Chapter 40

Under the management of Zou Boss, the boutique shop was soon neatly arranged. Li Yao also prepared 200 portions of herbal paste.

She asked Zou Boss to buy 200 exquisite small porcelain bottles. According to one tael per bottle, which is 50 grams, she packaged them at home.

"Mother, are we really going to partner with Zou Boss to open a shop?" He Xiaoya finally couldn't hold back her doubts and asked.

"Yes."

"But why partner?" He Xiaoya continued to ask, "In fact, we can open it ourselves. At most, we can hire a trusted steward and be the boss ourselves."

"You also know you have to hire someone trustworthy," Li Yao said, "But in the face of benefits, who can really be trusted? Even if there are trustworthy ones, how many can there be? If you have to find trustworthy people to do business, then the business can't be done."

"Then let my sister Xiaoya be the steward," Du Xiao Hui said. "I think my sister Xiaoya is so capable that she can run a shop."

Li Yao laughed and said, "She is definitely capable, but it would be tiring, and there would be a lot of troubles opening a shop. There is no end to making money. It's better to divide some of it and then comfortably sit at home. How nice."

This is the philosophy Li Yao wants to instill in her children.

Many things don't need to be done by oneself. Knowing how to make good use of people is the best way to live comfortably.

"The shop opens tomorrow. I have to go see it. Does anyone want to go with me?"

"I want to set up a stall." Da Zhuang said.

"I have to take care of the goslings." He Xiaoya couldn't go either.

Wang Er had to study. The third and fourth ones initially wanted to go, but finally discussed and decided to go to the mountains to pick tea seeds instead. After all, the hustle and bustle would be over after seeing it, but picking tea seeds and trading them with Mother for cash was real money!

Seeing that everyone was not going, Du Xiao Hui didn't go either.

"I'll stay and cook for Brother Wang Er."

...

Dang dang dang–

Dong dong dong–

The next day at dawn, loud gongs and drums sounded in the Baichuan Market.

More than a dozen old men and women in red robes, some carrying plaques and some carrying gongs and drums, kept beating and tapping in the streets. People rarely saw such a lineup and quickly attracted everyone's attention.

"Which family is getting married?"

"It doesn't look like a wedding. There is no groom."

"Can anyone read the plaque? What does it say?"

"He Wan Li’s Boutique! Grand opening and big rewards! Get 8% discount when you become a VIP! Get free gifts when you shop!"

"What boutique? Where is it?"

...

With Li Yao's promotional methods, almost everyone in the Baichuan Market knew that the boutique was opening today, and you could get gifts if you became a VIP.

Some women with money, after carefully tidying up, decided to go see what this boutique sells.

People with no money also took time to go see the excitement.

Soon, crowds of people gathered at the door of the boutique. As the shareholder and steward of the store, Zou Boss was also dressed very festively today, with a beaming smile on his face.

"Folks, our He Wan Li’s Boutique opens today. Welcome everyone!"

"Zou Boss," a properly dressed maid came up and asked, "My mistress asked me to ask what kind of products you mainly sell in this boutique?"

"We only have herbal paste for now. More products will be added later. Please pay attention."

It suddenly dawned on everyone that it was herbal paste.

Those with some money at the market had bought it last time. After using it, the effect was really good. Many people came to buy again, but were told it was sold out.

"Don't tell me there are only a hundred boxes again?"

"No no, we prepared 200 boxes this time!" Zou Boss said, "And if you become a VIP of our store, you can enjoy a permanent 20% discount on shopping! Also, everyone who buys 1 box of herbal paste today will get 1 free jin of rice, 1 free jin of flour, and 2 free eggs!"

The 20% discount was equal to 240 wen less. Plus the free stuff, at least 300 wen could be saved!

Although those who could afford herbal paste were rich people who didn't care too much about this little 300 wen. But free benefits right in front of them, they certainly wouldn't say no.

"So how can I become a VIP?"

"It's very simple," the shopkeeper Zou said. "Just deposit 5 taels of silver in our store and you can become a lifetime VIP, enjoying all discounts. And the 5 taels of silver can be used to offset your purchases in the future. We will never embezzle a penny from you.“

"Is there such a good thing?"

People suddenly felt a little unbelievable.

According to what he said, wouldn't that mean you could become a VIP and enjoy discounts forever without spending a penny? "Shopkeeper Zou, you won't take our silver and run away overnight, right?"

"Haha, this lady is joking," Zou shopkeeper said. "Let's not talk about my reputation in Baichuan Market over the years. Do you know who the other boss of the store is?"

"Who is it?"

"When I say it, many of you must have heard of her," Zou shopkeeper said. "She first set up a braised food stall in the market. Now she has stalls in three nearby markets. She invented braised goose, which is sold in several nearby markets. She invented the cotton futon, I believe many families' futons were made by her father-in-law. She invented the herbal paste and didn't even look at it when someone offered 5,000 taels to buy the formula from her."

At this point, many people knew who it was.

It was Mrs. Li!

No wonder the shop was called He Wan Li’s Boutique, it was named after her surname!

"Yes, it is Mrs. Li," Zou shopkeeper said. "She is the biggest shareholder of the store, and her home is in He Wan village. She has long been the richest person in He Wan village! Do you think she would run away overnight for a little silver?"

In this era, leaving home meant losing roots, so unless there was no other choice, people were generally unwilling to leave their hometown.

Just as everyone had the last bit of doubt, a few yamen runners slowly cleared the crowd.

"Make way everyone, the county magistrate's wife is here!"

The crowd quickly gave way to the county magistrate's wife.

The county magistrate's wife wore dark clothes today, with not much decoration, but each piece could be seen to be very expensive, making the county magistrate's wife look solemn and dignified, highlighting her status perfectly.

Compared to her, those women dressed up beautifully were completely outshone.

"Madam, why did you come in person?" Zou Boss quickly came up to greet her, "Just let me know what you need, and I will have it delivered to the county government immediately."

"I feel stuffy in the county government all day," the county magistrate's wife said. "I heard your shop is opening today. I plan to buy some herbal paste and send it to my family in the capital, so I came to take a look."

"Yes, we have as much as you need, and VIPs enjoy 20% off."

"What VIP?"

After listening to Zou Boss's explanation, the county magistrate's wife immediately signaled her maid to take out 5 taels of silver.

"I'm buying a lot, so 20% off will save some money," the county magistrate's wife said. "I'll sign up as a VIP."

The herbal paste is quite useful. She could buy some to give away, and for her maternal family, as well as some acquaintances’ wives.

It can be used by herself, and also shared with people around her. Not too light or heavy, and very practical.

Dang dang dang–

The gongs sounded, and a shop assistant loudly sang: "Congratulations to the county magistrate's wife for becoming the first VIP of He Wan Li’s Boutique!"

Seeing that even the county magistrate's wife had become a VIP, those wives and young ladies who were still hesitating hurried to follow suit.

"I want to sign up too!"

"Sign me up for one too!"