Jiang Ling had just finished all her work and was about to leave after washing her hands and applying the hand cream she had secretly bought from the mall when she saw Jiang Yaojie rushing in.
"What's wrong, Yaojie?" Jiang Ling asked.
Jiang Yaojie pointed to the door and said, "Mom, someone came and said they want to franchise our restaurant!"
Jiang Ling nodded and led Jiang Yaojie outside.
As soon as Jiang Ling stepped out of the kitchen, she spotted the man sitting there drinking plum juice.
Jiang Ling looked at Jiang Yaojie, and Jiang Yaojie nodded to indicate that it was him.
"Hello, boss. I am Jiang, the owner of this restaurant. My son just said that you want to franchise our restaurant, is that right?" Jiang Ling walked to the man and sat down generously to ask.
The man looked up at Jiang Ling and cupped his hands in greeting, "So you are Boss Jiang! My apologies!"
Jiang Ling smiled faintly and remained silent.
The man began to introduce himself generously: "Boss Jiang, my surname is Hu, and I am from Yecheng. I run an inn in Yecheng. I heard that there is a restaurant called Lujia Banquet in Lujia Village. It is said that although the rules here are a bit strange, the food is very delicious! And it is almost always popular. My family ancestors were imperial chefs, so we have a lot of experience in cooking. Therefore, I would like to ask you about the franchise model here."
After listening, Jiang Ling carefully examined the man before her. Seeing his sincere gaze, she sensed he didn't want to lie anymore. However, she hadn't considered joining the franchise so soon, so she could only sigh and say, "Mr. Hu, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. Our store has only recently opened, and we're still figuring things out, so we're not franchising with anyone for the time being!"
Hearing this, Mr. Hu showed a hint of disappointment, but he still curled the corners of his mouth and said, "That's really a pity!"
Jiang Ling shook her head and comforted him, "Since you're so sincere, Mr. Hu, I certainly won't treat you unfairly. Don't worry, when we start considering joining, you'll be our top choice."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Hu's initial disappointment vanished. He gratefully bowed to Jiang Ling, saying, "Mr. Jiang, with such foresight, I'm sure the reputation of the Lu Family Banquet will soon spread to Shengjing!"
Jiang Ling smiled faintly and said nothing more. Boss Hu, being a man of social standing, saw Jiang Ling's demeanor and left the restaurant on his own.
After seeing Boss Hu leave, Jiang Yaojie looked at Jiang Ling with some confusion. "Mom, why didn't you expand the store? This is a great opportunity! We can make a fortune then!"
Jiang Ling shook her head and explained, "The Lu Family Banquet has only been open for less than half a month. There are still many things we haven't figured out. If we open a shop rashly, it will definitely damage our reputation!"
Jiang Yaojie seemed to understand but not quite. Jiang Ling looked at Jiang Yaojie and said softly, "Yaojie, I'll give you a chance to gain experience. That Boss Hu just said he runs an inn in Yecheng. You can go there tomorrow and find out about Boss Hu!"
"Yes, Mother!"
Just then, Jiang He ran in excitedly from outside: "My lady! My lady! A letter has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling suddenly stood up from her seat and ran to Jiang He: "A letter? Is it Zhi Shan's letter?"
Jiang He nodded and handed a letter addressed to "Jiang Family of Lujia Village" to Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling's hands were trembling slightly, and her expression was very excited. Jiang Yaojie, who was standing next to her, ran over after hearing this and asked Jiang He, "Is...is it a letter from Uncle?"
“Yes, young master!” Jiang He nodded.
"Mom! Mom! Open it quickly! Open it quickly! See if Uncle wrote anything!" Jiang Yaojie said excitedly, shaking Jiang Ling's arm.
Jiang Ling's heart began to pound. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time. After taking several deep breaths, she tore open the envelope with trembling hands. When she saw the words inside, Jiang Ling almost screamed with excitement.
She placed her hands on Jiang Yaojie's shoulders excitedly and said, "Your uncle got first place in the autumn exam again!"
"Wh...what? First place?" Jiang Yaojie said excitedly.
“Yes, this letter from your uncle is to tell me the good news. If I get first place in the autumn examination, I will go to Shengjing to participate in the palace examination in a month!” Jiang Ling said, holding the letter.
However, the contents of the letter sent a chill down Jiang Ling's spine.
The first half of the letter was Jiang Zhishan sharing good news with Jiang Ling, but the second half described how, after he won first place in the autumn examination, the Luo family in Shengjing had begun to win him over, even trying to marry their illegitimate daughter to him.
Jiang Ling saw that the excited expression on her face was still there, but she began to make plans in her mind.
He calmly put the letter away and said to Jiang Yaojie, "Yaojie, you stay here and watch the restaurant. Mother has something to take care of!"
Jiang Yaojie was in the middle of his excitement and didn't notice Jiang Ling's unusual behavior. He nodded and agreed to Jiang Ling's request.
"Go tell Jiang Shan that I need to go to Pingxi County and ask him to prepare a car to pick me up!" Jiang Ling whispered as she walked to Jiang He's side.
Jiang He disappeared in front of Jiang Ling in a flash, and a moment later Jiang Shan appeared in front of Jiang Ling in a carriage.
Pingxi County Government Office.
Upon seeing Jiang Ling appear, Zhao Liu courteously led her to the inner hall, closed the door, and then tactfully left.
A moment later, Magistrate Duan strode in with a slightly hurried air and pushed open the door.
"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly come over? Is it about the fertilizer?" Magistrate Duan, still somewhat wary of the previous fertilizer incident, quickly inquired.
Jiang Ling shook her head and looked at Magistrate Duan, saying, "Kang An, there's something I'd like to ask you!"
Seeing Jiang Ling's serious expression, Magistrate Duan's heart began to pound, but he still asked firmly, "What's wrong? Just say it, don't beg me!"
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