The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

It wouldn’t have mattered much if Zhuang Mingliang were involved, as they were closely related, and it was acceptable for them to work together frequently. However, it would be inconvenient if the hired help were a young man.

Although being known for having a fiery temper could tarnish a woman’s reputation, it was not necessarily fatal. One had to be extremely cautious when it came to working closely with men; a careless misstep could lead to utter disaster for a young maiden.

Even though Zhuang Qingning had not mentioned it, Zhuang Yonghe felt it was something he needed to consider as well.

When Zhuang Qingning heard Zhuang Yonghe emphasize the need for female workers, she burst into laughter and said, “Uncle Yonghe is definitely the right person for this job.”

Zhuang Yonghe, mildly embarrassed with the compliment, grinned and said, “Your aunt and I will ask around. We’ll look for suitable people in our village and let you know as soon as possible.”

“Regarding the wages…”

“For now, let’s go with five wen per day,” Zhuang Qingning proposed. “If the tofu business picks up, we can always increase their wages.”

“Alright, I understand.” Zhuang Yonghe nodded in agreement.

Five wen a day equated to one hundred and fifty wen a month, almost two taels of silver annually. Plus, they would essentially be working from home, and the job specifications were just right. There would be an ample amount of time for them to rest during the day and take care of any household tasks. It was an ideal job in every respect.

There would be no lack of interested individuals at these wages.

“Then I hope both my aunt and uncle can expedite this process, to get things in place,” Zhuang Qingning said cheerfully.

“Don’t worry, if we don’t find a suitable person in the first few days, your aunt and I will manage the job for some time until we secure the business,” Zhuang Yonghe reassured her.

This would allow them to have peace of mind for the time being.

After discussing a few more things, Zhuang Qingning returned to her tofu shop.

Zhuang Yonghe and Mrs He stayed home and deliberated on whom they should recruit. They decided to start inquiring early the next day to get things moving as quickly as possible.

The next morning, Zhuang Yonghe went off to sell tofu while Mrs He stayed behind to take care of household chores. Zhuang Qingning carried on with her usual routine of selling tofu in the town.

The business was as good as usual, and the tofu was selling out quickly.

Zhuang Qingning left Zhuang Qingsui in charge of the stall halfway through the day and went looking for Zhang Yongchang.

Zhang Yongchang was supervising Lian Rong and the others at work in the kitchen. Seeing Zhuang Qingning in the doorway, Zhang Yongchang’s face darkened: “Why can’t you just listen to me? Didn’t I tell you to keep it? If you keep coming here repeatedly, I’m going to get mad.”

Apparently, he misunderstood her presence, presuming that she had come to return his money.

Zhuang Qingning, with a barely restrained smile said playfully, “Uncle Zhang, you have misunderstood. This money is mine to keep. Why would I take it out needlessly?”

“I’ve already planned how to spend the money. Even if Uncle Zhang asked for it back, I would still refuse to give it. Why would I come rushing back to return it?”

“There’s no need for you to worry, Uncle Zhang!”

“So you didn’t come to return the money?”

Zhang Yongchang looked at Zhuang Qingning in astonishment. Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he finally lightened up: “That sounds more reasonable. It’s good you’re being obedient.”

“However, I do have a matter I need to discuss with Uncle Zhang,” Zhuang Qingning said, smiling.

“Just tell me what it is. As long as I can help.”

Without any hesitation.

In light of how much face the tofu dish had earned him, and considering the potential of salted duck eggs in the future, Zhang Yongchang felt he could accommodate any request.

“In the past, my grandfather’s family used to run a restaurant. My mother was taught quite a few dishes there, one of which was marinated big bones, which were delicious. Yesterday, while cleaning my house, I found the recipe for marinated big bones that my father once wrote down for my mother. Since I don’t understand it, I was hoping to show it to Uncle Zhang, and if Uncle Zhang finds it useful, I’d be more than glad to give it as a gift.”

“There’s no way I’m opening a restaurant anytime soon, so this recipe would be wasted in my hands. But if it is of some use, Uncle Zhang can put it to good use.”

Zhuang Qingning laughed, blinking her eyes as she concluded her statement.

Since her arrival in this era, her ability to spin a convincing story, without even batting an eyelid, had developed significantly.

She could effortlessly articulate any persuasive argument, leaving no wriggling room for counterarguments.

“A recipe for marinated big bones?” Zhang Yongchang wasn’t too interested in money, but his interest was piqued when he heard about the dish. “Let me have a look.”

He carefully examined the recipe Zhuang Qingning had handed over.

Finally, he smacked his forehead.

The sudden thud startled Zhuang Qingning who was standing nearby.

“I was wondering why the marinated big bone dish I used to make never quite tasted right – I always felt there was something missing in the recipe. Now I realize it was the quantities that were off.”

Zhang Yongchang was so excited that he couldn’t suppress his joy: “If I cook it as per the instructions written here, the dish will be perfect!”

In the past when Zhang Yongchang worked at Fushun Tower, he had wanted to introduce marinated big bones as a signboard dish.

Meat from the bones had a delicate taste and cost less. Moreover, large bones broken open revealed marrow that absorbed flavor during cooking, making the dish even more delicious. It could be cooked in a large pot each day, be served directly if one preferred it cold or warmed up if desired, and be additionally seasoned or garnished upon reheating as per personal preferences.

Thus, it was a simple yet versatile dish that catered to a wide array of tastes.

Zhang Yongchang had planned to make the marinated big bones the signature dish at the Fushun Tower. He had even tried to develop the recipe multiple times. Although customers reacted well to the dish, he wasn’t satisfied with the results and had discontinued it ever since.

This unfinished business had long since been a regret for Zhang Yongchang. Now that Zhuang Qingning had suddenly brought him a perfect recipe for marinated big bones out of the blue, how could he not be excited?

“Little Ning, this time you’ve done me a great favor.”

Zhang Yongchang’s eyes were sparkling, his face reddened slightly, and he looked several years younger. “I will gladly accept your generous gift of the recipe for marinated big bones.”

“It is meant for you, Uncle Zhang. It’s only right that you accept it. I can’t just let the recipe go to waste in my hands. Don’t you agree?” Zhuang Qingning asked, amused.

“I guess so,” Zhang Yongchang rubbed his nose and grinned.

He knew very well that Zhuang Qingning didn’t want him to feel indebted to her.

“So…could I use this recipe at the Fushun Tower?” Zhang Yongchang asked tentatively.

It was one thing to accept a recipe from someone, but using it for business purposes was a different matter entirely. It would only be right to ask her for her consent before serving the dish in the restaurant.

“It’s yours once I give it to you, Uncle Zhang. It’s up to you to decide what to do with it.”

To her, the recipe was simply a token of her gratitude. She had no qualms about how Zhang Yongchang would use it.

“Great,” Zhang Yongchang agreed, grinning profoundly.

Having delivered the recipe and considering the bustling atmosphere in the kitchen, Zhuang Qingning thought it would be better not to linger on. So she left early..