21 - Chapter 19
Liu Wen still looked unsure about the offer Sa Bina had presented him with. It would be considered an opportunity of a lifetime for most master alchemists. His reticence to accept the offer came from 2 issues. One he genuinely felt that he didn't deserve such an opportunity. The more serious issue was that it would make him a target for several master alchemists, who would all no doubt feel that he had stolen a position that should have gone to one of them.
As he pondered the life changing decision, Sa Bina watched silently. She could see the concerns and lack of confidence in his facial expressions. As the silence grew more and more tense, Sa Bina decided to nudge him a little.
“How about we start with a 1 year contract,” asked Sa Bina. “That would give me ample time to review your actual work. If we are both happy, we can make the contract permanent at that time. If not, then we can look at how to release you from your contract. As I have already said, if I find that you are not able to handle the tasks I have for you, then we can look at either providing training for you, or even bringing in someone with more experience if required.”
Liu Wen finally nodded. “Yes, I think that would work,” he said. “How do we proceed from here, my lady?”
“Well you can speak to Lou Sie, my secretary and she will make the appropriate arrangements.” replied Sa Bina.
Sa Bina led Liu Wen to Lou Sie and gave her an overview of the agreed contract terms. She left them together to finalise the contract and provide Liu Wen with the appropriate context and details. She also instructed Lou Sie to let all her new hires know to meet her at the estate the next day.
She still needed to procure an artificer, in fact that was the biggest obstacle to her business plans. While she thought it over, she would also need a healer and potentially an artist.
Her thoughts returned to the young women, whose name she had not even asked, that had attended to her at the artificers that made her Qi Seal. Might she be interested in a change of career? She wasn't sure. She definitely seemed happy in her role. She decided that she had achieved what she could here, and that it had been a most productive day.
She went to see the minister before leaving. “Minister, are you happy with how things are progressing?” she asked.
“I am, my lady.” replied Hang Fo. “The start had been most auspicious.”
“Do you need me for anything else?” asked Sa Bina.
“No, I don’t think so.” replied Hang Fo. “You will need to sign a revised contract and we still need to look into the issue of procuring raw materials, but both of those will take time. Perhaps you can visit tomorrow?”
“I will come by once I have finished some other tasks.” replied Sa Bina. “I start school the day after, and that only leaves tomorrow available to me.”
“I understand, my lady,” replied Hang Fo. “If you find you are too busy for a visit, then please send word and I will attend to you at your convenience.”
“I am sure we can arrange something that will be mutually convenient.” replied Sa Bina.
Sa Bina let Lou Sie know that she was leaving for the day and that she should make her own way back to the estate once she had completed all the paperwork.
With that Sa Bina was finished. She , along with Han Ji and her retinue of guards left the administration building. Sa Bina directed them to the inn controlled by the Green Mountain Sect. She hoped to run into Sun Li there, or if not, then leave a message for her. She felt the only way she would be able to procure an artificer and healer, would be with help from the sect. She also needed their help to procure a central location that would serve as their prime cafe and bakery. She really wanted the location in the noble quarter, ideally not too far from the school.
She smiled, as an idea dawned. There was a wide open space near the entrance to her estate. It was generally considered uncouth to have a trading premises as part of a noble estate, but if she sold it as a high end tea house catering only to the most discriminating clientele, then maybe she could get away with it. She would still need a central location for everyone else to visit. Also it would take her time and money to build and decorate an appropriate venue. She could also use it to host functions, duties she no doubt have to undertake in her guise as ambassador.
While there was a small ballroom at the estate, it didn't suit her modern taste or needs. So a modern style entertainment venue, serving breakfast and lunch and offering to host events in the evenings would work well. The venue could also incorporate a larger the usual industrial kitchen. That could work as a central kitchen for both the venue and other locations she choose to open. She would need to speak to her butler about her ideas.
As she was lost in her thoughts, they arrived at the inn. Sa Bina and Han Ji entered, while the guards secured the carriage.
It seemed luck was with Sa Bina. She saw Sun Li sitting at a table enjoying a drink. Sa Bina walked up to her table.
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“Greetings Sun Li,” said Sa Bina. “I am glad I ran into you here.”
“Greeting Lady Sa Bina.” replied Sun Li. “Were you looking for me? Please join me for a drink.”
“Thank you,” said Sa Bina, taking a seat. Han Ji also joined them. “Yes I had a small favour to ask.”
“How are things progressing with your recruitment efforts?” asked Sun Li “Sure what do you need help with?”
“It’s funny that you should ask,” replied Sa Bina. “Most of my recruitment has gone well. There are a few gaps that I need help with filling. I only have tomorrow before I start school.”
“What gaps do you have left?” asked Sun Li. She was a little surprised to hear that Sa Bina had mostly completed the recruitment already.
“My immediate need is a good artificer,” replied Sa Bina. “I need someone who is open to innovation and also open to becoming a long term retainer. Apart from that, given the size of my staff now, I feel we should probably have a healer or two. Lastly, I have some ideas about expanding the estate, and need to understand how best to go about the task of building new structures on the estate.”
Having been privy to Sa Bina’s original plans, Sun Li was pleasantly surprised by how fast Sa Bina had enacted her plans.
“I am sure the sect can help with that.” replied Sun Li, “ we have artificers who are completing their tenure as journeymen, and who I am sure would love to gain a prestigious position. I will ask the appropriate elder for recommendations.”
“As for a good healer, they are more in demand,” continued Sun Li. “I will ask around but it may take a bit longer. Lastly, as it's a diplomatic estate that you have purchased, technically no one can stop you from adding new structures. In terms of the actual building work, once you have an idea of what you want, we can get the sect to help build it.”
“Will I even be able to afford the sect rates?” asked Sa Bina. She was aware that hiring cultivators, though it would be much faster, was not a cheap affair.”
“As a member of the sect, at least in name, you would be able to avail yourself of the same advantages as other guild members.” replied Sun Li. “You would be able to post the request in the outer jobs hall. The outer elder would be happy to help you with the details.”
Sa Bina had almost forgotten about that little detail. “It should certainly help.” replied Sa Bina, “thanks for your help Sun Li. Do you think the potential artificers would be available to meet tomorrow? Also is an architect a separate profession? Also is there such a thing as an interior designer?”
Sun Li laughed at Sa Bina’s barrage of questions. “Yes I will send a message shortly,” replied Sun Li, “Generally a good artificer would also do the work of an architect, though some focus only on architecture. Lastly, I can't say that I have heard of such a role as an interior designer. What are they supposed to do?”
“In that case, depending on things, I may need more than one artificer,” replied Sa Bina. “I am even happy to take on a journeyman who can support the master.”
“An interior designer is a very sought after profession.” replied Sa Bina. “They would be responsible for creating and coordinating the interior design features of a new building to make sure all the elements from the furniture, ambiance, setting, decorations etcetera fit a single unified theme. It would create a much better experience in any setting, from an inn to a palace.”
“That does sound intriguing.” replied Sun Li, “though I have not heard of any such profession. Let me know if you find someone. I would love to see what they can achieve.”
“I think that covers everything for now,” said Sa Bina. “Would you excuse us, it has been a long day.”
“Of course Lady Sa Bina.” replied Sun Li. “Shall we meet here to interview the artificers?”
“Sure I will be here just after breakfast.” replied Sa Bina. With that Sa Bina and Han Ji left to return to the estate.
It wasn't long until they were pulling up to the main residence. She asked if Lou Sie had returned from the administration building yet. She was informed that she had.
Sa Bina asked Be Net, Han Ji and Lou Sie to join her for dinner, so that they could discuss Sa Bina’s future plans, and also provide updates on their current tasks. Meanwhile Sa Bina went to freshen up. She choose to take a bath, and change into fresh clothing. That was another thing she would need. She asked Dian Fu to return to the tailor that had made her clothing. She needed several more sets, and at least a few needed to bear the heraldry of her house. She also asked Dian Fu to ask the tailor to attend her at the estate.
After freshening up, she went down to dinner to find her retainers waiting for her.
As they sat down to dinner, Sa Bina asked everyone for a status update. Han Ji started with the status of the army.
“We have recruited 56 soldiers so far my lady.” said Han Ji. “ Joint training has started, and they have also taken up the task of guarding the estate. Do you have an idea of how many men you want to recruit?”
“I think we need to keep recruitment open for the time being.” replied Sa Bina. “We will be facing retaliation from the guilds and nobles for our actions, and I don't want to be caught out. Let us aggressively expand for now. We can review how we are doing regularly and decide if we feel we have enough guards to protect everyone. Lou Sie?”
“Everything proceeded well with the businesses we have recruited my lady.” replied Lou Sie. “On the other side, we have started to take a census of the partners of our retainers. Once that is collated, we will present you with the results.”
“I am really hoping to leverage those partners who are willing to work to expand our available talent.” replied Sa Bina. “How are things progressing with the management of the joint estate and the hiring of scribes and accountants, Be Net?”
“We have 6 scribes and 5 accountants who have signed contracts, my lady.” replied Be Net. “ Do we need any more? The rest of the estate management is well in hand. Most families choose to stay on, and it didn't take us long to fill the open positions. All told we have around 120 families who are now retainers in service to your kingdom my lady. We also have around 100 children aged between newborns and aged 10.”
“Have we looked at bringing on teachers to start teaching the children?” asked Sa Bina. “If not, let's use the scribes and accountants to provide lessons until we are able to fill those roles. I want all children in school from the age 4.”
“Now let me tell you the real reason for asking you to join me this evening.” continued Sa Bina. “I have made plans for how we are going to create the first business empire.”