flstandardbreds Chapter 107 The Kiln Worker's Heart Was Gouged Out, Leaving Him Unsettled
Chapter 107 The Kiln Worker's Heart Was Gouged Out, Leaving Him Unsettled
The kiln workers were deeply saddened by the discovery of their kiln.
Su Yunlan strode quickly toward the kiln, her steps light as the wind, her skirt fluttering like a butterfly.
The ominous premonition in my heart grew stronger and stronger, like a taut string that could snap at any moment.
Her delicate eyebrows were furrowed, her cherry lips were pressed tightly together, and her gaze was piercing, as if she could see through everything in front of her.
Xiao Yuhan followed closely behind, his deep gaze fixed on Su Yunlan. He gently placed his large hand on her shoulder and said in a low voice with a hint of comfort, "Yunlan, don't worry, let's see how things go first."
Su Yunlan didn't stop walking, she just nodded slightly, but her heart felt like it had fallen into an ice cellar.
The kiln worker is the lifeblood of the porcelain kiln. If something goes wrong with the kiln worker, all her previous efforts will be in vain.
When they arrived at the brickyard, they found a group of people gathered at the entrance, looking flustered and talking amongst themselves.
Upon seeing Su Yunlan, the crowd automatically parted to make way, and several women rushed forward, weeping and wailing as they recounted their story.
"Lady Su, you must do us justice! My husband has been abducted by that heartless porcelain merchant Zheng!" a woman cried out, her voice shrill and piercing.
"Yes, Madam Su, they promised to pay our men double and even promised to make them their masters in the future. My husband was blinded by greed and went with them!" Another woman pounded her chest and stamped her feet, her face full of regret and despair.
"Zheng porcelain merchant?" Su Yunlan's heart skipped a beat, and a surge of anger rushed to his head.
She had long known that Zheng, the porcelain merchant, had been coveting her porcelain kiln technology, but she never expected him to resort to such despicable means!
The kiln workers who were poached were all experienced veterans and the backbone of the porcelain kilns.
Their departure was undoubtedly a huge blow to the porcelain kilns.
Su Yunlan took a deep breath, trying to suppress her anger, and turned to look at Xiao Yuhan with a firm gaze: "I'm going to find Zheng the Porcelain Merchant!"
Xiao Yuhan gripped Su Yunlan's hand, offering her silent support: "I'll go with you."
Su Yunlan shook her head, her tone resolute: "No need, I can go myself. You stay in the kiln and reassure the remaining kiln workers, don't let them leave with you."
After saying that, Su Yunlan turned and left, her figure resolute, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, carrying an unstoppable momentum.
Xiao Yuhan watched her retreating figure, his heart filled with worry, yet he knew that at this moment, the only thing he could do was to believe in her and support her.
Inside the kiln, the remaining kiln workers watched Su Yunlan's departing figure, their hearts filled with unease.
A veteran kiln worker from the Song Dynasty stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Don't panic, everyone. Madam Su will definitely resolve this matter!"
Just then, a young apprentice named Li Shaonian suddenly asked, "Master Song, what do you think Madam Su will do?"
The Song kiln worker pondered for a moment, his gaze deep: "In my opinion, Lady Su is probably going to..."
Su Yunlan strode into Zheng Cishang's mansion, her eyes burning with anger, her steps firm and powerful.
Her appearance was like a storm, instantly sweeping through the entire room.
Upon seeing this, Zheng, the porcelain merchant, felt a chill run down his spine, but he forced himself to remain calm and stepped forward to greet him.
"Madam Su, what is the reason for this?" Zheng Cishang smiled slightly, his voice carrying a hint of feigned concern.
Su Yunlan responded directly and bluntly: "Zheng, you poached my kiln workers. What is the meaning of this? They are the backbone of my kiln. You are clearly trying to sabotage my business!"
Zheng, the porcelain merchant, was inwardly furious, but outwardly remained calm: "Madam Su, you misunderstand. I simply see their greater potential for development and hope they can have a better future. Double the wages and higher status—wouldn't that be attractive to them?"
Su Yunlan sneered, her tone firm: "Zheng, you're wrong. Money and status are important, but people's hearts are the most important. My kiln workers not only receive fair pay, but also the respect and trust of me, their kiln owner. Can you buy that kind of environment with money?"
Zheng, the porcelain merchant, was speechless for a moment, secretly making plans in his mind.
Su Yunlan continued, "I'll give you three days to let them choose. After three days, if they're willing to come back, I hope you can bring them back unharmed. If they're not, that's fine too. But remember, from now on, there will be no more cooperation between us."
After saying that, Su Yunlan turned and left, leaving Zheng Cishang standing there in a daze.
Back at the kiln, Su Yunlan took a deep breath to calm herself, then stepped forward to face all the remaining kiln workers, her voice firm and strong: "Hello everyone, I am Su Yunlan. I know how you feel right now, but I want to tell you that I will not let you down."
The kiln workers stopped what they were doing and looked at her. Su Yunlan continued, "To put everyone at ease, we will not only increase wages, but also improve the working environment and living conditions. Starting today, I will provide you with better food and more comfortable dormitories so that you can work here more comfortably. In addition, any kiln worker who performs well will have the opportunity to be promoted and become a master, guiding new apprentices."
As soon as he finished speaking, the kiln workers' faces lit up with surprise and gratitude.
The Song kiln worker stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Madam Su, we believe in you and are willing to stay!"
Other kiln workers echoed this sentiment, greatly boosting morale.
Xiao Yuhan stood aside, watching all of this, his heart filled with admiration and love for Su Yunlan.
He walked to her side and said softly, "Yunlan, you are truly amazing."
Su Yunlan smiled slightly, her eyes shining with determination: "For our shared future, we must work together."
Xiao Yuhan hugged her tenderly and whispered in her ear, "You keep creating miracles, and I'm so proud of you."
A warm feeling welled up in Su Yunlan's heart. She raised her head, gently leaned on his shoulder, her eyes full of confidence and hope.
Just then, a young voice broke the silence: "Madam Su, I think we can still—"
Before he could finish speaking, Su Yunlan looked up, her eyes filled with anticipation and the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, as if she had already guessed his next suggestion.
Young Master Xiao ran excitedly to Su Yunlan, his eyes sparkling: "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law! I've got a great idea!" He cleared his throat and announced loudly: "From today onwards, the kiln worker with the highest monthly output will receive not only a bonus, but also a limited-edition wood carving made by my own hands!"
The kiln workers were taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.
Someone joked, "Young Master Twelfth, your wood carving isn't some kind of deformed or broken fruit, is it?" Young Master Twelfth puffed out his chest defiantly, "I carved it perfectly! You can see for yourselves!" He pulled out a lifelike wooden sparrow from behind his back and waved it in front of everyone as if showing off.
This wooden sparrow was small and exquisite, with distinct feathers and a pair of bright, round eyes that were lively and adorable, drawing exclamations of wonder from everyone.
With the incentive of the reward and the generous benefits previously offered by Su Yunlan, the kiln workers were full of energy, sweating profusely, and the kiln was bustling with activity.
Even the usually stubborn Song kiln worker couldn't help but glance at Young Master Xiao a few more times, and finally gave him a thumbs up, praising, "Young Master Xiao, you've got some skills!"
Su Yunlan, along with painter Liu and several skilled kiln workers, plunged headlong into the task of developing new porcelain.
She incorporates inspiration drawn from modern society into her porcelain designs, creating a series of uniquely shaped and exquisitely decorated porcelain pieces.
Some porcelain pieces have smooth lines, like flowing clouds and water; some have unique shapes, lifelike; and some are colorful and exquisite.
These unique porcelain pieces were an instant hit with the market, and orders poured in like snowflakes.
Looking at the mountain of orders, Zheng, the porcelain merchant, couldn't stop smiling, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out.
He rubbed his hands together excitedly and said to Su Yunlan, "Lady Su, you are truly my lucky star!"
Just then, a servant rushed in, his face pale and panting, saying, "Master, something terrible has happened..."