Chapter 103: Chapter 103: The Treasure of the Town and County
Translator: 549690339
In the ancient era, where imperial power was supreme, it was essential to curry favor with the nobility or find a powerful backer.
Originally, she was selling cold jelly noodles as a means of improving the Qiao Family’s poverty-stricken state. Making tofu was an intuitive next step.
The tofu she sold in the future was not expensive. Her initial offer was six wen per catty, a very sincere price. She initially planned to accumulate wealth over time with a steady stream of business.
But during her dealings with Shopkeeper He, a few words led to a sharp increase in the price, almost reaching that of pork.
So in just a few days, what was initially a small business of tofu and bean curd unexpectedly became a hot commodity bid upon by top establishments like the Zuixian Building.
This was something she hadn’t expected at the start.
After Shen Bai and Shopkeeper Zhou left yesterday, she reassessed the situation and decided to sell the recipe in exchange for land.
The people from Zuixian Building were the most prestigious and prestigious people she had met so far. They did not bully her, a simple village girl, into giving up her valuable creation. With this in mind, she decided to sell the recipe at a half price.
In the future, she plans to create many more new things and securing a powerful backer is a necessity.
Shopkeeper He understood Qiao Xiaomai’s meaning, stroked his beard, and solemnly said, “Miss Qiao needn’t have such worries, at least in Bailu Town or even in Huai’an County, you can conduct your business with peace of mind.”
Qiao Xiaomai showed a questioning look in her eyes and blinked, “Please explain.”
“Because the headmaster of Bailu Academy resides here. He is the tutor of the current emperor and used to hold the office of Grand Tutor. Even though he has been out of office for many years, his status still carries weight, just like a mountain suppressing all evil spirits in this area.”
“So, you can conduct your business with peace of mind that no one will dare insult you.”
Bailu Academy attracts many official’s sons, even the crown prince would come to learn from the headmaster every year. Thus, no one would dare to bully or rob in Bailu Town for fear of his status. Qiao Xiaomai’s concerns were, therefore, unwarranted.
Of course, the actions of the Sun Family from the Qiao family were a domestic issue and did not come into this discussion.
“So that’s how it is—” Qiao Xiaomai let out a long ‘oh’, Bailu Town seemed to possess such a jewel that she was unaware of.
However, since she had already spoken her mind and genuinely wanted to acquire land, she said, “Thanks for telling me all this, Shopkeeper He. But I still want to exchange the tofu and bean curd recipe for land. Please discuss with Shopkeeper Zhou of Zuixian Building and see how much land you two can give me.”
Shopkeeper He clucked his tongue a couple of times. Qiao Xiaomai usually displayed sharp business acumen, but now she seemed weak, which was unusual.
“Alright, 1 will send for Shopkeeper Zhou and Young Master Shen right away.”
After he gave his instructions to a waiter, a quarter of an hour later, Shen Bai and Shopkeeper Zhou arrived side by side.
Shen Bai hadn’t changed from yesterday, tall and aloof, cultured and refined.
Shopkeeper Zhou too hadn’t changed, still quiet and smiling like the Maitreya Buddha.
After listening to Qiao Xiaomai’s words, they exchanged a glance, surprise flickering through their eyes.
However, this outcome was within their expectations. Neither of them dared to offend Qiao Xiaomai, so they had to divide the recipe between them.
Shen Bai was slightly disappointed that they could not monopolize the recipe, but with the Prime Minister backing Zuixian Building having to share the recipe was a better outcome than he had anticipated.
“What kind of land would Miss Qiao like?” Shen Bai asked aloud..