Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

In the backyard of Zuixianlou, sunlight streamed through the mottled leaves. Li Hao looked at Li Shimin earnestly and proposed an idea: "Your Majesty, I'm planning to sell mirrors, soaps, and perfume and shampoo in ceramic bottles. I wonder if Your Majesty would be interested in investing in it?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly, but curiosity was revealed in his eyes: "Oh? Tell me about it."

Li Hao cleared his throat and began to detail his plan: "Your Majesty, I intend to divide the shares like this. I will contribute 40% for 4,000 taels of silver, and I will also provide the recipes for these items."

"Your Majesty will also contribute 40%, also 4,000 taels of silver, and will be responsible for providing the shop and finding someone to manage it."

"Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao have been working very hard. In the future, they will be responsible for delivering goods to the shop. I will give them a 10% stake each. And my family will be responsible for making these items."

Li Shimin stroked his beard and fell into deep thought.

This was indeed an interesting suggestion. He had just seen these novel items and knew their value. "Are you sure you can sell these things well?"

Xiaoyu confidently replied, "Your Majesty, these mirrors, soaps, perfumes, and shampoo are all one-of-a-kind. Take the mirror, for example. It's beautifully crafted, inlaid with gemstones, and reflects a crystal clear image, something you won't find anywhere else on the market."

"Soap not only cleans, but also has a charming fragrance and unique designs. Perfumes and shampoos are carefully developed by ordinary people, with unique fragrances and remarkable effects. People are pursuing a refined life and will definitely flock to these things."

Cheng Chumo also said, "Your Majesty, I have also investigated the market. Nowadays, in Chang'an City, the wealthy and powerful have a great demand for novelties, and ordinary people are also beginning to pay attention to the quality of life. These novelties will definitely open up sales."

Qin Huaidao nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I will be responsible for the delivery and will ensure the timely supply and safe transportation of the goods."

Li Shimin looked at Yuyu's family again and asked, "Are you confident that you can produce sufficient quantities of high-quality goods?"

Xiaoyu replied, "Your Majesty, I will make it with all my heart. I have my own recipes and craftsmanship, and Yuyu is clever and can be of great help. I will gradually expand the scale of production to ensure supply."

Yuyu blinked her big eyes and said, "Your Majesty, Yuyu will work hard with mother and brother. The things made by Yuyu's family are really good."

Li Shimin already had a plan in mind. He knew this was a rare opportunity. "Okay, I agree to participate in the investment. This is not only for profit, but also for the promotion of these good things."

After hearing this, Yuyu's family was delighted: "That's great!"

Next, Li Shimin discussed the specific implementation details with Yu Yu's family.

"Your Majesty, the location of the shop is very important. It should be located in a busy and prosperous place, preferably close to the residences of dignitaries and where wealthy businessmen gather." Li Hao suggested.

Xiaoyu bowed slightly and said to Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, let's choose a shop next to Zuixianlou. Zuixianlou is a bustling place with many people coming and going, and news spreads quickly."

Yuyu nodded and patted the dog's head. "Yes, yes, yes. And there are many shops around here. There is a large flow of people and customers from a wide range of sources. If we open a shop here, these mirrors, soaps, perfumes and shampoos will be more easily discovered by people."

Li Shimin nodded slightly. "Xiaoyu, you have a point. I know how bustling Zuixianlou is. There are all kinds of people coming in and out every day, from dignitaries to ordinary people. Opening a shop next to it will indeed attract a lot of attention."

Li Hao agreed, "Your Majesty, Zuixianlou has a stable customer base. After dining and drinking, those diners who come here might be attracted to the new shop. Moreover, the shop and Zuixianlou are right next to each other, so they can look after each other. If any problems arise, it will be convenient to communicate and resolve them."

Cheng Chumo smiled and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. It's convenient for me to deliver the goods. The production site is only a stone's throw away from Zuixianlou, so I can ensure that the goods are on the shelves in time. Moreover, Zuixianlou can also help with publicity. They communicate with diners frequently, and a few words may attract many new customers."

Qin Huaidao added, "Your Majesty, the atmosphere around Zuixianlou is also great. Besides enjoying delicious food, people are more willing to pursue good things that can improve their quality of life. These novelties just meet their needs. Moreover, the shop there is in a conspicuous location, and once the sign is hung, it can be seen from afar."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, the shop will be located next to Zuixianlou. I will send someone to arrange the relevant matters and prepare the shop as soon as possible."

When Xiaoyu and others heard this, they showed joy on their faces.

Then they began to discuss the style of the store.

Xiaoyu suggested, "Your Majesty, the store's decoration should highlight the exquisiteness and uniqueness of our products. We can use some elegant colors, such as light pink and light blue, to create a warm and elegant atmosphere."

Li Hao nodded and said, "That's right. The shelves in the store should be made of fine wood, and the place where the mirrors are displayed should have bright lights to better show the brilliance of the mirrors."

Cheng Chumo continued, "Your Majesty, you can put some blooming flowers at the entrance of the shop, and you can also set up a small display stand at the entrance to put some flowers there."

Yuyu also offered her own idea: "Your Majesty, you could set up a small rest area in the store for those who try out the products to rest. You could put some soft cushions in the rest area."

Li Shimin listened to everyone's suggestions and had a clear picture of what the store should look like. "These ideas are all very good. I will have the craftsmen in charge of the decoration build it according to your wishes."

"I must make this shop a beautiful sight in Chang'an City, so that the people can feel the unique charm of these products as soon as they enter the shop."

Xiaoyu added, "Your Majesty, I need some funds to purchase raw materials and tools. As our business expands, we may also need to hire some help."

Li Shimin promised to arrange for someone to help solve the funding problem and also to ensure a stable supply of raw materials: "Okay, okay, I agree."

Qin Huaidao took a sip of tea and said, "I think we can first invite some famous ladies to try these things and ask them to help promote them."

Li Shimin stood up, his expression dignified but also somewhat relaxed. "Alright, Yuyu, I'm back at the palace. I've had a fruitful time at Zuixianlou today, and I'm looking forward to our shop opening soon."

The Yuyu family quickly knelt down and saluted, shouting in unison: "Farewell, Your Majesty."

Li Shimin returned to the palace carrying a small cloth bag filled with shampoo, perfume, soap and mirror: "Hahaha, very good"

After Li Shimin left surrounded by his attendants, Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao looked at each other.