Blossom in Adversity

C187. Tailing.

Chapter 187 Tailing

In the study of the Zhu family,

Zhu Bowen put down those light and airy pieces of paper, using a paperweight shaped like a tiger's head to hold them down. He looked up at his second son and asked, "She said she only wants thirty percent profit?"

"Yes," Zhu Haodong replied.

Thirty percent. Zhu Bowen leaned back in his chair. "Zhi'er is basically giving money to the Zhu family. This business is already lucrative, and if we follow her method of selling, the profits will be unimaginable."

Zhu Haodong nodded.

The profit from this deal alone was more than all the other deals he had on hand combined. It enticed him, but he also felt a bit hesitant, unsure if he should go for it.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Bowen said, "Tomorrow morning, pay a visit to the Zhou family. Go directly to the head of the Zhou family and offer him thirty percent of the benefits. The only condition is that the Zhang family must lend a hand when the Zhou family is in need."

Zhu Haodong was surprised that his father chose the Zhou family. Although the Zhou family was straightforward, having dealings with both civil and military officials could potentially put them at risk.

"Do you really think that civil and military officials never interact?" Zhu Bowen chuckled and shook his head. "Only people like Sun Qi have such taboos. In the capital city, everyone knows each other's backgrounds. There are plenty of good relationships, but none of it is made public."

"I understand, but I'm worried whether they will agree to that condition," Zhu Haodong voiced his concerns.

"It's simple. If they don't agree, they don't get a share of the benefits. There are plenty of people willing to take their place," Zhu Bowen said. "The Zhou family has been declining generation by generation. If I didn't need to borrow Old Zhou's identity, they wouldn't even have the chance to receive this windfall. Therefore, go directly to Old Zhou and see if he agrees. We'll leave it at that."

"Understood, I'll go tomorrow morning." Zhu Haodong understood his father's intention.

Zhou Jing, the old general, held the rank of 'Wei Wujiang' in charge of the Central Camp. If the Zhang family could secure a promise from the Zhou family, it would provide them with an added layer of protection, which would be a fair trade for the golden opportunity presented by Zhi'er.

"Regardless, you must not withhold a single penny of the thirty percent profit from Zhi'er. Any other expenses will be split evenly between the Zhu and Zhou families."

"I understand."

Thinking about the recent rumors circulating in the capital, Zhu Bowen chuckled, "This can be considered as a sudden rise to fame. How was Zhi'er when you saw her?"

When Zhu Haodong's mind was filled with those soap prescriptions at the time, he replied, "She seemed the same as usual. So calm and composed, not at all like a teenage girl."

Zhu Bowen was not surprised. She probably had already considered these factors when she planned to go to the Song family. That child, when she wanted to hide, she could truly hide, but once she needed to show herself, she wasn't afraid. Her courage was truly remarkable.

During this time, the Zhu family had also faced some pressure, with some families distancing themselves from them. However, the Emperor seemed oblivious to it all, even if some reports were submitted mentioning their situation, the Emperor turned a blind eye, clearly showing that he had no intention of placing blame. After the Chief of Seven Stars took over power, he also ignored such trivial matters. It seemed the issue with the Zhang family should be resolved by now.

Zhu Bowen also breathed a sigh of relief for his granddaughter, but...

Zhu Bowen chuckled, fearing that Zhi'er would never know peace.

*

Hua Zhi still wore a simple and plain outfit, with the only adornment being a white flower tucked into her hair, her lotus-like face looking even more fair.

Hua Zhi had too many things on her mind to remember the significant reputation she had gained in the capital. Without much thought, she boarded the carriage. However, Suyun Mama, thinking ahead, not only brought all four senior maids but also four bodyguards.

As soon as the carriage left the street of the Hua family, it was being watched. The youths in the capital were reserved, even somewhat arrogant. Their interest in Hua Zhi was not out of familiarity but curiosity to see this girl who was both cool and aloof, yet fierce like a blazing fire. After all, those who had personally seen her were few in number.

Upon hearing that the eldest daughter of the Hua family had ventured out, many people acted upon the news. However, they didn't rudely pry open the carriage curtains; instead, they discreetly followed at a distance.

They still had their pride!

Unaware of this, Hua Zhi was engrossed in discussing the special features of the tavern with Fu Dong.

"Fu Dong, you need to stay here permanently from now on. Only you can handle this business."

Fu Dong twisted her handkerchief. "Miss, this servant enjoys being a cook, but... this servant doesn't want to be alone here. This servant wants to be by your side."

Hua Zhi sighed quietly. She had been pondering this issue for several days, but she couldn't think of any other way to solve it. Only Fu Dong could handle this matter.

"Just change the location of the kitchen, don't have to interact with anyone, and all the dishes can be prepared according to your own wishes."

Fu Dong was intrigued. "Completely under this servant's control?"

"Yes."

Fu Dong's eyes lit up. If she could go home at night...

"After dinner, someone will escort you back."

"But if this servant is not here, who will cook for you?"

This was indeed a significant problem. If she had known she would be taking on this business, she would have trained more cooks. Hua Zhi rested her cheek in her hand, feeling a little anxious. She couldn't eat anything unless it was cooked by Fu Dong!

"How about preparing the food at home and then coming to the tavern?" Shr suggested.

"No need for that. Bring Liu Juan out; I think she's quite capable."

Fu Dong agreed, "Yes, this servant also thinks she is good, quick to learn and understand things."

"Just her isn't enough. I don't trust outsiders, so I checked at home and found six or seven people. They all have some skills. You can take charge of them and once they are ready, you'll have an easier time."

Even so, Fu Dong wasn't very pleased. She wanted to cook and serve food for her mistress, to stay by her side. But this was Hua Zhi's business, and this was one of the few areas where she could be of assistance. She couldn't turn her back on it.

As the carriage came to a stop, Hua Zhi raised the curtain and glanced outside. She patted Fu Dong's hand and said, "Let's talk more when we get back."

Stepping down from the carriage with the help of Ying Chun, Hua Zhi looked satisfied at the newly renovated courtyard gate. She liked things with a bit of substance, not necessarily luxurious or flashy, but enduring. This gate suited her preferences.

"Miss." Du Cheng, who was waiting at the gate, approached nervously, fearing that he hadn't done enough to please Zhi.

"Is everything inside ready?" Hua Zhi asked.

"Yes, everything's ready," Du Cheng replied.

Hua Zhi nodded and was about to take a step forward when she heard someone call out from behind, "Miss."

Instinctively turning back, she saw a row of towering horses with handsomely dressed men riding on them, looking as colorful as peacocks. But she wasn't interested in being the female peacock.

Glancing lightly over them, all the young noblemen straightened their backs, but the woman just turned back and... entered without looking back!