially completed. We will be preparing to establish our clan, open our ancestral hall, and worship our ancestors. I would like to invite Uncle Yang and Aunt Yang to attend the ceremony."

"That's for sure. I'll tell my husband when he gets back."

"Then I won't disturb you any longer," Xu Mingwei said respectfully.

"Mother, Xiao Xueji is with A-mei. I've taken Mingwei there," Yang Shichang said with a smile.

Madam Yang smiled gently and nodded: "Go ahead, you young people can chat amongst yourselves."

(End of this chapter)