NOVPUB
Chapter 337: Chapter 340: I Want the Recipe_1
In the afternoon, a horse carriage stopped at the entrance of the Tan Family’s Door, attracting many onlookers. Those who could afford a horse carriage were certainly not country bumpkins.
Sure enough, a lavishly dressed woman alighted from the carriage, followed by a small Maid.
"Look at those silk garments, she must be from a wealthy family!"
"Father, just look at that fine horse, don’t you know? Its size and vigor speak for it, could it possibly be cheap?"
"What do you think she’s doing at the Tan Family’s place?"
They had never heard of the Tan Family having such wealthy relatives, nor were there any unmarried girls or lads. They truly couldn’t think of a reason.
The crowd buzzed with speculation, each person craning their necks to get a better look inside.
Although the carriage was luxurious, they were more curious to know what business it brought to the Tan Family.
Maybe it was the Tan Family’s lucky break, perhaps heralding a wealthy future.
Then, with just a bit slipping through the fingers of their benefactors, their own lives would greatly improve!
Once inside the courtyard, the Madam’s Maid haughtily inquired, "Is this the Tan Family known for their braised meat?"
Qiao Duo’er curled her lip, her first impression being that the quality of these two visitors left much to be desired.
Even decked in gold and silver, they couldn’t mask the unmistakable air of the nouveau riche.
Chao Lian on the other hand, felt that as guests had arrived, they should be received with courtesy.
She greeted them, "Yes, this is the Tan Family. May I ask what you need?"
"Are you in charge here? My Madam has some business to discuss with the person in charge of your household," the Maid scanned Chao Lian.
The girl seemed soft and unlikely to make decisions.
Thus, the Maid’s attention wasn’t really on Chao Lian, but rather on the silent one beside her who seemed more intriguing.
Qiao Duo’er knitted her brows, "I’m the one in charge. What business do you have?"
The woman smiled and said, "My family name is Liang, and the Yuan Customer Arrival restaurant in town belongs to my husband’s family. It’s noisy here with many ears around. I think it’s better to find a quiet place to talk."
"Please, this way, Madam Liang," Qiao Duo’er led the woman inside and then instructed Chao Lian to serve tea.
Madam Liang waved her hand, "I’m not accustomed to the tea from your family, so don’t trouble yourself. Let’s get down to business promptly."
Qiao Duo’er agreed, as she too wished to clarify matters and then hurry the visitor away.
Just by the attitude of this woman, she didn’t wish to have a deeper association.
"I wish to purchase the recipe for your braised meat," stated Madam Liang straightforwardly.
Qiao Duo’er smiled faintly, "Madam Liang, that is our family’s secret recipe, I’m afraid I must decline."
So the visitor had come for their secret braised meat recipe, but she was bound for disappointment.
The braised meat was not only the Tan Family’s business but also the lifeblood of Hu’s Clan, even their spiritual pillar. It was because of the braised meat that they believed life would only get better.
What would they do if she suddenly decided not to sell the braised meat anymore?
"I offer Thirty Taels of Silver," said Madam Liang.
Madam Liang gave her Maid a signal, and the Maid quickly presented the silver note.
One silver note was worth Ten Taels, and there were three in total.
Qiao Duo’er silently scoffed at the small-minded offer; Thirty Taels was merely three months’ earnings from the meat stall.
If she agreed, she would either be out of her mind or desperately poor.
Or perhaps Madam Liang took her for a fool?
Madam Liang tried to persuade her gently, "Young lady, think it over carefully. Thirty taels could cover several years of expenses for your family, and you wouldn’t have to toil every day running into town."
"I ensure a lifetime of expenses thanks to the braised meat," Qiao Duo’er rebuked.
