A heavy rain leaves twenty-four baskets of green plums damp, putting the harvests of twelve farming households at risk of losing value. The shopkeeper neither conceals the damage nor arbitrarily lowers the price. She leads everyone in grading the fruit basket by basket, works with bamboo craftsmen to make protective dividers, and repeatedly tests the arrangements with the boatmen to ensure the goods reach the East Market as promised. When the buyers inspect the fruit and negotiate the price, she honestly explains its quality and earns their trust through integrity. Once the payment arrives, she settles what she owes the fruit farmers, bamboo workers, and boatmen, setting aside the surplus as working capital to protect future shipments. Everyone learns that honest business, improving one's craft, and working together are the keys to preserving the villagers' trust and ensuring that their labor receives its rightful reward.