Chapter 6, Acquiring a Restaurant for Free

"If we smash someone else's store, we will definitely have to compensate..." Before Li Yi could finish his sentence, Li Hui on the other side interrupted him:

It seemed that the shopkeeper's expression was rather bleak. Team Leader Liu patted Manager He on the shoulder and said this. Upon hearing Team Leader Liu's words, the shopkeeper's expression improved slightly.

The tavern owner, whose surname is He, has managed to run a tavern in Chang'an successfully, and is somewhat acquainted with the local officials. When the personnel from the Wucheng Bingmasi arrived, he felt reassured. However, unexpectedly, Captain Liu in front of him raised his hand and slapped the tavern owner across the face, dragging him to the entrance of the establishment. He pointed at one of the individuals standing on the counter, who was energetically brandishing a large wine jar, and said:

That person, the second son of the Hejian Prince's residence, Li Hui. The other group of people must also be from noble families. Do you still want to pursue this matter?

"Buy it? Isn't that more expensive than repairs? Moreover, if people find out that we bought a tavern, it would be difficult to explain at home! No, no!" Li Hui said, waving his hand.

The personnel from the Wucheng Bingmashi have arrived, and Captain Liu, leading fifty men, was furious as he looked at the tavern that resembled a battlefield. Under the emperor's feet, how could anyone be so audacious? As he swung the iron chain, he was about to apprehend someone, but upon getting closer, his legs began to tremble, wishing he could take a sick leave today.

Team Leader Liu was poking the boss's forehead with his finger, and the boss was already turning pale and trembling uncontrollably

"Hey, Li Hui, it seems like we've run into some tough trouble today." Cheng Chuliang, holding the large wine vat with one hand, had just knocked down quite a few people with it, despite being only thirteen years old.

Have you seen that person, the second son of the Lu Guogong Mansion, Cheng Chuliang

Fifty guan? Cheng Chuliang smacked his lips, feeling that it was a bit too little

Li Yi rubbed his hands together, and he has made it this time, it is truly a success!

"Looking at their skills, they seem like they came from the military. It's manageable with fewer than five people, but when five are arranged together, it becomes a bit..." Cheng Chuliang looked somewhat troubled at the group in front of him. Not to mention the five or six people standing, there were a full ten people standing next to Li Yi.

Captain Liu! You must take charge for me!

"You might as well give it up; this tavern is in such a state that it must have cost a lot of money. Aren't you afraid your father will break your legs? I have broken the most things, and I will pay for it!" Cheng Chuliang shouted loudly, completely ignoring Li Hui beside him.

How about this, let's not compensate anyone, and simply buy this restaurant instead?" Li Yi continued to smile and said without waiting for the two to respond: "One of you is the son of the Duke of Lu, and the other is the son of the Prince of Hejian. Your identities are of such high status that being able to purchase this tavern would be a blessing for the owner. Moreover, the renovation costs are expensive, so it would be better to buy it outright.

Of course, the money for purchasing the restaurant does not need to be contributed by the two of you, but for the subsequent repairs and operations, the three of us will still need to pool some funds. Additionally, I would like to trouble the two of you to find a few young and beautiful ladies, some honest and reliable cooks, and nimble waiters.

Although both individuals were somewhat skeptical of Li Yi, the conditions he proposed posed no significant loss to them. Finding someone to assist was not particularly difficult, and if successful, they could gain a restaurant without any cost. If it turned out to be mere boasting, they could simply return and compensate later. A restaurant was something the Duke's residence and the prince's residence could afford to compensate for, though it would likely come with a severe beating.

Li Yi signed a written agreement under the supervision of Team Leader Liu. If he fails to fulfill his commitment, he will be liable to compensate the losses incurred by He's shop

The expressions on the faces of others are somewhat peculiar. Although it is not uncommon for young rascals around the age of thirteen or fourteen to visit brothels, Li Yi is only ten years old. Isn't this a bit too early? Let alone opening a brothel!

"Let's set aside the matter of the headliner for now. How many more can you take on?" Li Hui, barehanded and somewhat slimmer than Cheng Chuliang, was nonetheless equally skilled in terms of ability.

Team Leader Liu is sweating on his forehead

"500 guan, with each person receiving a monthly dividend of 500 guan in pure profit, this is the most conservative estimate," Li Yi stated a figure that left both Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang gaping.

After a round of negotiations, a direct acquisition offer of 1,000 guan was proposed, along with the continued employment of He Dianjia as the store manager, with a monthly salary of 20 guan. However, the 1,000 guan would need to be paid off over the course of one year, as immediate payment was not feasible

Returning to the imperial city, the Imperial Guards naturally returned to their respective posts. However, one of the Imperial Guards, under the guidance of a eunuch, arrived at the front of the Tai Chi Hall, waited for a moment at the entrance, and was summoned inside

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the hierarchy of social status has been established with scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants in that order, with merchants being regarded as the lowest class. This was true even during the Tang dynasty, which is known for its openness.

Then, what about the other one

Only Gao Bao wore a frown, as it seemed that His Highness was the one suffering the greatest losses in this back-and-forth. Not to mention the 1,000 guan, even the 20 guan monthly wages owed to He, His Highness could not afford to pay! Several times during this period, he attempted to bring it up, but was stopped by His Highness. Now that the signatures have been affixed, the matter is settled. Is it really necessary to use the royal name to exert pressure on others?

Li Yi provided the address of the house he rented to Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang, and they agreed to meet tomorrow afternoon for a detailed discussion. Shortly after, Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang left with their wailing servants. Meanwhile, the shopkeeper was anxiously waiting for the two young masters to compensate him, but the two said nothing. Team Leader Liu's expression was also not very pleasant. Were they really going to escalate this matter to the Duke's residence or the Wang family of Hejian?

The three groups of people immediately clashed with one another, and amidst the chaos, they seemed to form formations against each other. They exchanged blows back and forth, and before long, the second floor of the tavern was completely demolished. Everyone continued to fight their way up to the next floor in one breath

Li Yi extended a hand

Fortunately, Li Yi, who emerged later, did not directly flee but instead proposed the request to buy the hotel. How could the owner easily agree to such a request? Opening a hotel in Chang'an is no easy feat. This particular restaurant generates a profit of at least thirty to forty guan a month, which, while not the top tier in Chang'an, certainly ranks among the notable establishments.

Do you want to open a brothel

Dare to confront the prince? This is a serious crime. The guards behind him could no longer tolerate it; this was an opportunity they could not miss. Everyone rolled up their sleeves, ready to fight. However, two individuals were quicker, not even rolling up their sleeves, and directly swung their fists. Yet, in no time, they were thrown against the wall.

However, behind those two individuals stood several servants, who, upon seeing the twenty strong men from Li Yi's side approaching aggressively, also rushed forward without showing any signs of weakness

Do not worry too much; these two young gentlemen have not been in Chang'an for just a day. After causing the damage, they will naturally pay for the repairs.

After wandering outside for a while and conducting some field research, the sound of the Jingjie drum in Chang'an City began to resonate

Although Gao Bao was quite troubled, Li Yi was extremely happy, not expecting such good luck to acquire a restaurant without any investment. As for the 1,000 guan, that is to be paid off within a year, so there is absolutely no pressure at all! Those large hotels in later generations often have monthly revenues of hundreds of thousands or even millions. With my rich experience in modern management and contemporary recipes, wouldn't I monopolize the entire catering industry in Chang'an? What is 1,000 guan in comparison?

One is the son of the Hejian Wangfu, another is the son of the Lu Guogongfu, and the last one, a ten-year-old child who can calmly sit and drink tea in the presence of these two individuals, must also have an extraordinary background

At that moment, while Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui were entangled in whether to fight or flee, Li Yi had already stood up. Having watched the scene unfold until now, it was impossible to truly let these two be knocked down. Just a moment ago, a Jinwuwei had already recognized the identities of Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui. After all, it was important to maintain good relations with the noble families.

Under such conditions, if the store still refuses, it would truly be a case of rejecting the offer of a drink and opting for a punishment instead. He thought for a moment that this might also be the best outcome, and thus he signed and sealed the document.

What Li Yi lacks the most right now is people. The eunuchs and palace maids in the palace are certainly not available for use, and he cannot come out at any time from outside the palace. At this moment, Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang are the best representatives. It is essential to find some accountants, beautiful girls, and cooks; with these two handling it, there will definitely be no problem.

Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui need not worry about being crippled by Laozi for the time being, as the losses incurred by He Dian have been compensated and guaranteed. Captain Liu has resolved a major issue without offending anyone, resulting in a happy outcome for all parties involved

How is it that you have no discernment at all? If I give it to you, then take it; if not, then don't ask for it. Do you still want to open a store?

He wants to say he won't do it anymore, but if this shop is just destroyed like this and no one comes to compensate for the losses, will he have to bear it himself? He cannot afford to offend the Duke of Lu, nor the Wang family of Hejian, and he cannot afford to offend another group of people either. Is he really doomed today?

Team Leader Liu was only saying this for the sake of the shopkeeper, but the shopkeeper, who had been hit with two earfuls of complaints, looked so aggrieved that it made Team Leader Liu angry. Damn it, my shop has been smashed and you're still bothering me with such trivial matters, it's infuriating

"Rest assured, I do not engage in such fleshly business," Li Yi said, waving his hand. Over there, Cheng Chuliang surprisingly showed a hint of disappointment, while Li Hui still appeared somewhat hesitant.

This place has been hit, the restaurant has been smashed, have you vented your anger? If you have, could you do me a favor?

Of course, I will not engage in a losing business. Within three months, I guarantee that both of your investments will be recouped. Moreover, within six months, you will be able to make substantial profits!

Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui both felt that this seemed to be the case. If they were to smash someone else's restaurant and pay compensation, a severe beating would likely be unavoidable. However, in business, there might still be a glimmer of hope.

Prince Li Xiaogong of Hejian is a cousin of the current emperor, while Duke Lu, Cheng Yaojin, is known by the nickname "The Demon King of the World" and is someone who can create a scene in the court, truly someone to be reckoned with

However, if you tell the family that it is for compensation and repairs, it would be difficult for the two brothers to explain, right? It would be better to say that there is a profitable opportunity, that they have bought a restaurant instead.

He pointed again at a young man who had been thrown to the ground and said

Team Leader Liu was observing the seemingly joyful situation before him, clapped his hands, and left

"How much can we earn?" Li Hui asked, feeling somewhat tempted as he looked at Li Yi's confident demeanor.

The other guards were alarmed, how could they dare to lay hands on someone from the royal family? A few of them were ready to draw their swords, but Li Yi did not want to escalate the situation. It was his first day leaving the palace with Li Er's waist token, and if a life were lost, his waist token would surely be confiscated. He raised his hand to signal the guards not to use their swords, but to rely solely on their fists.

The fighting over there is also nearing its end; after all, the Imperial Guard in the palace is somewhat more formidable. Aside from Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui, the others are all lying on the ground.

This is only natural. I, Li Hui, will take full responsibility for my actions. Since it was I who took on this task, I will bear the cost myself

Two elder brothers

The shopkeeper had just finished asking when he was slapped by Team Leader Liu

"Can I help you with something?" Cheng Chuliang asked loudly.

Cheng Chuliang has turned to look over with a look of surprise