Chapter 729 - 502: Scooters

Chapter 729: Chapter 502: Scooters

Li Junshi quickly introduced the housekeeper and servants of the mansion to them. As the madam instructed, there aren’t many people, but they are all clever and sensible.

Li Junshi was sent by the Liu family to manage business affairs here, having thoroughly understood the local situation beforehand. He is not the housekeeper of the Jiang family mansion.

Knowing they were fatigued from travel, Li Junshi kept the introduction brief and then thoughtfully left, allowing them to rest.

The courtyard had been divided and everything was prepared meticulously. Upon receiving news of their arrival, the servants had already prepared hot water.

After bathing and having some sweet soup, everyone naturally gathered in the backyard.

This coastal region is sparsely populated with relatively simple folk. However, there is a slight difference in speech from the central mainland.

Fortunately, the servants and housekeeper at home were specially selected by Li Junshi, so communication is fairly smooth.

On their way here, though, the conversations they overheard from passersby in the city were incomprehensible and very different from what they were used to, with most of the language being quite unfamiliar.

Before leaving, Li Junshi specially instructed them to be sure to take two servants if they went out for a stroll.

Not only can they guide them, but they can also help translate and explain if they don’t understand what others are saying.

Li Junshi also mentioned that while most ordinary people in Quan County don’t speak the official language of the central mainland, they almost all understand it.

Gathering in the backyard now, the maid served them the local specialty kuding tea. The tea leaves are long enough that just a few can brew a large pot, and once steeped, the leaves are large pieces.

Unlike the tea they usually drink, kuding tea has a mild medicinal fragrance and tastes a bit bitter, yet leaves a hint of sweetness after drinking.

The housekeeper introduced that this kuding tea, which clears heat and prevents summer fatigue, is one of the favorites among locals during summer in Quan County.

Although Quan County is within Xu Yu, the structure and style of buildings are similar to those of the central mainland, yet distinct in some ways.

The architecture in the central mainland is more exquisite, but the buildings here have a more rugged beauty, offering another kind of charm.

While the family gathered to drink tea in leisure, Jiang Hu and Jiang Wei were tweaking their scooter nearby. Little Sisi, knowing it’s intended as a toy for her, kept watch nearby.

From their first attempt until now, father and son have tested it several times.

The wheels can be made from thick hardwood, but attaching them to the deck requires iron, not hardwood.

During a previous rest stop, Wei Ziang specially purchased a set of ironworking tools and stored them in Xiaomi’s space.

In fact, he has his own set of tools, but they were in the Ministry of War. Before leaving, the emperor promised to bring them along when the craftsmen arrive.

In recent days, whenever he had the chance, Wei Ziang would go into Xiaomi’s space to figure out how to make the axle. Now, after multiple trials, he has successfully made two of them.

Now, they just await Jiang Hu and Jiang Wei to assemble all the parts together, and Little Sisi’s scooter will be ready.

Father and son have been diligently researching woodworking these days, with a basket full of discarded wheels. They’ve even decided that if successful, they’ll make more.

They plan to send one to their older brother for his future children to play with, and send a few to Liu Ze’s brother and sister-in-law. Liu Qingfeng’s second daughter is already three, and the third child is due soon.

They even think that if possible, they might open a shop specializing in selling scooters, surely it’s a profitable venture.

Indeed, even as a Marquis and the young princely heir of the mansion, they’ve started considering woodworking as an alternative career.

However, they’ve yet to act on this thought.

Others watch them mess around, further discussing their current circumstances.

Liu Ze occasionally glances at his daughter, worried she might trip over all the tools scattered on the ground, then turns to Wei Ziang and Xiaomi: "Xiaomi, Ziang, do you have any thoughts now?"

"Although there’s a dock near Quan County, when I looked, it wasn’t large enough. The big ship we traveled on struggled upon arrival."

"Moreover, even if the dock expands, the river’s water level isn’t high enough, preventing larger ships from navigating."

Being their own vessel, Liu Ze has spent considerable time learning about sailing precautions from the ship’s management during this period.

He knows Xiaomi and Wei Ziang’s plans; even if they build a large ship someday, it’ll need experienced sailors for sea voyages, but it’s always beneficial for him to understand more.

"Ze’er, we already considered this. Large ocean ships can’t be built on the river, it should be by the sea. After resting for two days, my brother and I will scout the coastline for suitable shipbuilding locations."

Wei Ziang nodded: "Yes, staying in Quan County is temporary. If we confirm a location for shipbuilding, we’ll decide where to live accordingly. If it’s not far, it’s convenient to remain here."

Liu Ze nodded: "Good that you have plans. Tomorrow, I’ll explore the town to find suitable storefronts. When our people and supplies arrive, I’ll arrange the shop."

Though his mother has business here, he never intended to claim it for himself.

That’s all for his younger brother; he has his own businesses.

Liu Ze is always grateful, knowing he was destined to die young. Without his parents’ careful nurturing and later encounter with the Jiang family, he wouldn’t have lived this long.

These experiences have made him more open and cheerful than most, never considering contending for the family fortune despite knowing they have boundless wealth.

Of course, he’s confident he’ll leave enough wealth for his own children, ensuring they live without worry.

Jiang Hu suddenly raised his head.

"Ze’er, speaking of which, what do you think of our scooter? How about we find some craftsmen, teach them to make it, and you set up a shop specializing in this? I’ll continue crafting other toys with Jiang Wei; I think roller skates could be quite fun too."

Last year during the sea voyage to the Capital City, he saw many wondrous items in Xiaomi’s space, even getting to play with them. They’re truly magical.

Liu Ze was also intrigued, knowing Xiaomi’s space contains numerous fascinating toys. If they can be modified and produced, they’d surely be wildly popular.

But before nodding his agreement, he glanced at Wei Ziang.

His father sought him out for business because he’s the only focused on it now.

Jiang Wei isn’t interested in business, and their older brother is too busy in the Capital City.

Previously, Wei Ziang had no time due to military service, but now he might be. Despite being family, if Wei Ziang has ideas too, Liu Ze can’t claim everything for himself.