The Lucky Heiress

Hearing Wei Ruo’s words, the smile on Fan Chengxu’s face grew thicker: “I’ve always liked to price merchandise and people. Regardless of which aspect, as long as Esteemed Sir Xu can help improve the yield, quality, and profit of my tea leaves, I’m willing to reward you with a proportional contribution.”

“So, Boss Fan’s proposition for collaboration is to have me provide strategies for Boss Fan, and then Boss Fan rewards me proportionally based on the profits, correct?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Correct.”

“Then I’m afraid I cannot agree.”

“Why?” Fan Chengxu asked, looking at Wei Ruo with a puzzled expression.

Xu Heyou was a money-loving person. It was hard to believe that he would pass up this lucrative opportunity.

“Rather than working for Boss Fan and receiving a salary, I prefer to do business with Boss Fan on equal footing and establish a partnership instead of an employer-employee relationship,” explained Wei Ruo.

Fan Chengxu’s smile faded, his eyes carrying a sharper glance, “Esteemed Sir Xu seems to have quite an appetite. Do you believe that you currently have the ability to stand on equal ground with me?”

Unfazed by his response, Wei Ruo responded with a smile, “If Boss Fan thinks my proposal is inappropriate, you can find better options. I don’t mind.”

Fan Chengxu regarded Wei Ruo’s expression, admiring her calm demeanor.

After a moment, the smile on his initially cold face returned: “You are bold, and it just so happens that I’m the type who doesn’t like to follow rules. I’d like to try out a partnership with Sir Xu. How exactly do you envision our collaboration?”

If Xu Heyou had been scared earlier, he might’ve backed out. But he wasn’t scared, which provoked Fan Chengxu’s consent.

“I can participate in the entire process from the planting, picking, drying to the final sale of the tea. For the increase in the tea garden’s earnings that I bring about, I want to share half of it with Boss Fan,” said Wei Ruo.

“Half? Esteemed Sir Xu, you should understand that the tea garden is my property. It’s run by my people, my connections, and my sales channel.” Fan Chengxu responded.

“I’m suggesting splitting the increased part of the income. The silver you were originally able to make, I won’t touch. But for the increased part because of me, I’ll take half. If the increase is due to my contributions, then why shouldn’t I take half?” Wei Ruo retorted.

“That does seem reasonable,” Fan Chengxu conceded.

“Boss Fan can take some time to consider it. I am not in a hurry for an answer. If Boss Fan thinks it isn’t suitable, feel free to reject me. I’m not particularly passionate about the venture.” Wei Ruo didn’t seem overly invested in the deal.

“It seems that in this transaction, I am in the passive position.” Boss Fan chuckled.

“You can’t think like that, Boss Fan. It’s more accurate to say that in this partnership, we are equals and it will be mutually beneficial. If our opinions are in agreement, we begin a new partnership. If not, we can remain cordial and maintain our current business relationship. What do you think, Boss Fan?”

Fan Chengxu let out a light laugh, “What can I say? I think you’re making sense.”

Wei Ruo, seeing Fan Chengxu’s laughter, followed with her own.

Then Fan Chengxu spoke, “In that case, I’ll stake one of my tea gardens to test this out. I hope Sir Xu won’t disappoint.”

###

On the day following their agreement, Fan Chengxu sent someone to take Wei Ruo to his tea garden.

Wei Ruo, accompanied by Xiumei, boarded Fan Chengxu’s carriage.

Comparing to the usual carriages that Wei Ruo took, Fan Chengxu’s carriage was considerably more spacious and comfortable. Even wealthy merchants weren’t allowed to use this type of carriage because of its high quality.

Upon reaching the site, Wei Ruo stepped out of the carriage, looked up, and saw four big characters on the wooden plaque over the entrance of the tea garden- Yusheng Tea Garden.

Three people had been waiting at the entrance, including an acquaintance she’d known before, Shopkeeper Shen.

With a warm smile on his face, Shopkeeper Shen promptly greeted her, “Esteemed Sir Xu, our young master has instructed me to wait here early. As our young master has some other matters to attend to, he asked me to guide you through the tea garden tour today.”

“Thank you for your effort, Shopkeeper Shen,” replied Wei Ruo, with a reciprocated smile.

Wei Ruo followed Shopkeeper Shen into the tea garden.

Yusheng Tea Garden occupied an entire hill, referred to as the Tea Mountain. After entering the main entrance of the garden, they started climbing a set of stairs.

On both sides of the stairs were rows of waist-high tea plants. As it was currently the late tea harvest period, Wei Ruo saw women spread over the mountainsides on either side of the path, picking tea leaves.

However, the quality of the tea leaves harvested at this time of the year was generally not satisfactory. As the temperature rose, tea plants grew rapidly, producing larger leaves and longer stems. The tea consequently became stronger in flavor and more bitter, and thus, couldn’t fetch a high price.

Green tea is most precious when it is the first crop of tender shoots picked in early spring. After that, each crop becomes less precious than the previous one.

“What’s the price of the tea leaves being harvested now?” asked Wei Ruo to Shopkeeper Shen.

“The current tea leaves can’t fetch a high price. They are not served to the nobles. Ordinary households generally consume them. Per catty of tea leaves sells for twenty coins,” explained Shopkeeper Shen.

This was not the price at which Fan Chengxu wanted to sell his tea.

But as the tea trees here naturally grew, it would be a waste not to harvest the tea. A thin profit margin was better than nothing.

Wei Ruo paused her steps, concentrating on the tea leaves being picked by the tea picking women nearby.

She then extended her hand towards the tea picker’s basket. The lady, not knowing Wei Ruo’s intentions, instinctually flinched backward as she saw a young gentleman reaching towards her.

Quickly, Shopkeeper Shen explained, “This is a distinguished guest of our young master, you don’t have to be afraid.”

Laughing, Wei Ruo said, “Don’t panic. I just want to look at the tea leaves you’ve picked.”

Hearing the explanation, the tea picker lowered her defences.

Wei Ruo picked some of the freshly harvested tea leaves from the basket and carefully examined them in her hand. A meaningful smile then emerged on her face.

At that moment, she had devised a plan in her heart.

At this moment in time in this world, red tea, yellow tea, and black tea had yet to emerge. Generally, green tea was the most expensive when it was the most tender. However, fermented teas such as red, yellow, and black tea didn’t necessarily need such tender tea leaves.

Turning to Shopkeeper Shen at her side, Wei Ruo asked, “So, these freshly picked tea leaves will be roasted right away?”

“Of course, tea leaves must be roasted while they’re fresh. If they’re roasted too late, they’ll wither and their color, aroma, and taste will degrade,” explained Shopkeeper Shen.

“For today, lay out all the freshly picked tea leaves in a large basket and do not roast them,” directed Wei Ruo.

“Esteemed Sir Xu, if tea leaves are left out overnight, they’ll wilt!” exclaimed Shopkeeper Shen in surprise.

“I know; I need them to wilt,” replied Wei Ruo.

“Then, Sir Xu, how many pounds of tea leaves do you need to be left out like this?” inquired Shopkeeper Shen..