As the host of the banquet, Hua Zhi arrived early. Seeing that there was still time, she wandered over to take a look at the new shop. As expected, the maids had made some adjustments to the details, making it appear even more comfortable.
She was never one to nitpick, so she simply told them to check for any further improvements themselves and make changes accordingly. Then she took the initiative to name the shop: "Sea Delicacies."
For food-related businesses, there was no need to choose an overly mysterious name—something straightforward and easy to understand would suffice.
Returning to the dining hall, she didn’t have to wait long before Jiang Xinde arrived. Judging by the time, he had also come early.
After exchanging greetings and taking their seats as host and guest, Hua Zhi wasted little time on pleasantries and got straight to the point. She pushed a drafted contract in front of Master Jiang and said, "Please take a look at this first."
Jiang Xinde raised an eyebrow, glanced at her, and then picked up the contract to read through it. He prided himself on his ability to judge character, and this eldest daughter of the Hua family clearly followed the path of open and honest dealings, without any underhanded tricks. No wonder his own son had made such a fuss—if it was for someone like her, it was truly worth it.
After reading the contract, he mentally elevated Hua Zhi two notches higher. Those who were willing to give generously usually had the confidence to gain something in return.
"Thirty percent of the profits—this seems like a deal where money is practically being given away. May I ask why you’ve chosen the Jiang Family for this, Miss Hua?"
"In the capital, one can’t monopolize business. Since the profits must be shared regardless, I have no objections to giving them to the Jiang Family. It’s also a way to repay Young Master Jiang for his assistance."
Jiang Xinde waved his hand dismissively. "Please don’t say that, Miss Hua. I’m well aware of his limited capabilities—he can only intimidate others. It’s hardly worth you giving up such significant profits."
"Then let me put it another way," Hua Zhi replied, her expression unchanged and a faint smile lingering on her face. "A family that can raise a son who, in such a situation, did not flee alone—and even declared that if he did, you would break his legs—is, in my eyes, more trustworthy than others. While I may not fully entrust my back to you, I also don’t have to constantly worry about being stabbed in it. Wouldn’t it be a win-win for both families to earn some safe wealth together?"
Hua Zhi’s flattery pleased Jiang Xinde immensely. However, as an old fox, he wasn’t so easily swayed. "What must the Jiang Family do to earn this thirty percent profit?"
"You’ll need to cover thirty percent of the shop’s initial investment. Do you have any objections to that, Lord Jiang?"
"That’s only reasonable."
"In this partnership, you contribute thirty percent of the capital, the Cai Family contributes twenty percent, and I alone cover fifty percent. The accounts will be clear, and no one can accuse the others of taking advantage. As for other responsibilities, if any issues arise in the shop, we may need to borrow your authority to resolve them."
Jiang Xinde pointed a finger at her, a half-smile playing on his lips. "My authority isn’t all that imposing. It might deter petty troublemakers, but I’m afraid it won’t intimidate certain individuals."
"This is just a small business. With you and the Cai Family involved, I doubt anyone would be willing to risk offending both of you over trivial gains."
A small business? Could it be smaller than Green Moss Alley? Yet, with a rough estimate, the potential profits were enough to make even him envious. If the Zhu Family hadn’t publicly claimed a stake in the venture, and if Zhu Bowen hadn’t recently gained the Emperor’s favor, someone would likely have already made a move.A thirty percent profit. Jiang Xinde lowered his head to examine the contract, his heart stirred. Though the Jiang family had deep foundations, for two consecutive generations, no one in the household had shown any talent for business. They had barely managed to maintain a balance between income and expenditure, which was clearly disadvantageous in the long run. If they could secure this deal now, the situation might just improve. The rumors about the Hua family’s eldest young lady being a gold touch hadn’t circulated for just a day or two. He dared not underestimate this thirty percent profit.
However, "Does the young lady truly not require anything else from me?"
Hua Zhi smiled. "What is Your Excellency worried about? That I would use this to force you to help the Hua family? With something so trivial, and clearly stipulated in black and white, how foolish would I have to be to attempt such a thing?"
"Young lady, do not take offense. It’s just that when a pie falls from the sky, no matter how hungry I am, I must first check if it’s edible."
"If I must say, there is indeed one matter."
Jiang Xinde thought to himself, As expected, feeling somewhat reassured, and waited quietly for her to continue.
"This humble daughter dares to ask Your Excellency, have there ever been any conflicts between the Jiang and Hua families in daily interactions?"
"Of course not. I hold the old master in the highest esteem."
"If one day an opportunity arises that benefits the Hua family, and Your Excellency has the chance to speak up, would you be willing to put in a good word for my family?"
Looking at this young woman who spoke with such composure, Jiang Xinde suddenly understood. Hua Zhi wasn’t truly doing this to earn silver. Drawing him into partnership wasn’t about borrowing his influence for protection either. Instead, she was offering a large sum of silver to buy this one promise from him. She was accumulating capital for any future opportunities that might turn the tide for the Hua family.
How fortunate the Hua family was to have such a daughter.
If his eldest son were not already married, he would have set aside all pride to personally propose this match. What a pity. As for Huanran...
Thinking of his somewhat dispirited younger son, Jiang Xinde sighed inwardly. The reasons he had given Huanran were not mere excuses—they were all true. A young lady like Hua Zhi, if she had remained as unassuming as before, might have been manageable. But now, how could his eldest daughter-in-law tolerate a sister-in-law who outshone and outperformed her in every way? Even if it didn’t lead to brothers turning against each other, their bond would surely suffer greatly. The risk of domestic turmoil was something he absolutely could not allow.
Yet, he still felt it was a shame. With emotions churning within, Jiang Xinde nodded to Hua Zhi. "I promise you."
Hua Zhi rose and performed a curtsy. "This humble daughter thanks you in advance.Jiang Xinde gestured a virtual support. "With you in the Hua family, the future holds great promise."
"Your Excellency flatters me. This humble daughter is merely doing her best." Hua Zhi glanced at Ying Chun, who understood the signal and lifted the curtain to indicate that dishes could be served.
"The food here is truly excellent. I’ve also had someone secure a place in line here, but it seems it will take about half a month before it’s our turn." Jiang Xinde smiled. "How does the seafood business compare to this one?"
Already concerned about it? Hua Zhi lowered her head and took a sip of tea, not hesitating to share a few details with her business partner. "Seafood is all about freshness. To keep them alive as long as possible, I’ve instructed the ships to carry less cargo and stock plenty of seawater. Although this raises the cost, seafood only tastes good when it’s alive. Your Excellency, rest assured, I’ve put so much thought into this—if it doesn’t turn a profit, the cuts I endured would have been for nothing.""I naturally trust your words, Young Lady, but you must also understand that people tend to be apprehensive about novel things. I'm afraid there will be many who come to watch the spectacle, but few who dare to actually take a bite."
"Then I'll have to ask Young Master Jiang to invite more friends. I'll also make some arrangements on my end."
After a moment's thought, Jiang Xinde burst into hearty laughter. Exactly! Let those fellows who value face above all else come and make a scene. Even if they're too timid to eat, they'll have to put on a bold front and take a bite. As long as the food is truly as delicious as Hua Zhi claims, why worry about future business?
Thinking it over, Jiang Xinde found it quite amusing. Without even knowing the quality of the goods, the contract had already been settled. This young lady certainly had remarkable skills.
PS: I've been stuck in second place on the monthly votes chart for a full month. It's the end of the month now, ladies. If you have votes, please cast them.
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