Chapter Forty-Seven: Expanding the Second Floor

Chapter 47: Expanding to the Second Floor

"Shen Yu," Lin Qiuran began, "it's already late, and if you walk home alone, it will be even later. You should head back now. We can discuss anything else tomorrow."

She didn't know how long Shen Yu had been waiting, and whatever Shen Yu was pleading for, Lin Qiuran wouldn't agree to it. Yet, Shen Yu seemed desperate, as if she had nowhere else to turn. If Lin Qiuran refused her outright now, with the rain still falling, she feared Shen Yu might do something foolish.

Shen Yu's emotions were somewhat calmed. She thanked Lin Qiuran twice before leaving with her umbrella.

Sun Shi remained puzzled. "Why did she come?"

If it weren't for the fact that Wufangzhai was now their competitor, Sun Shi would have been furious just seeing her. Without a word, Shen Yu had simply sold the recipe.

Lin Qiuran explained, "The FiveSpice House's business doesn't seem to be doing well lately."

This was just in the county town; Lin Qiuran didn't know about other areas yet. But from Shen Yu's demeanor, things probably weren't going well anywhere. Shen Yu had sold the recipe, and with Wufangzhai's thriving business pressing hard, her superiors must be pushing her to create new bean cakes. Lin Qiuran didn't think Shen Yu couldn't make them without her, but there were only so many types of bean cake fillings. Coming up with something truly new wasn't easy.

Sun Shi carried the box into the house. Xiao Dashi went to collect eggs and feed the chickens. Due to the rain, there were only two eggs today.

Lin Qiuran also went inside. She gathered firewood to heat water for a foot soak later.

Sun Shi took the firewood from her. "If business isn't good, what good would coming to you do?"

Lin Qiuran smiled. Either Shen Yu regretted her decision, or she wanted to ask for help with new ideas.

But Lin Qiuran couldn't help with either. Now that she was in partnership with Xu Yuanhang, even without him, she wouldn't help Shen Yu.

"Exactly," Lin Qiuran said, "what good would coming to me do? It was too late today, so I let her go home first. Tomorrow, I'll just say a few words to politely dismiss her."

Letting Shen Yu go home for the night might give her time to reconsider and not come back. Even if she did, after a night of reflecting on her past actions, she'd probably be too ashamed to ask.

And if she still asked, since she had the nerve to, Lin Qiuran would have no reason to feel awkward about refusing.

Sun Shi nodded. Lin Qiuran went inside to change clothes. Although she wasn't wet, the rainy day had left her clothes damp.

When the water was hot, Sun Shi mixed it and brought it into the room. Lin Qiuran soaked her feet, washed up, and then went to bed.

The next morning, the sky cleared, but the autumn wind blew colder than the day before.

Xiao Dashi was an early riser by habit. He woke even earlier but found it boring to lie in bed, so he got up to fetch water, do chores, feed the chickens, clean the coop, and then head to the shop early to buy fish and meat.

After cleaning, Xiao Dashi opened the door to leave and was startled to find Shen Yu outside.

But Shen Yu looked pleased. "Uncle Xiao!"

There's a saying that you don't hit a smiling person. Xiao Dashi said, "You're here for Qiuran, right? I'll go get her. Please wait here for a bit."

Lin Qiuran wasn't up yet. Sun Shi followed Xiao Dashi out. "Come in and wait."

Shen Yu nodded and followed Sun Shi inside. She said, "I'm in no hurry. Let Sister Qiuran sleep first."

Sun Shi didn't want to call her either. If Shen Yu wanted to wait, let her wait.

Shen Yu had come early, afraid she might miss the Xiao family if they left early. She wasn't in a rush.

Inside, Lin Qiuran heard the commotion outside. It was like this every day, so she was used to it. She changed clothes, washed up quickly, and then came out to talk to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu had so much to say last night—pleading for Lin Qiuran's help, asking her to come up with ideas, recounting her recent hardships. But after a night, seeing Lin Qiuran again, she didn't know how to begin.

Lin Qiuran spoke gently. "What exactly is the matter? Last night, with such heavy rain, was there some emergency? Don't worry, you were very helpful to my in-laws before. If it's truly an emergency, I'll do my best to help if I can."

But for other matters, Lin Qiuran couldn't help.

Shen Yu smiled bitterly inside. All she'd done was help carry a few things, and Sun Shi had given her plenty of food in return. She felt Lin Qiuran's words were a subtle jab, reminding her of that day in the teahouse when Lin Qiuran asked if she wanted to go into business together.

Back then, Lin Qiuran wanted to collaborate, but Shen Yu had already agreed to the Jiang family. Now, she was back, begging for help.

Shen Yu was ashamed but forced herself to speak. She gritted her teeth and said, "Sister Lin, the FiveSpice House's business isn't doing well now."

It wasn't just because Wufangzhai also sold bean cakes, but also because the Jiang family's exaggerated story to sell their cakes was no longer believed.

The bean cakes were so expensive that common folk felt these wealthy people were just in it for the money, claiming filial piety but ultimately profit-driven, so they were no longer willing to buy.

This also brought other problems to light—the Jiang family poaching many pastry chefs, snatching craftsmen off the streets, and even Brother Dong's beating was being discussed.

People said the Jiang family was connected to the Xu Zhou Jiang family, which had many court officials. Collusion between officials and merchants only exploited the people. The public despised this, and the business that had improved because of the bean cakes now plummeted.

The manager of the FiveSpice House was overwhelmed, trying his best to salvage the situation. He knew it wasn't Shen Yu's fault, but he needed someone to blame.

Shen Yu started crying as she spoke, wiping her tears with a silk handkerchief embroidered with butterflies. "When I first started working there, those people were kind to me. But when business turned bad, they pressured me to come up with ideas and even said... if I couldn't think of anything, they'd throw me out."

Shen Yu looked up at Lin Qiuran. "Sister Qiuran, I have no other choice but to come to you. I really can't think of any ideas. If this continues, I'll definitely be driven out..."

Lin Qiuran had wondered why Xu Yuanhang returned in less than a month. It probably related to this. Someone like him would surely seize the chance to take over the Jiang family's assets. Such a good opportunity—how could he let it pass?

Lin Qiuran sighed inwardly. She said, "If I knew how to make pastries, I'd definitely help you brainstorm. But as you know, that day it was because we made fermented rice steamed buns at home that I stumbled upon the idea by accident."

The hope in Shen Yu's eyes gradually faded. Lin Qiuran continued, "Shen Yu, you know how to make pastries. Even if you leave the FiveSpice House, it's not like you have no way to make a living. Besides, selling the pastry recipe earned you thirty taels. Since the FiveSpice House's business is poor now, why stick with it?"

Shen Yu bit her lower lip. Why did she want to stay? Because for her, it was a respectable job—not having to make bean cakes alone at home and sell them on the streets, exposed to the elements. Even her marriage prospects... Before, Brother Dong's family hadn't been willing, but now matchmakers were bringing her better prospects.

Shen Yu looked down at her embroidered shoes, which she had bought herself and liked very much. Three taels a month—where else could she find such wages?

And there were others in the shop, so her workload wasn't too heavy.

Shen Yu felt more and more distressed looking at Lin Qiuran. "If the Jiang family drives me out, my parents will surely be gossiped about. Sister Qiuran, you... is your offer from back then still good?"

Sun Shi was in the kitchen heating breakfast. Hearing this, her heart sank. She hoped Qiuran wouldn't agree just because she heard Shen Yu's troubles.

Lin Qiuran shook her head. Shen Yu's choice back then wasn't necessarily wrong. Everyone knew it's easier to thrive under a big tree's shadow, but big trees can fall. Choosing that tree meant bearing the consequences.

Shen Yu had been at the FiveSpice House for many days; learning to make their pastries shouldn't be hard. Later, setting up a stall would be simpler. With capital, she could open a shop soon enough.

"I'm just a woman who didn't think things through properly back then. Maybe if you had agreed then, someone would be pressuring us for recipes now too... Anyway, you still have thirty taels, which is better than nothing."

Shen Yu knew half of those thirty taels were what Lin Qiuran hadn't taken. Pressing further would be inappropriate. "Sister Lin is right."

Lin Qiuran offered a few more words of advice. "I have things to do at home. You should head back early too, and don't dwell on it."

She couldn't ask Xu Yuanhang to bring Shen Yu into Wufangzhai, and other help was even less possible. Lin Qiuran wasn't one to repay betrayal with kindness. Letting Shen Yu in was to find out about the FiveSpice House's current state and to avoid having her wait outside, leading to gossip.

And how could Shen Yu dare to ask if what was said back then still held? Even without partnering with Xu Yuanhang, Lin Qiuran wouldn't work with Shen Yu again. In business, you fear meeting people like this—who knows when they might stab you in the back?

Shen Yu left the Xiao family with red eyes. Sun Shi sighed inwardly and brought Lin Qiuran breakfast—steamed egg custard today, along with leftover fermented rice steamed buns from yesterday, served with pickled vegetables on the side.

Since they had meat at noon, breakfast could be simpler.

Sun Shi said, "Ah, her family has many children. Back then, with thirty taels given, she probably didn't see much of it herself. She was probably arranging a marriage now. Having a respectable job makes matchmaking easier; otherwise, she wouldn't be so anxious. Ah, that Dong fellow was beaten up and is still selling sesame cakes on South Street..."

They used to help each other out back then, and Brother Dong had been down for a while before he happily went back to selling sesame cakes.

Lin Qiuran glanced toward the door and nodded slightly. People always seek better opportunities—she couldn’t judge that, she thought to herself. It wasn’t like breaking off an engagement anyway. She said, "It’s her family’s matter. We can’t interfere."

After finishing her meal, Lin Qiuran planned to head to the shop.

Business hadn’t been great last night—they only made 1.6 taels for the day. It had been six days since opening. In the first few days, they earned over two taels daily, but with bad weather, income dropped immediately. Still, it was better than street vending.

Xiao Dashi had some savings, and Lin Qiuran now had 11.5 taels, three taels and five mace of which were from earlier savings.

With savings at home, they could consider buying servants. Indeed, greater investment brings greater returns—but the food must taste good, or no one would buy it. With an extra person, they could offer more dishes, and Lin Qiuran would have an easier time.

Sun Shi also got ready, and the two went to the shop together.

Soon after, Wan Niang showed up. With one kitchen and two large cauldrons outside, everyone stuck to their own tasks.

By noon, business picked up—probably because yesterday’s rain had kept some customers away, and they came straight over today without delay. However, two groups arrived late, and the main hall was already full, so they had to wait.

Shopkeeper Shi brought chairs for them to sit while waiting—more comfortable than standing. Lunch service was quick; it took at most two *ke*—about 30 minutes—to finish a meal. Since the first group had arrived early, these latecomers likely only had to wait one *ke*.

First come, first served—there was no way around it. Still, a customer couldn’t help asking, "Shopkeeper, is there no space upstairs?"

Most places around here had two floors—why only eat on the first floor?

Shopkeeper Shi exclaimed, "Ah, what unfortunate timing! The shop just opened, and the upstairs is still stored with miscellaneous items. There’s really no space for dining. How about I give you a complimentary jar of rice wine? Please move further back—it’s windy by the door."

Normally, a two-story shop should reserve both floors for business, but at Xiao Family Eatery, unless it was particularly busy, the first floor was usually enough. There were tables and chairs upstairs, but it wasn’t as simple as seating guests and serving food—they’d need a server. Otherwise, if customers wanted to order more dishes and no one was around, they’d feel neglected.

In winter, they’d need charcoal braziers, or guests would complain about the cold. And since the second floor would often go unused, the extra wages for waitstaff, additional furnishings, and cleaning would all cost money and add hassle.

However, Shopkeeper Shi had managed many restaurants and taverns before. The eatery’s business was good for a new opening, and it was only October. Once the weather warmed up and more people came, opening the second floor would be inevitable.

But they couldn’t wait until they needed it to start preparing—that would hurt business.

Shopkeeper Shi hesitated about whether to bring it up with Lin Qiuran. He was just an employee, but the Xiao family had a good temperament, and Lin Qiuran was the one in charge. Since it was for the shop’s benefit, she probably wouldn’t think he was overreaching.

Bringing it up couldn't do any harm.

The two groups of customers, pleased with the complimentary rice wine, quickly had their irritation vanish. After waiting a little over one *ke*, they were seated and ordered their meals.

Shopkeeper Shi counted twenty-eight tables at noon, with a total turnover of 3,310 copper coins, which included drinks.

The shop offered three types of alcohol: rice wine brewed by Lin Qiuran herself, sold at 15 *wen* per *jin*; a cheaper hard liquor at 25 *wen* per *jin*; and a more expensive one at 65 *wen* per *jin*. A few orders of the pricier liquor quickly boosted the turnover.

With more customers, there were fewer leftovers. The remaining meats were scraped together onto one plate, and Lin Qiuran stir-fried julienned potatoes and made a dish of tofu with minced meat and pan-fried eggs—a savory and spicy dish that went perfectly with rice.

This dish was simply called "minced meat tofu" on the menu and sold quite well. At noon, since there were plenty of eggs, Lin Qiuran added two to the dish, and it turned out delicious.

They also brought preserved meat from home, originally bought from Zhao Shi. Now that they ate at the shop, Lin Qiuran worried the cured meat would go bad if left unused, so she brought it back to cook.

Stir-fried with fried tofu pouches, the fatty parts were translucent, and the lean parts were firm but not too salty. The tofu puffs absorbed the flavors well. Even Shopkeeper Shi found this simple dish exceptionally tasty. He asked, "How did you make this? My wife’s stir-fried cured meat always turns out too salty."

Lin Qiuran replied, "Soak it beforehand, or boil it. Once you add the cured meat, don’t add any more salt. Pair it with ingredients that absorb flavors well, or the dish will be uneven—salty meat and bland veggies, which doesn’t taste good."

The rest came down to knife work and fire control. Slicing the cured meat thinly made it easier to render the fat, and with the right heat, it was hard to go wrong.

Shopkeeper Shi nodded, deciding to share the tips with his wife. He ate two bowls of rice, while Lu Fan had three. Since they started working here, the kitchen had no leftovers.

After the meal, Lu Fan went back to work, taking care of the swill. Auntie Liu also arrived to wash dishes. Just as Lin Qiuran was about to return to her room, Shopkeeper Shi stopped her. "Mrs. Lin."

Lin Qiuran asked, "Is there something, Shopkeeper?"

Shopkeeper Shi said, "It’s not a big deal. At noon, when it was crowded, some customers asked if they could dine on the second floor."

Lin Qiuran nodded. "The first floor suffices for now. Even if we opened the second floor, it would mostly sit empty."

Lin Qiuran had invested her own money and had to consider profitability. She felt opening the second floor wouldn’t be worthwhile yet.

Shopkeeper Shi hesitated, and Lin Qiuran encouraged him, "If you have something to say, please speak freely."

After weighing his words, Shopkeeper Shi said, "Mrs. Lin, the shop just opened. There are many people in the county, and plenty still don’t know about Xiao Family Eatery. In the future, if people hear the food is good but can’t get a seat, wouldn’t that be a shame?"

Lin Qiuran didn’t quite follow. Shopkeeper Shi elaborated, "The first floor can seat five people comfortably, six if squeezed. But what if more come? Even if they fit, some might find the first floor too noisy. Also, when two people come for a quiet meal, a crowded, noisy environment could spoil their appetite."

No one wants to dine surrounded by chaos.

Some customers might want to discuss business over a meal, which wouldn’t be possible on the first floor.

Lin Qiuran thought of Xu Yuanhang dining on the first floor yesterday—it really seemed out of place. She said, "Are you suggesting we turn the second floor into private rooms?"

Lin Qiuran thought it could work. Lately, she’d been busy with the shop and hadn’t been hired for any banquets. Maybe people found her prices too high, didn’t need her services, or went elsewhere.

Truthfully, she found catering banquets exhausting. The shop earned over two taels a day, while a banquet only paid one tael. Raising prices would deter customers. Sometimes Lin Qiuran wondered if her rates were too high, making her services seem not worth it.

But she enjoyed preparing banquets—the process of prepping and cooking was fulfilling. Still, she had to consider profitability. With private rooms, they could host banquets—welcome feasts, teacher appreciation dinners, full moon celebrations...

Or small get-togethers of friends, or two people seeking a quiet place to talk—private rooms would be better for all these.

Shopkeeper Shi said, "I was just speculating."

Lin Qiuran smiled. "Your speculating has been a great help."

With some savings on hand, they could fit out a few private rooms upstairs and keep the first floor for casual diners. This would also allow them to prepare set menus tailored to guests’ requests—essentially, banquets.

Even if the prices were higher, it would be acceptable.

The tables and chairs would need to differ from downstairs—round tables and individual chairs instead of benches. They’d need custom-made items, though it was unclear how long it would take or if they had enough funds.

They could take it slow. They were making money daily, and with future dividends, it should be enough.

Lin Qiuran was grateful to Shopkeeper Shi, but since he’d just started, it wasn’t appropriate to raise his pay yet. Lu Fan, Auntie Liu, and Wan Niang all worked diligently. She’d wait a while before considering raises.

Shopkeeper Shi was pleased too. The eatery’s food was delicious, and he hoped to work there long-term. If the shop failed, he’d have to find another job.

Xiao Family Eatery continued business for a few more days. Lin Qiuran also asked Xiao Dashi to find workers to remodel the second floor, haggling over the price. Xiao Dashi was also tasked with custom-ordering tables and chairs and had been running errands for days.

On the 24th, Xu Yuanhang came to deliver that month's share of profits and brought up FiveSpice House.

Xu Yuanhang said calmly, "The town branch of FiveSpice House has closed."

Lin Qiuran couldn’t help asking, "Just the town branch?"

Xu Yuanhang smiled faintly. "Not just the town branch. The Xuzhou FiveSpice House has closed too. The others will follow sooner or later."

He also took over several of the Jiang family’s businesses in the county, having been busy with these matters lately. To him, the partnership with Lin Qiuran was just small potatoes.

There was no pride in Xu Yuanhang’s eyes—to him, it was just ordinary, nothing to write home about.

She considered asking about the chefs and managers from FiveSpice House but already knew the answer. With the shops closed, those who were household staff would return to their masters, while hired staff would be out of a job.

Some have to support their entire families but have no income, yet what does any of this have to do with Xu Yuanhang? It has nothing to do with Lin Qiuran either, but just thinking about it inevitably makes her uneasy.

Lin Qiuran: "Congratulations, Second Young Master."

Xu Yuanhang smiled slightly and he said, "I brought your share for this month. Take a look at the account book. If anything is unclear, just ask me."

This month’s share was the same as last month’s—forty-five taels. The even amount made division simple, and the rest was undoubtedly reinvested into the spice business. Though it was just starting up with high investment and low returns, Lin Qiuran felt forty-five taels was already a decent amount.

Lin Qiuran nodded slightly. "I naturally trust you, Second Young Master."

If it were Steward Xu, she might have checked the accounts on the spot, but with Xu Yuanhang, there was no need—he wouldn’t cheat her out of money.

Xu Yuanhang looked at Lin Qiuran. "You trust me, I won’t let you down. The share from Wufangzhai will be delivered by Steward Xu at the beginning of next month. By the way, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask…"

Lin Qiuran: "Please go ahead, Second Young Master."

Xu Yuanhang gazed into Lin Qiuran’s eyes, which reminded him of many things—their first meeting at the Xu residence, where she kept her head lowered; later, her nervous attempts at appearing calm during business discussions; and eventually, her calmly and confidently negotiating terms with him.

He swallowed the words he was about to say. "Do you like that set of porcelain?"

He had originally intended to ask Lin Qiuran what kind of person her husband was.

Lin Qiuran paused briefly, then smiled and replied, "Of course I like it, but I’m not using it right now, so I’ve put it away."