Blossom in Adversity

C42. The Second Basket of Eggs.

Chapter 42: The Second Basket of Eggs

After crossing the courtyard, Hua Zhi spread out a piece of paper and wrote a few lines with a brush, blowing on the still wet characters. "Ying Chun, Nian Qiu, quickly investigate the background of the people on this list, I need to use them."

"Yes."

The people on the list were all men from the Hua family who had been exiled and previously employed in various businesses controlled by them. They must have had the ability to handle affairs, and as long as they remained loyal, they were the most suitable candidates for Hua Zhi's current plan.

"Additionally, I need an overseer. Do you have any suitable candidates?"

Having been trained by Hua Zhi since they were young, the group quickly scrutinized the people in the mansion. After discussing for a moment, Ying Chun said, "The maids all think that Xu Jie, the steward's son, and Chen Liang are the most suitable."

"In that case, let it be Chen Liang. If Xu Jie handles the tasks I assigned well, he will probably have to spend most of his time running around outside. Managing the fruit procurement affairs, let Chen Liang come and see me."

"Yes."

After organizing the tasks to be done next, Chen Liang arrived. Bending down to bow respectfully, Hua Zhi understood why the two maids had chosen him.

"Chen Liang, do you know Green Moss Alley?"

"Yes, I am somewhat familiar with it."

"Tell me about it."

Chen Liang organized his thoughts and said, "Green Moss Alley has twenty-five shops, known in the capital for being notorious for bad luck. It is said that the alley's feng shui is bad and has clashed with something. In all these years, no matter what trade is conducted there, it always ends up in losses."

Hua Zhi nodded, "Do you know what the problem is?"

Chen Liang hesitated for a moment. Although it was an unexpected question, he recounted all that he knew, "I think firstly it's the location. With Quezhi Lane in front and Bajiao Lane behind, Quezhi Lane is closer to the main street, so there's more foot traffic. People go there directly to buy things, rather than choosing Green Moss Alley, a dead-end alley. Bajiao Lane behind it is next to the inner river, attracting visitors in all weather conditions, and business is good. The shops on both sides of Green Moss Alley keep changing their trades, missing the mark several times, which leads to even fewer customers."

Hua Zhi was quite satisfied with Chen Liang's explanation. "You've mentioned the first issue, now what's next?"

"Secondly, they chose the wrong trades to conduct. In one alley, there are shops selling mourning clothes and regular clothes. Even if they're cheaper, not many people are willing to go against taboos for a small discount. The rest of the shops are selling goods haphazardly, which means they can't attract customers."

"Do any of those shops sell their businesses?"

"Yes, most of the main families want to get rid of their businesses quickly, but no one has taken over yet."

"What are the prices like?"

"It's rumored to be cheaper than other places, but I need to investigate the specific amounts."

"Then go."

"Yes."

As Chen Liang left, Ying Chun couldn't help but smile, "He's truly a sturdy person."

"Such people are good, reliable," Hua Zhi said, looking at Nian Qiu, "How much money do we have left?"

"We have the 3,500 taels from selling the house and the 900 taels found in Chen Jin's house. We haven't touched the gold bars we have."