Chapter Thirty-Five: Opening Multiple Avenues for Wealth, Casting Nets Far and Wide

Wei Renshi observed Old Wang’s demeanor and had already guessed he was about to bring up the matter of seasonings and mutton soup. He nodded, took a sip of the soup; though it was not quite as good as what he’d prepared himself that day, the addition of those spices did make it taste rather decent.

“Young Master Wei, though you are still young, your temperament and magnanimity far surpass mine. Last time, I lost to you, utterly convinced, with nothing left to say. You even left me some spices, and when I used them as you instructed, the flavor improved, and business picked up as well.” Old Wang addressed Wei Renshi, “Now that you’re opening a shop, I’ll surely go to offer my congratulations and support. I’ll hang a red paper outside my own stall, declaring that these spices are purchased from Young Master Wei, and that should help bring you some customers.”

“Thank you, Shopkeeper Wang.” Wei Renshi smiled. “The spice shop will open soon, and harmony breeds wealth. With your support, that would be wonderful indeed.”

It must be said, in a small county like Fuchang, Old Wang’s flatbread had considerable renown.

“Young Master Wei, you are too polite,” Old Wang continued. “There is another matter I had intended to discuss with you at month’s end, but since you’re here today, I’ll mention it now. As you’ve seen, I’ve started selling meat soup, following your example. Though it’s not as delicious as yours, it has its own flavor and has attracted many new customers. But this is your creation, and I cannot simply copy it for free. Here are thirty strings of copper coins; you must accept them, as payment for the mutton soup recipe I learned from you.”

Thirty strings of coins was a significant sum for Wei Renshi at present, enough to fund the making of a distiller.

Wei Renshi needed money and had no intention of refusing Old Wang’s offer. He was about to reach for the cloth pouch when a thought struck him.

Old Wang, relying solely on his flatbreads, could so easily produce thirty strings of coins; clearly, he was earning well. With his own skills, wouldn’t selling food yield even greater returns?

Why didn’t he want to sell food himself? Because running a food stall was exhausting work, far more than most could imagine. It tied a person down completely—leaving no time, energy, or strength for anything else.

But Old Wang, and his daughter Wang Xiaosui, specialized in selling flatbreads and had no plans to branch out. Weren’t they the perfect candidates to sell the dishes he knew of?

This would be a lucrative source of income, and quick at that.

Right now, as a young gentleman in need of funds, he had to open up more avenues for wealth, cast a wide net, and let fortune flow in from all directions.

Old Wang’s shop was small, and having spent his life making flatbreads, he could never run a grand restaurant. But stalls like his—modest, affordable, on busy streets, with a hint of culinary fame—were ideal for selling everyday, home-style dishes!

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Thinking along these lines, he realized there was so much he could do.

In the mornings: soy milk, fried dough sticks, spicy soup, rice noodles, pan-fried buns, and soup dumplings; at noon: hand-pulled noodles, knife-cut noodles with chili oil, stretched noodles, rice bowls with toppings; evenings: big plate chicken, skewers, grilled meats, and hot pot… the possibilities were endless.

Relying on such a variety of dishes—and the flavors he’d brought from the future—he might not be able to produce those high-end dishes, but these everyday foods came easily to him.

Countless ideas flashed through his mind, finally settling into calm resolve. Wei Renshi withdrew his hand and addressed Old Wang, “Shopkeeper Wang, what do you think of my culinary skills?”

Old Wang considered for a moment. “Young Master Wei’s skills are astonishing. Even the chefs at Lanchang Restaurant can’t prepare lamb or pork as deliciously as you do.”

“It’s not just the skills, Shopkeeper Wang, but the methods and dishes—I know many ways of cooking that no one else has even seen, at least a hundred or so.” Wei Renshi continued, “For example, lamb rolls, or pork stuffed flatbreads—has anyone ever made such dishes before?”

“No.” Old Wang shook his head.

“Shopkeeper Wang, if I were to teach you these techniques and recipes—these unheard-of ways of preparing and eating food—do you think your business would improve significantly?” Wei Renshi asked.

Old Wang was stunned, his eyes wide as he stared at Wei Renshi.

Wei Renshi smiled, “But, I do have conditions. I’ll teach you all the recipes and skills I know, help you expand and grow your food business. From now on, wherever you open, however many shops you operate, every year, half the profits from your food business will be mine. We’ll split fifty-fifty.”

Old Wang was taken aback again.

Wei Renshi wasn’t in a hurry for his answer. He finished the mutton soup in his bowl, wiped his mouth, and smiled, “Go home and discuss it with your family. If you agree, come find me in Changgu. Oh, and you can try tossing a finger-length piece of peeled, sun-dried pine wood into your mutton soup.”

With that, Wei Renshi left with Xi’er.

After leaving Old Wang’s flatbread shop, Xi’er grew curious and asked, “Master, where did you learn so many ways to cook? I’ve never seen you make such dishes before!”

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Wei Renshi reached out and ruffled Xi’er’s slightly yellowed hair, laughing, “Your master knows many things.”

The two headed straight for Jiao Haiqing’s house, which occupied nearly half a street. Upon arrival, Wei Renshi knocked at the door and told the gatekeeper, “Please announce me; I am Wei Renshi of Changgu, here to visit your Second Master.”

The gatekeeper went to relay the message. Wei Renshi waited outside for a moment, until he heard the main gate creak open and saw Jiao Haiqing emerge.

“Brother Renshi, you’ve returned from Luoyang! Please, come in!” Jiao Haiqing invited him inside and instructed the gatekeeper, “This is an honored guest. In the future, do not announce—just open the door and let him in directly.”

Inside the hall, Wei Renshi asked, “Brother Jiao, have you been following the diet I suggested? Walking daily? Drinking the gynostemma tea?”

Jiao Haiqing nodded rapidly. “These days, I’ve followed your advice, though it’s left me famished. At one point, I saw a chicken’s tail and nearly ate it whole. But lately, it’s gotten easier; I don’t feel so desperately hungry anymore, and my body is livelier.”

“Brother Jiao, you must persist, change your eating habits, and gradually exercise more. You’ll get better,” Wei Renshi encouraged.

“Indeed, I already feel much better than before,” Jiao Haiqing nodded. “By the way, Brother Renshi, the shop is ready, the materials are nearly prepared, and I’ve chosen the staff. When do you want to start making the spices and open for business?”

“Send someone to Changgu tomorrow, and I’ll begin teaching them how to make the spices,” Wei Renshi replied. “As for the opening day, that’s not my concern.”

Jiao Haiqing nodded. “As for the name, my elder brother suggests ‘Jiao’s Spice Shop’… But since these are your recipes, perhaps we should only use my family name…”

“Either is fine,” said Wei Renshi. “I don’t mind; you decide. Once I’ve taught your people how to make the spices, I’ll just wait for my share of the profits.”

Jiao Haiqing was overjoyed. “Thank you, Brother Renshi!”

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