Ganli's statement was not just to appease her employer; she genuinely intended to do so.
After hearing the tourist mention that ice in the height of summer was more valuable than gold, she intended to use this ice-making technique to earn her first pot of gold, but she did not plan to use this method to make huge profits directly.
Of course, this is not because she doesn't love money; she loves money more than anyone else. But she also understands a principle: you have to be alive to spend what you earn.
Even in modern times with a sound legal system, someone with a large sum of money is still vulnerable to being schemed against, let alone in ancient times where imperial power reigned supreme. In the eyes of the powerful and wealthy, human life is as insignificant as an ant. Her possession of the secret recipe for making ice is like a child carrying gold in a bustling marketplace, attracting covetous eyes.
Putting everything else aside, she's only in a small town like Cangxi, doing a little business, and she's already attracted the attention of two groups of people.
Once we leave this town, if someone takes a liking to us, more people will likely see the huge profits behind it, which could lead to disaster!
She was just an ordinary person, and the Gan family hadn't produced an official for eight generations; they had no way to protect themselves. Rather than risk it, she decided to offer this method to the court before it attracted any competition, hoping to gain some protection in the process.
During her time in the Great Jing Dynasty, she learned a lot about the dynasty. For example, although the Great Jing Dynasty was currently in a golden age and its people were much wealthier than those of other dynasties, many people still died every summer and winter.
In winter, many people freeze to death, while in summer, many suffer from heatstroke and never get up again.
The imperial court was very troubled by this, so before the arrival of these two seasons, it would remind the people to store up supplies in winter and not to go out at noon in summer, but in the end, the effect was minimal.
There's no way to make sweet pears in winter, but in summer—if she were to share this ice-making method and have the court promote it nationwide, the people could also obtain this way to beat the heat, and the situation would surely improve a lot in the future.
She omitted her modern opinions and explained the implications to her employer. Her employer, who was already impressed by her, was even more impressed to hear that a woman like her cared about world affairs.
He gave Gan Li a thumbs up, praising her while also feeling a little ashamed: "Manager Gan, as a woman, has the world on her mind. I, Sun, am truly ashamed!"
Gan Li humbly replied, "Not at all, I was just thinking of myself."
She wasn't being modest; she knew in her heart that this was a hot potato and she needed to find a proper way to get rid of it.
But as mentioned before, she didn't want to be taken advantage of, nor did she want to be a saintly white lotus. Even if she was forced to hand over this method, she still had to find a way to benefit herself.
In ancient times, population was extremely valuable. Her presentation of this method to the imperial court solved a major problem for the court. Even if the court was unwilling to reward her with actual gold and silver, it would at least give her some commendation.
Besides selling ice, she has other ways to make money. If she wants to expand her business, she needs a powerful backer.
By offering this formula, the Gan family caught the Emperor's eye and gained a protective shield. If their business grew in the future, even if someone was envious and wanted to harm them, they would have to consider the merit gained from offering the formula and weigh the consequences.
Of course, there's no need to explain these plans to the employer one by one.
Although the employer knew about her plan, he still felt it was a pity to hand over such a money-making method.
Gan Li said meaningfully, "We have to hand it over, but that doesn't mean we can't make a profit from it."
"If Manager Gan really submits this recipe to the imperial court for promotion, everyone will know this method, and how will we make a profit then?" the owner asked in surprise.
Gan Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, boss. I will tell you when the time is right."
One person can't earn all the money in the world. Since this employer has caught her eye, Ganli doesn't mind doing him a favor.
The landlord, being a shrewd man, naturally understood Ganli's meaning: if there was money to be made, he would be included. He was extremely grateful and showed his sincerity in return.
“We can be said to have become friends through a fight. I have benefited greatly from today’s conversation with Manager Gan. I think we should let bygones be bygones, and wipe the slate clean on the secret recipe and the money. Let’s just consider this a friendship.”
It's clear that he was truly impressed by Gan Li. He not only gave up the money but also the secret recipe, all in an effort to befriend her.
Since the other party was on the right track, Ganli couldn't be ungrateful. Besides, she wasn't willing to owe a big favor for such a small benefit.
She politely declined her employer's suggestion, saying, "They say even close brothers should keep clear accounts. One thing at a time. The money has to be returned, and I personally promised you the secret recipe, so I have to give it to you as well."
She was very insistent and wouldn't budge no matter how much the owner insisted. Helpless, the owner had no choice but to ask, "Then what secret recipe will Manager Gan give me?"
He had a vague idea of what was going on, but he was still somewhat surprised when Gan Li said it out loud.
"Fairy Taro Balls? Manager Gan is going to give me this secret recipe?"
Ganli smiled and said, "I wonder if the master would find it acceptable?"
"Manager Gan is joking, how could I possibly look down on it!" the owner exclaimed excitedly.
Actually, this was the secret recipe he had his eye on from the start! Although he knew ice could make money, he hadn't dared to even consider it before. After all, as Gan Li had said, the value of this ice-making method far surpassed his own recipe.
However, he knew that the man surnamed Zhao had asked Chen Danian to ask Gan Li for the secret recipe. He thought that if it fell into the hands of his mortal enemy, it would be better for it to fall into his own hands. So he shamelessly used Gan Li's previous promise to try and get a word in with Gan Li. If that didn't work, he would ask for the secret recipe of the 'Fairy Taro Balls'.
Now it seems that this plan is not going to work out. The landlord originally wanted to befriend Ganli, but things are not so easy to say what will happen next.
Unexpectedly, Ganli brought it up on her own initiative!
Having spent his entire life in the food business, he naturally understands that although the popularity of these taro balls is due to the rise of ice, their taste is still excellent even without ice.
Moreover, once Ganli reveals her ice recipe, the iced beverage industry will inevitably boom. At that time, whoever can make the most delicious iced beverage will gain the upper hand!
Instead of figuring it out yourself, why not just find something ready-made—this 'Fairy Taro Balls' is one!
However, he also had a concern. Gan Li and the others were making money by setting up stalls at the docks using this recipe. If he were to give them the recipe, how would they make money?
Little did he know, Gan Li had already planned this. She had previously stated she wanted to discuss business with her employer, and behind this secret recipe lay the business deal she intended to pursue!
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