Female-male sex: Salted fish forced to rise to prominence

Mingyue, the maid sweeping outside, had sharp ears and immediately caught the noise coming from the door. She muttered to herself, "Could it be that some guests have arrived?" She quickly put down her broom and trotted towards the door.

When she opened the heavy vermilion door, she saw two men in plain linen clothes, one of them older and the other younger. Although their clothes were simple, they were neat and clean.

Not far away, two young men were pulling a few dressing tables on a bullock cart. She immediately realized that they were people from the carpentry shop delivering furniture.

Carpenter Chen politely said to Mingyue: "Little girl, I am Carpenter Chen from the carpenter shop in the west of the city. Today I have come here with my son to pay a visit to Young Master Su."

After learning that it was an acquaintance, Mingyue smiled and said softly, "In that case, please follow me." After that, she turned around and prepared to walk in front to lead the way.

At this time, Chen Dahu, who was standing at the back, waved to the two apprentices next to the ox cart, and at the same time signaled them with his eyes to move the three exquisite dressing tables into the yard.

When the three of them walked through the hanging flower gate and arrived outside the flower hall, Mingyue stopped, turned to face the Chen family father and son, and said, "My two guests, please wait a moment. I need to report to the young master first."

Hearing this, Chen Dahu nodded quickly and said, "Okay, I'll wait here."

Afterwards, Mingyue walked into the house and reported to Su Yu and his mother who were talking in the hall, "Madam, Master, Carpenter Chen from the carpentry workshop has come to pay his respects with his son."

Mother Su nodded slightly, indicating that she understood. Then she looked at Su Yu and said, "Yu'er, what do you think of the arrangements?"

Su Yu answered without hesitation: "Let them in."

After getting the consent, Mingyue walked out of the room again and said to Carpenter Chen and his son who were waiting at the door, "Please come in." After that, she stepped aside and led them into the hall.

One point worth emphasizing is that this dynasty was very different from many dynasties Su Yu had known in the past. Here, there were no strict restrictions on women's contact with strange men as in other places.

As long as relatives are around, this situation will not be considered impolite, nor do they need to be avoided deliberately. Perhaps it is precisely because of this relatively open-minded social atmosphere that the exchanges between people are more simple, unpretentious, and relaxed.

As for Chen the Carpenter and Chen Dahu, it was obviously not the first time for them to set foot in the door of a wealthy family. They were well aware of the various red tape and etiquette regulations here.

Therefore, when they stepped into the spacious and magnificent hall, without any hesitation, they bowed deeply and respectfully to Su Yu and his mother who were sitting above.

Immediately afterwards, a slightly aged voice was heard: "Greetings, Madam, and Mr. Su. I am sorry to have come to your house with my son today. I hope Mr. Su will forgive me!" These words were full of sincerity and awe.

Su Yu looked at Carpenter Chen, whose hair was slightly gray, and smiled kindly, "Uncle Chen, you came at the right time. If you hadn't come today, I would have come to see you."

Carpenter Chen heard this and a smile spread across his old, wrinkled face. "Master Su, you want to ask about that toothbrush, right?"

"Yes, is it done?" Su Yu asked hurriedly.

Chen Dahu, who was standing by, quickly answered, "My father put aside his other work and devoted himself to researching this toothbrush. He also brought the dressing table here for you."

As he was speaking, the apprentice outside carried in three dressing tables and placed them outside the hall.

Seeing this, Su Yu stood up and went to look at the dressing table outside. This dressing table was very different from the last one, and the pattern had been slightly improved, which showed that a lot of thought had gone into it.

Su Yu nodded with great satisfaction. She praised the father and son who had come out together, saying, "Very good, fine workmanship, and unique patterns."

Su Yu is generous and unreserved in his praise for those who work seriously.

He asked Carpenter Chen: "Uncle Chen, how much silver do the three dressing tables cost?"

Carpenter Chen replied respectfully: "It's fifteen taels of silver together."

Su Yu ordered Xie An behind him: "Give Uncle Chen twenty taels of silver", meaning that the more was a reward.

Carpenter Chen quickly waved his hand and said to Su Yu: "I am here to discuss a business deal with Mr. Su today, not to ask for a reward."

"Business? Is it about that toothbrush?" Su Yu asked.

Carpenter Chen quickly agreed and added, "Consider this dressing table a gift from me to you, young master. I am grateful that you think highly of my craftsmanship."

Su Yu waved his hands and said with a look of disapproval: "Uncle Chen, you are putting me in an unfair position!!!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Carpenter Chen's old face turned pale instantly. To the ancient people, these words were a very serious matter. In ancient times, people talked about benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness.

Carpenter Chen asked tremblingly: "Sir, what do you mean by this?"

Su Yu just talked calmly: "Last time I sold the blueprints of a dressing table and a rocking chair to Uncle Chen, and you gave me one hundred and ten taels of silver as a fee, and I accepted it with peace of mind. This is called a payment in exchange for goods."

"Now, you sent me a dressing table, but you refused to accept a cent. Although we are partners in the past, we should also keep public and private affairs separate. How could you allow me to take advantage of you, Uncle Chen? Isn't this putting me in an unfair position?"

"Please, just keep this money in peace and contentment! The extra five taels are simply my high recognition and sincere admiration for Uncle Chen's superb craftsmanship!"

These sincere and heartfelt words brought tears to Carpenter Chen's eyes, and even his son Chen Dahu, who was standing behind him, was moved.

You know, although the Chen family father and son had received rewards from some wealthy families many times because of their excellent carpentry skills, those people often gave them rewards with an arrogant and conceited look.

It was the first time in history that they had received such courtesy from a scholar like Su Yu! At this moment, they felt a deep sense of respect from the bottom of their hearts.

His son, Chen Dahu, sighed inwardly: "Older people are more experienced than younger ones!" Last time, his father had told him to treat Mr. Su with courtesy. Now it seemed that his father truly had a keen eye and foresight. Judging from this, he firmly believed that Mr. Su would achieve extraordinary success in the future.

Carpenter Chen took the twenty-two-liang silver ingot from Xie An's hand with trembling hands. This was not only silver, but also an affirmation and praise of his craftsmanship. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Thank you, Mr. Su, for your appreciation." Then he bowed deeply to Su Yu.

Carpenter Chen stood up and glanced at the apprentice behind him. The clever apprentice seemed to have understood his intention and quickly and respectfully handed an exquisite wooden box to Carpenter Chen.

Seeing this, Xie An hurriedly walked forward, carefully took the wooden box from Carpenter Chen, then turned around and respectfully presented it to the young man beside him.

Su Yu happily took the wooden box, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. When he gently opened the lid, a well-made, exquisitely crafted wooden toothbrush came into view.

This toothbrush not only had an exquisite appearance, with every detail handled perfectly, but also had a meticulously polished surface that was as smooth as a mirror. What surprised Su Yu even more was that the bristles were actually inlaid with the horsetail hair he had previously suggested!

Looking at the toothbrush she had longed for, Su Yu felt an indescribable joy in her heart. From now on, she would no longer have to endure using rough willow branches to clean her teeth.

Thinking of this, a bright smile broke out on his face, and he couldn't help but exclaim: "Great! I can finally use a real toothbrush!"

Then, Su Yu raised his head and said to Carpenter Chen with a smile: "You did a great job! It's exactly as I imagined!" Hearing Su Yu's words of praise, Carpenter Chen's originally tense face gradually relaxed.

Unlike last time, he no longer seemed so reserved and self-conscious. Instead, he asked without hesitation, "Mr. Su, are you willing to work with us again this time?" His words revealed full confidence and sincerity.

Su Yu was different from last time in his straightforwardness. He paused and said, "Uncle Chen, the toothbrush business has a wide market. I originally planned to do it myself, but now we are old acquaintances, and I don't mind giving you a share of the pie."

Then Su Yu began to talk: "Once this toothbrush becomes popular, everyone will use it. Rich families will use it, and poor families can also afford it."

Carpenter Chen asked humbly: "Please explain clearly, sir."

"Rich families can use precious animal bones, jade, and gold. Poor families can use bamboo and wood. Even the bristles of this toothbrush can be made of ordinary pig hair instead of horse hair to save costs.

"So once this business grows bigger and stronger, it will be expanded nationwide, and the profits will be huge."

"So, I'm going to sign a contract with Uncle Chen regarding this business. In addition to collaborating with you, I'm also planning to cooperate with the Golden House in East City. You'll be doing business with ordinary people, while the Golden House will be doing business with high-end clients. Since we're targeting different customer groups, there won't be any business conflicts."

"From now on, every time you sell a toothbrush, I will take 50% of the profit after deducting the cost."

When his son Chen Dahu heard about it, he thought it was a great deal just by imagining it in his mind and wanted to accept it immediately.

Carpenter Chen, however, was not trapped by Su Yu's promise like his son. He carefully asked Su Yu: "We are in the carpentry business. When someone develops new furniture, there are always people who imitate it. If I cooperate with Mr. Su on this toothbrush, I can only make a quick buck. Fifty percent of the profit is a bit much."

"It's not that I'm stingy, but I have to hire new people and build a new workshop. I have to stockpile more goods at one time to make a profit, and these are all costs."