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Having a waterproof satchel to carry around would certainly make things much easier.
Jiang Mixia roughly understood what the scholar needed and thought for a moment, “I can make one based on the typical satchel design, and I’ll add a layer of lining inside to keep it clean and tidy, making it look good as well.”
“If that’s the case, would you be willing to help me make one?” the scholar said, bowing slightly. “How much would it cost?”
“It depends on the size you want. I need to assess the dimensions before determining the price,” Jiang Mixia replied.
“It should be about this size…” The scholar gestured, providing a rough estimate of the dimensions.
The satchel would be approximately one and a half feet wide, about one and a half feet high, and about one foot thick.
“Although the size isn’t large, to accommodate books, the corners need to be made right-angled, which makes it a bit labor-intensive. It also needs to have a cover. For a satchel like this, it would be three hundred wen,” Jiang Youcheng made a rough calculation and provided a price.
“Agreed,” the scholar nodded without hesitation.
“When do you need it, and where should it be delivered?” Jiang Mixia inquired.
A satchel costing three hundred wen would be enough to cover the delivery to the county town.
Moreover, the fact that a scholar from the academy was buying a waterproof satchel indicated that it was a highly practical item for scholars. When it’s delivered, it would be an excellent opportunity to promote our products at the academy, and we might just make a substantial profit.
“I’ll be at the academy for some time, so there’s no rush. Just have it delivered to the Wen De Academy within the next two weeks,” the scholar smiled. “When you deliver it, just find a scholar named Kang Yining.”
Pausing for a moment, Kang Yining added, “You might consider making a few more. I think this item is excellent. I’ll mention it to my classmates, and I’m sure they’ll be interested. It’ll also save you from making extra trips back and forth.”
“Thank you, Kang Yining, for helping with the promotion,” Jiang Mixia expressed her gratitude and confirmed the exact location of the Wen De Academy. She accepted the one hundred wen deposit given by Kang Yining.
After Kang Yining left, more people came to see the watertight bamboo baskets.
The remaining few bamboo baskets were sold in no time.
At two hundred wen each, they sold a total of twelve baskets, earning over two taels of silver.
Just a few days of weaving baskets at home and a trip to the county town resulted in such a profitable venture.
Earning money was becoming increasingly easier!
Jiang Youcheng’s mouth nearly stretched to his ears. Before heading back, he thought about his family and also remembered that the credit for the watertight bamboo baskets mainly belonged to Song Jingyun, who had initially woven them. He went to a braised meat shop and bought a whole braised pork knuckle and lotus leaf sticky rice chicken, then headed to a pastry shop to buy some red bean cakes and osmanthus cakes.
While braised pork knuckles and lotus leaf chicken were common in town and he often ate them, Song Jingyun was particularly excited about the red bean cakes and osmanthus cakes. They were similar to those sold in town, but the texture was softer and more delectable, not overly sweet.
“Wife, when you come to deliver the satchel to that Mr. Kang next time, could you come a little earlier?” Coming early to deliver the satchel would allow him to buy more pastries in town.
Jiang Mixia understood her husband’s intentions and was accustomed to his love for food, so she readily agreed, “No problem.”
“Next time you come, would you like to try the black sesame cake? It’s fragrant, sweet, and has a crispy texture. You’ll definitely enjoy it,” Song Jingyun suggested as he ate the red bean cake.
“Sure, I’d love to,” Song Jingyun nodded eagerly, munching on the red bean cake.
Then he chuckled, “Wife, how do you always know what I’m thinking? You’re like a tapeworm in my belly.”
Jiang Mixia replied, “…”
There’s no need to flatter me like that!
After returning home, Jiang Youcheng and Song Jingyun began weaving the waterproof satchel. With their experience in weaving the watertight bamboo baskets, the corners of the satchel took some time, but they quickly finished weaving it.
To make it convenient for scholars, Jiang Mixia had Liu shi stitch the shoulder straps directly into the satchel during the weaving process.
The shoulder straps were made of a wide fabric strip sewn with dense stitches. They were designed not to strain the shoulders, and Jiang Mixia specifically designed adjustable straps, allowing scholars of all sizes to adjust the length according to their needs.
Once they finished weaving seven satchels, Jiang Mixia, Jiang Youcheng, and Song Jingyun went to the county town again, eventually finding the Wen De Academy.
Wen De Academy was a renowned local institution, not a government-run school, but it was well-known. It was established with donations from several local gentry and merchants, providing education at a lower cost than most academies. Furthermore, for impoverished and academically gifted students, the academy not only waived tuition but also provided free meals and clothing.
Most individuals who had studied at the academy had benefited from its generosity. Once they achieved success, they often gave back by offering financial assistance to the academy.
After many years, the academy had gained a favorable reputation, and many held it in high regard. For scholars, studying at the Wen De Academy was a matter of pride.
Even those who received government stipends to study at the county school often came to the Wen De Academy to seek knowledge.
Jiang Youcheng, aware of the academy’s reputation, felt somewhat uneasy about their visit. He couldn’t help but think that as a countryman, he shouldn’t be in such a place.
On the other hand, Song Jingyun, with limited knowledge, didn’t feel the same pressure. He found the area near the Wen De Academy to be tranquil, surrounded by lush trees, giving off a sense of peace and tranquility, which made him feel quite comfortable.
Jiang Mixia, on the other hand, was focused on opening up the market for the waterproof satchels. Carrying the items, she went straight to the entrance of the academy, inquiring about the whereabouts of Kang Yining.
Wen De Academy, with its illustrious reputation, had strict enrollment policies, so the number of students studying there was relatively low. Most people knew each other, and even those who weren’t well-acquainted were at least familiar with each other’s names.
After a few inquiries, news of the search for Kang Yining reached his ears, and he hurried to the entrance of the academy.
Impressed by the satchels’ exquisite craftsmanship and the neatly stitched shoulder straps, Kang Yining tried one on. “It’s nice, not too heavy, and the size is just right.”
“Although we’ve already tested it with water at home, I’ve brought a bucket of water today. Would you like to test the waterproofing?” Jiang Mixia spoke as she picked up a ladle.
“Given your confidence, I’m sure it won’t disappoint,” Kang Yining said as he took out his pouch and paid Jiang Mixia. This time, he bought three, with two intended for his friends.
After giving a hundred wen last time, he paid Jiang Mixia two taels of silver this time. Jiang Mixia gave him the change.
Kang Yining, intending to return to his studies, didn’t linger for long. He slung one satchel on his back and carried one in each hand as he headed back into the academy.