nucmednet Chapter 977 The Franchise Model of Seven Fairy Potato Noodles
Chapter 977 The Franchise Model of Seven Fairy Potato Noodles
Bai Lu smiled and pulled them into her arms, but her expression was more serious than usual: "You must remember, when we open a shop there, making money is secondary. The most important thing is to let them get to know us and get used to us through this bowl of noodles."
"This is called 'boiling a frog in lukewarm water,' do you understand?"
March and April nodded as if they understood but not quite.
They may not yet understand the deeper meaning.
Bai Yiyue thoughtfully replied, "The art of war says, 'To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.' Mother uses food as her weapon, and winning hearts and minds is the best strategy."
Bai Lu gave her eldest daughter an approving look: "January is right. So, this business is more important than you think."
"But right now, your task is to go back and rest well, and study and practice writing. That is the foundation for your future livelihood."
Back at the post station in Pingzhou City, having shed the dust of their journey, the warm and familiar atmosphere finally put everyone at ease.
As evening fell, the seven little girls reunited in the warm flower hall.
Bai Lu took out brocade and a soft measuring tape, wanting to make spring clothes for them herself.
"January, you go first."
"We grew taller in February too."
When it was March and April's turn, the two little devils started arguing again about whether to embroider gold or silver on their clothes. After July pointed out that "their allowance has already been reserved for their little schemes," they immediately looked at Bailu ingratiatingly.
Bai Lu was amused by them and pinched their little cheeks, saying, "Don't worry, you won't be shortchanged. Mother will embroider gold ingots and silver abacuses on your clothes, okay?"
"Okay!" the two said in unison, instantly revived.
From the beauty-loving month of May to July, Bailu meticulously tailors clothes for each of her daughters.
The next day, Bai Lu led seven carefully dressed young girls to the largest jewelry shop in Pingzhou City—Linlang Pavilion.
As soon as the magnificent carriage of the Marquis's mansion stopped at the gate, the shopkeeper immediately came out to greet them with a beaming smile.
"My lord! It's been a while since you last visited!"
"It's been so many years since I last saw you, my princesses! You've become even more beautiful, just like the seven fairies from heaven!" the shopkeeper said sweetly.
Bai Lu nodded slightly, exchanged a few pleasantries, and led her daughters inside.
Inside the Linglang Pavilion, in January she chose a white jade book hairpin, in February she chose South Sea pearl earrings, in March and April she chose a gold abacus bracelet, in May she chose a peacock-shaped gold hairpin, in June she chose a red agate longevity lock, and in July she chose a cool, elegant crescent-shaped hair ornament...
On the way back laden with goods, the carriage passed by the post station.
At the entrance of the post station, people come and go, conveying messages from all over the country.
Bai Lu looked at the plaque that read "Connecting the World," and a thought struck her. She then ordered the driver to stop.
"Mother, what are we doing here?" Bai Yiyue asked.
“Your elder brothers Leng and Su are studying hard at Bailudong Academy in Qingzhou. Judging by the time, they should be making their final preparations for the upcoming prefectural examination right now.” Bailu’s tone was tinged with concern. “Mother wants to send them some things.”
The girls became interested when their two older brothers were mentioned.
"From Pingzhou to Qingzhou, that's a long way! It must take several days for the letter to arrive."
"Brother Leng must have injured himself again on the training ground!"
"Brother Su must be staying up late studying again!"
Bai Lu dismounted from the carriage and went to make purchases herself.
She knew her two adopted sons' temperaments well.
Leng Bingnian was resolute and devoted himself to the martial arts examination, and his daily training was extremely arduous.
Bai Lu went to the best pharmacy in the city to prepare a high-quality ointment for him to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. She also went to a shoe store to pick out several pairs of thick-soled, sturdy martial arts boots.
Su Jinyu, on the other hand, was gentle and refined, and devoted to literature.
To prepare for the civil service examination, one must study diligently day and night, expending a great deal of mental energy.
Bai Lu then prepared ginseng slices to refresh his mind, several boxes of his favorite, less sweet Suzhou-style pastries, and the finest Huizhou ink and wolf-hair brushes from the Four Treasures of the Study.
After carefully packing all the items, Bai Lu asked the shopkeeper for paper and pen and wrote a letter home herself.
In the letter, she mentioned that she had opened a restaurant on the outskirts of Pingzhou and that business was good, but she cleverly omitted sensitive details such as the Jurchen tribe and the Seven Fairies Potato Noodles, so as not to let them have any wild thoughts while they were far away in Qingzhou.
She instructed Leng Bingnian to practice martial arts gradually and not to be reckless and injure his muscles and bones.
He also instructed Su Jinyu to balance her studies with rest and not to overwork herself while preparing for the exam.
At the end of the letter, she wrote: "Everything is fine at home, don't worry."
"The seven younger sisters also miss their two older brothers very much."
"When you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, our whole family will be reunited to celebrate this joyous occasion."
Bai Lu handed the package and letters to the post station official and watched as the postmen properly arranged the mail destined for Qingzhou. She stood there for a long time without moving.
She gazed in the direction of Qingzhou, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
After enjoying a brief moment of warmth, Bai Lu's thoughts quickly returned to the potato noodle business that involved countless interests.
The success of Seven Fairy Potato Noodles was even more overwhelming than she had anticipated.
Those Jurchen men who used to only know how to eat meat and drink wine in large quantities have now learned to queue and patiently wait for a bite of fresh, spicy, and numbing food.
However, having only one store ultimately limits one's influence.
Back at the Marquis's residence, Bai Lu locked herself in her study.
On the table lay a map of Pingzhou Prefecture and a business plan she had drawn herself.
The next morning, she summoned Manager Zhang, who was in charge of the Seven Fairies Potato Noodles.
Manager Zhang was a shrewd and capable middle-aged man. As soon as he entered the study, he bowed and excitedly reported, "My lord, you are truly amazing! The shop in the Jurchen tribe has been making almost as much money in the past few days as a large restaurant in the city for a month!"
"Moreover, recently several groups of merchants from the city have sent people to secretly inquire about our recipe!"
“As expected.” Bai Lu picked up her teacup. “The recipe is fixed, but business is flexible. Manager Zhang, what do you think we should do next?”
Steward Zhang hesitated for a moment, then tentatively said, "Does Your Excellency mean... to open a few more branches? I've already scouted out several shops in the east and south of the city, and we also have the manpower..."
“No,” Bai Lu interrupted him directly, “We won’t open them ourselves. Opening them one by one is too slow.”
"Then...?" Manager Zhang couldn't keep up with Bai Lu's train of thought for a moment.
Bai Lu put down her teacup, lightly tapped her fingertip on the table, and uttered a word that shocked Manager Zhang: "Franchise."
"Join...the alliance?" This new term left Manager Zhang completely bewildered.
“Yes, franchising.” Bai Lu explained patiently, “There must be quite a few people who want to do our potato noodle business. We can give them this opportunity.”
"Let them provide their own shop space, hire their own staff, and run the business themselves."
"However, they must obtain authorization from us."
She held up one finger: "First, if you want to hang up the Seven Fairies Potato Noodles sign and sell our products, you must first pay us a franchise fee of one hundred taels of silver."
"This money is the threshold for obtaining the qualification."
One hundred taels! Manager Zhang gasped in shock.
This is a huge sum of money for ordinary small business owners.
But on second thought, compared to the terrifying profitability of potato noodle shops, this doesn't seem like much.
Bai Lu raised her second finger: "Secondly, after joining, for every ten taels of silver they earn, they have to give us one tael."
"This is called profit sharing. We provide the brand and core technology, and we should share in their achievements."
One-tenth of the profit!
Manager Zhang's heart raced again.
This is not a one-off deal, but a continuous source of wealth!
Lord Marquis's gesture is simply like turning lead into gold!
“But Lord Marquis,” Steward Zhang quickly realized the crucial issue, “what about the recipe? Our key ingredient is that soup base packet.”
"If we give it to them, wouldn't everyone learn it?"
"Given time, they can simply ditch us and go it alone!"
“Good question.” Bai Lu gave him an approving look. “That is the third point I wanted to make, and also the most important one.”
She stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the budding spring flowers in the courtyard. "We don't provide recipes. All the core soup base packets and special potato noodles needed by our franchise stores must be purchased from us."
"We will establish a dedicated workshop for standardized production."
"They just need to follow our procedures, mix the ingredients and water in the correct proportions, and then cook the powder."
"In this way, we can ensure the consistency of taste across all stores and keep the core technology in our own hands forever."
"They can only ever be our next customers."
Manager Zhang was stunned, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
As he looked at Bai Lu's slender back, a storm raged in his heart.
This usually gentle and kind marquis was surprisingly shrewd in business.
Watertight!
"Understood!" Steward Zhang bowed deeply with excitement. "Your Excellency's foresight is truly admirable! I will go and spread the word immediately!"
“No rush,” Bai Lu turned around and called out to him, “We need to spread the word, but I want to personally decide on the first batch of franchise slots.”
She returned to her desk, picked up a vermilion brush, and drew several circles on the map of Pingzhou.
“Boss Wang of Fuyun Cloth Shop in the east of the city is related to Master Qian of the government office by marriage; Manager Zhao of Hengtong Grain Shop in the west of the city is a minor leader of the canal transport gang; and there’s also…” Bai Lu pointed out five or six prominent merchants in Pingzhou City with different backgrounds. “Go and contact them. Tell them that the Marquis of Anguo’s mansion has a chance to make a fortune. Give them three days to consider whether they are interested.”
Manager Zhang felt a chill run down his spine.
Once these people join, their lives, fortunes, and social connections become inextricably linked to the rise and fall of Seven Fairy Potato Noodles.
"Yes! I'll take care of it right away!" Steward Zhang accepted the order and hurriedly left, his heart filled with only awe.
In the following days, undercurrents were stirring in the business district of Pingzhou City.
The news that the Marquis of Anguo's mansion was going to open a potato noodle business spread like wildfire, attracting countless people.
However, when they learned about the harsh conditions of the 100-tael franchise fee and the 10% profit share, most people hesitated.
However, after a brief period of shock and deliberation, the bosses who were named by Bai Lu sent their invitations, expressing their willingness to give it a try.
They are all shrewd and perceptive, seeing things more clearly than anyone else.
This is not just about money; it's also about the opportunity to get on board the big ship that is the Marquis of Anguo's mansion!
Soon, under Bai Lu's personal instruction, five more Seven Fairies Potato Noodle franchise stores appeared overnight in Pingzhou City.
The uniform signboard and the uniform taste instantly ignited the entire city of Pingzhou.
Those businessmen who had previously been observing were now filled with regret and despair.
Meanwhile, a larger workshop broke ground on a estate owned by the Marquis.
Bai Lu mobilized the most reliable personnel and divided the area into several independent process zones.
Some people were responsible for grinding spices, some for boiling oil, and some for mixing... Each person only knew a small part of their job, and no one knew the complete recipe.
Finally, Bailu's confidant completed the final mixing and packaging in a secret room.
All of this was completely unknown to Leng Bingnian and Su Jinyu, who were far away at Bailudong Academy in Qingzhou.
In the letters they received from home, their mother only said that business was going well and that they should focus on their studies.
In winter, the sunlight in Pingzhou City always seems stingy and precious.
The cold wind swirled dry dust across the cobblestone streets, making the robes of passersby flutter in the wind.
Since Bai Lu joined the party, the entire city of Pingzhou has been shaken.
Whether they were Han Chinese merchants or Jurchen people, their conversations after meals always revolved around the woman named Bailu and her magical bowl of potato noodles.
Bai Lu has been extremely busy these past few days.
That afternoon, just after the busiest mealtime at the shop had passed, Bai Lu finally had a moment to sit behind the counter, picked up a bowl of warm ginseng tea, and gently blew on it.
The accountant was fiddling with the abacus beside him.
Just then, the shop door was pushed open.
The shop assistants and scattered customers all subconsciously stopped what they were doing and looked up.
Two elegant Jurchen women stood at the entrance.
The man in front was tall and strong with a resolute face. Although he wore a seemingly ordinary dark fur robe, his deep, hawk-like eyes made him appear exceptionally noble.
Bai Lu recognized him; he was none other than Prince Shunyi—Wanyan Zonghan.
Following behind him was an older man.
He was also draped in heavy animal hides, but in a more ancient and elaborate style, adorned with bone ornaments and feathers.
He held a wooden staff in his hand, shaped like a coiled dragon and phoenix, with a piece of warm, luminous jade inlaid at the top.
Wow, you're dressed quite formally today.
"Lady White Snake, how have you been?" Wanyan Zonghan spoke first, his voice loud and steady, with a hint of a smile that was barely perceptible.
Bai Lu immediately put down her teacup and quickly came out from behind the counter, a polite and composed smile on her face.
"So it's His Highness Prince Shunyi! Your esteemed presence is an honor to our humble establishment. Please, take a seat."
She led the two to the quietest private room in the shop.
This area is separated by a carved wooden screen.
Wanyan Xiyin looked at Bai Lu with a calm gaze and slowly said, "Lady Bai, there's no need for such formalities. I have lived deep in the mountains for a long time and rarely enter the city. Today I came with Prince Shunyi just to see for myself how well potato noodles are selling in Pingzhou. I heard that they are causing quite a stir here."