The shadow of the warehouse being burned down has not dissipated despite the temporary foiling of Zhang Ji's price war.
In the Jinxiu Pavilion, especially among the embroiderers who directly rely on raw materials for survival, a silent anxiety pervades their hearts.
In the workshop, although the shuttling of needles and threads remains the same, the occasional glances that meet now carry a touch of uncertainty and worry.
There were also more whispers, all worried about how long the workshop could last and whether their own jobs were still secure.
All of this, Shen Ruoxin saw with her own eyes and kept in mind.
She understood that external pressure had begun to seep into the interior. Unstable military morale was a more terrifying crisis than a shortage of raw materials.
What Zhang Defa burned was the goods, but what he truly wanted to destroy was the foundation on which the Jinxiu Pavilion relied for survival - these highly skilled embroiderers who had devoted countless efforts.
That afternoon, Shen Ruoxin gathered Wang Bo, A Xing, Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang, along with several of the most senior and prestigious first-class embroiderers, to hold an internal meeting in the small flower hall at the back of the house.
I know that recently there's been a lot of rumors outside and everyone is feeling uneasy.
Shen Ruoxin came straight to the point, her gaze gentle yet powerful, sweeping over everyone present.
The warehouse was burned down, causing considerable losses. Zhang Ji is also being aggressive. Anyone would be worried. But since its reopening, how many storms has the Jinxiu Pavilion experienced? Which time did we not survive?
She paused for a moment and her tone became more resolute:
The more difficult The Times are, the more we should unite as one. Zhang Defa wants to see us throw ourselves into confusion. We just can't let him go as he wishes!
Jinxiu Pavilion not only needs to hold on, but also become stronger!
The fundamental reason for our strength does not lie in how much goods are piled up in the warehouse, but in each and every one of us, in our hands that can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and in our hearts that pursue the ultimate!
Several representatives of the embroiderers were somewhat moved upon hearing this, and their originally tense shoulders relaxed a little.
"So,"
Shen Ruoxin changed the subject.
From tomorrow on, the Jinxiu Pavilion will handle two major events. These two matters concern each of our wallets and also each of our futures.
All eyes were focused on her.
The first thing is about the ledger and the steward.
She looked at Uncle Wang and Ah Xing.
We are going to introduce a new accounting method, called the "double-entry bookkeeping method".
"Double-entry bookkeeping?"
Wang Bo was taken aback for a moment. He had been an accountant for decades and this was the first time he had heard of such a term.
"Right."
Shen Ruoxin explained,
This is a more refined and clearer way of accounting.
In simple terms, every transaction of money must be recorded simultaneously in two or more accounts, with both returns and mutual verification.
In this way, the accounts will be clearer. Where every penny is spent, where it is used, and whether there is a profit or a loss can all be seen at a glance.
Not only can it prevent mistakes and omissions, but it can also help us clearly see where the real profit points are and where there are unnecessary expenditures.
Instead of elaborating in depth on the complex principles of borrowing and lending balance, she described its effects in the most intuitive language.
Uncle Wang frowned and thought:
"Sounds..." It seems a little complicated. But if the accounts could really be so clear, it would be a great thing.
Especially now that the cost of raw materials is high, every penny has to be spent where it counts.
I will teach you myself.
Shen Ruoxin said,
"Learn it. Not only can we have a clear understanding of the financial situation of the Splendid Pavilion, but you can also be more astute in managing and managing your own finances." "
The second thing is aimed at all of our embroiderers.
Shen Ruoxin's gaze turned to Li Molan, Wang Xiuniang and several representatives of the embroiderers.
"We are going to offer 'Advanced Technology Courses'!"
"Advanced Technology Course?" Li Molan was both surprised and delighted.
"Exactly."
Shen Ruoxin nodded.
The foundation of Jinxiu Pavilion lies in the uniqueness of our embroidery works.
But skills need to be constantly improved. To stand still is to regress.
There is also the principle of color matching, how to make colors more harmonious and have more layers;
Even some basic composition knowledge, how to make the embroidery more artistic and aesthetically pleasing.
She looked at several representatives of the embroiderers, her tone sincere:
I know that everyone's skills are already very good.
But this craft has no end to learning.
You have learned new things and improved your skills. In the future, your works will reach a higher level and you will be able to embroider unique and precious pieces like the "Ink Plum Golden Thread Handkerchief"!
Your worth will naturally rise as well. In the future, when we assess grades and calculate wages, we will take the level of skills as an important reference!
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of several embroiderers all lit up.
This is not merely training; it is a genuine opportunity for improvement and a better income expectation for the future!
"Miss Two is right!"
An embroiderer surnamed Zhou said excitedly,
For us embroiderers, the thing we fear most is that our skills remain stagnant! We are more than happy to have such a good opportunity to learn something new!
"Yeah!"
Another embroiderer chimed in.
Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang also looked relieved. It was their wish to pass on all the knowledge they had learned throughout their lives and carry it forward.
"Ok!"
Shen Ruoxin made a decision and said,
Then it's settled! The training on bookkeeping was organized by Mr. Wang and Ah Xing, with relevant personnel participating.
The process courses will be arranged by two instructors and conducted in batches to ensure that normal production is not delayed.
All training is conducted during working hours and refreshments are provided. I hope everyone can cherish this opportunity and study hard.
The news soon spread throughout the Jinxiu Pavilion. At first, there were still some skeptical voices, worrying whether the employer was just making empty promises or merely trying to increase the workload in a disguised way.
But when the first training session officially began, these doubts soon dissipated.
At the accounting room, Wang Bo, along with several apprentices, demonstrated the chart drawn by Shen Ruoxin by hand. At first, they felt confused, but as Shen Ruoxin patiently explained and analyzed it in combination with the actual income and expenditure cases of the Jinxiu Pavilion, they gradually tasted the benefits.
So... The expense we spent on purchasing loose auxiliary materials last month was actually so much higher than we expected!
Looking at the figures in the new account book, Uncle Wang suddenly understood.
"Before, I wrote them all together and couldn't tell the difference. Now, each stroke corresponds clearly and distinctly!" "
Also, the profit margins of several types of cushions vary greatly.
This "Butterfly Lovers' Flower" seems to be selling well, but when considering the labor costs and silk thread expenses, the profit is actually lower than that of the simple and elegant "Raindrops on Banana Leaves".
A Xing also discovered the problem.
The double-entry bookkeeping method is like a mirror, clearly reflecting the financial situation of Jinxiu Pavilion, with its advantages and disadvantages all at a glance.
This enabled Wang Bo and A Xing to have a more precise understanding of the store's operation and also provided data support for subsequent strategy adjustments.
The atmosphere in the workshop was completely renewed.
Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang divided the embroiderers into several groups based on their basic skills and specialties, and they took turns to teach in small classes. Not only did they explain the key points of needling techniques, but they also took out the embroidery drafts and masterpieces they had cherished for many years for case analysis.
"Everyone, look at this painting 'Longevity of Pines and Cranes',"
Li Molan pointed at a richly colored and lifelike embroidery.
For the pine needle part, it is not advisable to use only one type of green. Instead, several green threads of different shades and shades, as well as varying degrees of dryness and moistness, should be used. They should be matched according to the pine needle's orientation towards the sun and shade, as well as its new and old layers. Only in this way can a vigorous and three-dimensional effect be achieved...
"And this' koi playing in the water ',"
Wang Xiuniang picked up another one.
The texture of the water waves should be combined with various arc-shaped needle techniques, with a proper balance of density and sparseness, in order to present the fluidity and luster of the water. Look at these few blank Spaces. They are just right and even more ethereal...
The embroiderers were so absorbed in listening that their eyes sparkled with longing and awe for the skill. Many needlework techniques that were previously thought to have been mastered were discovered to have so many mysteries under the explanations of the two instructors.
Some embroiderers who were usually unknown but had a solid foundation and high comprehension quickly showed their potential in class, received praise and guidance from the instructors, and further stimulated everyone's enthusiasm for learning.
After class, the embroiderers no longer rush home immediately after work as they used to. Instead, they gather in twos and threes to exchange their newly learned stitches and discuss color combinations. The workshop is filled with a positive and upward learning atmosphere.
The previous sense of anxiety and worry about the future has gradually been replaced by the thirst for knowledge and the anticipation of the future.
They felt valued by their employer, saw the space for their own growth, and more importantly, they felt that they were not merely doing a job, but also passing on a craft and creating beautiful things.
This sense of belonging and honor is beyond the measure of money.
Even A Xing noticed the change:
"Second Miss, the atmosphere in the workshop has been much better recently!" A couple of days ago, Zhang Ji sent someone to privately contact a few of our experts again, hoping to poach them with double wages, but they were all scolded back!
They said that in the Jinxiu Pavilion, not only are the wages fair, but they can also learn real skills and feel at ease!
Shen Ruoxin, upon hearing this, showed a relieved smile. The move of internal training was made right.
Stabilizing people's hearts and enhancing skills are the most precious assets of the Splendid Pavilion and the most solid backing to withstand all external storms.
However, just as the interior of the Splendid Pavilion was brimming with vitality, Uncle Wang, holding the latest accounts just sorted out using the double-entry bookkeeping method, found Shen Ruoxin with a solemn expression.
"Second Miss,"
Uncle Wang's voice was a little dry.
I carefully checked several times and found a problem.
The raw materials we have purchased during this period, as well as the quantities and accounts aggregated through various "hidden lines", are likely to match up.
But... There is a secret channel that supplies us with special gold and silver wires. The amount of silver spent on the books far exceeds the actual value of the gold and silver wires stored in the warehouse! The difference is huge!
Shen Ruoxin felt a chill in her heart.
The channel that provided the gold and silver wires was one she accidentally got in touch with back then. It was extremely secretive. The other party only recognized the token and the code and never showed up.
Could it be... Even this most covert link has gone wrong? Was it infiltrated by Zhang Defa? Or... Is there a problem with the other party itself?
This gold and silver thread is of vital importance to the development of high-end new products by Jinxiu Pavilion. Once it breaks or gets controlled, the consequences would be unimaginable.
A new crisis has quietly emerged.
(The word count of this chapter: approximately 2,410 words