Despite her inner turmoil, Yang's face remained warm and welcoming.
The two chatted about everyday matters, both having children present, so the conversation was never awkward.
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang was surprised to discover that although the woman in front of her looked very young, she was already a mother of three! They had both come from the north to the south, which was perfect, as she had also come from the capital with her husband to take up his post. They had much in common, and by the end of their conversation, they felt as if they had known each other for a long time.
Yang's eloquence and broad knowledge impressed Qin San Niang greatly! Who says that women in their boudoirs are all short-sighted and have long hair?
She was even more convinced that with such a virtuous wife, Magistrate Gao would surely go further in life! It seemed that He Yingyuan's strategy of having her cling to the magistrate's wife, though somewhat roundabout, was absolutely correct.
He Yingyuan: A phoenix in distress is no better than a chicken! Otherwise, there would be no need for such a roundabout approach...
"Madam, there is something else I would like to discuss with you today," Qin San Niang said slowly, as if she had made up her mind.
"Oh? Tell me quickly," Madam Yang said with a smile.
"Madam, I haven't thanked you yet for your continued support of Ruyi Cake Shop! Because of your support, our shop has been able to thrive in He County, and I am truly grateful."
But I was thinking, your pastry shop is in the north, and getting your supplies from us is a long journey, not to mention the inevitable losses. The weather is nice now, and the roads are relatively smooth, but in the dead of winter, transporting them there will be truly difficult.”
How could Madam Yang not know what she was talking about? So she nodded repeatedly in agreement! There must have been a lot of losses during the transportation. If these pastries hadn't sold so well and guaranteed a profit, she wouldn't have bothered with so much effort.
Fortunately, their caravan had official government markings, and they weren't just transporting pastries along the way, but also other dried goods, which helped them keep costs to a minimum. Furthermore, bandits didn't dare to cause trouble along the way. Otherwise, the losses would have been much greater.
Of course, Madam Yang didn't know why Tan San Niang brought this up. Even someone as clever as Madam Yang couldn't quite grasp the situation and could only nod, signaling her to continue. However, she hadn't expected that what Tan San Niang said next would almost completely overturn her understanding.
“Madam, we had a very pleasant conversation and felt like old friends. I thought that your business in the north wouldn’t interfere with my family’s business, so I thought I would present you with the recipes for a few pastries, so that you wouldn’t have to travel between the two places anymore.” Qin San Niang smiled, as if she were talking about a trivial matter, and with a perfectly reasonable explanation.
"What did you say? Give me the prescription?" Even though Madam Yang had experienced many big events, she was still somewhat surprised. For a moment, her expression was one of disbelief, and she almost stood up.
Her mind raced, pondering the other party's purpose and the pros and cons of the matter. But in the end, she still felt that she was guaranteed to make a profit; it was an extremely worthwhile deal!
Putting aside the potential profit this recipe could bring her, even if it didn't make money, it would still be useful as part of her daughter's dowry or to be passed down through generations! Moreover, her grandmother had a great fondness for sweets, and these pastries were among her grandmother's favorites. If she taught the recipe to the nanny in charge of the kitchen, it would surely sell well to her grandmother...
Qin San Niang said calmly, "Madam, I am a merchant. People say that merchants are all about profit, and you must also think that I have ulterior motives. So, I'm speaking frankly with you. I do indeed have a request to make of you."
Yang was taken aback, but she breathed a sigh of relief. Well, she was just afraid that she wouldn't say it. It would be normal if she did.
"Oh, tell me then, what do you want from me? If it's something illegal or criminal, then don't mention it. Not only my master, but even I myself cannot agree to it."
As a virtuous wife, Madam Yang was perfectly clear-headed. Although she liked money, she also knew that she couldn't do without power. Since ancient times, power and money have been complementary, and neither can be done without the other!
Magistrate Gao's future depends on his ability to live a good life in his later years; otherwise, what's the use of having money if you can't hold onto it?
"Madam is joking. I am a law-abiding citizen and the most timid of all. I would never dare to do such a thing, let alone even get involved in it!"
As you know, I am just a village woman who has just fled from the north and is trying to settle down here. But the He County Market is calm on the surface, but there is a storm brewing inside.
To be honest, at your daughter's birthday banquet last time, the birthday cake our shop presented was almost ruined! It really scared Brother Si and my younger brother! Now, I'm also quite uneasy. Therefore, I hope that although you no longer need our supplies, you can still publicly claim that we still have a business relationship, to avoid attracting the attention of those with ill intentions.”
Qin San Niang spoke earnestly. She had already calculated that these pastries would be copied sooner or later if they were placed in the northern market. It was better to give the recipe to Yang Shi in advance, so as to gain her favor. Otherwise, it would be really difficult for a small merchant like her with no background to make a living in He County.
At this moment, Madam Yang finally understood. So this was what they were planning: to use their reputation and prestige to protect the safety of their shop.
This is nothing, and could even be considered a very reasonable request.
“Oh dear, what’s so difficult about this? I’m actually the one who’s benefiting! Besides, aren’t we in a cooperative relationship? Don’t you think so?” Madam Yang said with a smile, her words carrying a double meaning.
“What you say is true, Madam. I was just being too attached to appearances!” Qin San Niang stood up, bowed, and said.
After saying that, Qin San Niang presented the prescription she had prepared to Yang Shi, who naturally accepted it with a smile.
Madam Yang squeezed the prescription in her sleeve, feeling quite pleased, and then saw Third Sister Qin present the gift box.
"Madam, these are some new snacks and preserved fruits that we are preparing to offer in our shop. Please have a taste."
"Alright, the food in your shop must be delicious. Don't worry, our partnership will naturally spread throughout the business district of He County, and then no one will bully you," Madam Yang said confidently. In her heart, however, she thought to herself, "How dare someone tamper with my beloved daughter's birthday banquet! Who do they think they are?!" She knew she had to investigate this matter thoroughly.
Qin San Niang left the mansion happily; she was truly, truly happy today!
I've found an ally and also put some pressure on that bastard Chen Yushan. Ah, how wonderful! I can finally roll up my sleeves and get to work!
The next day, at the Misty Rain Pavilion, Chen Yushan had no idea that he was hated by someone, and that person was none other than the county magistrate's wife, whom he could not afford to offend. At that moment, she was leisurely listening to music.
However, her rare good mood was soon interrupted by a servant who came in to report.
"Boss, the current manager of Siji is a woman, I think her surname is Qin, and the employees all call her Madam Qin. As for her background, it's still unclear, she's quite mysterious. Ruyi Cake Shop is doing quite well now, and it's said that none of the previous masters have left..."
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