Because his new dishes increased profitability and surpassed the tavern across the street, the boss granted him management of another tavern. Now, his influence outweighed that of the rival across the street; he was curious to see how the rival would continue to flaunt his power.
Originally, the tavern across the street and his Judelou tavern were both owned by the same boss, but governed by different shopkeepers. Not only did the two taverns compete on a daily basis, but they also monopolized the market in the entire town, making it difficult for smaller taverns to survive.
"Miss Yang, I must say, our Judelou group has branches both here in the county and in the prefecture. I plan to start selling our drunken crab there, and that will increase the quantity needed. I’m wondering whether you’d be able to handle such an order."
Yang Chuxia didn’t rush to answer. She pondered for a moment and then asked, "I wonder, Shopkeeper Li, how much volume you’re anticipating?"
"At least twice the current amount. You know, there are more wealthy people in D County. If my tavern here needs twenty jars, then the Prefecture City would need at least forty jars. Moreover, the size of the crabs in these forty jars should be evenly distributed."
Seeing Yang Chuxia deep in thought, Shopkeeper Li continued, "There’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you, Miss Yang. When the sea closes in mid-November, and only gradually reopens around May of the following year, there will scarcely be any large crabs. And, due to the weather, we may not even find many small crabs. I wonder if you have a way to ensure the drunken crab can still be sold during this closure period?"
Yang Chuxia thought about it. According to Shopkeeper Li’s idea, she would have to start mass-producing drunken crabs and stockpile them early. Moreover, she would have to find a way to extend their shelf life, as the closure period from November to May lasted almost half a year.
"Shopkeeper Li, I don’t foresee an issue with the volume of the order, but as for the second matter you mentioned, I need time to think about it."
"Good. I hope you will take this into consideration. If we can sell these drunken crabs even in winter, we will surely make a fortune."
"What Shopkeeper Li says makes sense." Yang Chuxia laughed, choosing not to make any commitments.
After finishing her conversation with Shopkeeper Li, she immediately gave him twenty jars of small drunken crabs and one jar of large ones to count and take in. Only when Shopkeeper Li had counted the money for the twenty-one jars of crabs did she go downstairs to meet up with Yang Dayong and Ye Zi’an.
"Uncle Dayong, let’s go to North Street. I want to meet with Constable Hong."
There were still two jars of drunken crabs left in the cart, which she planned to give to Constables Hong and Xu. Building a good relationship with these folks from the yamen was always beneficial. Not to mention, if anything were to happen, they could provide some guidance.
When she arrived at North Street, she first visited Constable Hong, who had just returned from the county. He was somewhat surprised to see Yang Chuxia.
"Well, young lady, is there something you need?" Constable Hong instinctively thought of the problems in Yang Chuxia’s family and wondered if there was more trouble.
"Constable Hong, nothing major brings me today." Yang Chuxia smiled, and then brought out a jar of drunken crab, "This is a jar of drunken crab we made at home. I thought you might like to try it. After your generous help last time, I’ve been hoping to find a chance to show my gratitude."
Hearing Yang Chuxia’s words, Constable Hong was quite pleased, feeling that his assistance had been well-placed.