A night passed without words, and the next morning, after Lian Manman’s family finished breakfast, they instructed people to harness the carriages and set off for Jinyang County Town. Lian Manman family of five, plus the attendant maids and servants, along with the family’s luggage and parcels, totaled three carriages. Additionally, young and strong workers rode mules alongside.
As for the household affairs, they remained as usual, leaving Steward Han Zhong and Han Zhong’s Wife to manage.
Initially, Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang also planned to ride mules, but Lady Zhang and Lian Manman stopped them. Nowadays, it’s the coldest part of winter, and most of the journey to Prefecture City faces the wind, making riding mules less warm than sitting inside the carriage.
Inside the carriages, charcoal stoves were set up, with hand stoves held in their arms, making it cozy and warm inside despite the bone-chilling cold outside. Lady Zhang traveled with Lian Manman and Xiao Qi in one carriage, with a kettle simring on the brazier, containing milk cooked with almonds and sugar to sterilize, remove odor, and then raisins were added, making it fragrant and sweet.
This is Lian Manman and Xiao Qi’s favorite drink.
Upon arriving at Jinyang County Town, the family didn’t rush to continue their journey but stayed at the house in Willow Tree Well Alley. Shopkeeper Chiang from Lian’s Departnt Store had already received the news, knowing the owner’s family would co to town today, so everything was prepared ticulously. Just as Lian Manman family settled in, Shopkeeper Wang from Lian’s Restaurant also rushed over to pay respects to the owner.
At noon, Lian Manman instructed people to prepare two sumptuous banquets, inviting both Shopkeeper Chiang and Shopkeeper Wang to stay for a al. Two tables were set, one indoors with Lady Zhang and Lian Manman sitting, and another in the outer room separated by a curtain, where Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, and the two Store Managers sat.
Indoors, Lady Zhang and Lian Manman quietly enjoyed their al, while outside the other table was lively with toasts. Lady Zhang worried Xiao Qi might not eat well, so after a while, she called Xiao Qi inside to sit beside her for the al.
Over the past year, Lian’s Restaurant and Lian’s Departnt Store have gained substantial profits, and both Store Managers received considerable bonuses, naturally boosting their spirits and energy. Furthermore, over these two years, complete understanding and trust have been established between the owner and managers, making the atmosphere at the table exceptionally harmonious.
While eating, it’s inevitable to talk about the restaurant and departnt store business, and both Store Managers are confident about the new year. Additionally, they discussed with Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang about the property in town intended for transfer.
This year, Lian Manman’s Family’s farm, ranch, and several properties earned a considerable amount, so they had already spread the word about acquiring more assets. Thus, these managers were attentive.
"...There’s the Shenyi Pawnshop on the street by the Yan, rumored to be up for transfer. It’s one of the notable properties in our town, with experienced shopkeepers and workers, and has had an impeccable reputation over the years. If acquired, it would be another treasure trove." Shopkeeper Chiang ntioned a pawnshop.
The pawnshop business in this era is quite lucrative, but it’s also incredibly complex. This profit isn’t sothing just anyone can earn. The first requirent for operating a pawnshop is substantial capital. Secondly, it’s necessary to have a background that nobody dares to challenge. This condition happens to be t by Lian Manman’s Family now.
Then, rely having funds isn’t enough; one must also have excellent shopkeepers and staff, well-versed in estimating the value of pawned items accurately.
Lian Manman, while eating in the inner room, listened to Wu Lang and others discuss in the outer room. The Shenyi Pawnshop indeed holds so renown in the town, with a reputation that is very good. As Shopkeeper Chiang said, acquiring it would be a treasure trove.
Such an opportunity is rare and should not be missed. However, before making a decision, caution is necessary to understand the situation better.
"Why is the Shenyi Pawnshop, doing so well, being put up for transfer?" Lian Manman asked in the inner room.
Shopkeeper Chiang and Shopkeeper Wang knew Miss Manman was very capable, handling matters both inside and outside the ho effectively, and naturally wouldn’t neglect her question.
"...Initially, Shenyi Pawnshop was jointly funded by two families. Last year, for so unknown reason, the two families fell out and never reconciled. They are at odds, with constant disputes and bickering, unable to continue doing business together but unwilling to withdraw their capital to transfer the property to the other side." Shopkeeper Chiang explained, "This information I acquired privately. If the owner wants to acquire this property, now is a great opportunity. I can find soone to diate, and it should work out."
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