Over the course of several days, the losses at Darun Supermarket gradually increased. Although those who were bribed could not cause real losses to the supermarket, many unfavorable rumors about the supermarket circulated in Beijing.
That day, the manager of Darun Supermarket brought Qingyan the account book. Ever since the Nian family returned to their blessed land, several members of the Nian family have frequently appeared at the supermarket entrance. Their fierce and menacing appearances have given the manager a lot of headaches.
"Madam, our losses are increasing. Even the common people are taking notice of the supermarket. In just a few days, various problems have arisen in the supermarket. Some are even plotting behind our backs, wondering when our supermarket will be sold off." The manager was very troubled. Most of these people were servants of powerful families. Hesheli and Dong'e wanted to reap the benefits without lifting a finger.
The Crown Princess's family was also secretly investigating the supermarket's movements, and their repeated probing made the shopkeeper quite annoyed.
"From now on, anyone causing trouble in the supermarket doesn't need to worry about the power behind them. Just send them directly to the Nine Gates Admiral's Office, and someone will handle it for them!" Qingyan specifically went to Fei Yanggu and asked him to arrange for the Nine Gates Admiral's people to take care of Da Run Supermarket.
Some of the supermarket's share would also be distributed as bonuses to officials in the Nine Gates Admiral's Office.
These people can't support their families on their salaries alone.
"I'm awake now. Should the Nian family's people continue to hold out?" The shopkeeper noticed that whenever a princess from the Nian family appeared, she would ask about the Fourth Prince.
The seemingly casual inquiries made the supermarket owner and managers increasingly suspicious.
"Yes, keep an eye on them for now, and try not to alert them!" The Nian family has two illegitimate daughters who are not eligible for the general election, but they can still register for the minor election.
Yin had anticipated this situation and directly suppressed the promotion of the Nian family father and son, making Nian Shi and her half-sister cannon fodder.
"From now on, we don't need to record losses for staple foods anymore. Also, we'll make all our sources public!" Qingyan looked at the wrinkles on the shopkeeper's hands, feeling somewhat uneasy.
The Hesheli family and other families all own supermarkets, but the Nian family's store is more modern. However, it's likely to attract attention, as even her store isn't as profitable as the Nian family's.
Qingyan was also heartbroken. The money she had earned had been taken away by someone else, and there was nothing she could do about it. The reality forced her to make a compromise.
"Little darling, why are you spacing out?" Yin returned from outside and found Qingyan staring blankly at the two letters in front of him.
He took the letter and read it, then understood the reason for the matter.
Xiao Guai's supermarket is so attractive that many families are planning to follow suit, even if it's just to get a share of the profits, it's better than watching others make money off them every day.
"Father Emperor is planning to open the Imperial Household Department in the south. It shouldn't affect you, right?" Yin asked Xiao Guai after receiving Kangxi's decree.
She shook her head. Anyway, everyone who helped me open the supermarket did so based on their own abilities, and as long as she had no connection with those people from the Imperial Household Department, that was fine.
“We absolutely cannot provide the supplies. That would give the Imperial Household Department a chance to get something for nothing. If there’s a chance to compete, I’ll accept the challenge and won’t interfere too much. Otherwise, it’ll be like the restaurant, where all the effort is wasted.” Qingyan was very annoyed by the servants of the Imperial Household Department. Whenever there was any success, it was all attributed to the people of the Imperial Household Department. Whenever things didn’t go smoothly, it was because Qingyan hadn’t tried hard enough to help.
Having suffered a loss, Qingyan made a firm decision: she would never give those people any chance.
Kangxi hoped that Xiaoguai could bring more benefits to the private treasury, but she had another opportunity. Yin kept mentioning her, and she was also providing support from the outside.
Pfft!
Yin almost spat out his tea. She held a grudge. Before, when the Imperial Household Department asked Qingyan for the restaurant's recipe, Qingyan managed to force her to give it back.
Given the huge profits of the supermarket, those servants certainly wouldn't let it go. Getting things from her would definitely be the most effortless and time-saving way, so they would definitely mention it to the Emperor.
Although Yin and Qingyan shared similar ideas, they needed to find the most opportune time to ask the Emperor any questions.
"Fourth, the situation in Jiangnan is unstable, and the environment is different from that in the North. The same things may not sell. The people of the Imperial Household Department should make good use of their connections in Jiangnan to manage things properly, unlike in the North!" Qingyan muttered softly.
Instantly, Yin's eyes lit up. Xiao Guai had subtly taught Yin a solution that would also prevent her from standing out.
He touched Qingyan's hair and thought to himself that he was very grateful to Xiaoguai.
Since their marriage, with the help of the Ulanara family, Yin's career has progressed much more smoothly than before, and some ministers in the military camps have also begun to pay attention to Yin.
Previously, Fei Yanggu had health problems, which forced him to leave the Nine Gates Commandery, a situation quite different from his current transfer.
"Alright, I will speak to Father Emperor. Your staple food is now competing with the restaurant. Mother Emperor will probably ask you about it tomorrow too!" Yin was very disdainful of those servants, but they were very skillful in complaining, making it impossible for Father Emperor and Mother Emperor to ignore them.
Qingyan pouts and says it takes courage to offer discounts within a set time to minimize waste.
The restaurant's main dishes that weren't sold will probably be kept for sale tomorrow, but Da Run Supermarket definitely won't.
Its detailed regulations gave it high prestige among the people.
"Hmph, if they can't compete with me, they go to complain to Father Emperor!" Qingyan was very disdainful. These servants didn't know how to find their own solutions, but instead kept bothering Qingyan.
She's not omnipotent; she can't come up with solutions every time.
"Let's go pay our respects together tomorrow." Yin is off tomorrow and usually goes to Chenggan Palace with Qingyan.
Yin nodded, indicating that he agreed with Xiao Guai's decision.
After a good night's sleep, Qingyan was fully rested and ready to face those difficult Imperial Household Department maids.
As soon as Qingyan entered Chenggan Palace, she overheard the old women talking inside, praising the success of Qingyan's Darun Supermarket and how their restaurant's profits were dwindling due to Darun Supermarket's competition.
Consort Tong frowned upon hearing this; these old women probably never imagined Qingyan's methods.
Back then, they forced Qingyan to give up the restaurant. These people never expected that Qingyan would rise again and open another shop to compete with it.
"Mother, many people have come to pay their respects!" Qingyan bowed respectfully and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Consort Tong couldn't help but chuckle. Little Darling was definitely a clever one; with just one sentence, she had choked someone to death.
She nodded, glancing at the old women. Since breakfast, they had been crying in front of her, making her feel particularly bad. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)
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