On the other side.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao also successfully arrived at Cao Lisong's workshop.
As soon as the two knocked on the door, his apprentices immediately greeted them warmly and ushered them in. Some were already busy preparing tea.
Everyone knew that their livelihood was now secured by this young couple. They weren't just a young master and mistress; they were their benefactors!
Therefore, seeing the couple arrive, the apprentices were naturally very solicitous.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao smiled and told them not to bother, "We're just here to take a look. Don't be nervous, just continue with your work."
They were too embarrassed to admit they were avoiding the troublesome matters at home.
But in hindsight, it was necessary to visit. Not long ago, the city was in chaos due to the refugees' rebellion, making it difficult to go out due to the general unease. Now that things had finally settled down, it was the perfect time to come.
They also brought the modified design blueprints, recently finalized, for Cao Lisong to review.
While these apprentices were Cao Lisong's students, some of them were thirty-something men, not young anymore, yet they remained humble. Thus, there was nothing strange about their attitude.
Hearing the couple's words, everyone smiled and complied. Some dispersed, but those preparing tea and refreshments still went about their task.
Visitors were always guests, especially such esteemed ones.
They were promptly and openly received, in the usual spot: the central courtyard of the workshop.
This was Cao Lisong's living quarters, where he often worked. Thus, whenever the couple visited, they would discuss matters with him here.
As Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao walked over, they saw him working. His muscles tensed with exertion, which was a bit amusing.
Su Miaomiao chuckled twice.
Cheng Hao glanced at her, coughed lightly, and then she restrained herself.
Cao Lisong heard footsteps, smiled, pulled down the cloth around his neck, wiped his sweat, and joked, "I don't even need them to announce your arrival; just seeing the setup for tea and refreshments tells me it's you two!"
Normally, his apprentices weren't this excited or meticulous. It was only when they visited.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao immediately laughed in response, "Of course. They call us honored guests, so ordinary hospitality wouldn't suffice." "It's alright, if you're busy, you don't have to be so particular every time."
Cao Lisong shrugged helplessly, "I didn't specifically instruct them. They are simply fond of you two. Since they have some free time, I'll let them fuss. By the way, did you two come for anything important today?"
As he spoke, he washed his hands, preparing to host them himself.
Cheng Hao then took out the blueprints he brought and laid them on the table.
Although Su Miaomiao hadn't visited many times, she was naturally carefree and uninhibited. She was already familiar with the place and sat down to pour herself tea.
She even poured a cup for Cheng Hao and Cao Lisong each, showing great thoughtfulness.
Cheng Hao couldn't help but smile at her subtle actions, "Indeed, there are some details we need to discuss with you, which is why we've come to bother you."
Cao Lisong quickly replied with a smile, "Bothering us is an understatement. Custom orders always require extensive discussion, especially for such large projects!"
For him, his usual work involved furniture. Modifications to carriages like these were challenging, and he wouldn't have been able to take them on without his skills and craftsmanship. However, accepting such orders not only allowed him to hone his and his apprentices' abilities but also provided a stable income.
With the large influx of people into the city, life was indeed becoming increasingly difficult.
There were many craftsmen like him. Wealthy households, to save money, would hire such artisans and have them lead a few laborers to build furniture or design things for their homes, which was more cost-effective than finding workshops like theirs.
Furthermore, there were many carpenters with lesser skills who, seeing the trend, opened their own workshops. They would have clients bring their own materials, and they would only provide their labor, earning money from their work. In any case, they could make a living.
This was the situation in all trades, as too many people had entered the city.
In such a competitive environment, everyone struggled.
Without real skills, one could barely survive in the city and would ultimately be driven out.
However, outside the city was much more dangerous.
It was less regulated by the city authorities, leading to all sorts of unsavory activities. While it seemed peaceful during the day, it was fraught with peril at night.
Theft was the least of their worries.
Rumors from outside the city were chilling; it was not a good place.
Cao Lisong considered himself skilled, and having arrived relatively early, he had some regular customers. However, the subsequent drop in new orders was significant. He realized that without this major order from the couple, his workshop wouldn't last much longer.
His apprentices were naturally worried.
This was why they were so attentive to the couple, hoping that this order would last longer, thus ensuring their continued income during this crisis and alleviating their constant anxiety about whether they would have business each day.