Blossom in Adversity

C143. New Ventures.

Chapter 143: New Ventures

Chen Zhi had gained quite the reputation, known throughout the city.

As Hua Zhi worked on finalizing plans for the new storefront, she listened to Bao Xia's impassioned criticism of Chen Zhi, deeming him worthless. "Miss, you don't know. Some old scholars are so angry that they've been taken to the clinic directly. Even the maid, who used to see him, thought he was refined and elegant. How did he change in just a few months?"

"If you don't get the response you want from him, bring Xu Jie and Du Cheng."

Not receiving a response from the Miss, Bao Xia left somewhat displeased and made arrangements.

Nian Qiu poured tea for the Miss and asked, "Is there nothing that about Chen Zhi we can do?"

Seeing even reserved Nian Qiu concerned about this matter, Hua Zhi realized she had misunderstood Bao Xia. While she understood that Chen Zhi was acting recklessly, others saw him as gaining the upper hand in this situation.

Setting aside her pen, Hua Zhi cleaned her hands, stood up, and walked around. "Chen Zhi knows that no matter what he does, he won't fare well among the literati. He's deliberately burning his bridges to show loyalty to the Emperor. But even then, it's doubtful he'll benefit."

"Will the Emperor use him?"

"He might, but not prominently. He'll probably just be moved around like a pawn when needed. Nobody's foolish enough to fully trust a heartless person. As a literati without literary support, what value does he have?" Hua Zhi's lips curled with a mocking undertone.

Nian Qiu's eyes brightened. "So, do we just wait for others to act?"

Hua Zhi remained silent, but the relaxed expression on her face gave Nian Qiu the answer. Nian Qiu suddenly felt invigorated. She had been frustrated like Bao Xia before, feeling dumb. If Chen Zhi had indeed gained an advantage, how could the Miss be in such good spirits? She should have realized that the Miss was in a good mood.

Xu Jie and Du Cheng entered the room simultaneously. "Respectfully greet the Young Miss."

"You may rise," Hua Zhi said without looking up. "Xu Jie, I have two tasks for you to consider. The first is to continue purchasing fruits as you did last year. The second is to oversee a new storefront opening in the capital."

Xu Jie was surprised to have a choice. His heart raced with excitement at the thought of working with the Young Lady. No matter the task, he was willing to give his all, feeling like he owed it to her.

After thoughtful consideration, he asked, "May I ask, Young Lady, if the fruit purchases will be the same as last year's varieties?"

"Not only that, this year we will be adding a few more varieties. If you choose this task, you will be spending more time outside than last year. I will also assign two more people to assist you."

Xu Jie didn't inquire about the nature of the business at the new storefront in the capital. He was tactful and, upon hearing the task, nodded directly. "I choose the first option."

Hua Zhi wasn't surprised. She had noticed last year that Xu Jie was eager to travel. Despite his restless nature, he was loyal and capable, with his family members all residing in the mansion.

"Understood. For the next two months, you will assist the house manager in managing household affairs in the mansion. After April, you will be allowed to go out, with Zuo Fei still as your assistant."

"Yes, I will follow your instructions."

"You may go."

Xu Jie offered his respects and departed.

Hua Zhi turned her gaze to Du Cheng, who had been in charge of transactions with Yunlai Restaurant for the past two months without a single mistake. His organizational skills were commendable, and she appreciated his diligence.

"From now on, Liu Qi will take over transactions with Yunlai Restaurant, and you will be in charge of the new storefront."

Du Cheng nodded without hesitation.

Hua Zhi nodded in approval, gesturing for Nian Qiu to hand over something she had written to Du Cheng. "Take a look."

Du Cheng, with his ability to assist Hua Zhi, was naturally skilled. However, after reading several pages, he felt as if he had just learned to read. He bent down respectfully. "Young Lady, I need a little more time to go through this again."

"No rush. Take your time."

Hua Zhi unfolded the paper once more. Despite the end of the mourning period, she continued her habit of transcribing scriptures.

After she had written more than half of the scripture, Du Cheng handed back the paper to Nian Qiu, his movements careful as if afraid of damaging it. "Young Lady, I have finished reading."

"Did you understand?"

"Yes, I did."

Hua Zhi put down her pen and rubbed her wrist. She was not surprised that Du Cheng had understood. Essentially, she was offering high-level customization where the restaurant staff could arrange dishes or customers could specify ingredients.

For example, if a customer requested fish, then all twelve main dishes and four side dishes had to include fish. Even if the customer specified an egg, it had to be cooked in sixteen different ways to satisfy them.

This kind of high-level customization tested the chef's skills, but Hua Zhi was confident. She believed there was no one in the entire Daqing Dynasty who had a better palate than her or had tried more varieties of food. She could easily suggest multiple ways to prepare any ingredient, and with the help of the talented Fu Dong, the variety would only increase.

Such a business was unique in the capital, unable to be replicated by anyone. The profit margins were unimaginable. In such a special place, any price set was justifiable for the customers who visited the shop.

That shop she had purchased was truly to her liking. Its location and style were simply perfect!

Hua Zhi’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Du Cheng, "Would you be willing to manage this, and be the manager?"

Du Cheng took a deep breath to quell his excitement, "I will do my utmost, young miss. I will not disappoint you."

"Very well, then I'll leave the rest to you."

To manage a shop to the young lady's standards would be no easy feat. Selecting a team from the manor, procuring various supplies... Du Cheng knew this would be a daunting task.

Yet, why not?

Since the young miss had entrusted him with this matter, how could he fail?

Du Cheng replied solemnly.

"Is Ying Chun around?"

Yingchun entered from outside, "Yes, miss, I am."

"Make a list for Du Cheng and have him select a team."

"Yes," Ying Chun replied, then frowned slightly, "Miss, we don't have enough male servants in the manor."

Hua Zhi was aware of this. Although the men from the estate had returned, the workshop still needed to operate. Having tasted the sweetness of their labor, they were eager to continue working at the workshop. Coupled with the manpower diverted to Green Moss Alley, and now this new endeavor, the manor would be left with almost nothing but women.

Yet, she couldn't send her maids out. For women of this era, appearing in public was a taboo. Even for maids, they would try their best to avoid leaving the inner quarters. The workshop was the limit of what they could currently contribute.

Given the prevailing societal norms, she had no intention of going against the grain or attempting any changes.

"Purchase new servants for the manor. Remember, quality over quantity."

"Yes."

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TN:
If you found any inconsistencies in this translation, please let me know.