Lin Xuan Qi pointed to some pieces of paper next to the taels of silver.

He picked up one of them and showed it to Song and the other carpenters.

On the paper were drafts of different equipment.

A barrel with the required dimensions, a wheelbarrow, and some of the parts required for a pulley system.

"Those who can complete the task of making these will then be able to get the tael of silver.

"I believe it's fair for me to see if you are capable first.

"Let me know if you have any doubts about the draft since I've drawn them myself," Lin Xuan Qi said.

He wasn't going to splurge his money on people who were incapable.

When he got Old Shao in, he had trust in Xue Cong.

But he didn't have the same level of trust with Old Song, and so a simple test was part of the interview process for him.

Song and the others glanced at the drafts on the paper.

They were able to read the diagrams with ease.

The different views and dimensions of the final product were clearly defined.

It impressed them.

They had thought that Lin Xuan Qi would be one of those spoilt brats without any skills to survive without their parents' and ancestors' heritage.

As for the test, it was nothing new to them, and all of them had the skills to do so.

It wasn't a big deal for them.

They glanced at each other for a moment before turning their focus back to Lin Xuan Qi.

Song nodded his head and said, "We are confident that we can deliver."

"Great, there are tools and materials that you need in the workshop at the back of the mansion," Lin Xuan Qi said.

He had bought the tools and materials for Old Shao previously to create the mold for the soap.

Song and the others gave him a smile and pointed at the bags that were made of leather they had, slung across their shoulder to their waist.

"We have our own tools. Most of them except for the bigger tools."

Lin Xuan Qi stood up and waved for them to follow him.

When they got to the wood workshop, Old Shao was already waiting for them.

"Song, glad that you can join. Master Lin is a kind and fair master. You shall not regret it," Old Shao said while bringing them into the workshop.

Song and the others gave him a smile, nodded at him, and said, "I think we've seen a glimpse of Master Lin's talents."

"Since you know each other, I shall let you work on it. Inform me when it's done," Lin Xuan Qi said.

Old Shao, Song, and the others bowed at him as he left.

It was one down and many more to go for him.

When he got back to the main hall, there were some other men waiting for him.

They had a stern look, wearing black uniforms, and there were small burn scars over their hands, necks, and faces.

On the uniform in the left chest area, an emblem with the words "Sima Family" was sewn in place.

They were the ironsmiths that Sima Long had promised.

There was also a headman from Zhang Jie's family.

"Master Lin, they are the ironsmiths to help you from the Sima Family.

"And as for me, I've been tasked to get the requirements from you for the oil-layered paper and wooden boxes by my master."

The headman stepped forward and bowed.

Lin Xuan Qi glanced at the ironsmiths, and he felt the difference in their discipline as compared to the other rich families from what he had seen.

They stood straight in silence.

None of them were fidgeting or making any small talk.

A world of difference from anyone he had encountered so far.

The depth and substance of a cultivation clan were indeed different.

He motioned with his hands at the ironsmiths and said, "Stand at ease."

They didn't move and kept standing there in a row like statues.

Lin Xuan Qi gave out a long sigh and said, "If you don't do as I've instructed, I shall let Sima Long know that you've defied my orders."

The ironsmiths tried to side-eye each other, trying to know what to do next.

It was indeed Sima Long's order for them to obey the orders from Lin Xuan Qi.

But at the same time, it was against the Sima Family's rules to damage the image and reputation of the Sima Family.

"We can't be seen to be ill-disciplined... It's against the Sima Family's rules," one of the ironsmiths said, and the others nodded their heads.

"Family rules..." Lin Xuan Qi mumbled to himself.

It was something he had wanted to do but hadn't gotten to yet.

He did need to have rules soon with the sudden increase in the number of people in the clan.

With that in mind, he said to the ironsmiths, "Fine, stand like statues if you want. I shall not let you be in such a dilemma."

He glanced over to the headman and said, "Wait for me while I get the things you need."

Lin Xuan Qi went to his room and brought the drafts he made for the oil-layered paper and wooden gift box.

He passed them to the headman after he came back into the main hall.

To his surprise, the ironsmiths were still standing straight and tall.

He shook his head at them and took a seat.

"Master Lin, I shall get it done. We should be able to deliver within the next two days."

The headman kept the pieces of paper and bowed at Lin Xuan Qi.

He had glanced through the drafts, making sure that they were achievable.

Lin Xuan Qi nodded his head and said, "Thanks so much for the help. Do let young mistress Zhang Jie know that I really appreciate it."

The headman bowed and said, "Rest assured that she will get your message. Time is precious, I shall take my leave and get going now."

He didn't stop the headman and let him leave.

The headman was right, as there were many things left to be done.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.