White noodles represent the pinnacle of Zhang Xianglian's craftsmanship to date, embodying both complexity and purity; any aspect of it is a highlight.
I originally thought she would open a noodle shop, but Zheng Ruqian tricked her into joining Jiuzhenfang, and she was so busy that she couldn't spare a moment for it.
The white noodles were put on hold until Jiang Sheng wanted to set up a workshop, at which point the matter was brought up again.
Zhang Xianglian readily agreed, and she had no objection even if the workshop representative wanted to teach the recipe to others.
That was something from ancient books, not something she created. It was her honor to be able to shine in the world and save more poor and helpless sisters.
In comparison, it's more worthwhile to consider who to sell to.
In the past, Jiang Sheng and his sister would have chosen Youranju without hesitation, not only because Youranju had a good reputation and paid promptly, but also because of the inertia they had developed over the years.
After several frictions, and the emergence of the Jiang family and the fake heiress, Jiang Sheng began to hesitate about this place and wondered if she should cooperate with a few other restaurants.
However, this would be tantamount to going against the Jiang family, and would also be detrimental to previous cooperation.
The whole family knew that this was a difficult decision, which is why Zhang Xianglian asked the question.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Sheng was brought into Youranju by Yao Siqing by mistake, and sold Baishuimian with just a few words, and even the contract was signed.
Looking at the black words on the white paper, the bright red handprint, and the red stamp of Fengtian Prefecture, Changyan and Wen Zhiyun said in unison, "Then congratulations, sister."
Zhang Xianglian beamed with joy, "It's time to start preparing for the workshop."
The ingredients for plain noodles are not expensive; the main problem is the complicated preparation method. In Anshui County, they are already selling for one tael of silver per catty. One catty can make four bowls of noodles. Manager Hao sells each bowl for five hundred coins, making a net profit of more than double.
Prices in Fengjing are high, and labor costs are also high, so both parties tacitly doubled all prices.
There was no malicious attempt to lower prices and make things difficult for anyone, nor was there any excessive discounting based on Jiang Sheng's status. The head manager is the head manager; although he is adept at changing his mind depending on the situation, he has his own principles when it comes to doing business.
No wonder Old Madam Jiang entrusted Fengjing Youranju to him with such confidence.
“I’ll go rent a suitable courtyard right away,” Jiang Sheng said earnestly. “Auntie, please take stock of all the aunties and uncles who will be coming to help with the work when you have time.”
She got up and walked outside.
Chang Yan moved his lips, as if he wanted to give some instructions.
Jiang Sheng suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Taking inventory just means we know who's there, but it doesn't mean we have to hire them to do the work. Auntie, you must make this clear."
The purpose of opening the workshop was to help more aunts and uncles who were suffering, but it had to be done on the basis of making money. We couldn't lose money or give away money indiscriminately just because we felt sorry for them.
During her years of wandering, Jiang Sheng was illiterate, unskilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and didn't even know the most basic etiquette.
But she knew about propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame, and she also knew that kindness should be given in moderation. She had seen stingy rich people, and she had also seen kind people who were so generous that they squandered their wealth.
The villagers of Shilipu Village taught her through their own actions that kindness should be given while ensuring one's own safety, and that one should not use goodness as a weapon to harm oneself and others.
Besides, I still need to save money for my brothers to get married.
Jiang Sheng muttered to herself and walked away.
Because of the many losses she suffered in her childhood, she wasn't very tall and was rather plump, but in the sunset, her figure grew taller with every step she took.
The little girl who once needed her brothers' protection in Anshui County and only craved a full meal has finally become capable of standing on her own after moving to Fengjing.
“It seems we need to work harder.” Changyan turned around, smiled at Wen Zhiyun, and said, “Let’s go, Fourth Brother.”
"Okay." Wen Zhiyun stood up, holding the small medicine box.
The two brothers were either busy with their own things or following Jiang Sheng around, rarely meeting up alone.
Because at times like these, it means someone might be the target of a little scheme.
Dental clinic.
Jiang Sheng stated her requirements: cheap, large area, and able to be converted into a workshop.
Then it can't be in the core area of Fengjing; it has to be at least an hour's drive away from the Imperial College to be cheap enough, and it might not even be big enough.
“An hour? Wouldn’t that mean we’re almost out of the city?” Jiang Sheng shook her head. “Too far.”
A workshop usually takes four to five hours to work, two hours to travel to and from the workshop, one hour to eat, and then there are other miscellaneous tasks, making it difficult to even get four hours of sleep.
Although short-term jobs are known for being hard work and high pay, Jiang Sheng didn't intend to exploit them like that.
“This is the capital city after all.” The broker closed the record book. “Apart from the wealthy families in the core area, most of the courtyards are rather cramped, mostly two or three courtyards, and the prices are not cheap.”
Fengjing is a prime example of land where every inch is incredibly valuable.
"In my opinion, instead of spending a lot of money to rent in Fengjing City, you should just buy a separate house outside the city. It's cheaper and more spacious, and you'll save on rent in the future." The broker was the same one who had been rendered speechless by Zheng Ruqian before; he was actually quite honest.
Jiang Sheng stood up after a moment's thought, thanked him, and left.
She had considered buying a villa, but she simply didn't have enough cash on hand.
If you count them, the brother and sister started doing business in Xiyang County, then moved to Anshui County and then to Fengjing. They earned money and spent it all at the same time. Their business expanded a lot, but they didn't save much money.
In particular, when Zheng Ruqian left last time, he took almost all the cash in the house with him.
Fortunately, Jiuzhenfang made some money that month, but it was only a few hundred taels, far from enough to buy a villa outside Fengjing City.
But is Jiang Sheng poor?
Not poor.
Jiuzhenfang can bring in at least 400 taels of profit every month, the workshop can bring in about 100 taels, and Anshui County's profit is lower but still 500 taels a year. Once Zheng Ruqian's transportation blueprint is in place, the new profit will increase.
They were too young, had too little time to accumulate experience, and were too ambitious, to the point that they couldn't even buy a villa outside Fengjing City.
Jiang Sheng sighed and was about to jump into the carriage when she suddenly heard a noise.
Jiang San and Jiang Si behind her immediately became alert, one protecting the girl and the other looking around.
Something seemed to flash by and land right in front of me.
Jiang San suddenly perked up, "I thought I heard footsteps earlier, and it really was! What kind of lecherous scoundrel threw a weapon in broad daylight!"
Jiang Si didn't speak, staring at the lump of paper for a long time. "Third Brother, don't you think it's just a piece of paper?"
Jiang Sanga, who was about to wreak havoc, remained where he was.
Who would follow behind for no reason and throw a paper ball at you?
Students who haven't yet received their first education?
Or perhaps a patient with hemiplegia?
As the two were examining the paper, Jiang Sheng jumped down from the carriage shaft, bent down to pick up the crumpled paper, and then spread it out flat.
What comes into view is clear black and white writing on white paper, which records a four-courtyard complex located near the Imperial College. It was built relatively recently and also has gardens, making it a top-notch place.
According to the price offered by the broker, renting such a courtyard would cost three to four hundred taels of silver a year, and buying it would cost at least a thousand taels of silver. How could anyone carelessly discard the land deed like a ball?
Looking further back, Jiang Sheng unsurprisingly saw the owner of the courtyard: Jiang Chengyuan.
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