The tray is decorated with hand-carved cloud patterns on the edge. The braised venison is sliced ​​and arranged in a circle on the white porcelain plate. In the very center of the plate is an exquisite porcelain cup containing the dipping sauce recipe.

Around the slices of braised meat, a few refreshing side dishes are cleverly arranged, their vibrant green colors complementing the dark brown of the venison, making them very appealing.

The main piece of braised venison weighs only a few ounces, but after being plated, its value increases dramatically, and it's estimated to sell for several hundred coins.

Xiao Youzhi gently picked up the jade chopsticks from the chopstick rest. With elegant and refined movements, he slowly picked up a piece of braised meat, put it in his mouth, and savored it. Compared to the venison he usually ate, it was less dry and more oily, but the chewy texture was still as good as ever, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Meng Zhao stood to the side, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Youzhi's expression. She watched as he calmly picked up another slice of venison, dipped it in the sauce, and took a bite. Meng Zhao waited a long time before he finally nodded.

"I want not only the spice packet for braised venison, but also the one for braised beef." The voice was calm and confident, as if the speaker highly approved of the braised dishes.

Meng Zhao considered for a moment. Although many people came to her shop specifically to eat her braised beef, her sources of beef were limited and the quantity was inconsistent. Each time she braised a few pounds, they were immediately pre-ordered by her regular customers, preventing her from achieving a significant scale of business. After thinking for a while, she looked up and said:

"Okay, one packet of seasoning can make ten catties of cooked beef, priced at 200 coins."

Actually, the cost of the spice packets for braised beef and braised venison is about the same. Even if they are both sold for 100 coins, she can still make a lot of money. However, she learned from the mistake she made selling starch last time. When setting prices, she should not only consider whether she can make a profit, but also consider how much profit Chunfenglou can make.

Chunfenglou makes extremely high profits from both venison and beef. If I set the price too low, wouldn't they make all the money? Just thinking about how they can make twenty coins per pound just by reselling starch makes me envious. I can't be that foolish this time.

After a moment's consideration, Xiao Youzhi also made his decision. The two immediately began to discuss the terms of the contract, carefully considering every word and phrase of the contract.

From how Meng Zhao ensures the quality of the ingredient packages, to how to guarantee on-time delivery, to how Chunfenglou ensures standardized use, to the consequences of unauthorized modifications to the ingredient package ratios, and what punitive measures should be taken if either party breaches the contract.

In short, the two talked back and forth for almost an hour before finally signing the agreement.

The contract was made in duplicate, and the two took turns signing their names and pressing their fingerprints. Meng Zhao was overjoyed. Once the contract took effect, it would mean that she would have a stable and considerable source of income.

She then asked Xiao Youzhi to write a letter of recommendation. The letter didn't contain much information; it simply stated that if she took the letter to a shop under the Xiao family's name, she should provide as much assistance as possible.

With the contract signed, the atmosphere in the room eased slightly. Meng Zhao's gaze inadvertently fell on the two boxes on the table. "Young Master Xiao, what about this glutinous rice flour and the cook?"

Xiao Youzhi's lips curled up slightly, his smile seemingly gentle, yet exuding an undeniable authority. "Minor squabbles are fine, but if they affect the grain store, the Xiao family will take care of it. Madam Meng, you don't need to worry."

Meng Zhao sighed inwardly. There are gains and losses. She got the letter of recommendation and had the Xiao family's backing, which would provide some protection for opening a branch factory. However, it would probably be difficult for the starch workshop to sell starch on its own in the future. In the end, she became a supplier for the Xiao family.

Meng Zhao composed himself slightly and carefully put away the contract and letter of recommendation. "Young Master Xiao, rest assured, I will not bother you unless it is something important. As for the starch workshop, I will restrict it when I return, and it will definitely not affect the business of Xiao Family Grain Store."

Seeing that Meng Zhao was sensible enough, Xiao Youzhi didn't make things too difficult for him. With the power and means of the Xiao family, it would be effortless for him to get the starch recipe.

However, after obtaining the recipe, it is necessary to arrange for someone to make it and establish a brand new workshop. The things that need to be considered are extremely complicated and trivial. If any problems are encountered in the process, it will probably take a lot of time. In comparison, getting the goods directly from Meng Zhao can not only meet the needs of their own grain store for starch, but also avoid getting caught up in many trivial matters. Why not do it?

Xiao Youzhi escorted Meng Zhao to the door. Just before leaving, he suddenly called Meng Zhao back, took the items that had been prepared from the servant, and said, "I didn't bring much with me when I went out. You can take these back first."

Upon seeing this, Meng Zhao quickly reached out and took them. They turned out to be two lustrous porcelain bottles. Touching them, he felt that the bottles were warm and delicate. The stoppers were engraved with three characters: "Yipinxiang".

Meng Zhao's eyes were first drawn to the porcelain bottle, but he noticed the inscription on the stopper last, and blurted out, "Is this the legendary First-Class Fragrance?"

Seeing her expression, Xiao Youzhi's lips curled up slightly, as if he were smiling, "What, would I give you a fake?"

Meng Zhao quickly waved his hand, "How could that be? I'm just a little surprised because I've never seen such good wine before."

He then thanked Xiao Youzhi sincerely before leaving with Shen Yun.

Inside Chunfeng Tower, there were heaters burning all around, so the two of them didn't feel cold. But now that they've stepped outside, a gust of cold wind blows, and they both shrink their necks and wrap their clothes tighter around themselves.

"Sister Meng Zhao, it's so cold today, is it going to snow?"

Meng Zhao looked up and saw that the sky was rather gloomy, which did not look like a good day. However, there was no weather forecast at the moment, so she couldn't say for sure.

"I don't know either, but the shop is probably very busy right now. Let's hurry back." They've been at Chunfeng Tower all morning, so the shop must be incredibly busy.

When we got back to the shop, it was indeed the case. I guess it was because the weather was cold and everyone wanted to eat something hot.

The shop was packed with people. The tables that originally seated four people were now occupied by six or seven people sitting around benches borrowed from some other shop. They were eating with great enthusiasm, and even with the door open, the shop was filled with a warm, humid atmosphere.

Madam Gu had been busy in the shop, her eyes occasionally glancing towards the door. When she saw them come in, she quickly handed Meng Zhao a hand warmer, then pulled them to sit down next to the warmer. She touched Meng Zhao's arm and said, "The weather changed so quickly after you left. I really regret not telling you to put on an extra layer. How are you? Are you not cold?"

Meng Zhao sniffed appropriately, "Luckily, it wasn't cold inside Chunfeng Tower. It was only after coming out and being hit by a cold wind that I realized I wasn't wearing enough clothes."

Seeing Meng Zhao sniffing, Madam Gu pulled her inside, where the room was even warmer.

"Sit down and rest for a bit. When I go back to the yard to deliver some things later, I'll bring you a thicker cotton coat."

Meng Zhao nodded obediently. After sitting down and resting for a while to warm up, she began to clean up the tables after the diners left.