HPDBC Chapter 79
Chapter 79
Chapter 79: Collaborative Partner
The ice was successfully produced, but Jing Yi didn’t rush to reveal it to his family. The saying goes, “Keep a jade hidden until it is useful.” He decided not to leak the news until everything was settled.
After explaining the importance to the children, especially the smart and obedient Xiao Shu, Jing Yi left them to have fun on the estate. When Jing Mother arrived, he and Chuxia headed to the town to meet up with Second Brother Huang as planned before rushing to Qingzhou Prefecture.
Jing Yi was fine, but Second Brother Huang seemed anxious, his face turning red, possibly from excitement or heat. He was sweating profusely and couldn’t stop talking.
“You, how could you let something this big happen without keeping an eye on it? Xia Bing, Xia Bing, do you know whose interests you’ve affected? Do you know who owns the Xia Bing Shop in the capital?”
“I don’t know,” Jing Yi replied. He was tired; Second Brother Huang had been talking incessantly.
“That’s right!” Suddenly stopping, Second Brother Huang pointed to the sky, then compared with two fingers, “It’s him! Do you understand?!”
“Oh. Should we go back then? Not make any profit?” Jing Yi suggested, choosing to retreat.
“No way! Our Huang family won’t back down either!” Realizing he might have said too much, Second Brother Huang quickly stopped glancing at Jing Yi and continued, “Second Brother Huang, although our families are tied together in business, I won’t participate in anything else. I’m not interested. My biggest wish in life is to have a peaceful family with a wife and children.” Jing Yi said casually, showing no ambition. He had no concerns.
“You’re really sensible, my friend. I came to Fuyang Town to escape some pressure, but I still want to gather information about the capital from time to time...”
Before Second Brother Huang could finish, Jing Yi interrupted him, “Second Brother, although our families are connected in business because of the recipe, I won’t get involved in anything else. I’m not interested, and I don’t want to know more than necessary. Some things are better off not known. I hope you can understand.”
“Sigh, alright, you’re living a sensible life.” Second Brother Huang sighed, realizing Jing Yi had no ambitions or ulterior motives. Jing Yi wasn’t worried about anything.
“Second Brother, I only care about the business deal we have. Let’s keep it at that. If there’s anything else, I’m not interested. Please spare me from unnecessary troubles.”
“Alright, alright. You’re truly straightforward. As long as we can continue with this business, I’m satisfied. Let’s focus on that,” Second Brother Huang said, relieved. Jing Yi had no ambitions, and that was good for their cooperation.
Still on the road for a day, they arrived in Qingzhou Prefecture in the evening. Traveling by carriage in the summer was indeed a hardship, so the few of them didn’t say much. After dinner, they each went back to rest.@@@@
Second Brother Huang went to stay at his elder brother’s house. Jing Yi and Chuxia declined his invitation and, along with Steward Tong, went to the same hospitable inn as before. However, this time, they booked a higher-class room for themselves and a regular room for Steward Tong.
Feeling content, they went to bed after washing up. The bed in the higher-class room was indeed comfortable.
The next morning, while Chuxia rested at the inn, Jing Yi and Steward Tong went to Elder Brother Huang’s residence on time. Before entering, they were invited by Huang Elder Brother and Huang Second Brother to sit in a luxurious carriage.
Everyone moved to the courtyard, and following Jing Yi’s instructions, Steward Tong placed the basin-over-basin poured saltpetre in water. Under the scorching sun, the water in the wooden basin gradually turned into ice.
Without mentioning how amazed Huang Brothers were, even Young Master Huang couldn’t help but walk to the side and gently touch it, carefully feeling it.
Turning back, he looked at Jing Yi with an intense gaze and asked, “Mr. Jing, is this ice edible?”
“Of course, it is edible and has no harm to the body. However, the saltpeter used for making ice is not edible.”
“Great! Great!” Young Master Huang was delighted. You see, the ice sold in those shops now was actually stored from winter and kept in an ice cellar for a long time, making it unsuitable for consumption.
This way, they would surely gain a complete victory, cutting off one lucrative source of income for their competitors.
“Mr. Jing is indeed a person with great abilities. Come, let’s go inside and talk in detail. Second Uncle Huang, please bring this piece of ice inside, so we can be more comfortable.” Huang Young Master politely instructed.
“Hahaha, Young Master, you’re too kind. I’ll bring it in right away.” Huang Second Brother was also very happy, lifting the basin with both hands and walking into the house.
This time, the Huang family was indeed sincere. Without waiting for Jing Yi to propose conditions, they directly stated their bottom line, mainly offering a price of ten thousand taels of silver, the exclusive selling rights in the entire Anchang County, and a manor with two hundred mu of fertile land in Anchang County. The last one was proposed by Huang Elder Brother after knowing that Jing Yi loved farmland.
“Mr. Jing, if you have other requirements, feel free to speak. We can further negotiate.” Young Master Huang said.
This time, as they were delving into the money box of the opposing force, Huang Elder Brother also inquired. He cherished talents, and today’s hospitality was specially instructed by Huang Elder Brother.
Although the ice-making formula was simple, it could lead to a big enterprise. Huang Shengjie being young, was thinking of making money. His father, as the chief official in charge of an island province in the south, who had been harassed by the neighboring small countries for many years, naturally knew how terrible the heat was. The people were not in the mood for production, and the army suffered from facing the enemy.
Now, with ice, although it couldn’t solve the root problem, it could greatly alleviate the inconveniences and suffering caused by the heat.
In addition, the ice offerings in the palace every year also needed a change of personnel. How could they always let those few families take advantage every summer?
Therefore, Jing Yi’s ice-making method was highly valued by the Huang family this time, showing that Huang Elder Brother had foresight and vision.
However, Jing Yi was not a greedy person. “I have no problem with this. What Young Master Huang has offered has exceeded my expectations, making me feel a bit overwhelmed.”
Hearing this, Young Master Huang said in a gentle tone, “Don’t say that, Mr. Jing, you are indeed a great talent.”
Thus, the two sides smoothly finalized the contract, and then they unified the price. Jing Yi heard that it was within his expectations, and he felt relieved that the common people would be able to afford a bowl of ice for their children.