Ji Xinhe’s straightforward manner was indeed very convincing. If anyone still doubted, they could go to Guilingju directly and ask about the origin of their grape wine.
Having said everything he needed to, Ji Xinhe stepped aside and said with a smile, "We have introduced a new variety of pickles. Everyone is free to enter the store for a taste. Purchase more if you like it, if not, think of it as giving our shop some support."
Someone jokingly retorted, "Do we get to taste the grape wine for free too? We won’t know if it’s good or bad unless we taste it!"
Ji Xinhe bowed, chuckling, "Oh, you’re going to put me in a tough spot. The wine costs 12 liang of silver per kilogram. If everyone gets a taste, our small business wouldn’t make any profit for the day. We just opened recently, how can we afford such losses now? Please give us a break!"
Although his words signified a refusal, he conveyed it so humorously that nobody could possibly feel bad. The crowd roared with laughter, refraining from making any further unreasonable demands.
The newly opened shop was bustling with excitement, a rare sight in Lian’an Town. How often does a newcomer in the business attract so much attention?
In the end, it was all thanks to Ji Xinhe’s early promotions of the pickles and wine through Guilingju. The opening of the Qinghe store attracted a large number of customers.
The successful grand opening today was largely due to Guilingju’s contribution.
Xiao Bei, having learned to weigh goods from Ji Xinhe, was now standing on a taishi chair behind the counter, selecting pickles according to each customer’s preference, weighing and charging for them.
Ji Xinhe was introducing customers to the varieties of pickles available in the store. He mainly emphasized the newly introduced pickles, offering taste tests. Mu Houchu, who was typically silent and aloof, was stationed at the grape wine counter. If anyone asked for wine, he would scoop it and charge 12 liang of silver per kilogram.
Speaking of which, despite his silence, his unapproachable demeanor indirectly elevated the stature of the grape wine. It was particularly sought after by rich ladies and wives.
Within just three days of its opening, Qinghe Shop had made a name for itself throughout Lian’an Town, which was attributed to Guilingju’s early promotion. Ordinary people came to buy pickles, whereas wealthy families came especially for the grape wine.
The year-end is approaching. Preparing this rare and precious wine for New Year gifts is more than appropriate. It’s also ideal for entertaining guests.
By dusk, the shop was closed. Xinhe sat behind the counter joyfully fiddling with the abacus, checking the day’s revenue. She couldn’t hide her excitement, "Today we sold 30 kilograms of fermented tofu, 20 kilograms of pickles, 20 kilograms of spicy cabbage and spicy radish, 30 kilograms of sour bamboo shoots, and all 20 kilograms of the limited daily offering of grape wine. So today’s total revenue is over 200 liang of silver!"
Xiao Bei’s eyes sparkled, "Really? You’re amazing, sister! We haven’t even been open for three days and we’re already making so much money!"
Ji Xinhe laughed and patted Xiao Bei’s head, "It’s still early days. Wait until our reputation builds up. We will surely earn even more."
She then stroked her chin thoughtfully, "Seeing the high demand for grape wine, I think we should increase production."
Actually, Ji Xinhe had already started brewing the second batch of grape wine a few days ago. However, their labor resources were limited. To scale up and regularize production, more manpower was necessary.
While contemplating, Ji Xinhe began to strategize on how to fulfill the necessary conditions for future development. Suddenly, her mood began to flutter, "Speaking of which, with the year-end approaching, shouldn’t we start to prepare for the New Year?"
Being preoccupied with running the business and other household work, they hadn’t yet prepared for the Chinese New Year which was less than a month away. Now that the store was open and everything was in place, she didn’t need to handle everything personally. She let Ji Dong handle the household matters, while deciding on the preparations for the New Year.
This was her first New Year in this era, and for Xiao Bei, it would be the first New Year of his life that held some anticipation. Naturally, they couldn’t take it lightly.
Xiao Bei cheered, "We’re preparing for the New Year! That’s great!"
"Let’s go, we’ll head home first!" Ji Xinhe said with a smile.
——
Ji Xinhe’s new house was being constructed east of the village. The large plot of land they had selected was in a sparsely populated area, but it was fortunate that their location was near a mountain and a river, providing tranquillity.
Ji Dong had asked the villagers to help build the house, and they had begun their work after the snow melted under the cold wind.
Ji Xinhe paid the construction site a visit once. Unaware of the details, she remained relatively hands-off. As for her residence, she didn’t have much demand. She had become accustomed to living in the small thatched house, finding it rather cozy, if not for the discomfort of sharing the courtyard with Ding Shi.
"Our mansion, designed to your specifications, is going to be huge! When it’s complete, the backyard alone will house nearly 20 rooms! The courtyard will be structured like a workshop to facilitate the making of pickles and wine once we hire laborers. The backyard will be our residential space. Our house is near a river in the village, and the soil at the front of the house is fertile. I’m planning to set aside a small vegetable garden for our own use."
Ji Dong couldn’t stop talking about the new house, he was brimming with excitement.
Ji Xinhe laughed, "The house will require much effort, big brother. I can’t be of much help now."
"Of course, you should leave this task to me. It wouldn’t do for you to handle everything while I remain idle," Ji Dong replied with a smile.
"Speaking of which, aren’t we meant to observe our mother’s sacrificial day soon? Is there anything we need to prepare?" Although Ding Shi wasn’t her own mother, she was occupying Ji Xinhe’s body, so it was her duty to honor her. Thus, the sacrificial day was important to her.
Ji Dong’s smiling face turned somber with the mention of the sacrificial day. He nodded and said in a more serious tone, "Yes, we should prepare some sacrificial goods and paper money. Our mother lived a simple life. She didn’t care about luxuries. If you attend, it would make her happy. Mother always loved you the most."
Ji Xinhe asked in surprise, "Why?"
During that era, like many others, Xu Shi bore two sons and one daughter. Why would she favor Ji Xinhe?
Ji Dong shook his head and laughed, "You were too young back then. You probably don’t remember. Mother always offered you the best, she treasured you dearly. Even on her deathbed, her biggest worry was about you. She held my hand and plead with me to take good care of you."
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