If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

"After the Crown Prince returned to the capital, he reported to His Majesty, but was reprimanded by His Majesty. Do you dare to come back to the capital with me to meet the Emperor and confirm the yield of corn and potatoes?"

At this point, Zhou Wu hesitated. Although he had had several encounters with His Majesty, their relationship was merely that of ruler and subject. Moreover, meeting the Emperor in the capital did not align with Zhou Wu's strategy of developing his power in a small, unassuming place. Therefore, Zhou Wu did not immediately reply to Gu Xinyuan.

"Why wouldn't you dare?"

"Sir, there's no need for you to goad me. I'm just considering what role I could play if I went."

Zhou Wu's answer was quite unexpected for Gu Xinyuan. He hadn't expected that this young man would be so calm and composed when facing him. Moreover, he didn't excitedly agree to go to the capital to meet the emperor, nor did he refuse out of fear. Instead, he was calmly thinking about it. This made Gu Xinyuan look at Zhou Wu with higher regard.

"Please feel free to speak your mind if you have any concerns."

“Lord Duke, you came to Niujia Town to verify the authenticity of the corn and potato yields. The fact that you have come to me now means that you have already believed in the corn and potato yields.”

“That’s right. I’m taking you back to convince His Majesty of the yield of corn and potatoes.”

“I know, but Duke, I want to ask, if His Majesty doesn’t even trust the Crown Prince, why should he trust a nobody like me?”

Yes, Zhou Wu's words were very blunt, but very realistic. His Majesty doesn't even trust his own son, so why should he trust Zhou Wu, an outsider? So what if he is a Duke? Can he be closer to the Crown Prince?

"Then what do you think we should do?"

Gu Xinyuan hadn't thought much about it when he came, but now, after hearing Zhou Wu's words, he realized that he had indeed been a bit rash.

I have two options.

"Tell me quickly."

"The first one is that the Duke also has his own fiefdom in the capital."

"Yes, the question is, what does the fiefdom have to do with this?"

“I can provide the Duke with seeds, and next year the Duke can plant them all on his own fiefdom. When the harvest is plentiful, he can invite His Majesty, and even all the civil and military officials, to come and visit. His Majesty will see it for himself and then believe it.”

"This won't do, it's taking too long, what about the Crown Prince..."

As expected, they needed to seek justice for their son-in-law first. However, Zhou Wu had a good relationship with the Crown Prince, so he was naturally willing to help.

"Then we'll have to find another way."

"any solution."

"I wonder if the Duke owns any restaurants in the capital?"

"Uh~~~~"

In the Central Plains region, from ancient times to the present, everyone has followed the social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Merchants, as the lowest class, were despised by the aristocratic class. However, in order to satisfy their extravagant and decadent lifestyle, nobles had no choice but to engage in business in secret, although on the surface, everyone kept it to themselves.

Zhou Wu asked so directly that Gu Xinyuan didn't know what he wanted to do, so he stammered and didn't say anything.

"The Duke no longer wants to help the Crown Prince?"

"There are three restaurants in the capital, do you have any ideas?"

To help the Crown Prince, Gu Xinyuan had no choice but to grit his teeth and admit it. However, Zhou Wu didn't think much of it, because his own business was growing even bigger.

"Duke, what do you think would happen if we let corn and potatoes become popular in the capital?"

"?"

"The capital is where the most powerful and wealthy people in the Great Dragon Empire gather. Once the news about corn and its yield spreads in the capital, it will inevitably attract the attention of the powerful and wealthy. At that time, everyone will know about it, and the news about the yield will also spread. What do you think our Emperor will do then?"

"Your idea is good, but how can we get corn and potatoes to spread throughout the capital?"

"That's why I asked you earlier if you had any restaurants in the capital. I'll go back to the capital with you and personally train the chefs at your restaurant, teaching them some dishes made with corn and potatoes. Wouldn't that solve the problem?"

"You..."

When Gu Xinyuan heard that Zhou Wu was going to teach his restaurant's chef how to cook, he almost burst out laughing. In his eyes, Zhou Wu was just like himself, a mere martial artist, and he couldn't possibly associate Zhou Wu with a chef.

"You underestimate me? His Majesty and the Crown Prince have both tasted my cooking. If you don't believe me, ask the Crown Princess. She also praised my skills highly."

"really?"

"If it's not acceptable, then please return, Duke."

"Haha, I was just kidding. Look how angry you are, young man. You need to calm down."

. . . . .

Fumanlou.

The name was chosen by Gu Xinyuan. Like everyone else, he wasn't very cultured. It was the restaurant with the best location among his three restaurants. Why the best location instead of the best business? Mainly because Gu Xinyuan didn't know how to do business and was worried that outsiders would find out about his business dealings. So he didn't dare to hire experienced managers and instead hired some distant relatives. But these distant relatives didn't know how to do business at all. So now, these three restaurants not only failed to bring in any profits, but even made Gu Xinyuan lose a lot of money.

"Your Excellency, your restaurant business doesn't seem to be doing very well."

"Hmph, nonsense. My restaurant has the best business in the capital. Every day, the line of people who come to eat here stretches all the way to the city gate."

"Where are those people? It's lunchtime now, and there aren't a single customers at the table."

Gu Xinyuan looked at the empty restaurant and felt a little embarrassed. He had forgotten to check the time and place when he was bragging, and he didn't expect to be humiliated by Zhou Wu in front of everyone.

"Humph."

"My lord, I see that your restaurant has a good location. If business is not good, it is probably due to operational problems."

What is operations?

Gu Xinyuan had already secretly perked up his ears when he heard Zhou Wu analyzing his restaurant.

"You wouldn't understand even if I explained it to you. How about I contribute my expertise as equity and help you build your business?"

"What do you mean? You little brat, you're trying to get something for nothing. You've got some nerve, trying to fool this old man."

"Oh my, what is there for me to lie about? If it weren't for the fact that you are the Crown Princess's father, I would have thought this shabby restaurant was too shabby to be given to me. It doesn't make a single penny, and it even loses money."

On the way to the capital, Gu Xinyuan praised Zhou Wu, saying that he spoke his mind without any flattery due to the difference in their status. But now Gu Xinyuan seemed to be taking back his words.

"Are you sure you can do it?"

"Why don't you give it a try? If I can revitalize your shop within seven days, I won't ask for more, just ten percent of the shares."

"Row."

Ten percent wasn't much for Gu Xinyuan, so he decided to take the gamble. For Zhou Wu, this share was a drop in the ocean. The reason he brought up the share issue was simply to solidify his relationship with Gu Xinyuan. After all, although he had some connection with the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince's status was sensitive and not suitable as an ally or backer. However, Gu Xinyuan, as a founding general and a Duke, was different. He was one of the most powerful figures outside of the royal family.