My parents are both dead, I rely on fishing and farming to support my younger siblings

Since we are going to open a workshop, we naturally have to choose an auspicious day to have fun.

Liu Ying helped Gu Lili look through the almanac and set the date for two days later.

Gu Lili specially asked Lao Zhou to help carve a plaque and put it at the gate of the courtyard.

Gu's workshop!

In the past few days, all the servants who were bought were arranged to live in the courtyard.

Gu Lili also investigated these people.

Gu Lili promoted those who were careful and courageous to management positions, and did not allow those who were careless to enter the distillation room and instead asked them to do the work of picking and washing flowers.

The opening day of Gu’s Workshop was really lively.

There were twenty-six servants who patronized Lilimai, as well as craftsmen, carpenters, bricklayers, etc. who helped with the work.

Yu Shanhai also prepared gifts early and came to congratulate.

Even Prefect Duan and County Magistrate Meng heard the news from somewhere and came to congratulate.

Since guests are welcome, Gu Lili naturally has no reason to chase them away.

However, seeing that Prefect Duan looked at Chang'an with eyes full of respect, he must have known Chang'an's identity.

No wonder Prefect Duan had such an expression when he was at Liu's house that day.

Today, Liu Ying asked the Liu family's new housekeeper to help Gu Lili buy the vegetables and meat that would be used on the opening day.

He then went to the best restaurant in Jiangdu and invited its chef to cook for him.

Just as noon arrived, the sound of firecrackers popped outside the door.

Gu Lili looked at Chang'an. This must be what Chang'an prepared.

"Lili, your business is booming. Are you happy with this gift?" Chang'an said with a gentle smile.

Gu Lili nodded.

These firecrackers were specially prepared by Changan for Gu Lili. When the family workshop opened before, Gu Lili used bamboo, which could also make crackling sounds when burned.

But it’s not as loud as the sound of firecrackers.

After the firecrackers burned out, everyone said auspicious words to Gu Lili.

Gu Lili thanked them one by one and invited everyone to the table for dinner.

After lunch, the workshop officially started making essential oils.

Yu Shanhai ordered his farmhands to pick fresh roses early in the morning.

After the guests left, Gu Lili began to teach them how to distill essential oils and hydrosols.

Fortunately, they were all smart people, and after five days of teaching, they were able to master the method.

Watching them learn, Li Ershu realized that Gu Lili's return was near.

Gu Lili had arranged everything properly, and Li Ershu could handle it too.

However, when Old Zhou, who was already old, learned that Gu Lili was going back to Donghai, he couldn't hold back for a moment.

I was depressed for many days.

These days, whenever Lao Zhou sees Gu Lili, he will discuss carpentry-related matters with her.

Although Gu Lili didn't understand, she had the experience.

It can at least give Lao Zhou some advice.

Now that Gu Lili is gone, if he has any ideas, he doesn’t know who to ask.

"Old Zhou, your beds are getting better and better!"

Old Zhou, who was lost and dreaming, was brought back to reality by Gu Lili's voice.

Lao Zhou said with an unhappy face, "Master, no matter how well I do, without your guidance, I will still be slow to improve."

Gu Lili couldn't help laughing. She understood what Lao Zhou meant.

He was unhappy because he was about to return to Donghai.

Gu Lili felt helpless as she looked at Old Zhou, who was older but even more immature than her.

"Old Zhou, I know you want to improve yourself, but I also have things I need to do in the East China Sea. If I come to Jiangdu again in the future, I will definitely let someone notify you. Then, you can come and talk to me."

Old Zhou was still frowning, and it seemed that his mood had not improved.

"Well then, Master, remember to come to Jiangdu often."

As Lao Zhou spoke, he took out the gift he had prepared for Gu Lili.

"Master, this is for you." Lao Zhou said in a deep voice.

This is what he made according to the book Gu Lili gave him.

It can also be regarded as an explanation to Gu Lili for giving her instructions for so many days!

Gu Lili looked at the palm-sized piece of wood in Lao Zhou's hand and took it with some curiosity.

She held it in her hand and looked at it for a long time, but couldn't figure out what it was.

Gu Lili knocked on it with her hand, and it seemed to be hollow inside.

However, the wood looks intact to the naked eye, and no one knows how Lao Zhou hollowed out the inside.

After looking for a while, Gu Lili finally figured out the secret.

Originally, Old Zhou was very proud when he saw that Gu Lili couldn't open the box.

This means that he has completed his apprenticeship.

Seeing Gu Lili pull open the thin layer of wood on top of the box with her fingers, he felt a little discouraged.

I admired Gu Lili more and more in my heart. The master is indeed a master.

Gu Lili really likes the jewelry box that Lao Zhou gave her. It is square and can just hold a pair of bracelets.

Lao Zhou used the mortise and tenon structure, which fits very well.

Plus, he had carefully polished the edges, so Gu Lili didn't notice it for a while.

At the same time, I have more and more respect for the person who invented the mortise and tenon structure.

"That's great, Lao Zhou!" Gu Lili praised.

If this is combined with Yu Yirou's mother-of-pearl, the jewelry box will be even more exquisite.

But Old Zhou is already old, and I’m afraid he doesn’t want to go back to Donghai with Gu Lili.

However, Gu Lili still wanted to ask a question.

"Lao Zhou, are you willing to go back to the East China Sea with me?" Gu Lili asked.

At the same time, she told Lao Zhou about her plan.

When Old Zhou heard this, he also became very interested.

His two sons have already started their own families and no longer need his care.

His wife died of illness a few years ago, and he is now alone.

After hearing that Gu Lili wanted to combine his skills with Yu Yirou's.

When he made furniture, jewelry and other things and sold them to more people, he felt very excited.

I feel that although I am old, I am old enough to go out and try my luck.

So, he agreed without thinking.

Gu Lili didn't expect that Lao Zhou was so straightforward, and she was very happy.

Originally, Gu Lili's plan was to return to Donghai and find some carpenters to make furniture and jewelry.

Yu Yiru only needs to be responsible for inlaying the mother-of-pearl.

Now, with Lao Zhou, we just need to find some apprentices and carpenters in Guzhuang and nearby villages.

only......

Gu Lili couldn't help but smile bitterly, fearing that the yard at home would need to be expanded again after she returned.

This time, we will expand it and make it bigger.

Lao Zhou's three disciples also expressed their willingness to follow Gu Lili back to the East China Sea.

Of course Gu Lili accepted everything.

These days, Lao Zhou's three apprentices have been working very hard, and Gu Lili has seen it all.

There is just one bad thing, the three of them are obviously in their twenties.

He was treated as Gu Lili's uncle, but when he saw Gu Lili, he would call her "Auntie".