Chapter 63: Door-to-door Sales

Unlike Shi Li Village's gloom and devastation, the streets of Qi Yang County didn’t show much impact of the early tax collection, except for some outsiders setting up stalls.

Perhaps it existed, but it was limited to a few, at least for now, it wasn't apparent on the main streets of the county.

Needing money, Sangluo brought all her goods, including a few pieces of each type of tofu.

Of course, she brought mostly sour date cakes, or what she called crystal fruits.

Thus, Sangluo's first target was the confectionery shops.

She strolled up and down the main street twice, noting three confectionery shops in total. One appeared more upscale in its decor, while the other two seemed more affordably priced.

After some thought, Sangluo mustered her courage and entered the most expensive-looking one. Although she felt such a shop was unlikely to sell items made outside, it was worth a try. If successful, she could sell at a higher price; if not, there was no loss.

Carrying an assortment of goods and dressed in old, coarse clothes, her appearance starkly contrasted with the shop's setting.

The shopkeeper, a round-faced woman, did not show any displeasure at Sangluo's appearance, maintaining a perfect balance of friendliness and enthusiasm, not too much and not too little.

"What would you like to purchase, ma'am?"

Setting down her carrying basket in a corner of the shop, Sangluo quickly glanced at the array of exquisite confectionery displayed in the cabinets.

There was a wide variety of items, some recognizable with an apparent method of preparation, while others were intricately designed, resembling flowers and buds, beyond Sangluo's skill to discern their crafting.

After this brief look, Sangluo turned back to the shopkeeper and, following the manners of an educated woman of the Daqian dynasty from her original self's memory, greeted gracefully, “Excuse me, shopkeeper, I have made a special treat from a family recipe. I wonder if it's possible for your shop to sell it on my behalf?”

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow: “Consign for sale?”

She smiled and shook her head: “Our Yongfengzhai is an established brand; we don’t sell food made externally.”

Sangluo, having anticipated this response, wasn’t disappointed. She unveiled a jar from her basket, took out a piece of sour jujube cake, and handed it over with a smile: “Even if you don’t sell on behalf, it's still fate that I entered your esteemed store. Shopkeeper, please try this crystal fruit preserve.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes landed on the piece of dessert named 'crystal fruit preserve' passed by Sangluo. It was translucent and visually appealing, befitting its name.

After examining the sweet, her gaze naturally drifted to the hand that offered it. Unlike most farmers, this young lady had slender, well-proportioned fingers, not ones accustomed to rough work. Her nails were neatly trimmed and appeared well cared for, rounded and clean.

The shopkeeper said cheerfully, “Then I thank the lady for her kind gesture.”

She took the piece of crystal fruit preserve from Sangluo. It was slightly soft to the touch. Although beautiful in color, its appearance was not particularly striking. Tearing it open, the inside revealed even more appealing colors, not immediately discernible what it was made from, but very appetizing.

Upon tasting a small piece, the burst of sweet and sour flavor instantly stimulated the shopkeeper's salivation.

“This must stimulate the appetite, right?”

Sangluo nodded with a smile: “Indeed, it not only stimulates appetite and strengthens the spleen but also nourishes the heart and calms the mind. Of course, it’s just a delicacy. Its taste is primary, and its benefits are just an added bonus.”

The shopkeeper raised her eyebrows, recognizing the educated manner of speech.

To her knowledge, some prestigious families pass down recipes to their descendants. She observed Sangluo, wondering if she might be a scion of a once-prominent family that had fallen on hard times.

Of course, that was just a fleeting thought. As she savored the taste, trying to decipher the ingredients, she couldn't figure it out. However, she found the delicacy genuinely impressive, suitable for all ages. Stumbling upon such a gem and letting it slip away would indeed be a pity.

“Young lady, our shop indeed doesn’t sell external products, but would you be willing to sell us the recipe?”

Sangluo's eyebrows twitched slightly. While curious about the offer she might receive for the recipe, she had no intention of making a one-time deal that would block her future prospects.

Thus, she shook her head: “The recipe is a treasured family secret and not for sale. However, if your esteemed store is interested in collaborating, I can ensure the crystal fruit preserve is made more uniformly, guaranteeing its appeal.”

The shopkeeper hesitated before shaking her head.

Sangluo smiled, not insisting further. She thanked the shopkeeper and was about to leave, turning back to her carrying basket.

Her decisive departure left the shopkeeper feeling somewhat unsettled.

She glanced at the contents of Sangluo's basket. There were three jars of the same type from which the crystal fruit preserve was taken.

Seeing that Sangluo was evidently seeking a seller for her product in town, the shopkeeper's mind started to turn.

Yongfengzhai had maintained its leading position in Qiyang County for years, being the preferred choice for desserts among the reputable families. Their success hinged on surpassing competitors in variety, craftsmanship, taste, packaging, and service.

Having tasted the crystal fruit preserve, she was convinced it would be popular. If Sangluo sold it to one of the other dessert shops, her Yongfengzhai wouldn’t be able to produce something of the same category to surpass it.

Realizing this, she hurriedly called Sangluo back: “Miss, although we don’t sell items on behalf, would you sell these to us? I’ll let the owner taste them when he returns. We can discuss further then. How about that?”

Sang Luo: These? ???

"Is this even feasible?" she thought, perplexed.

Smiling, she turned around and said, "Of course, it's possible. Not to hide from you, sister, I've sold this in the county once before, at three coins for five pieces. But I wasn't quite satisfied with the price, which is why I'm considering consignment in a shop to get a higher price. So, sister, are you taking all of these?"

Hearing the possibility of a sale, the shopkeeper instantly became 'sister.'

The female shopkeeper chuckled: "I’ll take them all. Tell me what price you think is appropriate."

Sang Luo pondered and replied, "There are over six hundred pieces in these three jars. If sister takes them all, I’ll charge six hundred in total, at the wholesale price of one coin per piece. Whether you eat them yourself or resell them, sister, you can set your own price."

The price hike was nearly half, and Sang Luo was satisfied with it.

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Alright, leave all three jars here."

She then reached behind the counter, pulled out six strings of coins, placed them on the counter, and pushed them towards Sang Luo.

At one hundred coins per bundle, Sang Luo had counted enough money to have a rough estimate of the store's scale. Yes, a store of this size wouldn’t deceive her over trifles. She confidently filled her purse with the money, leaving with one empty purse, now packed full.

Sang Luo's face lit up with joy, her eyebrows and lips curling into a smile. Although it was just jujube cake saved over several days, she had now made an income of 600 wen, plus the 400 wen saved from selling tofu at home, making a significant step towards the 3,388 wen goal.

She was pleased, and the female shopkeeper was quite happy too. After delivering it to the master's family, and once the master had tasted it, the idea of either negotiating with this young woman to buy the recipe or allowing the pastry chefs to research what it was made of seemed like a good plan.

Could Sang Luo guess that the female shopkeeper had such a plan?

After receiving the money, the female shopkeeper didn’t inquire about Sangluo’s next visit or how to contact her. Sangluo realized this and raised an eyebrow but didn’t mind.

“Let them figure it out. If they manage to replicate it, that’s the prowess of this established confectionery. I’m not overly ambitious, nor do I believe my creations are irreplicable. If I make money from jujube cakes by chance, others earning from their skills is also fate.”

“Leave it to fate. As long as the recipe isn’t leaked from me, there's nothing to be uneasy about.”

Sangluo felt content with this thought and, with the heavy purse of six hundred coins in hand, felt quite pleased.

Carrying out the three jars, she smiled, “Sister, could you find something to pack these in? These crude clay jars are so rough they make the crystal cakes seem cheap.”

In fact, those three crude clay jars had cost her nearly a hundred coins. She needed to take them back.

The shopkeeper, experienced in dealing with all sorts, understood immediately. She couldn’t help but smile wryly; the purchase was for the cakes, not the jars.

Thinking of delivering them to the owner’s house, where many ladies and young misses would see them, she called for someone to bring twelve exquisite porcelain jars. The staff carefully transferred the contents, fifty pieces per jar, and after filling twelve jars, six pieces were left over.

The shopkeeper joked about getting a bargain from Sangluo, who playfully responded, “Sister, please keep me in mind for future business.”

After her empty jars were packed, Sangluo left the Yongfeng Residence.

……

Next, Sangluo headed to the largest restaurant in Qiyang County.

Unfortunately, this visit wasn’t as smooth as the confectionery. At the back door, she was quickly dismissed by a chef after asking just one question.

“Bringing some exotic wild delicacies might be fine, but bringing in ready-made food? If anyone can sell their food here, what’s the point of me being a chef?”

Sangluo: ……

"Such confidence from this chef."

"Alright, I won't insist. I'll just head over to the back door of another restaurant across the street."

"If I'm not welcomed here, there's always another place. If I hadn't just seen that even Yongfeng Residence didn't sell snacks other than confectionery, I would have suggested my vegetarian tripe. Isn't it also considered a snack in modern times?"

"Just think how popular konjac jelly snacks are."

"Although the eras differ, the essence of a food lover remains the same."

"I believe, with some persuasion and proper packaging, my product could be sold in confectioneries."

"Well, just a thought. It would be best to sell at restaurants."

Lost in her thoughts, Sangluo reached the kitchen of the restaurant. There, a boy about fifteen or sixteen was sitting, washing a large basin of dishes. Seeing Sangluo, he stood up, looked at her, and even smiled at her, leaving the boy somewhat puzzled. "Who are you?"

Learning from her previous encounter, Sangluo set down her load and uncovered the clay pot of konjac jelly covered with lotus leaves. She took a pair of chopsticks and a leaf, placed two pieces of konjac jelly on the leaf, and handed it to the boy. "Young man, give this a try. I have something to ask."

Initially wary, the boy relaxed upon hearing she just had a question. Curious about the food in his hand, he asked, "What's this?"

After tasting it, his eyes lit up, and he gave a thumbs-up. "This is delicious! Since I've accepted your treat, ask away. I'll tell you whatever I know."

Sangluo smiled: "I'm wondering if this new type of food I've made could be sold in your restaurant."

The boy: "......"