Font Size:
The novelty of the puppets attracted many onlookers. However, due to the relatively high prices, some refrained from making a purchase. Nonetheless, among the incense-goers, many were affluent, and the majority of the puppets were based on the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, featuring round and chubby designs that were irresistible. People were keen to bring them home for good luck and display.
As a result, although Jiang Chunshi’s business was not as lively as Jiang Youcheng’s, he managed to sell more than half of his puppets, yielding nearly one or two taels of silver, which was almost pure profit, considering the negligible cost of materials.
Elated, Jiang Chunshi lavished praise on Jiang Mixia’s excellent pattern design, recognizing her meticulous thought process and understanding that items were easily sold at Deyin Temple.
Listening to his nephew praise his daughter as a flower, Jiang Youcheng nodded in agreement, feeling quite pleased. “Exactly, Xia is now more thoughtful than most ordinary men.”
As they conversed, someone approached, picked up one of Jiang Chunshi’s puppets, and carefully examined it.
“See anything you like?” Jiang Chunshi hastily approached the customer.
“Did you make this puppet, young man?” The person was dressed in blue and seemed to be a servant from a wealthy household.
“Yes, I made it,” Jiang Chunshi nodded.
“Have you ever set up a stall to sell puppets in Shanglin Town before?” the servant inquired.
“I have, but that time my sister helped me with the stall, and she was the one who sold the puppets,” Jiang Chunshi responded, feeling somewhat uneasy at the servant’s questioning. “Did you buy one of the puppets last time? Is there a problem with them?”
They’ve come to Deyin Temple, which is probably not a good sign.
Jiang Chunshi’s face turned pale.
“No worries, we have been searching for these. Please wait a moment,” the servant reassured. He then called out, “Madam, I found them—over here!”
After a while, a woman hurried over.
She appeared to be around thirty, with a dignified and beautiful appearance, exuding an air of elegance. Her attire, made of high-quality satin, hinted at a well-off background.
Anxious and hurried, she approached them.
Jiang Chunshi was thoroughly frightened and could hardly speak.
“Is… is there something wrong?” he managed to ask, looking to his uncle, Jiang Youcheng, for support as he observed the distressed woman.
“Please don’t be alarmed. I’m not here to cause trouble,” the woman, Madam Zheng, explained upon seeing their anxious expressions. “I had bought some puppets in town earlier and really liked them, so I came to buy more.”
It turned out she was just there to buy puppets.
Jiang Youcheng and Jiang Chunshi exchanged a glance, both visibly relieved.
“I still have a few puppets left. Madam, do you want these styles too?” Jiang Chunshi quickly gathered the remaining puppets.
“I’ll take all of these,” MadamZheng declared after a brief glance.
All of them?
Jiang Chunshi was both shocked and delighted. “Let me pack them up for you…”
As he spoke, Jiang Chunshi hurriedly fetched a small cloth bag to prepare the items.
“I heard that you made these puppets, and it’s quite a coincidence. We have a timber business in the county town and also do woodworking. The puppets I bought in town were initially for my child to play with, but one day, my child brought them into the shop, and a customer wanted to buy them,” Madam Zheng explained. “So I went to town to find more, but after visiting several markets, I couldn’t find another puppet stall. Today, when I came to Deyin Temple to pray, I thought I’d have my people try to find some. I didn’t expect to find them here.”
“I also wanted to ask if you’d be willing to work in our shop as a woodworker, making puppets. If you’re not interested, I’d like to buy the pattern for these puppets. Can you give me a price?” Madam Zheng continued.
Jiang Chunshi was almost wide-eyed at this and, feeling somewhat uncertain, nervously rubbed his hands. “Your family’s timber business… isn’t it Qiu’s?”
“That’s correct,” Madam Zheng nodded.
Jiang Chunshi’s lips trembled with excitement. In the entire county town, Qiu’s was the most renowned timber business.
Leaving aside the fact that the timber business was substantial, the woodworking craftsmen there were among the best in the county. The master under whom Jiang Chunshi had learned woodworking had often boasted about learning some techniques at Qiu’s. The prospect of working at Qiu’s and being invited by the Madam Qiu was beyond his wildest dreams. It was truly an honor!
Jiang Chunshi paced a few steps in the same spot, hesitantly explaining, “I truly apologize. I really want to work at Qiu’s. While I made these puppets, the patterns were actually designed by my third uncle’s daughter. I made these puppets under her guidance.”
“Seeing your interest, it seems you primarily want the puppet patterns. Please wait a moment for my younger sister to return. You can discuss this matter with her in detail,” he continued. “My sister, along with my aunt and the others, went to the temple to pray. They should be back soon, so you won’t have to wait long.”
Madam Zheng sized up Jiang Chunshi once again. He wore coarse clothes with a visible patch, suggesting a modest background. His features were well-proportioned, typical of a rural upbringing, with a warm and genuine smile that exuded humility. He had no airs and showed no signs of coveting the business. His pride was evident when speaking about his younger sister.
He appeared trustworthy.
“Then I’ll wait here for your younger sister,” Madam Zheng smiled faintly.
Seeing the situation, Jiang Youcheng and Jiang Chunshi offered the folding stools they had brought for setting up the stall, insisting that Madam Zheng sit and rest to avoid standing for too long.
Madam Zheng graciously accepted and declined the suggestion to wait in the carriage, choosing to sit on the folding stool instead.
As they waited, they chatted with Jiang Youcheng and Jiang Chunshi. Madam Zheng learned that they were from the Jiang family village and that Jiang Chunshi’s younger sister, Jiang Mixia, was the daughter of Jiang Youcheng. She was known to be extremely clever and quick-witted.
Just as they were conversing, Jiang Mixia and her group returned.
Jiang Chunshi hurriedly introduced Madam Zheng and explained her purpose.
“Madam wants to buy the puppet patterns?” Jiang Mixia observed Madam Zheng.
It had to be admitted that the woman before her bore a striking resemblance to the young girl who had previously bought the puppets. In fact, they looked almost identical, as if they had been carved from the same mold.
“Exactly,” Madam Zheng smiled. “The puppet designs are truly exquisite, and I sincerely want to buy them. If you are willing to sell these puppet patterns, I will definitely offer you a satisfactory price.”
Jiang Mixia paused, considering the proposition.