Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Nanny Fan looked at Lu Wei, feeling that the price was high enough, but she had no idea what Meng Die had offered.

Meng Die was willing to pay up to five thousand silver taels, but Lu Wei still said, "Reasonably speaking, two thousand silver taels for a recipe isn't too much. However, I've calculated that you can sell each piece of cake for no more than fifty copper coins. Can you sell fifty pieces a day? After deducting labor costs, how much profit is there? Suddenly, two thousand silver taels seems a bit excessive."

Madam Yun chuckled. "Our Unparalleled Flavor Pavilion has more than just this one in the capital; there are at least twenty branches throughout the Great Yi Dynasty."

Lu Wei replied, "The Unparalleled Flavor Pavilion is renowned across the south and north of the great river, I am well aware. But those in less prosperous areas might not appreciate the difference. In more bustling places, like the capital, there will be fewer gourmets willing to pay such a premium."

In the end, this cake simply lacked refinement; the wealthy found it crude, while the less fortunate could not discern its merits.

After a series of negotiations, Lu Wei eventually purchased the recipe for 1,700 taels of silver. Contracts were signed, and payment in the form of banknotes was exchanged. Immediately, Xing Huang hurried to the kitchen to learn the technique.

Upon arriving at the back gate of the marquis residence, Fan Nanny and her companions alighted from their carriage. Fan Nanny said, "Tell them we've returned. The ovens have been constructed, one has already been delivered to Manager Rong's place. When should the other two be sent to the residence? Also, the senior chef refused to accept payment no matter what. There was nothing I could do."

Lu Wei replied, "Understood. I'll inform them upon our return. The sale of the bread recipe should take place within the next couple of days. I won't keep the senior chef waiting for too long."

Fan Nanny nodded in approval. "That's good to hear. Otherwise, I would constantly worry about not being able to give him his due."

Lu Wei and Xing Huang returned to the courtyard, where a cluster of maids rushed out. "Sister Lu Wei, how much silver did we spend in total?"

"Xing Huang, have you learned it?"

"Sister Xing Huang, was it difficult? Was it hard to learn?"

Xing Huang pouted. "Don't even mention it. That method was so simple, we've really wasted our silver."

Lu Wei didn't hide the truth from them. "We spent a total of one thousand seven hundred taels."

"This recipe is truly invaluable."

"I now have full confidence in our bread recipe. If this steamed cake can sell for such a price, our bread recipe should fetch at least three thousand taels."

"You lack ambition. In my opinion, such delicious bread should sell for no less than five thousand taels."

Amidst the chatter, they entered the room. Xing Huang couldn't wait to say, "Second Aunt, we've definitely lost out this time. The method is far too simple."

Meng Die replied, "What seems difficult to the unskilled is easy to the proficient. You may find it simple now, but you might not be able to recreate it once you actually attempt it." Noticing Xing Huang's somber expression, Meng Die quickly changed the subject. "Even if you could reproduce it, it would take effort and time. Wouldn't it be better to use that time for something else? Perhaps you'd earn even more."

Xing Huang pouted, pondered for a moment, and said fiercely, "Then let's quickly sell the bread recipe and ask for more silver."

Meng Die chuckled. "Of course, of course, I won't ask for less."

Lu Wei added, "Coincidentally, Nanny Fan mentioned that the newly designed ovens have been completed too. They've already been sent to the shop. When should we bring them over to Lady Second's residence for her arrangements?"

Meng Die replied, "Let's have them delivered tomorrow."

Eagerly, Xing Huang asked, "When will we sell the recipe?"

Meng Die chuckled again. "Don't worry, I've already started preparing. Yesterday, I asked Eldest Sister, and she told me that there are currently thirteen most renowned merchants in the Great Yi Dynasty. I've listed their names on a piece of paper. When the time comes, Manager Rong can just send invitations according to what's written."

Xing Huang inquired, "Then how much should we sell the recipe for?"

Meng Die had already planned this out. "I'll give them the bread-making recipe for ten thousand silver taels, along with the method for making the hanging oven cakes as a bonus."

Meihong gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

Lu Wei wasn't quite satisfied. "Ten thousand silver taels—might that be too little?"

"Hulu, still not convinced?" Hulu's eyes widened in surprise.

Lu Wei smiled. "That's because you don't know the extent of these thirteen major merchant houses. Their shops can be found virtually everywhere in the country. Just imagine, if they were to open a bakery in a few prosperous provinces, how much silver could they earn in a year? They'd recoup their initial investment of ten thousand silver in less than two years."

Hulu asked, "All thirteen of them are in the food business?"

Meng Die chuckled. "How could that be? They deal in silk, porcelain, cosmetics, and more. However, food is the foundation of people's lives. Most of them have restaurants in bustling provinces."

Xing Huang was perplexed. "Different trades are like different mountains. Can they really make a profit from running restaurants?"

Meng Die: "Most of them don't make profits, some even incur losses. They don't run restaurants solely for money. If a particular eatery is famous for a delicious dish, people will remember the name of the restaurant. Often, their restaurant names are the same as their business names, so people will also remember their trading brands."

Meihong's eyes widened in surprise. "It can be like that?"

Lu Wei chuckled softly. "With this bread recipe, those flourishing restaurants could use it as a marketing ploy to attract more patrons and enhance their reputation. How much extra profit would that generate indirectly? Ten thousand silver taels is not too much at all."

Hulu and Meihong nodded, acknowledging the lesson with grace.

Xing Huang: "Would ten thousand silver taels truly be too modest an amount?"

Meng Die chuckled. "There are thirteen households in total. If each pays ten thousand, that adds up to 130,000, and we won't even have to pay taxes on it. That should suffice."

Xue Qing still seemed a bit uneasy. "It's not an exclusive business. Will all thirteen really buy in?"

Meng Die was highly confident. "They definitely will. The bread itself is a great product, who wouldn't be tempted? Moreover, once one of them buys in, the others won't want to fall behind, even if they're reluctant. If they all truly refuse, I'll simply sell to merchants beneath them. By then, they'll have more competition, which I'm sure they won't desire."

Meng Die had a keen understanding of the minds of these major merchants, and her reputation played a decisive role as well.

When Manager Rong sent out invitations, the thirteen major merchant houses almost instantly responded. On the appointed day, they all arrived at the gathering, though not the actual proprietors themselves, but rather their most respected managers – those with the authority to make final decisions on certain matters.

This was the benefit of Meng Die's reputation as the Wealth Deity. Otherwise, any minor official could have been sent over to merely go through the motions.

Manager Rong was quite astonished. He had expected representatives from the thirteen merchants, but never imagined they would send such prominent figures.

The merchant managers were acquainted with each other and exchanged greetings upon meeting. Manager Rong welcomed them with a broad smile, leading them into the house. Upon entering, they noticed a young and beautiful maiden. However, they dared not entertain any improper thoughts. The maiden carried herself with poise and grace, indicating that she was likely someone close to the Meng family. They were just a little puzzled as to why it wasn't Lu Wei who had come.

Manager Yun was taken aback. Isn't this Miss Xing Huang?

Manager Rong chuckled. "This is Miss Xing Huang from our Second Madam's side. She oversaw the preparation of today's items."

Xing Huang bowed gracefully, "Greetings to all esteemed patrons."

The group responded in unison, "Miss Xing Huang."

Smiling, Xing Huang said, "Please wait a moment, gentlemen. The items will be ready soon. I'll step out to check on them first."

Shopkeeper Rong continued, "Please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy a cup of tea to soothe your throats."

The crowd agreed, and many cast subtle glances at Manager Yun. It was no secret that Second Madam from the Marquis House had acquired the recipe for steamed buns from the Unforgettable Flavors Pavilion. Hence, they were all curious about Manager Yun's thoughts at this moment.

Manager Yun concealed his tension by clenching his fists beneath his sleeves, maintaining a calm expression as he picked up his teacup and took a sip. The others followed suit, each taking a symbolic drink.

Some were quick, finishing their tea and placing the cups on small tables beside them. Others, still holding their cups, were suddenly overwhelmed by a potent fragrance that rushed in through the open windows, its domineering scent filling their nostrils and invading their minds, causing their mouths to water uncontrollably.

Almost instinctively, several voices murmured, "How delightful!"

Moments later, Xing Huang reappeared in the room. "I've prepared some fresh delicacies for you all to sample."

A few matrons entered, each carrying a tray, which they placed on the small tables next to the proprietors.

On the tray lay a pair of chopsticks, accompanied by four small portions of fist-sized bread slices: plain milk bread, nut-crusted bread, meat floss bread, and jam bread.

Manager Rong picked up the chopsticks first and skewered the plain milk bread. "This bread has no added flavors, it's essentially the original taste. Gentlemen, you may start with this."

Xing Huang promptly interjected, "It's made with sheep's milk. I wonder if any of you have an intolerance to dairy products?"

All of them shook their heads, indicating that they could consume dairy without issue.

With the first bite, the merchants' minds were made up. They were all high-ranking managers from prominent families, effectively masters in their own right. With wealth at their disposal, what rare delicacies had they not tasted? Yet, this simple bread still offered an incredibly delightful and lingering sweetness that surpassed their expectations.

The mingling aroma of milk and wheat was overpoweringly delightful, with a sweetness and softness that suited both young and old. Especially for those with sensitive teeth, their eyes instantly sparkled with delight!

A small piece of milk bread vanished in just a few bites. Manager Rong sipped his tea to subdue the sweetness. Everyone present was astute; they too took sips of tea before sampling the nutty bread.

Nuts were naturally fragrant, and when combined with the bread, they didn't create an odd aroma with the milk and wheat scent. Instead, the crushed nuts became even more aromatic, enhancing the richness of the milk and wheat flavors.

The meat floss bread added a touch of saltiness to the sweetness. Chewing slowly, the taste of the meat became especially robust against the backdrop of the milk and wheat aroma. Finally, the jam bread, with its sweetness and a hint of fruit freshness, subtly neutralized any trace of dryness in the bread.

After finishing his portion, Yang's manager didn't even have time to drink his tea. "This is called bread? The flavor is truly unique, delicious, and it seems to be quite filling as well?"

Manager Yun nibbled on his bread with an unusually intricate expression.

Xing Huang chuckled and said, "The main ingredient is the same as steamed buns – fermented flour. It does indeed fill one up."

The crowd nodded, engaging in hushed conversations. Many eyes kept stealing glances at Manager Yun, making him feel uneasy as if sitting on a bed of needles.

Clerk Yong declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, there's no need to beat around the bush when we're all straightforward people. Our Second Lady has always been candid. Today, she has invited all of you here because she wishes to sell the recipe for this bread-making method."

The managers promptly assessed those around them, calculating whether their counterparts would compete with them for the recipe. Almost simultaneously, they all reached a shared understanding that they themselves would vie against others. In that instant, the atmosphere in the room turned subtly tense.

Clerk Rong continued, "The ingredients for making these breads are not overly rare. They can be produced and sold in both the north and south of the Great Yi Dynasty. Hence, our Second Lady didn't consider keeping the recipe as a secret. Gentlemen, you are all the top merchants of our dynasty. We've invited you here to ask if you have any interest in this recipe."

Upon hearing that it wouldn't be an exclusive deal, the subtle tension dissipated, and everyone's faces lit up with delight again. Manager Yang, being the eldest among them, was given the chance to speak on behalf of the group due to the respect for elders.

Manager Yang nodded. "To be honest with you, Clerk Rong, the flavor and texture of this bread are exceptional. Naturally, we are interested. However, we'd like to know the cost involved in producing one loaf."

Xing Huang turned around and quickly returned, holding a tray with a whole milk bread on it. "Normally, the bread we produce is about this size, roughly equivalent to seven or eight osmanthus cakes. The most basic milk bread costs no more than sixty copper coins in the capital. The prices of raw materials might vary in other regions, so I'm not entirely sure about the exact cost there."

"For nut bread, due to the higher price of nuts, the cost would be around eighty copper coins. Meat floss is even pricier at one hundred coins. Fruit jam is cheaper; using seasonal fruits, it would be about sixty-five coins. And the taste of the bread remains similar whether served hot or cold. In our drier northern climate, it can be kept for a day or two without issue. However, in the more humid southern areas, it's best not to keep it overnight."

The various managers' eyes clearly lit up with pleasure. The recipe was versatile and not overly expensive, a price that many of their own confectionery shops could afford. Compared to the prices of their current pastries, it wasn't overly costly; in fact, it was even cheaper than some prestigious delicacies. Only Manager Yun felt another pang of pain in his heart.

Manager Yang inquired further, "May I ask how much this recipe costs?"

Proprietor Rong chuckled. "Since it's not an exclusive formula, it naturally won't be too expensive. Whoever wishes to purchase it will have to pay ten thousand silver taels. Furthermore, Second Madam has promised that she will not sell the recipe to anyone else for the next five years, except for those present here today."

Ten thousand silver taels? Almost instinctively, the managers in the room turned to look at Proprietor Yun. Your family sold it for only seventeen hundred taels!

Manager Yun almost choked on his own blood, but he maintained a smile on his face. He vowed inwardly that since his family's main business was food and beverages, he would open several more bakeries to minimize their losses.

After the crowd had thoroughly examined the recipe, Manager Yun began to contemplate its value. A thousand silver taels was by no means a small sum for a non-exclusive deal. Moreover, the commitment not to sell it to anyone else apart from those present for the next five years demonstrated genuine sincerity. Most importantly, the bread was genuinely delicious and reasonably priced. It was easy to envision a bustling scene if a shop were to open in a prosperous provincial capital.

Mr. Yang lowered his eyes, his mind dwelling on another point—the purchase of this recipe was undoubtedly profitable, and it had also, albeit barely, established a connection with the Second Lady of the Marquis's Manor. This connection might lead to future opportunities where the Marquis's family would remember him when good fortunes arose again. "Manager Rong, this bread is truly exceptional, and our House Yang has a profound interest in it. Might I inquire if all the raw materials required for its production are readily available?"

Xing Huang remarked, "The raw materials are not particularly expensive, albeit not easily found, but the crucial component lies in the custom-made iron oven required for baking this bread. It was commissioned by our Second Lady from Old Cao's Blacksmith Shop in the capital. It's his unique craft; you may either purchase one at his establishment with silver or acquire his technique, neither of which is exceedingly difficult."

Manager Yang nodded repeatedly. "Manager Rong, Miss Xing Huang, I'll step out to give the orders."

Upon his rise, the others promptly expressed their intention to instruct their servants. Manager Rong and Xing Huang even stepped out of the room, leaving the space for them.

The others promptly inquired of Manager Yang, "Brother Yang, are you thinking of purchasing it?"

Manager Yang openly admitted, "This bread is so delicious. If we open a shop to sell it, business will surely thrive. Second Grandma also promised not to provide the recipe to anyone else for five years. With one thousand taels, we can earn that back within five years, and by then, we'll have the recipe for free. It's a sure profit, no loss. I plan to send my servant boy to the blacksmith's to inquire about the price of this technique."

"I also intend to buy the recipe and will dispatch my servant to ask as well."

"Me too."

Everyone chimed in with the same idea, and soon, a group of servant boys were dispatched to ask Old Cao how much he would charge for the technique.

Having received a hint beforehand, Old Cao had a plan in mind. Seeing that all thirteen families had come to inquire, he gritted his teeth and offered a price of three hundred taels per household. If all thirteen agreed, it would amount to three thousand nine hundred taels in total. Apart from the furnace crafted for Meng Die, for which he didn't charge, this would be a risk-free venture for him.

Upon hearing this, the servants deemed the price reasonable. Judging from Old Cao's demeanor, they knew there was little hope for further negotiation. They promptly returned to report back.

Those led by Manager Yang were all satisfied with the price. Immediately, they instructed their servants to retrieve banknotes, while they proceeded to sign a contract with Manager Rong on the spot.

Due to Meng Die's reputation, the managers, desiring to leave a positive impression, did not insist on her personal seal on the contract. They merely had Manager Rong sign and endorse it, which was indeed a gesture of respect toward him.

Xing Huang scanned the contract with a faint smile playing on her eyes. "Gentleman merchants, you may return and select the individuals you wish to have trained. I shall commence their instruction on the morrow. Each establishment is allowed to send no more than two representatives. Additionally, this bread is quite delicious; our Marquisate often bakes it in our leisure, and we may even gift it to friends and kin during festive occasions."

"Certainly, certainly." The crowd nodded eagerly. While waiting, they took great interest in observing the oven and even witnessed the process of a batch of bread being baked. Manager Rong was particularly thoughtful; he wrapped the bread in oil paper, placed them in a box, and prepared them for the group to take away when they left, so that their families could also savor the treat.

That afternoon, Xing Huang returned to the Marquis's residence in high spirits, carrying a substantial fortune of 130,000 taels in silver banknotes.

Upon entering the room, Xing Huang couldn't contain her excitement and bounced lightly. She took out a stack of silver notes from her bosom and said, "Auntie Two, look, I've purchased all thirteen items."

The others instantly gathered around, and Meihong couldn't help but exclaim, "Goodness gracious, I've never seen so many banknotes in my life."

Xing Huang chuckled. "That's nothing. When Sister Lu Wei was selling sea fish, she brought back even more – a whole chest full. But the highlight of today for me was seeing Manager Yun's face when he thought our bread was inspired by steamed rice cakes."

Lu Wei counted the silver bills meticulously, then retrieved the small box meant for them and placed the notes inside. "When he realizes tomorrow that the secret recipe was unnecessary for making the bread, I imagine his rest and appetite will be even more disturbed."

Xing Huang crossed her arms and laughed heartily.

Meng Die commented, "Everyone has been busy this time around, so there will be rewards for all, from top to bottom."

"Thank you, Second Aunt," echoed voices in joy both indoors and out.

The following morning, Xing Huang visited Manager Rong once again. Each bakery sent two skilled pastry chefs, and Xing Huang introduced them to the ingredients before demonstrating the proportions while baking. Manager Rong handed each of them a sheet of paper as she spoke. "Miss Xing Huang has written down the ratios for you. Don't worry if you forget for the moment."

The visiting instructors reverently folded the papers and kept them safe. The two masters from the Unparalleled Flavor Pavilion looked at Xing Huang in astonishment. No way, how could this not involve the technique for making steamed buns?

Bread-making wasn't overly complicated; the key was the proportion of ingredients and the baking process. Once the proportions were explained, these experienced hands would grasp them instantly. As for baking, as long as they had a suitable oven, there wouldn't be any issues.

After demonstrating the milk bread once, Xing Huang let the learners take over when they started on the nut bread, guiding them along the way.

Not only did the aroma of bread fill the small courtyard at the back, but it also wafted to the front shop that sold cosmetics. Numerous people inquired about the source of the scent, and the shopkeepers happily divulged the news, telling everyone that such treats would soon be available in the capital, thus giving the bread an early promotional boost.

Once everyone had personally made their own bread, Xing Huang smiled and said, "I'll teach you another type of pastry, something novel and free of charge. We'll use the same oven."

All expressed their gratitude. Xing Huang then shared the recipe for the hanging oven bread with everyone and even allowed them to try their hands at making it. When they dispersed in the evening, each person carried large boxes filled with bread and hanging oven buns.

Exhausted from the day's events, Xing Huang returned to the Marquis's residence and, after reporting to Meng Die, promptly retired to freshen up and sleep. Yet, on the following evening, Lady Rong personally requested an audience.

Xing Huang scratched his head. "Could there still be someone who hasn't learned?"

Hulu: "It can't be. The oven wouldn't have been crafted so swiftly. If she hasn't learned it yet, she wouldn't be asking now."

Meng Die smiles gently. "Perhaps it's for the better."

Indeed, it was a pleasant surprise. Lady Rong arrived holding a box. She first bowed to Meng Die before taking a seat and saying, "This box contains a few pieces of jewelry, gifts from the managers of major merchants to Miss Xing Huang. My husband and I declined several times, but we could no longer refuse their sincerity. Thus, we have brought them along."

Xing Huang was astonished, pointing at herself. "For me?"

Lady Rong nodded. "Yes, for Miss. The managers all mentioned that although they purchased the formula, it's only right for Second Madam to send someone to teach. But they can tell how dedicated Miss Xing Huang is. These are tokens of gratitude for her efforts."

Xing Huang blinked, still in disbelief.

Meng Die smiled gently. "If they offer sincerely, you should accept it."

Madam Rong continued, "Second Lady, not only did they present Miss Xing Huang with jewelry, they also gave Master Rong five hundred taels of silver as a token of gratitude for his care." As she spoke, Madam Rong took out a silver note from her sleeve.

Meng Die waved her hand. "Since it's meant for you, keep it."

Madam Rong was astonished. "This..."

Meng Die smiled. "Accept it. They're trying to build a good relationship with Manager Rong."

"Thank you, Second Lady."