Then the master and servants went to a winery and a cloth shop. The winery was managed by Chunfen's parents.
"Spring Equinox, you and your parents talk more, you don't need to serve me."
Chunfen was two years younger than Hezhuo, and her round face was very cheerful. "This servant thanks the Lady Consort," she curtsied and left.
He Zhuo looked at the account books brought up by his subordinates. The income in the past two years has been quite good. The contract for renting the restaurant to someone else, which was mentioned before, has already been signed. Most of the wine in their restaurant comes from here.
Laozi, who was born in the spring, knew how to make wine. He was the master craftsman of this shop. After his mother gave him this winery as part of her dowry, He Zhuo brought over some medicinal herbs and asked him to make medicinal wine.
It's been several years now.
I took the opportunity to check it out while I was here, and the results were quite good. He Zhuo took some with him, thinking that some of the snakes and insects were caught by He Zhuo himself and had been stored for some years. They were soaked in wine, which is the best medicine for rheumatism. I'll take them as a gift for the Fourth Prince's wife.
I've also visited the grain and cloth shops. The palace has more cloth than Khoja's allotted allowance; aside from the tribute items which cannot be sold, the rest sells very well outside the palace.
Whether it's for a wedding or as a gift, buying some to take back home is very prestigious. However, He Zhuo was afraid of causing trouble, so he only took it out twice a year. Otherwise, it would just sit in the warehouse collecting dust, and besides, the fabric would lose its vibrancy and become less beautiful over time.
The grain stores were located in areas where ordinary people gathered, which could be considered a border area. There were also many low-ranking officials of the eighth or ninth rank there because the prices were affordable and the variety of grains was complete.
Business is good. The produce from the fields, the poultry raised on the farm, and the pork are all sold here. It's a kind of self-production and self-sales.
The grain store's prices were reasonable, and they hadn't engaged in the hoarding of grain for exorbitant profits during previous years of famine. Backed by the Grand Consort, they had a good reputation and were considered quite respectable.
Khoja's dowry included not many estates and shops. The dowry of the Third Prince's wife was roughly the same as that of the First Prince's wife. The Fourth Prince's wife, having married at a young age, had a very generous dowry, with far more shops and estates than Khoja.
Otherwise, why would everyone say that the Fourth Prince and his wife are rolling in money?
After looking at all of these, He Zhuo went to check out the shops that had been rented out.
When it was rented, it was supposedly rented from the wife of a concubine's son. She was good at business, and her husband was also ambitious, which is why the contract was signed.
I've heard that business has been good these past two years; that illegitimate son's wife has made a name for herself.
When He Zhuo arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't mealtime and there weren't many people there. He Zhuo immediately asked to see his boss.
Soon after, the wife arrived.
"My lady, I just told you a few days ago, and here you are." A woman walked towards us, her face glowing, clearly enjoying a good life.
One shouldn't hit a smiling face, and He Zhuo was no exception, offering his congratulations: "I haven't yet congratulated Lord Liu on his promotion. Madam Liu, please sit down."
Madam Liu: "Not at all, it is the Emperor's great grace that is truly appreciated."
Donghui served tea to Madam Liu, which was Liuan melon tea brought by Zhuo.
Madam Liu picked up her teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed, "It's so fragrant!" She looked quite pleased with herself, suggesting a straightforward and easygoing personality.
He Zhuo liked dealing with people like this. Even if they flattered you, you would feel comfortable and not awkward. This Madam Liu was also very capable. She married into the Liu family as the wife of a concubine's son and gave birth to two sons and two daughters. Her husband loved her very much. After the family was separated, her life was also thriving.
"This is Lu'an melon tea. If you like it, take some back with you later."
Madam Liu's face was overflowing with joy: "No wonder, this is tribute tea, ordinary people can't drink it. That servant didn't stand on ceremony with the First Madam, and gave some to my husband to try."
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