The 31st Year of the Jingyan reign. In the middle of the first month, the weather was cold. The elderly brought food out to dry in the sun, children ran around playing tag and shouting cheerfully, and the townsfolk wore thick clothing to ward off the chill. Some households lit fires and sipped warm beverages. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⚑𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⚑𝓷𝓮𝓽 Zhenzhu rode into the capital on horseback, accompanied by the guards sent by Yong Saiweihao to look after her. She was unsure whether she was the one looking after them or they were the ones looking after her, since she had recently advanced to the white-tier of spirit energy cultivation. Nevertheless, her life experience and combat skills were still far inferior to theirs, making their presence indispensable, even though their spirit energy were in lower tier. Moreover, they were the highly skilled people that Brother Hao trusted. Tomorrow was a significant day: the grand opening of the Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop. After introducing coffee to the townspeople, most people liked it, causing it to become a rare commodity. However, she was unable to produce enough to meet the demand because her coffee plants had yet to yield sufficient harvests. Now, everything was ready. Her coffee plants had perfectly matured and were producing high-quality beans infused with potent spirit energy. Her coffee shop would be the first and only establishment to offer coffee with spirit energy. Zhenzhu planned to sell each cup of coffee for one tael. This price was neither too cheap nor excessively expensive, given that all her coffee contained pure, concentrated gold-tier spirit energy. As the first coffee shop in the Yan Region, Fu Zhenzhu Shop would remain unrivaled for another four to five years until competitors emerged. By then, her brand would likely have expanded to every city in Yan Region and possibly beyond. She hoped for such an outcome. After inspecting the coffee plantation, she headed to the coffee shop that would be opened the next day. The location was on land owned by Yong Saiweihao, who had signed an agreement allowing her to use his property and to share twenty percent of the profits from the coffee shop. Thus, the young general became a co-owner. She had drafted the contract herself, and he had signed it without even reading it. The young woman rode to the coffee shop built on a meadow of the rolling hillside. Each pavilion was situated by a stream, providing a place for customers to enjoy their coffee while taking in the natural beauty. The clear waters of the stream accompanied by the flowers they planted, created a perfect place for relaxation. For those seeking privacy, there were several secluded pavilions, ideal for conducting important business discussions. The ample tables and pavilions ensured that there would be enough space for a large number of customers. By late morning, the employees and servants were busy preparing for the grand opening of the coffee shop. Satisfied that everything was in order, she left. It was unfortunate that her parents and Yong Saiweihao could not be there for the opening, but it was fine, she could send them some coffee powder. Zhenzhu woke up at dawn and hurried to the coffee shop with Li Si. When they arrived, they found the workers already prepared for the grand opening. Even before daybreak, she saw that people had started arriving, riding their horses to the street in front of the shop. Some clung to the fence, peering inside excitedly. Carriages began arriving one by one, and Zhenzhu could only widen her eyes. The sky was still dark, the moon still hanging in the sky. Why were they in such a rush? Zhenzhu had no idea that since her coffee had been introduced to the customers of the Fu Zhenzhu Shop, people had fallen in love with its smoky aroma and unique taste. Nobles and their wives, lucky enough to take some coffee powder home, brewed it to serve their guests. Over time, people became addicted to its lingering aroma and novel flavor. Some had only smelled it but never tasted it, determined to try it once the Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop opened. Moreover, the reputation of the Fu Zhenzhu Shop was exceptional. Not a single piece of low quality fabric could leave the shop, so people expected the same from the coffee shop, the feeling that product’s price was worth paying. Knowing that Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop was opening today, they came early. Some madams had woken up two hours before to get ready. “A’Zhu, didn’t we announce that we wouldn’t be giving anything away?” Li Si frowned, wondering if she had forgotten. They had discussed that there would be no free samples since the coffee had already been sampled by many. Today, the shop opening day, the coffee would be sold at full price with discounts offered for future purchases. Looking outside at the crowd leaning on the fence, looking in the shop. It seemed they would have broken through if not for the stern-faced guards standing watch. “No, we’re not giving anything away.” “Oh,” Li Si nodded. She thought she had forgotten it, turned out they would not be giving away the goods. “Why are these people here so early?” Li Si said, glancing at the sky that was gradually brightening. She turned to look at the employees, who were all prepared for work. “Should we let them in?” “Mmm, yes. On this first day, let’s start with success. Let them in.” Lady Zhao waved to the guards, and soon people started filing in. They admired the natural, relaxing atmosphere of the coffee shop. The tables were spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy. The numerous employees greeted and assisted them with friendly smiles. Their first impression was etched into their hearts, making a coffee priced at one tael seem a bargain for what they received. “I love this place,” exclaimed a lady excitedly. This day, she had asked her father for a permission to come here with her three friends. Encountering such a relaxing and beautiful setting, how could they not be pleased? “I love it too!” agreed another lady. She had never seen a teahouse or restaurant with such a great ambiance. Most places were decorated with luxurious, expensive items and were crowded, offering little privacy or relaxation, un place. Restaurants, beverage shops, or taverns in the city have limited space. The more populated the area, the more restricted the usable space becomes. This place, however, is different. Since this coffee shop is located outside the city, it has a spacious area, allowing for private spaces. The place is vast, amidst beautiful nature, giving the feeling of being in an immortal’s land. When all these factors combine, they create a coffee shop that etches itself into people’s hearts. “I like it too,” one of the groups said, her voice slightly softer. However, the coffee here was also expensive. She was merely the daughter of a lower-ranking noble, not as wealthy as her friends. Her monthly allowance was only a few taels. She couldn’t afford to come here often, but given the atmosphere and the lingering coffee aroma, visiting twice a month would be nice. “It’s nice, but a bit far.” “It has to be a bit far from the capital to have such beautiful nature. Look at the water in that stream. I want to sit on the rocks and dip my feet in the water.” If this were her private property, she would surely do just that. What a pity. “One tael per cup, with gold-tier spirit energy. It’s a fair price!” exclaimed a lady from a general’s family. She grew up amidst the intense competition within her family. Cultivating spirit energy was one reason she stood out and was valued by her elders. Beverages or food with such high-tier spirit energy weren’t easy to find in the capital. Thus, a cup of coffee with gold-tier spirit energy for one tael wasn’t too expensive. For those with a bit more money, this coffee shop was an excellent resource. The coffee shop employees Zhenzhu hired had learned various coffee types, brewing methods, grinding techniques, and ingredients. They could explain everything to customers clearly and provide excellent customer service, leaving a strong impression. Zhenzhu and Li Si observed, noting the types of customers, what kinds of coffee they preferred, what women ordered, and what men ordered. Zhenzhu also sold sweets and snacks alongside the coffee, sourced from a famous pastry shop in the capital, to complement the coffee experience. Her customer base was diverse, including ladies, wives, scholars, merchants, and nobles of all ages, though mostly middle-aged and young people. Should I introduce other fruit juices for sale? Zhenzhu frowned while pondering. While coffee was the star of the shop, offering various drinks would be wise for customers who didn’t like coffee. Her garden had many kinds of fruits she could process. In the future, she might have older and younger customers as well. “A’Zhu, what are you thinking about?” Li Si looked at her friend, who was making a serious face. “Mmm, just thinking about things.” “Look, more people are coming.” Li Si shook Zhenzhu’s arm excitedly. It was still morning, yet so many people were already here. How could she not be excited? “You’ll be tired today.” As they chatted, they heard a commotion from the customers in front of the shop. When they peeked out, their eyes widened. Shi Wenlang and Yong Saiweihao, the two most sought-after men in the land, were walking into the coffee shop with elegant strides. One was in a military uniform, the other in an embroidered dragon robe. Both intentionally wore outfits that enhanced their impeccable appearances. As they appeared, they garnered admiring and longing gazes from the women, along with admiring filled with envious looks from the men. It must be said that these two were paragons of perfection, unmatched by any man in the Yan Region. Why was heaven so biased, bestowing only great things upon them? As the two walked into the main pavilion of the coffee shop, the women’s eyes continued to follow them, causing Zhenzhu’s heart to twinge with irritation. Why did he have to be so handsome?! “Brother Hao, Brother Lang, how is it that you’re here?” Zhenzhu greeted them respectfully before inviting them to sit inside the shop. Yet, they couldn’t avoid the crowd’s gaze. Their appearance was somewhat unexpected since she hadn’t anticipated their visit. Wenlang had many responsibilities, while Yong Saiweihao was stationed in the military camp. For both men to show up together was indeed a miracle. It made the ladies crane their necks till it grew long. “We came to congratulate you on the opening of the first coffee shop in the region. We arrived early, and yet there are already so many customers,” Wenlang said. “Thank you,” she replied with a pleased smile before looking at the other man. “Here to check on the business,” Yong Saiweihao said. “I won’t cheat you. You will get twenty percent of the profits for sure.” Zhenzhu said. Because of this land, her coffee shop had received many compliments. “It’s all yours,” the young man said flatly, but the meaning in his words made the little one blush deeply. How shameless! Didn’t he see that Wenlang and Li Si were also here? How could she face them now? Zhenzhu glared at him before calling a servant to bring them coffee. She already knew what kind of coffee they liked. It was not a surprise that both preferred black coffee with a slight smoky aroma. She had kept Yong Saiweihao informed through letters and sent him coffee powder to try. “A’Zhu, regarding the welcome banquet for the Tang delegation, I have proposed to the Emperor to include your coffee in the event, and he has agreed. Prepare several coffee brewers.” “Really?!” Zhenzhu’s eyes sparkled. Great. Soon, her coffee would spread to other regions. “Yes. The delegation will arrive in about seven days. Be prepared.” “Yes!” Zhenzhu responded determinedly. “Brother Hao, will you attend the banquet?” “No, my father will attend on my behalf. I must oversee the army. May your coffee be well received by everyone at the event,” Yong Saiweihao said. Since things had returned to normal, either he or his father had to supervise the army. He wasn’t fond of attending such social events. “Oh,” Zhenzhu nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” Li Si said. “How could you? You are Lady Zhao. You must attend the banquet. Don’t worry, I can manage.” Although such banquet was a large event, with enough servants, it wouldn’t be too difficult to handle. The four chatted animatedly, unaware that someone was watching them with piercing eyes. That person was a small woman with a black cloth covering most of her face. Her small hands were clenched into tight, trembling fists. The Young General Zhao even came back from the army to congratulate her? "Princess, what should we do next?" "I told you not to call me princess! Do you want to lose your head?!" A furious whisper escaped through gritted teeth. “N... No, miss. I... I forgot. Forgive me, miss,” the little court lady was trembling under the harsh glare. “We can’t do anything yet. Can’t you see? There are guards everywhere, you fool.” She was furious at being unable to act. If they were in the palace and a woman annoyed her , she would have had her beheaded. But this woman was surrounded by at least ten guards and many more scattered around. Being outside the palace made any action difficult for her. Just wait, don’t let me get an opportunity. Her beautiful eyes were blazing with resentment. Late in the first month, the weather remained cold. The chilly breeze hit her skin, making her lift her hood to shield her cheeks. While it didn’t make Zhenzhu shiver to the bone, the cold wind did dry her skin easily. This morning, Zhenzhu arrived at the coffee shop early as usual. Upon arrival, she saw Baihu lying lazily at the front. The customers at Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop knew that the owner had a pet, this fluffy tiger. Initially, people were afraid of it, but seeing that it didn’t harm anyone, they were able to calm down, and grew accustomed to the furry pet. Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop had been open for nearly seven days, and every day, customers came in continuously. Even though the shop was quite far from the capital, they made the effort to come. The Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop’s reputation grew steadily, and everyone who experienced the atmosphere and taste of the coffee was impressed and spread the word, bringing in even more crowds. Despite the influx, the spacious area ensured it never felt crowded. “A’Zhu, have you prepared everything and the workers? Tomorrow, you will brew coffee in the palace.” Li Si asked, poking her head out of the kitchen. “Yes, I’ve prepared everything. Tomorrow, I’ll need to bring half the workers to handle the event in the palace. Could I borrow some of your household servants to help at the shop for one day?” “Why not? You can have them help every day if needed.” After all, A’Zhu was family; there was no need to be so formal. “No need, just for today. I’ll be announcing job openings soon.” “Alright, if you need any help, just let me know. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the banquet with Father. If I have time, I’ll come to help you.” “Don’t worry about it. Just attend the event.” Her friend, Lady Zhao, was the number one lady in the capital. How could she find the time to help her? Just brewing coffee for the guests, she had already prepared enough workers. “By the way, A’Zhu, the coffee shop is doing very well. Congratulations!” "How can you congratulate only me? You were the one who helped make the shop a success. Thank you very much as well." "Of course, I had to help you," Li Si smiled widely. Welcome Banquet for the Delegation from the Tang Region It was the first time in a hundred years that the Tang Region sent a delegation to the Yan Region, as the two regions had always been enemies. The final decisive war forced the Tang Region to pay war tributes. A delegation along with the tributes arrived in Yan a few days ago. Although they were the defeated region, the Emperor of Yan graciously welcomed them, hosting a grand banquet to both welcome them. However, the hidden intention was to display the power of the victor, making sure the visitors understood the Yan’s superiority. Zhenzhu brought her workers and equipment to be inspected by officials to prevent any unforeseen incidents. All her workers had to wear light green uniforms to indicate they were special outside hires permitted to enter the banquet, similar to a few dessert and food shops providing special dishes contracted by the palace. Zhenzhu followed a court lady through the complex pathways into the kitchen area, which included sections for cooking, preparing tea, and snacks. "Miss, you can set up your equipment and prepare in the designated kitchen room. When the time is near, a court lady will come to inform you," the leading court lady said, pointing to a medium-sized, spotlessly clean kitchen. Zhenzhu nodded. "Understood." She instructed all her workers to start setting up the equipment and lighting the fire in preparation for the banquet. The banquet was scheduled for the evening. Although her coffee wasn’t ideal for this time of day, what could she do? She wanted to present this beverage. You’ll have to endure staying awake tonight, everyone. Zhenzhu ordered the workers to start their tasks. At the very least, they needed to light the fire and boil the water in advance, so that when drinks were needed inside the event, there wouldn’t be a rush. She instructed the workers to bring the hulled coffee beans and roast them freshly on the spot, as freshly roasted and ground coffee would have a much more enticing aroma. The workers she brought were efficient, and it wasn’t long before the pleasant smell of roasting coffee beans filled the entire kitchen. Some of the court ladies even stood peeking in, trying to figure out what kind of food was producing such a delightful aroma. After a long while, the ground coffee was placed in medium-sized jars, sorted by roasting type and grind size, to prepare different styles of coffee. Unfortunately, she had only one variety of coffee beans, limiting the diversity of her coffee. Several court ladies in light gray uniforms entered the kitchen. "Miss, the Shang Shi has requested the drinks be offered to the Emperor now." "Alright, just a moment." She then turned and instructed her workers to quicky brew the coffee. Soon, numerous cups of aromatic coffee were placed on trays. "Everything is ready. You can take them out now," Zhenzhu said as she handed a large tray containing about ten cups of coffee to the court lady, who was to present them to the emperor. Other court ladies steadily came in to receive trays of coffee from her workers. Approximately twenty trays, each with multiple cups of coffee, were promptly transported to the banquet hall. Zhenzhu smiled with satisfaction. Now she only had to wait for feedback from the guests. She hoped that everyone would enjoy her coffee. "Don’t forget to remind the Shang Shi to ensure that no guest drinks more than one cup, or they might not be able to sleep.” "Yes, miss," the court lady replied firmly. The coffee trays were gradually brought into the banquet hall, where guests were enjoying a performance. However, as soon as the trays of coffee were carried in, everyone turned their attention away from the show. Some who had tasted the coffee before nodded in satisfaction, while others, unfamiliar with the drink, looked around to discover what kind of food was producing the delightful aroma. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en