Qiao Yanhe, who was in the main seat, was silent for a moment, and then said, "There is no need to pay rent every month. Medicine merchants from all over the country come to the capital at fixed times. Merchants from the Central Plains usually purchase medicines around the Dragon Boat Festival, while merchants from the Western Regions are used to coming in August and September. If we designate these two months as the 'medicine market' for centralized trading, it would be a good idea."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao immediately replied, "President Qiao's insight is brilliant! Concentrating the timeframes not only facilitates building momentum and reduces the burden of rent, but more importantly, it establishes a rule, letting all pharmaceutical merchants know that these two months are the best time to buy and sell medicinal herbs in the capital! This also saves everyone from having to constantly prepare to welcome merchants and disrupting their daily business."
Qiao Yanhe looked at Meng Zhao meaningfully: "Manager Meng, are you in such a hurry that you're only willing to rent the shop to us for two months? What will you do with the remaining ten months?"
"President Qiao, you're overthinking it. I have my own arrangements for the remaining days, but rest assured, it won't affect the use of the medicine market." She looked around at everyone and continued, "Once the contract is signed, I will not only provide a spacious venue, but I will also use all my connections to help you promote the reputation of the medicine bureau and attract more merchants."
After hearing her words, the private room fell silent for a moment. Seeing this, Meng Zhao gracefully rose and said in a gentle tone, "There's no need for you all to rush into a decision. You can take your time to consider this proposal." She then nodded slightly to Qiao Yanhe, "Yingkelou has just opened today, and there are still many things downstairs waiting for me to take care of. Please excuse me for now."
Before leaving, he pointed to the brocade rope hanging by the door and gently reminded them, "This private room is very soundproof. Even if you call out loudly, the servants outside may not hear you clearly. If you need anything, just gently shake this rope, and the bell will ring three times, and someone will come in to serve you."
After Meng Zhao left, whispers immediately broke out in the private room. Manager He was the first to ask, "President Qiao, we old folks aren't as knowledgeable as you, and we've never been to the Western Regions. In your opinion, do the Western Regions medicine merchants really need so many medicinal herbs? Don't let them work so hard only to end up with nothing."
“The last time I went out, it coincided with a malaria outbreak in the Abbasid Caliphate. Due to a lack of medical resources, countless people died or were injured. Moreover, the malaria frequently relapsed there. An old friend of mine who deals in medicinal herbs in the Western Regions estimated that the annual demand for just a few herbs like Artemisia annua, Dichroa febrifuga, and Bupleurum chinense alone is no less than several thousand kilograms.” After saying this, she looked around and asked, “Which of you has the capacity to handle such a large business?”
Even someone like Qiao Yanhe, who runs the largest pharmacy in the capital, couldn't handle such an order, let alone small and medium-sized pharmacies like theirs.
Hearing about such a huge demand, everyone present was a little excited. "If this is true, even if we empty our shops' supply for the next few years, we probably still wouldn't be able to handle it."
Shopkeeper He suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Qiao Yanhe: "President Qiao, you received this news without keeping it to yourself; your magnanimity is truly admirable! Since you spearheaded the medicinal herb bureau, you should naturally make the decision. Even if you really want to buy the shop," he gritted his teeth, "we're all sticking with you!"
"Exactly!" the other shopkeepers chimed in. "President Qiao, you make the decision!"
Qiao Yanhe gently stroked the rim of her teacup and pondered, "I have carefully considered Manager Meng's suggestion to rent a shop. If we can ensure the long-term stability of the shop, it is indeed more cost-effective than purchasing it directly."
Manager Li frowned slightly. "What President Qiao said is absolutely right. However, that Manager Meng made a boast that she could not only provide a shop but also promote the reputation of the Herbal Medicine Bureau. Can she, a restaurant owner, really have such capabilities?"
Qiao Yanhe also had some concerns about this. Although she and Meng Zhao had some acquaintance, they were not close. This matter concerned the long-term development of the medicinal herb industry, so it was indeed not something to be decided hastily. After discussing it carefully, everyone prepared to leave first.
As the group reached the bottom of the stairs, a middle-aged man in a brocade robe entered, followed by two servants carrying gift boxes. Upon seeing Meng Zhao, the man immediately bowed and said, "Madam Meng, my master heard that Yingkelou is opening today and originally intended to come and congratulate us in person, but unfortunately he is tied up with official duties and cannot come. Therefore, he specially sent me to deliver this congratulatory gift. I hope you will accept it."
Meng Zhao quickly stepped forward, "Lord Song is too kind! Such a small matter is hardly worth his concern." She personally accepted the gift box, then turned to the shop assistant and instructed, "Quickly fetch two jars of the finest Drunken Immortal Wine, and have the steward take them back for Lord Song to try."
The shopkeepers present exchanged bewildered glances. Shopkeeper Li lowered his voice and said, "Isn't that the steward from the Vice Minister of Revenue's residence?" Shopkeeper Song was also secretly astonished: "Shopkeeper Meng actually managed to speak with an official from the Ministry of Revenue? If our medicine shop could gain government support, that would be an incredible stroke of luck!"
As I approached the restaurant entrance, I suddenly heard a clear voice calling from behind: "President Qiao, how have you been?"
Qiao Yanhe turned around and saw a young man in a moon-white brocade robe standing there with a smile. "Isn't this Chairman Gu? What brings you out for a stroll today?"
Gu Weibai bowed respectfully, smiling broadly, "My grandfather heard that Yingkelou was opening and insisted on coming to join in the fun. Since the old man is in such high spirits, I, as his grandson, naturally had to accompany him." After speaking, his gaze passed over Qiao Yanhe and landed on the several shopkeepers behind her, "What day is it today that you've gathered all the shopkeepers together? Could it be to discuss matters concerning the medicinal herb business?"
Qiao Yanhe raised an eyebrow: "How did Chairman Gu know?"
"I heard about it from others. It seems that Chairman Qiao has gained a lot from his trip to the Western Regions. If you have any good business opportunities in the future, don't forget me."
Qiao Yanhe replied calmly, "President Gu is too kind. Everyone knows your business in the Western Regions is thriving. If there's anything good to be done, it should be you helping us out."
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