Making Money.

The caravan trading point in the tribal area was already busy with activity when Ji Zhiyu and Li Cang arrived, their entourages following closely behind. Both men had been eagerly awaiting this day for a month, the anticipation growing as demand for Shen Yuan's soap skyrocketed in their respective circles.

As they waited, Ji Zhiyu glanced at Li Cang, raising an eyebrow. "You look nervous, Li Cang."

Li Cang huffed, crossing his arms. "Who wouldn't be? The Second Prince has been on my back about this soap ever since you decided to gift him a few bars."

Ji Zhiyu chuckled softly. "It's not just the Second Prince. My whole household is obsessed with it. I even caught my father sneaking a bar from my stash."

Li Cang sighed dramatically. "You're lucky. Gu Junli practically ransacked my house for soap. Took twenty bars without so much as a 'thank you.'"

Ji Zhiyu laughed, shaking his head. "Well, let's hope Shen Yuan has enough for all of us today."

Just as the two men finished their conversation, Shen Yuan appeared, walking confidently through the market area with his older brother Shen Jiuyuan, younger brother Shen Zhen, and his uncle Shen Qingge in tow. He had a relaxed expression on his face, though his mind was already calculating the best way to manage the upcoming deals.

When he spotted Ji Zhiyu and Li Cang, Shen Yuan smiled and gave a polite bow. "Master Ji, Master Li, it's good to see you both."

Ji Zhiyu returned the greeting with a nod. "Shen Yuan, I've been looking forward to this day. I trust you've brought enough soap this time?"

Li Cang, a little more anxious, jumped in. "Please tell me you've got what we need. The demand is… overwhelming."

Shen Yuan smiled calmly, gesturing toward the crates being unloaded from a cart behind him. "I've got 1000 pieces of soap. 500 for each of you, as promised."

Li Cang's shoulders visibly relaxed, and Ji Zhiyu smiled in approval. "Excellent."

Shen Jiuyuan and Shen Qingge began opening the crates, revealing the carefully packed bars of soap, each one neatly wrapped in paper. The clean, familiar scent wafted through the air, and both Ji Zhiyu and Li Cang looked satisfied.

"Let's settle the payment, shall we?" Shen Yuan said smoothly.

Ji Zhiyu didn't hesitate. He motioned for his attendant, who stepped forward and handed over a heavy pouch. "As agreed, 1000 taels of silver for 500 bars."

Shen Yuan took the pouch and weighed it in his hand, nodding with approval. "Thank you, Master Ji. It's a pleasure doing business with you."

Li Cang followed suit, handing over another pouch. "The same from me. 1000 taels of silver, as promised."

Shen Yuan accepted the payment, his mind already racing with plans for the future. In just one month, he had managed to make 2000 taels of silver, which amounted to 20 gold taels. The success was staggering, and it only fueled his determination to expand the business further.

"With this kind of demand, I'll need to increase production," Shen Yuan thought, glancing at his uncle, who gave a small nod of agreement. Shen Qingge, always the quiet but wise observer, seemed to understand what was on Shen Yuan's mind.

"Master Ji, Master Li," Shen Yuan began, turning his attention back to the two men. "Thank you both for your continued support. If the demand remains high, I'll be preparing an even larger batch next month."

Ji Zhiyu, always composed, nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate that. But be careful not to overextend yourself. Quality is just as important as quantity."

Shen Yuan smiled. "I understand, and I assure you the quality will remain high."

Li Cang, who had been quietly inspecting the soap, looked up. "I might need more than 500 bars next month, Shen Yuan. The Second Prince has been talking about ordering some for his inner court."

"Understood, Master Li. I'll see what I can do." Shen Yuan's mind was already calculating how to scale up production.

After a few more pleasantries, Ji Zhiyu and Li Cang had their crates loaded onto their respective carts. As the two men began preparing to leave, Ji Zhiyu turned to Shen Yuan once more.

"Shen Yuan, I meant to ask—are you planning to sell in the capital anytime soon? There's a growing market there, and I think your soap would be highly sought after."

Shen Yuan nodded thoughtfully. "That's the plan eventually. I want to make sure we can keep up with demand first."

"Smart," Ji Zhiyu said with a faint smile. "Well, if you ever need a recommendation, I'd be happy to help."

"I appreciate that, Master Ji," Shen Yuan replied, bowing slightly.

Li Cang, always more direct, grinned. "Just make sure I get my batch first."

Shen Yuan chuckled. "You'll both get what you need, don't worry."

After the transactions were complete, Shen Yuan, Shen Jiuyuan, Shen Zhen, and Shen Qingge decided to explore the market. The bustling atmosphere, filled with merchants, traders, and people from various tribes, offered a wide array of goods. Shen Yuan had made a significant profit from the soap, and he was eager to spend some of it on things his family desperately needed.

As they wandered through the stalls, Shen Zhen looked around excitedly. "Brother Yuan, what are we going to buy?"

"Clothes," Shen Yuan replied. "We need new clothes for everyone, especially with winter coming. And we need some daily necessities—blankets, cookware, and tools. After that, I want to get something special for all of you."

Shen Jiuyuan glanced at him curiously. "Special?"

Shen Yuan smiled. "Paper and ink. It's time to start teaching everyone how to read and write."

Shen Zhen's eyes lit up. "Really? You're going to teach us?"

"Yes," Shen Yuan said with a firm nod. "We need more than just physical strength. If we want to build something bigger, everyone needs to be literate. It'll open up more opportunities for all of us."

Shen Qingge, who had been quietly observing the market, finally spoke. "It's a wise decision, Yuan. Knowledge will take you farther than strength alone."

Shen Yuan smiled at his uncle. "Exactly."

They spent the next few hours browsing through the stalls, purchasing warm clothes for each of Shen Yuan's siblings. He made sure to pick out high-quality fabrics, ones that would last through the harsh winters. After buying the clothes, they moved on to daily necessities: pots, pans, and sturdy tools that would make life in their camp easier.

At one of the stalls, Shen Yuan spotted a beautiful set of calligraphy brushes, neatly arranged next to stacks of parchment. He picked up the brushes, testing the weight in his hand, and nodded in approval.

"I'll take these," he said to the merchant, handing over the coins without hesitation. "And I'll need enough paper and ink for my entire family."

The merchant, pleased with the generous sale, packed the items carefully and handed them over. Shen Yuan smiled, satisfied with his purchases.

"With this, we can start teaching everyone," he said, turning to his brothers and uncle. "It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it."

As they walked back to their camp, Shen Zhen carried the calligraphy set carefully in his arms, his excitement barely contained. "I can't wait to learn how to write! Do you think it'll be hard?"

Shen Yuan chuckled. "It'll take some practice, but you'll pick it up quickly. And once you know how to write, you'll be able to help me with the business."

Shen Jiuyuan, ever practical, nodded. "We'll all help. If we can trade goods and manage our own accounts, we won't need to rely on anyone else."

Shen Yuan smiled, proud of how far his siblings had come. "That's the goal. We'll build something that no one can take away from us."

As they reached their camp, Shen Yuan looked at the supplies they had bought and felt a sense of accomplishment. The money from the soap had not only provided for their immediate needs but had also given them a chance to improve their future.