"Although straw mushrooms are expensive, they are worth it. As far as I know, Yong Sheng Restaurant's soups are exceptional. Now that it's winter, haven't any diners said that your soups taste a little different from usual?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanshi's heart stirred. Indeed, ingredients were scarce in winter. Although the soups in the restaurant were still delicious, they lacked the fresh aroma of vegetables compared to spring and summer. The diners knew the reason and naturally wouldn't say too much, but they couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
Seeing that he remained silent, Meng Zhao continued, "It is widely known among the people that the emperor of the previous dynasty was extravagant and licentious. In order to eat fresh vegetables in winter, he once carried out a large-scale construction project and invited hundreds of farmers to build greenhouses. I don't know how much money he spent to be able to eat a bite of fresh bamboo shoots in winter. Nowadays, it doesn't cost a thousand taels of gold. My straw mushrooms are only fifty coins a catty, which is already very cheap."
Lu Yuan's heart wavered slightly. Her words had indeed struck a chord with him. Being able to supply fresh straw mushrooms in winter would not only elevate the restaurant's dishes but also attract more diners.
But when it comes to business, there's no such thing as not negotiating at all. After a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke up and said, "If Madam Meng can continue to supply, forty-five coins per catty is acceptable."
Meng Zhao shook his head. "Fifty coins a pound, not a single coin less. If Young Master Lu agrees, I guarantee I'll still come to you first when I have new dishes. What do you think?"
She had already thought it through when she came. The straw mushrooms were just her first item, and there would be many other dishes in the future. If she got used to haggling, she would have to haggle every time, which would be too much trouble. So today she quoted the bottom price directly and wouldn't budge an inch.
Looking at Meng Zhao's composed demeanor, Lu Yuanshi felt a surge of admiration. He glanced at the fresh straw mushrooms, sighed, and said, "Alright, since Madam Meng has spoken, how can I refuse? Fifty coins it is. I just hope that Madam Meng will keep her word and not forget Yongsheng Restaurant when you have something new in the future."
Meng Zhao smiled slightly and said sincerely, "Of course, Young Master Lu, you can rest assured."
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