The Ancient Lantern Maker's Daily Life as a Merchant

Announcement: This novel will be completely discounted on Saturday, April 29. Chapters 20 to 34 will be discounted chapters, so please don't buy them again if you've already read them. Thank you for all your support so far, and please continue to support my next novel.

She transmigrates as the eldest daughter of a family whose parents have both died, inheriting a shop on the verge of bankruptcy.

At home, she must raise her frail younger siblings. Outside, a ruthless uncle and a scheming cousin are eyeing her covetously.

Ming Qingxue grits her teeth. "How hard can selling lamps be? I did this for a living in the modern world, too. With the System at my disposal, what kind of lamp can't I make?"

Students studying for the imperial examinations complain that reading by candlelight strains their eyes? Foldable desk lamps designed to protect the eyes, perfect for reading and writing.

Noble ladies are afraid of the dark in their bedrooms? Gentle night lights in all sorts of cloud and moon designs.

Merchants and travelers need to set out early? Fog lamps provide both light and a warning signal, keeping you safe on the road.

What, you ask what the thing inside the lamp that needs replacing is called?

Oh, that's a battery. Buy more and get a discount; the bigger the order, the cheaper each one. When they're used up, our shop will recycle them. One-stop service, eco-friendly and hygienic.

As for how the Ming family turns ore into batteries, well, that's a trade secret. No comment. If I told you, how would I make any money?

Ming Qingxue works hard making and selling lamps, with her younger siblings helping out.

Her younger brother handles all the lettering on the lamps. Later, these lamps become known as Top Scholar Lamps, each one fetching a high price.

Her younger sister handles all the patterns on the lamps. Later, these lamps become known as Embroidery Master Lamps, each one treasured by its owner.

Ming Qingxue becomes a wealthy merchant, counting money until her hands are sore every day.

Her relatives regret cutting ties with her.

Her childhood sweetheart regrets breaking off their engagement.

Ming Qingxue: "Hm? You don't need to worry about me. I'm doing just fine. Stay away from me."

++

Then a general clad in black armor comes to her shop. "Shopkeeper Ming, could you make a custom lamp?"

Ming Qingxue listens carefully to the customer's requirements.

A tactical lamp? No problem. Leave it to her!

But why is this man looking at her so strangely?

Xiao Heng: "May you shine like the full moon, forever bright. I'd brave ice and snow to bring you warmth. Qingqing, whatever you do, I'll always be there behind you."

(The heroine's name comes from the line, "May you shine like the full moon, forever bright; I'd brave ice and snow to bring you warmth," from Qing Dynasty poet Nalan Xingde's poem Die Lian Hua: A Tune for the Fisherman's Flute on the Day of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The author is working hard on the story and plans to update every other day for now. Feel free to let it build up. I'm a new writer, so my abilities are limited.

Theme: Promote lighting and serve people's daily needs.