Chapter 19: Business Crisis, the Male Lead Appears...
When the accounts were tallied that evening, the net profit for the first day was found to be a staggering 602 taels.
Zhang Ting and Xu You were speechless with astonishment.
"This... there are so many?" Xu You's eyes widened in disbelief.
If things continue like this, wouldn't she be able to earn back her initial investment in less than half a month?
Zhang Ting calmed down and shattered her illusions: "Generally speaking, the profits are better in the first few days after opening, then there will be a decline, and finally it will stabilize."
Xu You stood up and said excitedly, "That's excellent!"
Zhang Ting smiled and took out ten taels of silver from the account. He had been extremely busy today, and this was a reward for everyone. He then instructed the accountant: "If three hundred tables are sold in a single day, set aside ten taels of silver each day as a reward. Commissions will be calculated separately."
The accountant beamed with joy, "The second boss is kind."
Xu You didn't care about the extra ten taels of silver. It was almost 11 PM, and she was so sleepy that she kept yawning.
Zhang Ting left Wang Wu and Liu Da to stay in the backyard, telling them to be careful and not cause any trouble.
While at home, Zhang Ting specifically contacted Wang Wu and Liu Da, entrusting them with the important task of supervising the restaurant and instructing them to report any unusual activity as soon as possible. Although the two did not receive commissions, Zhang Ting allocated monthly allowances to them from both the restaurant and her home.
With the matter mostly settled, Zhang Ting and Xu You headed home.
For the next two days, Zhang Ting only went over to check at noon, and left as soon as he found nothing important. Xu You, on the other hand, changed his usual lazy ways and stayed there every day.
With one worry gone, Zhang Ting was just waiting for the end-of-month accounting and profit-sharing. She felt much more relaxed, took a stroll around the house, and decided to convert the west wing into her large study.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, she will remain in Kyoto for many more years.
Now that she has more followers, she doesn't need to worry about everything. She can simply call Zheng Er over, tell him her ideas, and entrust him with the entire responsibility of overseeing the matter.
Zhang Ting then took Li Ruilian to a bookstore to select some books to bring back for study.
Now that he has plenty of money, Zhang Ting is preparing for the provincial examination three years from now.
During their free time on the road, they also discussed boxing techniques with Li Ruilian.
My days are fulfilling yet relaxing.
The nearest bookstore was four miles from Zhang Ting's house, and the two arrived in no time.
The bookstore was small and cramped, but the books were neatly arranged and had a complete range of categories. However, none of them caught Zhang Ting's eye. He picked out a few classics, historical texts, philosophical works, and the Four Books and Five Classics, which were essential for the imperial examinations, as well as wolf-hair brushes and two reams of Xuan paper.
She had heard Xu You mention that there was a bookstore in the capital with a vast collection of books, including many rare editions. Even though the prices were high, it was still a place that many students longed to visit. She wondered when she could go and have a look.
She was fairly satisfied with the day.
But some people were furious.
Pinxiangzhai has seen a sharp decline in customer traffic over the past three days, resulting in the highest and lowest profits this year.
Broken teacups and porcelain vases were scattered on the ground. The steward knelt on the ground, trembling, and the surroundings were silent.
"That Zhang fellow not only stole the old woman's business, but he even dared to name it Ke Ying Lou?!"
"Does my Fragrant Pavilion really have no one?! That's outrageous!"
Zhao Dongjia's eyes were filled with malice, his face contorted with rage, but then a chilling smile crept across his face as he slowly sat down.
"Then I'd like to see how long your shop can stay open."
......
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, two diners in the lobby of Keyinglou Restaurant were foaming at the mouth, and someone immediately shouted, "The food here is poisonous!"
The lively atmosphere in the restaurant instantly froze.
The diners, who had been happily toasting each other, were now filled with fear and made a noisy commotion.
Some screamed and cursed, some turned ashen-faced, and some clutched their throats, ready to vomit...
The two managers stepped forward to appease the situation and sent word to Zhang Ting and Xu You, but before long, a group of soldiers rushed in and surrounded the restaurant.
"We have received a tip that the restaurant was poisoned in a premeditated murder!"
These words startled all the diners who had filled the four floors, causing them to scatter in panic. Tables and chairs were knocked over and broken, and cups and bowls were scattered all over the floor.
The officers and soldiers sealed the gate and, under the pretext of "investigating a case," imprisoned all the employees of Keyinglou.
When Zhang Ting and Xu You arrived after hearing the news, they only saw the sealed-off restaurant and the empty backyard.
A crowd of onlookers gathered around, and when the owner of Ke Ying Lou arrived, they pointed and whispered among themselves.
"These are the two who commit evil deeds and take lives!"
"Why don't you arrest them too!"
"These cunning and hypocritical merchants deserve to die!"
Xu You had never seen anything like this before. He was so frightened that he took several steps back, his face pale, and hurriedly explained, "We...we didn't..."
The maids who accompanied the group separated the onlookers, but this provoked a rebellious attitude from the onlookers, who grabbed vegetable leaves and eggs and threw them at the maids.
Xu You hid behind the maid in a panic. The group of people were covered in egg yolk and vegetable leaves, and they were furious and disheveled.
Zhang Ting ripped the rotten vegetable leaves off her head, thinking to herself how lucky no one was to throw eggs at her, which was why she had changed into a robe.
She strode to the front of the crowd and bowed to the onlookers, saying, "Please be patient, everyone. I have only just learned of this matter myself, and there is no conclusion yet. I will definitely give you all an explanation in the future!"
The onlookers, having already been assaulted, were now being politely explained to them. Their anger vanished, and upon reflection, they realized they were indeed in the wrong. Feeling guilty, they all dispersed.
Xu You was so anxious she was pacing back and forth: "What... what should we do?" She didn't even understand what had happened to cause this situation.
Zhang Ting could guess who did it even with his toes, and explained it to Xu You.
She also told Xu You that the matter was urgent and that if the managers and employees were tortured into confessing, everything would be over. She then told Xu You to take her back to the mansion to discuss the matter with her aunt.
"You mean Pinxiangzhai deliberately framed you?" Xu Shan frowned and lowered her head to think.
Xu You was persuaded by Zhang Ting and said firmly, "That's right! Aunt, the owner of Pinxiangzhai, Zhao, can't stand that our business is better than hers, so he's deliberately trying to smear us."
Xu Shan, a seasoned veteran of officialdom, quickly understood. She smiled amiably and asked, "How can you prove that Pinxiangzhai framed you? Do you have any evidence?"
Xu You looked troubled, "This..."
Xu Shan comforted her, saying, "It's just children playing house. It must have been someone under your command misbehaving. The trouble won't involve you. Let's just let it go this time."
This means that this matter will not harm them, and they should not pursue the matter to avoid offending important people.
Xu You was extremely frustrated. He had just raised the golden toad that was supposed to bring him wealth and prosperity, and now it was all going to be lost for nothing.
Zhang Ting smiled and said, "Lord Xu, I did not come to bother you for this matter."
Xu Shan looked puzzled, unsure of her meaning. "Oh? Then what brings you here?"
The other person then took out a jar from behind and calmly said to her, "Someone in my family is extremely skilled at pickling vegetables. I heard that the Young Master is very fond of this, so I brought it here as a gift for her."
To shoot a man, first shoot his horse; to capture a thief, first capture his king.
Why bother dealing with Pinxiangzhai to resolve this matter?
Xu Shan looked at Zhang Ting with a mixture of admiration and praise. Since Zhang Ting had already taken ninety-nine steps, why didn't she help her take one more step?
"Your daughter is quite clever."
“In that case, I will first send a letter to the Junior Chamberlain, and you will come with me to pay him a visit later.” After saying that, she looked at her niece with a look of disappointment and shook her head helplessly, “You just wait at home.”
Xu You looked annoyed. What had she done now?
The Junior Chamberlain was resting at home today when she heard that the Assistant Minister of Revenue had come to pay her respects. She wondered why the other party wanted to see her when she rarely had any contact with the Ministry of Revenue.
He changed into more presentable clothes and had a servant bring the person in.
The first thing that caught the young master's eye was not Xu Shan, who had sent the visiting card to request an audience, but a young woman following behind her. The woman was dressed in a maroon brocade robe, the hem of which swayed like a red cloud. She was holding a jar in her hands, and from a distance, she appeared humble and refined, and it was unclear which noble family she belonged to.
Xu Shan bowed to the Junior Chamberlain, followed by Zhang Ting.
"No need for formalities." The Junior Chamberlain stepped forward to help Xu Shan up, and then pulled Zhang Ting up as well.
Xu Shan laughed heartily, "You're so kind, sir."
Seeing that the Junior Chamberlain treated Zhang Ting with courtesy, she thought to herself that things were likely to succeed.
Xu Shan introduced to the Junior Chamberlain: "This is my distant niece, named Zhang Ting. There is someone in her family who is good at making pickles. Hearing that you, sir, love this, she specially gave it to you. I hope you will not find it offensive."
Zhang Ting handed the pickles to the servant beside the Junior Chamberlain and bowed to her, saying, "My lord, I apologize for bothering you."
The young master had always admired her beauty, and the pickled vegetables were exactly what she liked, so he quickly helped her up.
"The young man is extraordinary, and he is also so considerate. It is rare to see him like this."
Zhang Ting lowered his eyelashes, smiled faintly, and said modestly, "You flatter me, sir. Your demeanor is truly remarkable, and I am ashamed to admit my inferiority."
The young master laughed heartily, patted Zhang Ting on the shoulder, and was extremely satisfied. He invited them to sit down and ordered the servants to prepare a banquet.
Xu Shan toasted the Junior Chamberlain, "My lord, Xu Shan toasts you."
The two talked about matters at the beginning of the year and then about natural scenery. Zhang Ting would occasionally chime in with a few words. When they were in high spirits and enjoying themselves, Xu Shan took the opportunity to bring up a new topic for Zhang Ting.
“My niece came to Kyoto with the intention of making a name for herself, but she was unlucky and was framed by thieves. It is truly heartbreaking.”
The Junior Chamberlain, slightly tipsy and admiring of talent, immediately offered to uphold justice for Zhang Ting: "Who is that scoundrel? How can he be so lawless right under the Emperor's nose!"
Zhang Ting rose and bowed to her, his expression filled with sorrow and helplessness. "Your kindness is appreciated, but that villain is so audacious. Why must you suffer for my sake?"
The Junior Chamberlain slammed his fist on the table in anger, and said sternly, "Nephew Zhang, I cannot bear to see such evil deeds. Tell me in detail, and I will surely seek justice for you!"
Zhang Ting sighed helplessly before recounting the events in detail, describing how vicious, domineering, and tyrannical the man was. The young master was furious, but when she mentioned the man's name, he fell silent and couldn't utter a single word.
Zhang Ting, seeing that he had gained the upper hand, said, "My lord?"
The young master rested his hands on his forehead for a long while, pondering before finally saying, "Is there some misunderstanding...?"
Zhang Ting is now a pitiful person being bullied, so it's impossible that she misunderstood others.
Her face was deathly pale, but she pretended to be strong and said, "Zhang Ting believes that he adheres to the law and keeps his promises. I don't know where Zhao Dongjia misunderstood me and tried to harm me."
The Junior Chamberlain let out a breath. Now that things had come to this, how could he not understand their purpose? Whether it was a pang of conscience or genuine affection for Zhang Ting, he finally said, "Nephew, do not grieve. I will give you an explanation."
Zhang Ting bowed in gratitude.
As she left the mansion, fine snowflakes began to fall from the sky. One snowflake almost landed on her face, but was swept away by the howling wind.
Suddenly, in the distance, eight pure white horses pulled a magnificent phoenix palanquin slowly approaching, surrounded by dozens of handsome young men holding palace fans. They were all dignified and dressed in exquisite brocade. The guards were fully armed, mounted on horseback and holding halberds, standing on either side. As the palanquin drew closer, one could clearly see the golden dragons and phoenixes carved on it. The swaying tassels shimmered in the sunlight, exuding unparalleled nobility and majesty.
Zhang Ting clicked her tongue in amazement: all her current wealth probably couldn't even buy the tassels around someone's sedan chair.
Xu Shan pulled Zhang Ting aside, and at that moment a clear, arrogant voice came from inside the imperial carriage: "Not here yet?"
His voice was deep, with a lazy and nonchalant quality.
The accompanying servant hurriedly replied, "Reporting to the Duke, the Crown Prince's palace will arrive in about a quarter of an hour."
Watching the grand and imposing carriage depart, Xu Shan told Zhang Ting, "That is His Majesty's great-grandson and Grand Secretary Zong's grandson."
So it was him. He truly is a member of the imperial family.
A note from the author:
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