The hunters pressed their handprints with joy in their hearts. Although it had only just passed the Qingming festival, they were already looking forward to the Spring Festival.
Those who did not wish to learn a craft could leave after pressing their handprints, while those who wanted to learn the tea-frying skill were kept back to sign a separate contract.
This contract stipulated that Hengchang Commercial Firm could select one person from each family to learn the tea-frying technique. During the apprenticeship, in addition to food and clothing, each person would be paid ten wen per month.
After completing the training, they must serve the tea business of Hengchang Commercial Firm for ten years, receiving a monthly wage like the other tea masters.
After ten years, these people had the choice to leave or to stay.
