We Recently Opened 10 Shops

Zhou Wanwan was drinking bird's nest soup in the cold palace when she sighed and said:

"This couple is both incredibly simple-minded. Do you really believe in free lunches?"

However, Xiao Jiu handled this matter quite well.

"This couple are such kind people; they helped us find a shop and helped us sell our goods."

Xiao Jiu, standing to the side, said:

"The master taught them well. Tomorrow I will introduce them to a few people and then see what other shops they want to open."

They can open whatever store they want, we'll help them open that store, we won't lose money no matter what.

Zhou Wanwan nodded; she wouldn't lose out no matter who did.

Because she is a supplier, and an exclusive one at that.

Take snacks for example, she makes more than 300 different kinds.

With over 300 kinds of snacks, how could her small snack shop possibly sell them all?

With Princess Jianing around, things are different. Princess Jianing has a wide network of connections, and since many people want to curry favor with Noble Consort Ning, they naturally go to her shop to buy things.

How could her snacks not sell?

The next day, Xiao Jiu led nine people into the snack shop. Xie Cheng'en and Princess Jianing waved to him when they saw him.

Xiao Jiu led the nine people upstairs to the lounge, where Xiao Jiu introduced them:

"These nine are all sons of wealthy merchants from Jiangnan. The first one is the son of a rice merchant who deals in rice."

The second person specializes in the business of gold, silver, jewelry, and jade ornaments.

The third generation ran a silk and cloth business, with its cloth trade spanning various regions.

The fourth person owns restaurants and eateries all over the country, specializing in the catering and liquor business.

The fifth person was the son of a salt merchant.

The sixth person travels to various places year-round, specializing in the tea business.

The seventh person made his fortune in timber and building materials.

The eighth person is in the medicinal herb business and owns countless pharmacies.

The ninth shop specializes in rouge, face powder, and other cosmetics.

Xie Cheng'en looked at them and said, "Xiao Jiu said you guys are pretty good, but you didn't bring anything. How can you prove it?"

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Xiao Jiu then said:

"They came to Beijing this time to do business, and they have some inventory on hand."

If you don't believe me, I can have them bring all those goods over so you can take a good look at what they're like."

Xie Cheng'en nodded and said, "Alright, then bring those goods over now!"

The people nodded, and they quickly went back to make the arrangements.

Before long, the sons of those wealthy merchants brought over all the goods.

Xie Cheng'en looked at his managers and said, "Go check on their goods."

In reality, Xie Cheng'en and Princess Jianing knew absolutely nothing.

They had no choice but to have their subordinates do these things.

Xie Cheng'en's group of managers immediately stepped forward to inspect the goods one by one.

The first thing I did was open the cloth bag containing the grain. Inside, every grain of rice was plump and round, without a single broken or spoiled grain. The quality was impeccable.

The managers nodded repeatedly, praising the grain as truly of superior quality.

Next, everyone examined the gold and silver jewelry. Princess Jianing's eyes widened as she stared at a beautiful set of gold jewelry and couldn't help but ask, "Could you give me this set of jewelry?"

The wealthy businessman standing nearby quickly smiled and agreed without hesitation.

Looking at the various silk fabrics, they felt soft and smooth to the touch, with bright and beautiful patterns.

It was even more exquisite and elegant than the fabric worn by Princess Jianing.

The further they looked, the more astonished they became.

When they inspected the medicinal herbs, all of them were fresh, intact, and of top quality.

Among them were several century-old ginseng roots, with thick and sturdy bodies, complete and intact rootlets, and excellent quality.

The manager of the medicinal herbs looked at these several century-old ginseng roots and said, "The quality is excellent; these old ginseng roots are even better than those in the imperial palace."

Princess Jianing nodded. "Xiao Jiu, you're quite capable! Your friends are indeed excellent."

Xiao Jiu quickly bowed and said:

"Thank you for your compliment. I just felt that since this is our first time doing business together, I definitely couldn't let you down."

If you think the quality is acceptable, you can also cooperate with them.

Princess Jianing nodded and said, "That's right, no doubt about it."

They quickly signed agreements with these people.

Xie Cheng'en was in high spirits and went to several shops, buying them all.

In just one month, the two bought more than ten shops and began extensive renovations.

Princess Jianing looked at the shops and said, "Xie Cheng'en, Cheng'en, we now have ten shops, right? We're sure to make a lot of money."

Xie Cheng'en nodded and said:

"Our shops are all located opposite Zhou Wanwan, or very close to her. We suppliers are quite powerful."

I took a look, and Zhou Wanwan's stuff is nowhere near as good as ours."

Princess Jianing laughed heartily:

"I just want to see what she'll be like after she comes out of the cold palace. Let's hurry up and finish the renovations."

Once the renovations are finished, I'll have my mother put her back, and then I'll want to see what kind of expression she has."

"Don't worry, the renovation will be finished in just a few days."

They worked quite quickly, and they hired craftsmen from the palace, so the finished renovation was excellent.

Within two days, all the shops were open for business.

Noble Consort Ning looked at Princess Jianing and said, "You two are quite interesting. You've been hanging out together every day lately. What have you been up to?"

Princess Jianing smiled and said, "Mother, we've recently opened 10 shops."

Noble Consort Ning exclaimed in surprise:

"You brat, why didn't you discuss this with your mother first?"

"This is such a big deal, what if your shop goes bankrupt?"

Princess Jianing raised her head and said:

"Mother, don't worry! How could I not know?"

"You won't lose money. Let me tell you, my snack shop is doing much better than Zhou Wanwan's now."

Noble Consort Ning looked at her and said, "A snack shop? You actually opened a snack shop? Are your snacks even edible?"

Princess Jianing pouted and said:

"Mother, why can't we eat it? My supply channels are amazing."

The snacks we sell now are much better than those sold by Zhou Wanwan, and we also have a much larger customer base.

I earned over 200 taels today.

Noble Consort Ning laughed heartily, "Our Princess Ning is making money too! She should bring some snacks for her mother to see sometime!"

Princess Jianing quickly said:

"I don't just make snacks, I make a lot of other things too."

"Bring up the gift I prepared for my mother."

A group of maids carried several trays of valuable items and walked up step by step.

The first item displayed was a gilded phoenix crown, made entirely of pure gold and inlaid with pearls and jade.

Next, a new garment was presented, woven from a rare flowing cloud brocade, which was not even commonly seen in the imperial palace. It was exquisitely crafted and exceptionally beautiful.

Then they took out a century-old ginseng, its body thick and robust, its whiskers intact, and its appearance superb.

Another plate of snacks was brought out; these were all the snacks that Noble Consort Ning usually liked to eat.

Noble Consort Ning looked at these items and said, "Don't tell me these are all from your shop?"