Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 77.1 Misjudged Rival in Love

Shao Jie was a man of his word. Two days later, he approached Shen Shaoguang and asked her to meet his paternal grandfather.

Shen Shaoguang was a maiden, so it was not appropriate to visit the Shao Residence directly with Shao Jie, they arranged to meet at Guixiang Delights in the East Market.

Shao Jie mentioned that his grandfather, despite his advanced age and limited mobility, visited the floral cake workshop daily. There, he would watch the chefs at work, observe the customers, and sometimes enjoy a few pieces of cake with his tea.

To regularly consume sweets at such an old age... Shen Shaoguang had imagined the patriarch of the Shao Residence to be a portly old man with a round belly. To her surprise, the Venerable of the Shao Residence was a slender, spry man of seventy or eighty, with a straight back and a vigorous demeanor.

Shen Shaoguang stepped forward and curtsied gracefully, greeting, "Salutations, Official Shao."

The Venerable of the Shao Residence smiled warmly and said, "Miss, please don't be too polite." He gestured for her to take a seat.

Shen Shaoguang seated herself in the guest seat, and Shao Jie followed suit at the behest of Venerable Shao. A maid promptly arrived to serve tea.

Venerable Shao, unconcerned with the usual restrictions between men and women due to his age, carefully scrutinized Miss Shen. Her intelligent appearance and graceful manners were evident, befitting someone from an aristocratic background.

The Double Seventh Festival cakes sent to Chancellor Qin's Residence had received high praise from Elder Madam Qin, who described them as having an "somewhat elegant appearance." Elder Madam Qin, a noblewoman of distinguished background and a renowned talent in the capital during her youth, seldom bestowed such compliments. Her praise was a testament to the exceptional quality of their pastries.

Moreover, officials, scholars, and merchants from distant regions frequently visited Chongren Lane to purchase these floral cakes. They consistently remarked, "As expected of the capital city, even the cakes are so elegant."

Venerable Shao had heard such words frequently in the store recently. He understood that even if there was no immediate profit, the reputation alone was invaluable—a wealth in itself. Venerable Shao, shrewd throughout his life, recognized the immense value of "reputation." Furthermore, the account books showed that since the changes proposed by the ninth child, profits had increased by 30% to 40% each month compared to the same period last year.

It was a pity, though, that it was another Miss who had conceived this successful idea...

Although Venerable Shao felt a twinge of regret, his words and demeanor remained courteous. "I would like to thank Miss Shen first. The ninth child mentioned that the new designs of our floral cakes were inspired by your teaching. Our customers have nothing but praise for them."

Shen Shaoguang modestly replied, "How can these be called my 'teaching'? They are just small ideas for selling cakes in our shop. It is my honor that Venerable Shao found them useful and implemented them in your esteemed establishment."

"Miss, you are truly clever to devise so many ideas," Venerable Shao praised once more.

"It's just a modest contribution. I hope my humble efforts did not invite ridicule, Venerable Shao," Shen Shaoguang responded graciously.

The elder and the younger exchanged a few more courteous remarks before gradually getting to the heart of the matter.

"The ninth child mentioned that you are interested in opening a branch in another Lane. Have you considered trying the East or West Market?" Venerable Shao inquired.

Shen Shaoguang reiterated her analysis to Venerable Shao, emphasizing her conclusions with a confident smile. "Opening a big tavern in the East or West Market has its merits, but it carries more risk compared to opening another store in another lane."

Venerable Shao nodded thoughtfully. Despite her youth, she exhibited a refined temperament, marked by patience and steadiness.

"But if they were all small taverns," Venerable Shao mused, "though profitable, it would be difficult to build a significant reputation." His tone carried the weight of experience, given that the current success of the Shao Residence was closely tied to the prestigious title of "External Official of Pastries" from years past. He valued the importance of reputation deeply.

"While the East and West Markets draw significant crowds and can rapidly build a reputation, establishing a store in each lane can create a more enduring and genuine reputation. Official Shao, envision branches every few lanes throughout the south, east, north, west, and center of Chang'an City. Dishes such as Cornelian Meat and Jadeite Rounds—delicacies that everyone craves when hungry—would be conveniently accessible within walking distance. Over time, the flavors of these foods will linger in people's memories for generations..."

Venerable Shao chuckled appreciatively. Miss was indeed eloquent.

Shao Jie basked in reflected glory, proud of her accomplishment—for she was indeed someone he admired deeply.

Shen Shaoguang smiled knowingly. Ultimately, whether it's the countryside enveloping the city or the city expanding into the countryside, each approach has its merits; it all comes down to suitability.

"Has Sir Shao ever discussed with Official Shao my past ventures of setting up stalls in Qujiang District during the festival?" Shen Shaoguang inquired.

Shao Jie had not brought this up. The Shao Residence's journey with floral cakes began from a modest stall. Venerable Shao regarded Shen Shaoguang with curiosity.

Shen Shaoguang recounted her experiences of setting up stalls in Qujiang District multiple times. "Many customers who first sampled our food by the river eventually made their way to Chongxian Lane, becoming regular patrons of our small tavern. Considering the bustling crowds at the East and West Markets, we could occasionally introduce 'mobile food carts' selling distinctive snacks here—not for profit, but to enhance recognition and popularity." Shen Shaoguang was clearly proposing a concept akin to pop-up stores in later generations.

Such a concept naturally transcended its time, yet remained grounded in practicality. A glimmer of understanding illuminated Venerable Shao's experienced gaze. "Miss, your plan is quite ingenious!"

As a lifelong businessman, Venerable Shao possessed extensive experience, while Shen Shaoguang benefited from her unique perspective spanning centuries. They engaged in a fruitful exchange of ideas, discussing various methods to enhance reputation—both the "solidity" and "intangibility" aspects of culinary acclaim. Shao Jie encountered both familiar and novel ideas, some he had contemplated before, others entirely new, leaving him with a sense of enlightenment.

After engaging in extensive conversation with Miss Shen, Venerable Shao felt an even greater sense of regret. He couldn't help but lament that she was not of his lineage. Their rapport indicated seamless cooperation ahead. As for finer details such as ratio of profits, Venerable Shao entrusted Shao Jie with the task, acknowledging his own advancing age and the need for Shao Jie to gain more experience in such matters.

Venerable Shao pondered quietly. Once Miss Shen had bid her farewell and departed, he turned to Shao Jie, who had come back after seeing her off, and inquired, "Ninth child, what are your sentiments toward this young lady?"

Shao Jie's countenance shifted oddly as he responded, "Why, Grandfather, do you suddenly have the urge to play matchmaker? You’re acting just like grandmother when spotting a pretty lady!"

Venerable Shao fixed his stern gaze on Shao Jie. "You're not young anymore; your marriage should have been arranged by now."

He frowned further, adding, "This young lady comes from an aristocratic background, but there's no shame in our family seeking to elevate its social standing..." In the city, many merchants married women from fading noble houses, thereby gaining social status, while the old clans benefited materially.

Seeing his grandfather still considering the matter, Shao Jie hurriedly interjected, "Grandfather, I have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever!"

"If Miss Shen were a man, I'd readily swear brotherhood with her and Sir Yang. She's remarkably intelligent and forthright, but as for me—" Shao Jie paused, a mischievous smile spreading across his face, "I think I prefer a wife who is more sweet and delicate..." His last words were cut short by the account book Venerable Shao threw at him.

"Shame on you!" Venerable Shao chided, laughing heartily.

Venerable Shao muttered resentfully, "Not one descendant is cultured, and now they can't even manage to marry an erudite granddaughter-in-law. Truly ill-fated!"

Shao Jie: "..."

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T/N: Didn’t want to make a footnote about it, since it’s not very important, but "solidity" and "intangibility" (“实”与“虚”) was making a reference to Daoism (Taoism). It refers to contrasting concepts often used to describe the nature of reality, states of being, and approaches to action.