I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 223: Discussion and Conclusion, Procurement of Materials

Finally, a merchant stepped forward. He was a cloth shop owner named Wang Fugui.

“Madam Fang, this plan sounds good, but if it fails, we’ll have nothing left.” The richest man, Wang, said with a face full of worry.

Fang Xiaoxiao said.

"Mr. Wang, doing business is inherently risky, but given the current situation, if we don't try, we'll just be sitting here waiting to die."

Moreover, Manager Zhu and I are willing to take the lead in contributing funds to show our sincerity.

Zhu Wen also said.

"Gentlemen, I have been in the business world for many years, and I believe that this decision will definitely yield some results."

If everyone works together, we will definitely be able to overcome this difficulty.

At this moment, another merchant spoke up.

"But market demand changes so quickly, how can we guarantee that all the goods we purchase will be sold?"

Fang Xiaoxiao replied.

"This requires us to closely monitor market dynamics and adjust our procurement and sales strategies in a timely manner."

We will assign a dedicated person to collect market information and report back to everyone daily.

After a heated discussion, the merchants' attitudes gradually softened.

Ultimately, persuaded by Fang Xiaoxiao and Zhu Wen, the merchants decided to proceed with the plan.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Zhu Wen breathed a sigh of relief.

After the merchants decided to proceed with the plan, Fang Xiaoxiao knew that procuring supplies was the top priority.

She immediately set about making preparations, and embarked on a purchasing trip with several capable assistants.

They first arrived at a small town famous for its high-quality cotton.

However, when they arrived, they found that the cotton had already been bought up by other merchants.

Fang Xiao was extremely anxious and inquired everywhere. She finally learned that there was still a small amount of cotton in stock in a remote village dozens of miles away.

They rushed there without stopping, only to encounter terrible weather.

The wind was howling, mixed with blizzard, making it impossible to open one's eyes.

The road became muddy and the carriage got stuck in a deep mud pit.

Fang Xiaoxiao and her companions had to get out of the car and push it with difficulty in the cold wind.

"Everyone, work harder!"

Fang Xiao shouted loudly, her voice broken by the strong wind.

Her hands were red from the cold, but she still gripped the cart shaft tightly and pushed it forward with all her might.

The men mustered all their strength, chanting slogans, and pushed the cart out of the mud pit step by step.

Everyone was covered in mud and water, their hair was disheveled by the wind, but their eyes were filled with determination.

After finally reaching the village, they discovered that the small amount of cotton they received was of inconsistent quality.

Fang Xiao gritted her teeth and decided to buy them all. After some difficult bargaining, she finally settled on a relatively reasonable price.

"Boss, the cotton quality isn't very good. Is it okay for us to buy it?"

"One of the men asked worriedly."

Fang Xiaoxiao looked at the pile of cotton and said.

"Given the current situation, we're lucky to even have some. Let's go back and process it properly; it should still be usable."

Then, they went straight to the charcoal production area.

I thought it would be a little higher, but I didn't expect that the price of charcoal in the producing areas would rise sharply due to a surge in demand.

Fang Xiaoxiao knew the importance of charcoal in the cold winter, so she gritted her teeth and bought a batch at a high price.

"Boss, this price is too high. Aren't we going to lose money?" another employee couldn't help but ask.

Fang Xiaoxiao's gaze was firm.

"As long as it can help everyone get through this winter, it's worth it even if we lose a little money."

During the transport of charcoal, they encountered a group of robbers.

When the bandits saw that they were pulling several carts full of goods, they blocked their way and demanded tolls.

"Heroes, we are only trying to help the people, please do us a favor." Fang Xiaoxiao tried to reason with the bandits.

"Enough with the nonsense, leave your goods behind, and I'll spare your lives!" the bandit leader said viciously, brandishing his broadsword.

Fang Xiaoxiao remained calm in the face of danger and dealt with the bandits.

She was eloquent and spoke of the hardships everyone faced in these difficult times, promising some charcoal in exchange.

"My fellow heroes, we are all suffering from natural disasters and man-made calamities. It's not easy for anyone these days."

These supplies are meant to save lives; if you take them, you will be despised.

"How about I give you some charcoal so you can also get through this cold winter?"

The bandit leader hesitated for a moment, but seeing Fang Xiaoxiao's determined eyes, he finally nodded.

"Alright, at least you're sensible enough, young lady. Bring some charcoal and hurry up and leave!"

Fang Xiaoxiao and her colleagues quickly unloaded some of the charcoal and hurriedly left.

After several days of travel, Fang Xiaoxiao finally embarked on her return journey with the purchased supplies.

However, she and her companions were exhausted and had been caught in a blizzard, losing their way.