TianXing was greeted by a stunningly large four story concrete building, approximately three times as large and grand as the Merchant Guild office back at Luo ChengShi.
It had dull gray outer walls with red pillars, inscribed and carved with jade dragons, supporting the extended second floor. Long red rectangular curtains of cloth hung high from the third story, reaching down to the first. On it was an imprint of their emblem and the city’s seal. At the center front, a tall gold statue of the tael was positioned.
She stood at the front of a leading staircase that faced a wide main street which in turn looked out to the harbor, where the salty sea air was ever present, causing her nostrils to be a little runny. Approaching the entrance gate, lined with waving lion statues of limestone, dozens of individuals walked by while others were entering just like her, ranging from aristocrats and well off entrepreneurs to ragged vendor stall owners.
Passing through one of the arched double doors, TianXing promptly moved to the side as she scanned the area. The concourse took up the open space of two floors, and the roof held a spectacular painting of glamorous deities amongst flora and fauna. Large lanterns hung in a 8 pointed star formation and from where she stood, the interior walls were a bricked pattern of cemented stone stacked alternatingly. At the center, a massive round table was placed, filled with buckets of water and vases of tea. Surrounding that were wooden long benches, chairs and tables. At the sides, numerous service counters of varying specialization were at their busiest. Lines of people, apart from the upper classes of the populace. were waiting for their turn to go about their business.
On the other hand, several well-dressed robed servants could be seen scattered across the lobby, addressing those noblemen and escorting them to designated corridors to isolated luxury meeting rooms.
‘What convenience…I truly missed having this back home.’
Back before the family’s whole scandal occurred.
Sighing, TianXing took a small cup of tea before heading towards the shortest line available for a registration counter. Unfortunately, with the continuous influx of new migrants into the city, compared to the other types of services, these counters always had the most queues. This ‘shortest’ line already had more than 40 people at the front and ten more were already waiting behind her. Additionally, depending on the person, the listing process may take several seconds to half an hour but luckily, there was no such person before her.
.
.
.
Soon, it was her turn. The booth was separated by an upper glass panel and outlined with smooth wooden planks.
Inside, a middle aged man was the main operator, wearing a gray QiPao and a red cone shaped hat. His hair was tied in a long Queue rope, fastened with a white feather. He routinely took out another parchment form and wrote down several details with an ink brush. To his side, there were several with varying thickness and length.
He then took a quick glance at TianXing before writing some more.
She waited, until he placed the brush down.
“Could you write?” came a husky voice.
Countless times, the man had asked this question to everyone who came. But TianXing was not going to make herself a new license from scratch, she was just here to reaffirm the acceptance of her current license in a new province where ShanDong resides.
“I have an existing permit.”
The man paused and stared blankly at her.
“Which province?”
“The Yee.”
He pulled out another form and wrote down another set of information.
“Name?”
“Xu TianXing.”
“Specificity?”
“Current or Previously?”
“Previously.”
“Pharmaceutical Shipment and Development.”
“...”
“What’s the matter?” The worker stopped his brush.
“Sorry, just shocked. I would have never guessed such a profession is for a woman.”
“That’s understandable.”
She shrugged the topic aside.
“Next, do you have any letter of recognition or stamp of approval from your respective branch Head?”
“Yes, I do. Give me a moment.”
With that, she slipped out a folded piece of paper from her inner pockets, crumpled beyond the standard thanks to earlier. She bluntly handed it back to the worker, with extreme embarrassment seeping from within.
“I had some trouble on the way here.”
Giving a slight annoyance, the man inspected the letter and the branch’s red imprint. Deciphering the words from it, as a way to prove authenticity, the worker nodded. Finishing off more writing before looking back up to her who waited with hesitant anticipation.
“Finally, Ms, what business activity are you planning to do here?”
“...”
She fell silent at first, before giving a decided response.
“For now, I will be looking for employment.”
“Hah!” The man slowly chuckled.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, no, don’t worry, Ms.”
“...”
Gathering up the documents and handing it to a nearby official, the man turned back to TianXing.
“Upstairs, second floor. Your new license will be given there.”
“Thank you, Sir,” she replied curtly.
“Next!”
And TianXing hastily made her way to the nearest stairway.
---
Following behind a group of people, TianXing exited the Merchant Guild building and out through the gates. In her undergarments, she hid a clean pouch that housed her new permit documents, tucked deep within. With this, she would no longer be doing illegal trade here and so, will never be apprehended by the Police Guard to do business. Furthermore, this would surely give her some edge over others in getting employed. As she predicted, competition here was super tough and this would be a trump card. TianXing giggled quietly to herself.
‘For the short term, let’s start with a regular job to cover daily funds. Once I find the opportunity to start a potentially successful venture, then I would focus full time on that.’
“Now then, let’s get a quick lunch before I set off job hunting.”
Later that afternoon, TianXing went to a crowded street hawker and fortunately got a wooden stool. She ordered a meal of rice and roasted chicken, followed by another vase of normal tea.
‘14 silver taels left…’
The worries started to appear more definite.
‘Maybe I should take residence near the Heavens’ Steam. They provide more food with a similar price range.’
But, that was not important now. If she can find work here, she can readily afford food near the coast and never meet that eccentric waiter ever again.
TianXing clenched her hand into a fist. Her eyes were burning with determination.
---
Heading her way towards a nearby pharmacy of decent size, she approached the front door. At the top, a signboard spelt out the words, “Medicine And Ni” in lavish black wide brush strokes. To the side, a poster was hung up, advertising a job for hire as a cashier.
Reading the job requirements and specifications, TianXing could confidently say that she fit in all those conditions. Moreover, this job pays weekly at a minimum of 20 silver plus numerous other benefits.
‘What more could I need!’
Proceeding into the store past two standing guards, she was met with a crowded atmosphere. Ten aisles of lots of packaged medicine could be seen being emptied out by the tens of customers in here. To the side, the doctors on duty, actively gathering the herbs and concoctions was very much the same to what her brother used to do for most of his customers with the same cabinets and equipment besides being much more massive in comparison. There were two currently and it was easily seen that they were out of breath in this hectic work environment.
‘I see the need for new recruits.’ she thought to herself.
Amidst the loud chatter of the crowd, TianXing approached a sorting employee and was able to inform him of her possible employment here.
“Where could I meet with the person in charge?!!” exclaimed TianXing.
Not bothering to raise his voice out loud, he gestured for her to come follow him to the back of the store.
Passing by a straight corridor to a staircase up to the second floor, the man brought her to a large waiting room, filled with decorative flowers at the corners and chairs with respective tables to the left and right. More artistic vases, cups and plates further gave off the impression that the owner was prosperous. The walls were pristine white while the roof and floor were tiled with wood.
“Please take a seat, Madam.”
TianXing obediently accepted.
The man then knocked gently on the door and waited.
“Come in!” screamed a man’s voice.
Carefully, the man closed the door behind him and only muffled voices could be heard outside.
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A short while later, the man opened the door and addressed TianXing.
“You may come in,” he said robotically.
“I understand.”
Tidying herself up for the last time, she took a deep breath and entered the boss’s room. The man gave way for her and left the room, heading downstairs to continue his duty.
Inside, the room was cramped. Off to the sides were cabinets stacked with papers, books and documents. At the very end from where she stood, a plump 60 year old man with a short mustache, wearing a dark purple and black tattered QiPao, sat across a large office table, facing out to a large window, overlooking the bustling streets below. It was luxurious in design with golden accents and carved lion motifs. In his hand, the old man held several bamboo scrolls and folded parchments. Four chairs were situated between them. Currently, two of them are occupied.
A man in his late 20s sat in the third seat, back straight and in respectable posture. He had his hair tied in a bun and wore a forest green Hanfu with an inner white black tunic.
On the first seat, a youthful teen was sitting cross legged with a bright smile across his face. He appeared to be 16, sporting long flowy black hair and gray outlines over a white tunic.
TianXing felt her stomach churning but still remembered what she learned back home. This was no longer something new for her. Folding her hand together, sleeves touching, she greeted them formally.
“Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to meet you all.”
Obligately, the old man relaxed his eyebrows, “The pleasure’s all mine, dear. It is truly fate that the two of you came within an hour of each other. I was about to get started with today’s batch of potential new recruits.”
He turned gazes both at her and the man in the green clothing.
‘As I thought so…’ TianXing grimaced internally, ‘It’s rigged from the start.’
“Young lady, why don’t you take a seat? You look exhausted already…”
“Certainly not, Manager. Thank you for your concern.”
She took the second seat, between the youthful teen and the man.
After that, she handed him the documents onto the table. She had already taken them out prematurely.
When he fully finished reading all of her information, the old man scanned through the other two’s profiles before setting them aside. Getting his hands together, the old man spoke steadily, “Listen everyone, as you can see the situation beneath us, I do not have time to go over the lengthy process of elimination rounds and finalized shortlisting. I mentioned out there that only those with certified licenses from the Medicinal Guild could participate because I have the urgency of making either one of you work full shifts on the next day. Our doctors here cannot hold on for very long, as you can see”
He lit a cigar.
“Thus, like all the others that I had met on the day before and the day before that and so on, you will propose to me why you should be chosen and if it is enticing enough, I will decide on whether to give you a trial run for a week. This means that…if you do not impress me in any way the slightest, I will push your case aside. Just like all the recruits before you, as you can see.”
He took another puff.
“Do you get me?”
TIanXing gave a firm nod, while the man looked on unfazed. The teen smirked cheekily.
“Lady Xu, why don’t you start first? It is a man’s courtesy.”
“Alright, Manager. Firstly, I grew up in a medical household. All my ancestors are skilled doctors in their own right. My father was one of the best in our castle city and I am the daughter of two. He taught me all there is to pharmacy, having assisted his shop ever since I was a small child, while I also pursued commerce in my free time. If you accept me into the business, not only while you obtain an experienced apothecary, I can lay assistance for checking account booklets and sorting inventory efficiently. Because as I see it, you have quite the fast paced operation. Overall, it’s a two in one deal. Two birds with one stone. All for the price of one.”
‘Rather than two different people for two different professions, if there is one multitasking tool, no one’s dumb enough to reject them, especially at such a price.’
That was one hook she reeled out to the pond and the worm on it was large.
‘Surely, I will win, right?’
But, never did she know, the fish she wanted didn’t even eat worms.
“Hmm, quite the attractive skillset, Lady. But, It’s now your turn to prove yourself, Mr Wan. The floor’s all yours.”
He gestured towards the man in the green tunic.
“Sir, I do not wish to waste any more time with useless repetition. For simplicity’s sake, I will state this. I am all that Ms Xu is with much more experience under his belt, besides the additional technicalities that is entrepreneurship. But, Sir, that was never a part of your specifications when you advertised the vacancy. Surely, for how much the business has grown in your lifetime, you already have a dedicated, trustworthy team for managing finances and the inner workings of the system. I consider, Sir, that the addition of an allrounder meant that her commercial skills are useless if they need time to synergise well with the existing group which is not a priority for the long term since there is no demand for new business advisors. You are hiring medical professionals here.
Not to downplay Lay Xu’s abilities as apothecary alone over here, but we have to be realistic, Sir. A woman’s not fit for the workforce,”
Her neck tensed.
TianXing felt a sudden surge of frustration, knowing that they might use this pathetic excuse.
“Especially for a fast paced service such as Medicine and Ni, a woman ripened in her early twenties, if I presume, would be hot for love. There is no time for dedication to the business if she is out looking for a man. Once she’s tied down to him, all the loyalty is to the spouse.
Let us say this logic is too far-fetched to be realistic. The Lady will certainly have her end of the month duties. Such conditions could lead to other forms of illnesses and drastic mood swings. Not suited for attending to patients at that time of the month, don’t you think?
What about maternity leaves, if we are considering long term employment?
If that’s not a sign of inefficiency, then I do not know what is. All I care for is the best of the business looking into the future. Bashing on women's disadvantages is just a natural reason for potential mishaps. Sir, I hope you consider this wisely.”
“...”
The room went silent for a good short while until the old man began talking again.
“Lady Xu, why aren’t you defending back? Mr Wan indirectly insulted you from a certain perspective.”
“As he said, Manager. A woman’s needs can be tricky and an inconvenience. I truly agree with that, but, I assure you, Manager, that that has never affected my father’s business ever. And as you can clearly see, Manager, do my clothes look like I am in the mating season? Even my makeup is applied to the minimum since that is never my real goal. I love my job as an apothecary and I will continue to dedicate my life to it.”
“Then why leave for the big city?” the old man interrupted.
“...Pardon, Manager?”
“You could still do what you love best back at your father’s pharmacy. Why bother coming here then?”
“...I am greedy, Manager. I dream big. I wish for money. I love it and I need it. Just like every man out there that sails across provinces, I want money and this is a good starting point for me.”
“I understand. Now, the three of you will be dismissed for the time being. Please wait outside until I say so to return.”
Nodding their heads, the trio got off their seats.
On her way out, the youthful teen immediately made his way towards her in a jolly gait.
“What a ‘manly’ speech you gave back there, Older Sis. I would love to see you stay. You’re fun!”
‘I was wondering when he would show up.’
She turned back to him, slanted eyed.
“...Thank you for your compliment, young Master.”
“Eh?” came his surprised look.
But, before their conversation could continue more, TianXing strided far from the both of them, tending quietly to herself, nervously anticipating the results. It was a heated 30 minutes of silent waiting.
.
.
.
---
“You may come now!” the old man instructed.
Taking the same seats they previously sat on, the old man puffed another sack. His room filled with fading smoke.
“Very anxious, aren’t we?” teased the old man.
And as expected, none of them replied, besides the teen with a smirk.
Picking up a piece of parchment, the old man grunted.
“Mr Wan?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“You are already at the age to be betrothed to another? Why are you still unemployed?”
“...It’s nothing grand, Sir but…my prior employer’s shop got bought off by the Shang Brothers’s Trading corporation, and it’s not only me…”
“I understand.”
“Lady Xu?”
“Yes, Manager.”
“Don’t call me that any longer.”
“...Sorry?”
“Unfortunately, I had already made my decision. You lost, Lady Xu. Please leave my store.”
“Wait, Sir! Sorry, but…may I ask the reason for your choice?” Her voice was shaky.
“...Nothing against you, Lady Xu but I think it is logical. The young man you see here is the son of a fellow associate of mine so the first spot is rightfully reserved for him. The only spot left is between you and Mr Wan. The question I finally ask is…”
The old man shifted his chair closer.
“How many boxes can you lift?”
That’s when TianXing realized there is no point arguing back. The man’s strength is much more useful than her managerial talents and she could not think of a striking counter.
“Thank you…for having me.” TianXing bowed deeply.
Puffing another breath, “Likewise, Lady Xu. I hope there’s no bad blood between us.”
With that, the distraught maiden hurriedly left the room and downstairs.
“Goodbye, Older Sis!” was all she heard left.
She clenched her fist tightly.
---
Following that disheartening reveal, TianXing arrived at a small street stall where she ordered a bowl of stir fry noodles for 2 silver taels but was given back 5 bronze coins.
‘13 silver’
Afterwards, she headed back to the inn and made bed for the night. As she was sorting out her things however, TianXing accidentally stumbled across an iron medallion. Picking it close to her, TianXing finally realized her connection with the Wen Shipping company. She recalled that they could offer her a job.
‘I completely overlooked that! But…’
Even so, she deeply sighed, keeping back the medallion deep within her pouch.
‘There is no doubt that with Grandpa’s help, there will be an open seat for me. Then again, for a man that had built up such a large corporate empire in the region, there should be some agenda behind it. I feel that if I am indebted to them, there will be some consequence to that. The best route to use this is if I can offer up a joint venture project, but there is none in sight. Argh, why do I have to make this harder for myself? WHY!!!!’
TianXing continued to sulk for quite some time throughout the chaotic night.
---
The next day came and TianXing started the day just the same, washing in the back and ordering porridge with YouTiao.
.
.
.
That day, TianXing spent the morning strolling around the area for jobs. She had several conditions before proceeding with registration.
‘Firstly, it must pay decently well. I may need to collect personal capital for whatever start-up I will see to soon.
Secondly, there must be some potential to rise up the organization chart. The work must have promotions.
Lastly, it is something that I specialize in.’
With these set in place, TianXing finally decided on another pharmacy to sign up.
After lunch, TianXing made her way to a place called ‘Tuo’s Stomach’.
Inside, she saw a familiar sight. It was a hectic store like the previous. Again, she inquired with a storekeeper about the vacancy who gladly brought her up to the owner’s office.
Knocking on the door, the male storekeeper informed the owner, who was a middle-aged slim man, sporting a thick brown beard.
“Sir, a new recruit is here to see you.”
Placing his brush down, the man answered, “Bring him in.”
“...Sir, it’s a woman, named Ms Xu.”
Suddenly the owner let out a loud gasp.
“Did I hear you correctly, QiPi? A lady, as an apothecary?”
“...Yes, I saw her letter. It’s certified.”
“Interesting…Send her out, QiPi. It must be a false copy.”
“Understa-”
“WAIT ON, MANAGER!”
TianXing burst through the door.
“I would never lie about my skills. Do I have no pride?!”
“OUT GIRL! BEFORE I CALL THE POLICE GUARD!”
“...”
“Lady Xu, please,” the storekeeper gestured out of the room.
“Fuck it, old twig!” TianXing screamed as she stormed her way out.
It was another failure.
Grabbing her purse and counting the last of her money, her face darkened.
“12 silver”
---
For the next several days, TianXing went about the streets, looking for more adverts and applying for them. Unfortunately, her chances were not so bright.
For numerous other pharmacies, she lost the battle to others who are more experienced and skilled or for similar prejudices.
And when she went for business and advisory firms, the rejections were much more brutal, as well as hopeless.
By the time a week passed, TianXing woke up to a shamefully meager amount of 2 silver taels left.
‘This will be barely enough to pay for today’s breakfast and lunch…AND RENT PAY’S ALMOST UP!!!’
She was sweating frantically all over.
If she cannot find a job fast, TianXing would also be homeless starting tomorrow. Otherwise, she had no choice but to either get a quick loan from the Bank Guild or pawn off her possessions.
The situation was dire.