After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

News of soaring rice prices spread like wildfire throughout the city.

Lin Qin's eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown, and she clutched the ledger tightly in her hand, feeling more tired than if she were carrying bricks.

Prices are rising faster than a rocket launch. If this continues, forget about making a small goal of a hundred taels of silver; we might even lose our underwear!

The atmosphere inside the shop was heavy, as if the air itself had frozen. Bai Xiaoer looked particularly distressed, as if the sky were about to fall.

To make matters worse, Boss Qin took advantage of the situation and launched a "loss-leader" promotional campaign with prices that were outrageously low.

Goodness, they're going to start a price war with her!

Lin Qin sneered. Did she think she could get away with this?

I'm a battle-hardened elite who's fought my way out of the modern business world!

As expected, some "price-sensitive" customers began to leave, heading towards Mr. Qin's "low-price trap".

Lin Qin looked at the empty tables and felt a pang of sadness, like a cat scratching at her heart.

One hundred taels of silver!

So close, yet so far away—this feeling is more painful than heartbreak!

"Boss lady, let's... let's lower the price too!" Bai Xiaoer was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, almost running around in circles.

Lin Qin took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

Price reduction?

Losing money to gain publicity?

This is not a long-term solution!

We need to find a new path, a way to achieve sustainable development!

She suddenly looked up, her eyes blazing: "Bai Xiaoer, go and bring out all the radishes in our shop!"

Bai Xiaoer looked bewildered: "Radish? Boss lady, what is this...?"

“Just do as I say!” Lin Qin said decisively. “Today, I’m going to show everyone what ‘108 ways to eat radishes’ really means!”

Although Bai Xiaoer didn't understand what the landlady was up to, he still obediently went to move the radishes.

Lin Qin walked to the counter, picked up the abacus, and started typing away.

"Boss lady, what is this all about?" Bai Xiaoer asked curiously.

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously: "I'm calculating..." She paused, her gaze falling on an inconspicuous number in the ledger, "...I'm calculating people's hearts!"

Lin Qin stared at the ledger, her brows furrowed as if she were about to twist into a pretzel.

Prices are rising faster than a rocket! If this continues, forget about losing a hundred taels of silver, I might even lose my underwear!

Reduce costs?

Using inferior ingredients?

No!

Her conscience wouldn't allow it!

No need, the money is flowing out faster than her tears!

"Boss lady, don't worry, worrying won't help!" Bai Xiaoer said anxiously, wishing he could conjure up some silver.

Lin Qin scratched her hair in frustration, feeling like she was going to go bald.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck her, and her eyes lit up like two little light bulbs.

"Bai Xiaoer, come here!"

Bai Xiaoer scurried over, looking at her expectantly: "Boss lady, have you come up with a solution?"

"Hmph!" Lin Qin proudly raised her chin. "We're not lowering the price, we're... raising it!"

Bai Xiaoer's jaw nearly dropped to the floor: "Raise...raise the price? Boss lady, are you out of your mind? Prices have already gone up this much, and you still want to raise them? All the customers will run away!"

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously: "Raising prices requires skill! Watch me, I'll perform a magic trick for you right now!" She picked up the menu, made a few quick strokes, and it was all changed.

That evening, the restaurant's signature dish, braised pork ribs with radish, doubled in price!

Bai Xiaoer turned pale with fright, waiting to see the customer curse and leave.

Unexpectedly...

"Boss lady, why has the price of this radish and pork rib stew gone up?" Grandma Sun asked, pointing to the menu with a puzzled look.

Lin Qin explained with a smile, "Grandma, you don't know this, but these radishes are a rare find these days. They're cultivated using special methods, and their nutritional value is ten times higher than ordinary radishes! Moreover, we've added a secret seasoning, making the taste absolutely amazing!"

Grandma Sun took a bite with some skepticism, and her eyes widened instantly: "Wow! This taste is really different! Delicious! Sweet! It has an unforgettable aftertaste!"

The word spread quickly, and everyone wanted to try this radish that was "ten times more nutritious".

As a result, the store was packed, even more lively than ever before!

Lin Qin was overjoyed as she watched the gleaming silver coins flow into the money box.

Bai Xiaoer watched in stunned silence, utterly impressed by Lin Qin.

"It seems we need to find a bigger radish supplier..." Lin Qin said thoughtfully, stroking her chin.

Suddenly, a deep voice came from the doorway: "Perhaps I can help."

Zhu Ling's appearance finally put Lin Qin's mind at ease.

He brought not only help, but also a solid support.

The power of the Prince's Mansion is not to be underestimated. Within a few days, a stable supply of ingredients was secured, and the prices were even more favorable than before!

Lin Qin looked at Zhu Ling with stars in her eyes. This man is just too reliable!

The other customers around them were all winking and making faces, completely absorbed in shipping the couple.

This move caught Boss Qin completely off guard.

Seeing Lin Qin's shop doing better and better, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, running around in circles.

No, he has to think of something!

Thus, a despicable plan began to take shape in his mind.

The next day, rumors began to circulate in the city that Lin Qin's shop used stale ingredients.

The rumor was spread so convincingly that it caused widespread panic, and some people who were unaware of the truth actually believed it.

Upon hearing this news, Lin Qin not only did not panic, but instead revealed a meaningful smile.

Bai Xiaoer stamped his feet anxiously: "Boss lady, what should we do? These rumors are getting worse and worse. If this continues, our business will be ruined!"

Lin Qin calmly waved her hand: "Don't panic, it's a small matter. We have nothing to hide, let them investigate!"

The next day, Lin Qin posted a notice at the store entrance, inviting all customers, including Boss Qin, to visit her food procurement and kitchen hygiene.

This move completely baffled Boss Qin.

He thought victory was assured, but Lin Qin unexpectedly pulled a surprise attack, turning the tables on him!

On the day of the visit, the place was packed with people, even more bustling than a vegetable market.

Lin Qin led everyone on a tour of her warehouse and kitchen. The fresh ingredients and clean stove were all in perfect order, dispelling the rumors.

Boss Qin's face was even more unpleasant than if he had swallowed a fly, and he slunk away.

The onlookers gave Lin Qin a thumbs up, and her business improved even more than before.

As the end of the month drew closer, Lin Qin became increasingly nervous.

Success or failure depends on this!

Finally, on the last day, Lin Qin opened the account book with trembling hands...

"One hundred and twenty taels!" Bai Xiaoer shouted excitedly.

Lin Qin looked at the numbers in the ledger, breathed a sigh of relief, and a victorious smile appeared on her face.

Suddenly, a strange figure appeared at the shop entrance. He was dressed in fine clothes and had an extraordinary air about him. He walked straight up to Lin Qin and said, "I've heard that Your Highness's business is booming, so I've come here specifically to..."

Lin Qin looked at him, a sense of wariness rising in her heart...

Lin Qin looked at the bright red "one hundred and twenty taels" on the ledger and smiled like a flower, sweeter than if she had eaten honey.

The target of 100 taels has been exceeded!

She patted Bai Xiaoer on the shoulder and declared with great enthusiasm, "Tonight's celebration banquet will be half price on all dishes!" Bai Xiaoer rubbed his hands together excitedly, wishing they could start eating right away.

As soon as the news broke, the small shop was packed with customers, even more so than during the Chinese New Year.

Everyone raised their glasses to celebrate Lin Qin's success.

Even Aunt Wang, who sells steamed buns next door, came over to join in the fun, looking on with envy: "Boss Lin, you're really amazing! Your business is top-notch!"

Lin Qin was a little embarrassed by the praise and waved her hand modestly, saying, "I'm lucky, I'm lucky." But she was secretly thrilled; this feeling was even better than winning the lottery!

Boss Qin slunk away from the town, looking utterly dejected, like a wilted eggplant.

He just couldn't understand how he could have lost to a woman.

Or was she a demoted and abandoned concubine?

Lin Qin stood at the shop entrance, looking at the bustling crowd, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

From a fallen concubine to the "Queen of the Countryside," her journey has been difficult, but also remarkable!

In the distance, Zhu Ling watched her quietly, his eyes full of tenderness.

He was proud of her, but also worried about her.

He knew this was just the beginning; the road ahead was long, and many more challenges awaited her.

Lin Qin felt his gaze, turned around, and the two smiled at each other. Everything was understood without words.

"Boss lady, someone's looking for you!" Bai Xiaoer's voice broke the warm atmosphere.

Lin Qin turned around and saw a man dressed in fine clothes and with an extraordinary demeanor standing at the door, holding a folding fan in his hand, gently waving it, and a meaningful smile on his lips.

"I've heard that Her Highness the Princess's business is thriving, and I..." The man paused, opened his folding fan to cover half his face, revealing a pair of shrewd eyes, "I've come here specifically to learn a thing or two."

Lin Qin narrowed her eyes, a sense of vigilance rising in her heart.

Who is this person?

The person who came here is not kind...

Just as she was about to speak, the man suddenly closed his folding fan and revealed a bright smile: "I'm here to apply for a chef position!" He winked and added, "I heard that Her Highness the Princess is developing new dishes?"