CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: GAVE FATE TEA HOUSE A 20% DIVIDEND

"May I ask Old Master Zhang, how much silver would it cost to rent that courtyard for a year?"

If the price is suitable, she would consider moving.

"No need..."

"I understand Old Master Zhang’s kindness, but one should not receive benefits without contributing; Chun Nuan has no reason to live here for free."

"This..." Old Master Zhang doesn’t lack this bit of silver; the Zhang Family has some assets in Changzhou. As long as he and his son don’t squander it and don’t insist on ostentation, it should last for three generations without issue.

However, when it comes to rent, he really isn’t sure.

If he offers too high, it would seem he’s inconveniencing an acquaintance; too low would insult Miss Xiao.

So he looked towards Housekeeper Ma.

"Master, Miss Xiao, according to the market price, renting this courtyard for a year would cost around four taels of silver."

Four taels of silver?

The Xiao Family can’t afford it!

Chun Nuan took a deep breath inwardly. Currently, she doesn’t have the ability to change her family’s residence; after all, earning money is like picking sand with a needle, while spending it flows like water.

Selling flower cakes, processing some worthless herbs, and crafting good medicinal materials for Hundred Herbs Hall; after almost a month’s work, there were some necessary expenses, and the total savings didn’t even reach two taels.

Moreover, today after picking flower buds, the flower cake business comes to a pause.

The flowers have withered; where would the materials to fry flower cakes come from?

Another source of income gone.

Therefore, Chun Nuan, maintaining a calm demeanor, softly thanked Old Master Zhang for his kindness.

"I will reach out to Old Master Zhang when I decide to change residence."

"Miss Xiao, why are you so stubborn about this?"

This temperament is too obstinate.

"Old Master Zhang, Housekeeper Ma, please have some tea." Chunyan brought out another bowl of tea, and Chun Ning hurriedly refilled their cups.

It was evident this group rather enjoyed the tea.

Currently, the Xiao family doesn’t offer exquisite dishes and snacks to guests; chilled tea suffices to fill them.

"Thank you." After sipping the chilled tea, Old Master Zhang had an idea: "Miss Xiao, would you be willing to sell the recipe for this chilled tea to me?"

Sell the recipe?

Chun Nuan was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t thought of that at all.

"I have a teahouse in the county, mostly serving green tea and black tea, never offered chilled tea."

"Old Master Zhang, there are many types of chilled tea: heat-clearing damp-removing tea, liver-cleansing eye-brightening tea, children’s chilled tea... Different effects, different recipes."

If it’s just for personal consumption, Chun Nuan would feel it’s fine.

But if sold to others, one must be responsible; it’s an entirely different matter.

Thus, it really wasn’t convenient.

With a sigh, Old Master Zhang realized; indeed, another day of being rejected by Miss Xiao.

"Miss Xiao, as long as this chilled tea is good when drunk, would you consider selling this particular recipe to me? The teahouse will only supply this one type."

This chilled tea recipe was simplified due to insufficient funds, and she couldn’t afford all the medicinal herbs necessary.

Chun Nuan thought it over and agreed.

"If Old Master Zhang wishes to buy it, I will write down the complete recipe, including the contraindications," Chun Nuan stated. "After all, these are medicinal ingredients combined, not suitable for everyone."

"Such as?"

"Since this chilled tea uses fewer ingredients and doesn’t include honeysuckle, if added, Old Master Zhang absolutely should not drink it."

Old Master Zhang understood!

He immediately asked what would be an appropriate amount to pay Chun Nuan.

"Whatever Old Master Zhang sees fit, I haven’t sold a recipe before."

More or less, the key lies in whether there’s an opportunity for cooperation in the future.

She has a lot to offer.

Like Zhao Minghua, who would pay generously without a second thought, never letting her down. Thus, she’s happy to prepare medicinal materials for Hundred Herbs Hall.

Old Master Zhang seems straightforward too; perhaps, another trustworthy individual.

"Then..." Old Master Zhang pondered, a sudden flash of inspiration: "Miss Xiao, how about I give you ten taels of silver now? Then, as the income from selling chilled tea at the county teahouse accumulates, give two percent to Miss Xiao. Would that be feasible?"

Chun Nuan was taken aback.

Knowing Old Master Zhang was generous, she hadn’t expected him to straightforwardly offer profits.

On second thought, Old Master Zhang was indeed quite clever.

With the foundation of collaboration in this chilled tea recipe, it opens the door to request other recipe creations from her in the future.

"Old Master Zhang is most gracious." Chun Nuan had no reason to decline.

Promptly, Chun Nuan wrote down this chilled tea’s combination and contraindications and handed them to Old Master Zhang.

Old Master Zhang instructed Housekeeper Ma to take out ten taels of silver for Chun Nuan.

"Miss Xiao, you’re now able to rent that small courtyard."

"Thank you very much, Old Master Zhang." Chun Nuan returned ten taels to Housekeeper Ma: "Please, just give me six taels and prepare a lease contract."

"Naturally," Old Master Zhang replied: "Bring pen, ink, and paper."

Chun An hurriedly brought them from the house, and Old Master Zhang drafted the lease contract on the long bench, dried and handed it to Chun Nuan for her signature.

Upon checking, Chun Nuan found it was the bonus contract from Fate Tea House in the county. It outlined Chun Nuan providing the chilled tea recipe, with two percent of chilled tea sale profits given to her each quarter, including sending the account books for her review.

This Old Master Zhang truly discussed money openly and was straightforward.

Chun Nuan gladly signed and sealed the agreement.

After sending Old Master Zhang away, Chun Nuan saw her siblings excited: finally, they’re moving to a new home.

However, Grandmother disagreed.

"Nuannuan, after careful consideration, I believe it’s best not to move the family just yet."

"Why?"

The whole family was puzzled, though Chun Nuan had speculated somewhat but thought the issue wasn’t significant.

"In many people’s eyes now, our family is in decline, and being able to eat and wear warmly is enough. If we suddenly move, it may attract many unnecessary troubles."

"Grandmother, Nuannuan wants you all to live more comfortably, and this house is so dilapidated that, in case of heavy rain, we might be without shelter."

Moreover, the courtyard has been paid for and the lease contract drawn up; at least, this year it’s at the Xiao family’s disposal.

Leaving a good courtyard unutilized and staying in a rundown house is needless suffering!

"I understand your filial piety, Grandmother." The old lady nodded: "Here’s what we’ll do: since you need a place for processing medicinal materials, you and your sister-in-law can move there. Your mother and I will stay here for now. When it truly becomes unsustainable, we can move properly."

"Grandmother, if we’re to move, it should be together; if not, then I’ll stay here with everyone." Zhu Ling dared not enjoy alone.

"Lingling, you’re nearing childbirth; this place lacks everything, be sensible, and move with Nuannuan for mutual care." The old woman stated: "We’ll move eventually, but now isn’t the right time."

"Grandmother..."

Zhu Ling was deeply moved; this is why she was willing to leave her affluent family and join the Shu City household, even for the hardships she’d never experienced as a wife, thinking of her first when fortune came.

"Good child, it’s a sacrifice for you." The old lady patted her hand: "If someday the Xiao family prospers, we’ll surely repay you."