Zhu Family, in the study.
Zhu Bowen set down those few flimsy sheets of paper, weighing them down with a tiger-head paperweight, then looked up at his second son. "She said she only wants thirty percent of the profits?"
"Yes."
Thirty percent. Zhu Bowen leaned back in his chair. "Zhi Er is practically giving money to the Zhu family. This product is already highly profitable, and with her proposed sales method, the profits would be unimaginable."
Zhu Haodong nodded. The profits from this single venture would exceed all his current businesses combined. He was tempted, but also felt it was too hot to handle, uncertain whether he should accept it.
Zhu Bowen closed his eyes in thought for a moment. "Tomorrow morning, go to the Zhou family. Speak directly with the eldest son of the Zhou family. Offer him thirty percent of the profits with one condition: when the Hua family encounters difficulties, they must lend a hand."
Zhu Haodong was surprised his father had chosen the Zhou family. Although the Zhou family was known for being straightforward, civil and military officials traditionally avoided interactions. If someone were to use this as leverage...
"Do you really think civil and military officials never interact?" Zhu Bowen chuckled and shook his head. "Only people like Sun Qi would have such reservations. Everyone in the capital knows each other's backgrounds. Many have good relationships, but no one brings it into the open."
"I understand, Father. But I'm also concerned whether he would agree to that condition."
"Simple. If he doesn't agree, his family gets no part in this. Plenty of others would be eager to take it." Zhu Bowen gave a light laugh. "The Zhou family has indeed been declining generation after generation. If I weren't planning to make use of Old Man Zhou's status, this money-making opportunity wouldn't go to the Zhou family. Actually, go directly to Old Man Zhou himself. We only care whether he agrees or not. Don't bother with anything else."
"Yes, I'll go first thing tomorrow morning." Zhu Haodong understood his father's intention. Zhou Jing, the old general, held the rank of second-grade Valiant General and commanded the Central Battalion. If the Hua family could secure a promise from the Zhou family, it would be like gaining an extra layer of protection. This would also be a worthy return for the gold mine Zhi Er was offering.
"Regardless, you must not shortchange Zhi Er even a single copper coin of her thirty percent profit. Other necessary expenses will be split equally between the Zhu and Zhou families."
"I understand, Father."
Thinking of the recent rumors circulating in the capital, Zhu Bowen smiled. "This could be considered achieving fame overnight. When you saw Zhi Er, was she doing well?"
Zhu Haodong, who had been completely preoccupied with the formula at the time, thought back and said, "She seemed the same as usual, so composed she hardly seemed like a teenage girl."
Zhu Bowen wasn't surprised. She had probably considered all this when she decided to go to the Song family. That child could truly keep things hidden when she wanted to, yet she never shrank from stepping forward when needed. Who knew where she got all that courage.
The Zhu family hadn't been completely free from pressure during this period either. Some families had even distanced themselves from them. Yet the Emperor acted as if he knew nothing about it. Even when memorials were submitted accusing him either openly or implicitly, the Emperor turned a blind eye, making it clear he had no intention of transferring blame. After the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau began overseeing court affairs, such minor matters received even less attention. It seemed the Hua family's troubles were finally over. He breathed a sigh of relief for his granddaughter, though...
Zhu Bowen smiled. Probably Zhi Er wouldn't be left in peace for long.
Hua Zhi remained dressed in simple, plain clothing, her only adornment a small white flower tucked in her hair. Her lotus-like face appeared even more pale and delicate.Hua Zhi had too many matters weighing on her mind and had completely forgotten about the considerable reputation she had gained in the capital. Without giving it much thought, she boarded the carriage. Su Momo, however, thought further ahead, not only bringing all four of her senior maids but also four guards from the household.
The moment the carriage left the Hua family’s lane, it was noticed. The young men of the capital were reserved, even arrogant. They harbored no improper intentions toward Hua Zhi but were simply curious to see what kind of woman could be both as aloof as an immortal and as fiery as flames. After all, very few had witnessed her demeanor in person.
Upon hearing that the eldest daughter of the Hua family had left her home, many were stirred into action. Yet, they refrained from recklessly lifting the carriage curtains, choosing instead to follow at a respectful distance—they still had their pride to uphold!
Unaware of all this, Hua Zhi spent the journey explaining the unique aspects of the tavern to Fu Dong.
"Fu Dong, from now on, you’ll need to stay here permanently. This venture can only succeed with you at the helm."
Fu Dong twisted her handkerrest nervously. "Miss, I know how to cook, and I enjoy it, but... but I don’t want to be here alone. I’d rather stay by your side."
Hua Zhi sighed inwardly. She had pondered this issue for days but could find no other solution. This task could only be accomplished by Fu Dong.
"You’ll simply be preparing food in a different place. You won’t have to interact with anyone, and you’ll have complete freedom to cook exactly as you please."
Fu Dong was slightly tempted. "I’d have full authority?"
"Exactly."
Fu Dong’s eyes brightened. If she could return in the evenings...
"After dinner each day, someone will escort you back."
"But if I’m not there, who will prepare your meals?"
That was indeed a significant problem. If she had known this venture would require such arrangements, she would have trained more cooks. Hua Zhi rested her chin on her hand, feeling somewhat troubled. Without Fu Dong’s cooking, she had little appetite!
"I could prepare the meals at home and bring them to the tavern."
"That won’t be necessary. Let’s bring Liu Juan along. I’ve observed her, and she shows promise."
Fu Dong nodded in agreement. "Yes, I also think she’s quite capable. She learns quickly and grasps things with just a hint."
"Liu Juan alone isn’t enough, though. I don’t trust outsiders, so I’ve selected six or seven people from our household. They all have some foundational skills and will be placed under your guidance. Train them as quickly as possible, and your workload will lighten."
Even so, Fu Dong wasn’t entirely happy. She would much rather focus on preparing food and drinks for her mistress and staying close to her. But this was her lady’s business, one of the few areas where she could genuinely help, so she couldn’t refuse.
The carriage came to a stop. Hua Zhi lifted the curtain to glance outside, then patted Fu Dong’s hand. "We’ll discuss this further when we return."
Leaning on Ying Chun’s arm, she alighted from the carriage. Seeing the newly renovated gate, Hua Zhi felt a sense of satisfaction. She had always appreciated things with a sense of substance—they didn’t need to be extravagant or eye-catching, but they had to withstand scrutiny. This gate suited her taste perfectly.
"Young Mistress." Du Cheng, who had been waiting at the entrance, hurried forward, feeling slightly nervous, afraid that his efforts might not meet her expectations.
"Is the interior also completed?"
"Yes, everything is ready."
Hua Zhi nodded and was about to step inside when she heard someone call from behind, "Young Mistress."
She turned instinctively and saw a row of tall, majestic horses, each ridden by a man dressed in splendid attire, strutting like peacocks displaying their feathers.
Unfortunately, she was not the peahen they sought.With a light, fleeting glance sweeping over them, the young masters all straightened their backs, only to see the woman turn her head away and just like that... walk inside without a backward glance!
PS: Kongkong would never stop updating without saying anything, and Kongkong hardly ever breaks updates—it's a system issue, ladies, please don't blame Kongkong!! You can follow Kongkong on Weibo; if there really is an update break, it will be explained there. But Kongkong has never even missed an update while traveling for work!
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