After arriving at the cross-courtyard, Hua Zhi spread out a piece of paper and wrote a few lines, then blew on the wet words, "Yingchun, Nianqiu, find out the people on this list as soon as possible. I want to use them."
"yes."
The people on the list were all those who were once employed by the exiled male members of the Hua family. Before the Hua family was confiscated, they were in charge of a lot of businesses. They definitely have the ability to get things done. As long as they remain loyal, they will be the most suitable people for Hua Zhi's current plan.
"Also, I need an external steward. Do you have a suitable candidate?"
The few of them had been trained by Hua Zhi since they were young, and had long since adapted to her ways of doing things. After they had sorted out the people in the mansion, the two of them discussed for a while, and Yingchun said, "We all think that Xu Jie, the son of housekeeper Xu, and Chen Liang are the most suitable."
"Then let's go with Chen Liang. If Xu Jie can finish the tasks I asked him to do, I'm afraid he will have to run around outside most of the time, taking care of the fruit and vegetable purchases. Let Chen Liang come to see me."
"yes."
After sorting out what to do next, Chen Liang came over, bent down and saluted without saying a word. Hua Zhi began to understand why the two maids chose him.
"Chen Liang, do you know Green Moss Lane?"
"Yes, I know a little bit."
"Tell me about it."
Chen Liang organized his words a bit and said, "There are a total of 25 shops in Green Moss Lane, which are notorious for being rotten shops in Beijing. It is said that the feng shui of that lane is bad, and it is colliding with something. For many years, no matter what business you do, you will always lose money."
Hua Zhi nodded, "Do you know where the problem lies?"
Chen Liang paused. Although it was an unexpected question, he still told what he knew. "I think the first is the geographical location. There is Quezhi Lane in front and Bajiao Lane in the back. Quezhi Lane is close to the main street, so there are more people. If you want to buy something, you go there directly instead of choosing Lutai Lane, which is separated by a dead end. Bajiao Lane in the back is next to the inner river, so people go there to play whether it is sunny or rainy, so the business is not bad. Lutai Lane is not close to either side, so the business is often switched back and forth. After a few times of failure, fewer people go there."
Hua Zhi was quite satisfied with Chen Liang. "I've said first, then second. Keep talking."
"Yes." Chen Liang swallowed his saliva to moisten his throat. "The second is that they chose the wrong business. In one alley, there are shops selling both funeral clothes and ready-made clothes. Even if they sell them cheaper, not many people are willing to break the taboo for that little bit of savings. The other shops also sell a lot of random things, so they can't make a living."
"Does the shop over there sell takeout?"
"Of course there are. As far as I know, most of the owners want to get rid of them quickly, but no one has taken over yet."
"How much is it?"
"It is said to be cheaper than other places. You need to inquire about the specific amount if it is smaller."
"Then go ahead."
"yes."
As soon as Chen Liang left, Baochun couldn't help laughing, "What a fool."
"This kind of person is good, down-to-earth." Hua Zhi looked at Nian Qiu, "How much money can be used?"
"We have the 3,500 taels from the house we sold and the 900 taels we found at Chen Jin's house. We haven't touched the gold bars we have."
"That should be enough."
Yingchun poured some water into the inkstone and asked while grinding ink, "Miss, you want to buy a shop in Green Moss Lane? From what Chen Liang said, the price should not be very expensive. If you buy a few shops, you should not need to use gold bars."
“I plan to buy them all.”
Yingchun's hand slipped and was immediately covered with ink.
Nian Qiu asked anxiously, "All twenty-five rooms?"
"Yes." Hua Zhi handed the wet towel to Yingchun. "Many people who do business don't want to have peers around them. In fact, if we can really concentrate the same business and create a climate, it may not be a bad thing."
Nian Qiu thought thoughtfully, "Just like when we want to buy rouge, the first thing we think of is the row of rouge shops on Wangshui Street."
"That's right." Hua Zhi nodded in appreciation. "There are only six or seven stores in that row. What if I buy all 25 of them and sell similar products?"
The maids looked at each other and thought that the young lady's idea was really bold. Wouldn't it be too much to have 25 shops all doing the same business? If they competed with each other for business, they would lose everything!
But there is nothing that the lady wants to do that she can’t accomplish. If the lady says to do it, then she does it!
"Miss, what are we going to do?"
Hua Zhi took a quick look and was not surprised to find that Fu Dong was not there again. He must be busy in the kitchen at this hour.
“Were the croquettes we had yesterday delicious?”
The three of them nodded repeatedly, and their mouths began to water, wanting to eat again.
"Where's the rice noodle rolls we had the day before yesterday?"
The three of them continued to nod, and the sound of them swallowing saliva made Hua Zhi laugh, "Are these things available outside?"
Of course not! The three of them immediately understood what the young lady wanted to do!
They have eaten more than 25 unique delicacies over the years! Even if every store sells one, they will definitely make money!
"Miss, it's time to eat..." Fu Dong was a little frightened when she faced several pairs of frighteningly bright eyes as she entered the room. She even stopped in her tracks, not knowing whether to go in or retreat.
After they came to their senses, they hurriedly went about their own business. Although they, the master and servant, did not eat at the same table, they ate the same food as the young lady, except that they did not eat at the same table or at the same time.
While the young ladies were resting, they were eating and thinking, with Fudong's cooking skills, he could open a restaurant!
Hua Zhi saw that Fu Dong was getting restless because of being stared at by several people, so she smiled and helped her out, "Fu Dong, I have a task for you."
Fu Dong put down the bowl as if escaping and came to the young lady, "Young lady, please speak."
"Make a record of the food you've made over the years. You don't need any of it outside."
Fu Dong nodded and concluded, "Just remember what you mentioned, Miss."
Hua Zhi smiled, "Whatever I suggested to you, you figured it out on your own."
Fu Dong shook his head stubbornly, "Without your suggestion, I couldn't have thought of it and couldn't have done it."
Hua Zhi didn't argue with her, "That's all. Write them down, and we'll choose from them to sell in the shop later."
"yes."
When Chen Liang returned, the sun had already set.
"I have inquired carefully. The shop in Green Moss Lane has been selling for a low price. It should be around 140 taels."
Considering the current prices in Daqing Dynasty, this price is indeed very low. I am afraid that the owners are also eager to sell. Hua Zhi thought for a while, "Are there big and small shops?"
"I went to see it myself this afternoon. Except for the one at the back facing the river which is slightly larger, the other 24 rooms are basically the same size."
The money in hand is enough, but it is not enough to just buy the shop. There will be many other places that will require money later.
Hua Zhi frowned. She didn't want to use the gold bars in her hand unless it was necessary. That was the Hua family's last foundation.
PS: Thank you girls for your support, and I will continue to ask for your monthly votes.