Qin Jiangqiu had no idea what the yamen runner was thinking. Taking advantage of the time she had, she wanted to go and check on the clerk.

The days without cell phones and the internet were truly difficult. Staying in the village all the time meant being completely cut off from news, which made her feel uneasy. Although she wasn't anyone important, even a nobody like her had to keep up with current events, right? Otherwise, what difference was there between her and a lamb waiting to be slaughtered?

Siji Pastry Shop

Upon seeing Qin San Niang, Si Li Ren was overjoyed. The hawthorn shortbread he had recently launched had been a hit with everyone and had even caused quite a stir. His elder sister from the Jiangzhou main family had also sent word that he should expand the hawthorn shortbread business, and naturally, he would receive a share of the profits.

Many customers line up early in the morning, afraid that they will miss out if they arrive late. They say that Si Ji's hawthorn shortbread has a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and has a very special sweet taste. It is not greasy at all and can even help to cut through the richness of the food. It is perfect for both adults and children!

Many women from wealthy families sent their husbands to inquire about the banquet's preparations, and designated the chef, Fatty, to be in charge. This kept the head of the ceremony very busy, as families who could afford to host such banquets were prominent figures in He County.

A few days ago, the county magistrate's wife sent her steward over, saying she wanted him to prepare pastries for her daughter's birthday banquet, which made Steward Si very excited.

Although Sili Rensheng was born into the Si family in Jiangzhou, the social hierarchy was scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant. The Si family had made their fortune as merchants, and no matter how wealthy they were, they were not officials.

County magistrates, on the other hand, held official ranks and were mostly selected through special imperial examinations, so they were not comparable to other officials.

In short, all of this was good news. The Master of Ceremonies was in high spirits, his face rosy and radiant, even looking several years younger. Infected by his good fortune, Qin San Niang couldn't help but smile and say...

"It's only been a few days, but Manager Si looks more than ten years younger! I almost didn't recognize him!"

Qin San Niang was a few years younger than him, so they were roughly the same age, but compared to Qin San Niang, Si Li Ren looked a bit older.

Having gone through so many trials together, they are now comrades in arms, so they can take a joke like this.

"Oh, to be honest, I've been really in high spirits lately. Our hawthorn shortbread business is doing well, and the pastry business in He County is gradually recovering. I've also gotten in touch with some friends who used to be in the pastry business. They're all scattered throughout Jiangnan now, and they're willing to do business with us."

Sili Ren picked up the teacup and took a sip. This was a fine tea sent by his elder sister; he wouldn't normally be willing to drink it! Qin San Niang was an extraordinary person and also his business partner, so he was willing to share it.

Qin San Niang also picked up her teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed, "This tastes really good! I never imagined there was such fine tea in Jiangnan."

The taste of this tea amazed her. The tea she had drunk at Fuyun Tea House before was not as good as this. It tasted more like pre-rain Longjing tea.

Seeing that she recognized its value, Sili Ren was also very pleased. "These were sent over by my elder sister. There are two bags in total. You can take one bag back with you later!"

Qin San Niang did not refuse. She did not lack good tea leaves, and had some in her space. However, she could not give to allies all the time. It was more conducive to unity to accept some benefits.

Thinking of their business discussion, he continued, "Brother Si, do you have a plan in mind? Are you planning to expand the business?"

Since Sili Ren took the initiative to change the way she was addressed, Qin San Niang naturally followed suit.

"Yes, it's all thanks to you, sister. Thinking back, my shop was about to close down, but I never expected to be able to turn the tide and bring it back to life. Since that's the case, I've decided to take a gamble. All my old partners were forced to move their entire families by Chen's before."

Now they've settled elsewhere, but they're still in the pastry business. Some are doing better, while others started from small workshops. They've spent their whole lives in the pastry trade; they don't know how to do anything else!

Now that my business is doing well, I thought I'd make their lives a little easier too. Their workshops aren't very special, so if they bought some new-style pastries from me to sell, making a profit from the price difference wouldn't be bad."

In this way, for Siji, it is equivalent to a combination of wholesale and retail. As long as the recipe is in hand, the sales volume will not be affected for several years. Moreover, the pastry business sometimes relies on brand recognition.

With a good reputation, as long as the quality is maintained, even if other companies imitate it very well, they will not surpass the original.

Qin San Niang didn't care about these things, after all, she had plenty of prescriptions.

"I don't understand business matters, so I rely on my elder brother. If the main family agrees, then there's nothing wrong with it."

Now, she actually admired Sili Ren somewhat.

His conduct is that of a Confucian businessman! Even when business is booming, he still thinks about helping his former competitors. The reason for this reminder is that I'm worried Sili Ren might offend his own family; it wouldn't be good if he suffered losses because of helping others.

Si Liren wasn't stupid; he knew that Qin Sanniang was thinking of him. He quickly said that he had already consulted his elder sister, who also agreed, saying that this would help the Si family build connections and good relationships.

Knowing that he had already made proper arrangements, Qin San Niang said no more. When she heard that Si Ji had been chosen to host the birthday banquet for the county magistrate's eldest daughter, she came up with another plan. If she could get in touch with the county magistrate, then no matter how powerful Chen Ji was, Si Ji would not be afraid!

Finding the right backer is always important!

"Brother Si, what are your plans for the magistrate's daughter's birthday banquet?"

Hearing her say that, Si Liren spoke eloquently. The new dim sum that Si Ji has launched is very eye-catching, and he naturally intends to serve them all, which can be regarded as pushing Si Ji back into high society.

Moreover, as far as he knew, those attending the banquet included not only prominent figures from the county but also many dignitaries from other regions. Wouldn't this open up sales channels to other areas?

Qin San Niang naturally had no objection to this arrangement, but these ordinary pastries were far from enough to win the favor of the magistrate's family. Hawthorn shortbread and the like could be bought at Si Ji Pastry Shop by ordinary people; at most, one would have to arrive early and queue up. They were not anything unique. The wealthy and powerful all hoped to be treated specially, and the magistrate's family was no exception.

“Brother Si, your idea is definitely not wrong, but if we want to go further, we must innovate.”