Blossoms in Adversity

Chapter 284: Business Partner

"What's past is past." Hua Zhi had no desire to elaborate further and continued discussing their previous topic. "The cost of canned goods can be calculated. Last year, the jars cost two taels of silver each. This year, I pre-ordered specific sizes and styles from the kiln, maintaining the same price but with much better appearance. It wouldn't be difficult for you to verify this expense, Uncle. Then there's the cost of goods—while inherently inexpensive, I had to source them from other regions, build ice cellars in advance, and account for rock sugar prices and labor. Even the cheapest canned mandarin oranges require a base price of five taels for me to make a slight profit."

Bai Mingxia immediately objected without hesitation. "Five taels is too expensive. While these might sell for ten taels in the capital, they may not fetch the same price elsewhere. I also have to cover shipping costs, losses during transit, shop rentals, labor, and other expenses. After all these deductions, the profit would likely be similar to what I made previously at the restaurant."

"The selling price cannot be lowered. In fact, many capital goods command higher prices in other regions. Our business isn't about high volume and low margins—canned goods primarily target the elderly, women, and children from wealthy households. If you lower the price, they might not even value it. Moreover, Yunlai Restaurant is only one establishment, and later, a significant portion of sales shifted to shops, so the volume is inherently limited. If you, Uncle, can expand this business across the nine provinces, imagine the scale! Shall I calculate the total profit for you?"

"..."

"..."

After a back-and-forth negotiation, they settled on the prices: four taels and seven mace for mandarin oranges, and four taels and six mace for fleshy peaches, which, despite being more expensive than mandarin oranges, did not require long-distance transport.

"I plan to develop a few new products. One is lychee—a shipment arrived a few days ago. Another is hawthorn, and the third is pear. We'll set the prices after you've sampled them."

"These can be canned too?"

"Most fruits can be canned, though some don't taste good after processing, and others don't store well, like grapes. By the way, when selling hawthorn canned goods, make sure to clarify that pregnant women cannot consume it—it's the same as eating fresh hawthorn, as it may cause miscarriage."

This point was indeed crucial, and Bai Mingxia committed it to memory. "How much canned goods are left from last year?"

"Enough to supply a few shops. After all, these are expensive items and won't sell in large quantities daily. Let's take it slow and avoid expanding too quickly from the start. Also," Hua Zhi looked solemnly at Bai Mingxia, "I'm partnering with you, not the Bai family. I hope you can resolve your family matters properly to avoid future complications."

"As long as I leave the capital, my elder brother won't continue to pursue me relentlessly. Don't worry, I'll secure what I need before discussing the contract with you. Two months should be sufficient."

Hua Zhi calculated the timing. "Perfect. That will be right when the fruits are ripening. I may need your help then."

They continued discussing details for a while longer, finishing two cups of tea before stopping. The window was open, and Bai Mingxia, noticing the near-dark sky outside, slapped his forehead. "It's already this late! It's not convenient for me to escort you back, so you should hurry home. Other matters can wait."

Hua Zhi glanced outside as well, then stood and gave a slight curtsey.There was a consensus among the capital's residents: Shizhai was a place for fine dining. The more people flocked there, the more its prestige grew. No one would engage in undignified behavior here, and drunken brawls were absolutely out of the question. Shizhai only served fruit wines, and even those depended on the dishes ordered—for mushroom feasts, fruit wine wasn’t served at all, and even requesting it would be futile.

Yet patrons ate this up. Those who left did so with full bellies and cheerful hearts. And because there was no room for unsavory incidents, the establishment closed its doors before dusk every day.

Fu Dong had already finished tidying up and was waiting outside. Bao Xia was whispering to her when they spotted their mistress emerging and hurried over to greet her.

"All done?"

"Yes."

"Then let’s head back."

Bai Mingxia followed shortly after. Hua Zhi stepped aside to let him pass, and the two descended the stairs one after the other. At the turn of the staircase, Bai Mingxia spotted the man waiting on the ground floor at a glance.

He remembered this man. During his recent trip to Yinshan Pass, he had discreetly inquired about him from Yue Zhi. From Yue Zhi’s tone, it seemed he recognized him, though his identity remained unclear. The way he treated Hua Zhi suggested their relationship was anything but ordinary.

Hua Zhi noticed him too, her eyes lighting up with a smile as she descended the stairs. "Have you been waiting long? Have Shaoyao and Little Six come out yet? Before leaving, I asked Lan Qiao to prepare a meal."

"Just arrived. They’ve already gone ahead." Gu Yanxi glanced at Bai Mingxia. "Finished your discussion?"

"Yes." Hua Zhi made no move to introduce the two men—they moved in different circles and had no need to know each other. "Uncle, I’ll take my leave now."

"Go ahead, it’s getting late."

Gu Yanxi first helped A Zhi into the carriage before mounting his horse. Hua Zhi beckoned Fu Dong to join her inside.

In the gently rocking carriage, Hua Zhi pulled Fu Dong, who was kneeling to the side, into a proper seated position. "Are any of the people under you ready for independent work yet?"

Fu Dong shook her head. "They each handle different tasks. If one becomes competent, it generally means all are ready to graduate. Right now, they’re still far from it."

Hua Zhi wasn’t surprised. There was only one Fu Dong, and it had taken years of training for her to become this capable. The others lacked her natural talent—how could they possibly take charge in such a short time?

"Does Miss need to use them?"

"I need to use you." Seeing Fu Dong’s eyes instantly brighten, Hua Zhi’s gaze softened. Though she always treated her maids equally, among her senior attendants, her favorite was the obedient, gentle, and compliant Fu Dong.

"What does Miss need this servant to do?"

"During my recent trip south, I secured a supply channel for ingredients. After I return from my northern journey, around August, we’ll need to establish the seafood business. I’ll need you to oversee the food aspects, but Shizhai can’t do without you either…"

"Miss, this servant can handle it." Meeting her mistress’s gaze, Fu Dong emphasized, "This servant can manage both."

Hua Zhi paused briefly, then smiled and pinched her cheek. "You’ve improved."

The old Fu Dong would only move when pushed, and even then, it took some effort. Now she was proactively sharing her burdens.

Fu Dong blinked, cradling her mistress’s hand in hers and lowering her head. She still longed to return to her mistress’s side, still preferred avoiding responsibilities—but if these were things her mistress needed her to do, she was willing."The preparation methods for those ingredients are quite simple. As long as they're fresh enough, they'll taste good even just boiled in water. During this period, focus on developing dipping sauces—that's crucial. Additionally, you need to start preparing pickled vegetables and fermented sauces. Our household reserves won't last much longer. Don't worry about the hot weather; our household has no shortage of ice."

"Yes."

"After I leave, keep Lan Qiao by your side. I think she shows promise and might eventually share some of your responsibilities."

Fu Dong nodded. "Yes, Lan Qiao is quite inventive and willing to put effort into research, but..."

"But what?"

"She's engaged and will be married by year's end."

Any aspirations would become empty talk after marriage—pregnancy and childrearing would become their primary concerns, Hua Zhi thought with inward regret. She abandoned her hopes for Lan Qiao and felt relieved she hadn't shared any grand ideas with her. Everyone has different pursuits, and she didn't want to influence another's life path.

"Then let her serve as my personal cook."

Fu Dong lowered her head, visibly disheartened. "This servant had hoped to become Miss's personal cook..."

"That day will come. When all the Hua family members return and we're freed from these duties, you'll come back to be my cook."

PS: Double update today. Setting a goal—triple update tomorrow. Requesting monthly votes—seems we've dropped to second place...