The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 144 The distinguished guests have already prepared the elegant room for you (first update)

Chapter 144: 144 The distinguished guests have already prepared the elegant room for you (first update)

Li Xianyun looked at Nata and nodded, saying,

"Aside from ensuring your own tasks are well-managed, you must also be wary of other shops. Guard against any malicious acts born of jealousy. If you run into problems you can’t resolve, have someone inform Bater’s relatives, and I will come to resolve them."

Doing business requires not only conscientious personal effort but also constant vigilance, guarding against potential sabotage by those with ill intentions.

"Understood, Young Master. I’ve noted it all," Nata replied.

Li Xianyun looked at Nata and said, "Actually, I came today to borrow someone from you."

"Ali?" Nata guessed with a smile.

Ali looked at Li Xianyun in bewilderment.

Glancing at Ali, Li Xianyun smiled back at Nata, "How did you know?"

Nata spoke truthfully, "Ali is hardworking and competent, as well as full of ideas—a person clearly destined for great achievements."

"He’s on par with you. Are you praising yourself as well?" Li Xianyun chuckled.

Nata was startled; he hadn’t expected Li Xianyun to hold him in such high regard and couldn’t help but laugh embarrassingly.

He felt deeply grateful for Li Xianyun’s recognition and kindness.

Hearing this, Ali scratched his head and cracked a wide smile.

Li Xianyun addressed both of them, "You two are like my left and right arms, indispensable."

The art of controlling people lies in fostering unity among subordinates, encouraging them to support each other rather than harbor jealousy.

Although Nata and Ali were both sincere and honest men who were unlikely to act that way, any potential concerns needed to be dispelled to ensure peace of mind.

Addressing the matter upfront would also avoid many future troubles.

"Rest assured, Young Master. I will do my very best," Nata promised.

"I will too," Ali pledged earnestly.

Li Xianyun nodded and after briefly inquiring about the shop’s situation and providing some instructions, left with Ali in tow.

The woman stayed in the carriage while Bater and Ali sat outside, driving it.

The group quickly arrived at West Market.

As night fell, the lamps were lit.

The lavish shops were ablaze with lights, and the broad streets teemed with people—a bustling scene.

Bater parked the carriage at a location designated for horses and vehicles.

The group walked with ease along the bustling broad street, paved with blue stone.

Li Xianyun and Ali walked ahead, with Bater and the others closely following behind.

Looking at the array of shops lining the street, Li Xianyun said,

"The reason I called you here today is to ask if you know of any shops for rent in West Market. I’d like to find a well-located spot to open an Ice Porridge Shop. The shop needs to be spacious enough to house the confectionery and pastry production."

Transporting pastries from the palace after production was too cumbersome. It would be ideal if the shop could produce and sell on-site, thus avoiding many difficulties.

Moreover, selling grapes as raisins would take at least two months; although this could earn a tidy sum in Houtang and Houliang, the turnaround time was lengthy and the profit too slow.

The quickest return would come from opening an Ice Porridge Shop and a confectionery. Ice porridge could be produced the same day, and confectioneries were also typically ready on the day or by the next day.

Shorter time, faster returns, and quicker earnings.

Li Xianyun intended to first open the Ice Porridge Shop in West Market, also selling pastries and confectioneries. Once the pastries and confectioneries gained market traction, they would be spun off into separate pastry and confectionery shops.

By managing multiple ventures, she would earn more and have sufficient funds to invest in the production and development of raisins and other industries.

Ali looked at Li Xianyun with a smile and said, "Young Master, you’ve certainly found the right person. Although I was born in the East Market, I’ve been helping my father in the West Market since I was a child and am especially familiar with every corner of it. I know of several shops that want to rent out their premises, with spacious locations and reasonable prices. Please, follow me."

Ali took Li Xianyun to tour several shops that were available for rent.

Indeed, just as Ali said, he was extremely familiar with the West Market and even knew the ins and outs of the landlords there.

In the end, Li Xianyun chose a shop with a decent landlord, the previous tenant being a clothing store.

A clothing store would be relatively clean, without too many insects.

When it comes to food establishments, cleanliness is of utmost importance.

If there are too many insects, it can affect the business.

The shop was two stories high, spacious, with plenty of rooms for making pastries and preserves.

Moreover, the location of the shop was good; surrounded by successful businesses that could drive foot traffic and situated on the main route out of the West Market, it had a large flow of people.

Li Xianyun asked Ali to arrange a meeting with the landlord of the shop, preparing to discuss terms.

The rental sign at the entrance of the shop listed the price as one hundred and fifty taels of silver per month, which was obviously marked up; it was necessary to haggle down the price.

Li Xianyun looked at Ali and asked, "Do you know how to haggle?"

Ali smiled and said, "I can haggle over small business deals, but for big transactions like this, I’ve never tried. I’m afraid I might be too clever for my own good."

He spoke frankly and modestly, being used to negotiating in the West Market.

However, as he mentioned, he had only ever haggled over deals involving a few dozen taels; he had never had the opportunity to deal with larger transactions.

Li Xianyun’s mouth curved into a smile, "I will haggle over the rent for the restaurant. You handle the haggling for other purchases like renovations and buying furniture and benches."

"No problem," Ali readily agreed. "I know many carpenters and renovators, am quite familiar with them, and I know their bottom lines. They will offer us the lowest prices, ensuring high quality and low cost. Rest assured, Young Master."

Li Xianyun hummed in acknowledgment, not expecting to have inadvertently discovered such a talent.

The shop had been selected; if she did not return to the palace now, it would be hard to justify her absence.

Li Xianyun told Ali to go home, while she, accompanied by Bater and two others, strolled the streets.

She still wanted to return later so that she wouldn’t have to speak too much with Yelu Yan and could go directly to sleep.

This way, she could successfully avoid Yelu Yan.

Zhuo Ma hesitated a moment upon seeing Li Xianyun had no intention of returning to the palace, then said, "Young Master, we should head back to the palace now, or the family may start to worry."

This ’family’ naturally referred to Yelu Yan.

Without responding, Li Xianyun looked at a rather nice restaurant and said, "Let’s have a meal before we go."

Zhuo Ma was about to speak.

Li Xianyun said, "We’ll just grab a bite and leave, it won’t take long."

With that, she took the lead and walked into the restaurant.

As soon as Li Xianyun appeared, she attracted the attention of many people. A young master, gentle and refined like jade, how could she not draw admiration?

Especially the gaze of the women, which seemed to stick to Li Xianyun.

Yelu Yan was right in his thoughts; her attire would surely captivate the souls of numerous respectable women.

The shopkeeper saw Li Xianyun and approached with a smile.

"Esteemed guest, the private room has been prepared for you. Please, this way."

Li Xianyun said with confusion, "I didn’t ask for a private room."

The shopkeeper said with a smile, "You may not have asked for a private room, but an honored guest has already prepared one for you."