As Liu Shan left the Prince Kang's residence, his steps were unusually light.

He had a great day, not only because of the newly opened bookstore, but also because he made his presence known to Princess Changning.

He believed that as long as he occasionally showed his face in front of Princess Changning and maintained a good relationship, he could gain more help in his official career and business.

Putting everything else aside, at least I can start thinking about forming a guard team when I get home today.

Although there are only five people, as long as each of them is highly skilled, they are capable of handling most emergencies.

With these thoughts in mind, Liu Shan quickened his pace again.

I spent a lot of time with Princess Changning, and it's already past the time I agreed to meet Zhang San.

But he didn't care; on the contrary, he felt that today's delay was quite worthwhile.

After all, befriending Princess Changning is far more important than Zhang San having a meal with her.

Liu Shan arrived for the banquet, and Zhang San, along with Zhang Tienan, personally greeted him.

Liu Shan smiled apologetically and explained the reason for his lateness.

Zhang San didn't mind at all. He was very pragmatic. As long as he could solve the restaurant problem, he would not complain even if he had to wait an extra half hour or an extra day.

Moreover, he found out that Liu Shan had just come from the Kang Prince's residence and was said to have a close relationship with Princess Changning.

He laughed heartily, "It's a wonderful thing that my nephew has won the favor of the princess!"

Zhang Tienan nodded in agreement, clearly also having full confidence in Liu Shan's abilities.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they got straight to the point.

Zhang San described the restaurant's predicament in detail, hoping that Liu Shan could offer some advice.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Shan proposed a practical and feasible improvement plan, which Zhang San nodded repeatedly in approval. He secretly rejoiced that his son had made the acquaintance of this benefactor.

Of course, Liu Shan's suggestions were all superficial; to put it bluntly, they were "grand and empty"—they were theoretically correct, but practically impossible to implement.

Zhang San wasn't stupid; he understood Liu Shan's unspoken meaning and tentatively asked, "I wonder if my nephew would be willing to lend me a hand?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan's expression changed. Zhang San's words about "giving a helping hand" clearly placed him in a subordinate position.

Liu Shan smiled slightly and said tactfully, "Uncle Zhang, although I am willing to help, I am too young and afraid that I am not capable of shouldering such a heavy responsibility."

Zhang San understood the implied meaning and quickly changed his words, saying, "Nephew, you misunderstand. I wanted to ask you for guidance on how to run the business together."

Liu Shan then nodded in agreement, "If Uncle Zhang doesn't mind, I'm willing to give it a try."

After he finished speaking, he elaborated on the specific methods to solve the restaurant's predicament.

Zhang San's eyes lit up as he listened, and he sighed inwardly. These scholars were indeed different from them, these rough men. Not only were the scholars meticulous in their thinking and insightful in their vision, but they were also wicked in their hearts!

After explaining his brilliant plan, Liu Shan asked, "Uncle Zhang, can this strategy help me secure a place in the restaurant?"

Zhang San nodded without hesitation, already regarding Liu Shan as a future partner.

Liu Shan then asked, "How about a 60/40 split of the restaurant's profits?"

Zhang San thought for a moment and readily agreed: "Okay, let's split it 60/40, I get 60% and you get 40%, that's quite reasonable."

But Liu Shan shook his head and said, "Uncle Zhang, you're wrong. It's me six and you four."

Zhang San was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, patting Liu Shan on the shoulder and saying, "Nephew, you're really good at joking."

Liu Shan said earnestly, "Uncle Zhang, this is no joke. I am certain that this plan can revive the restaurant and double its profits. I get six and you get four, which is truly fair."

Zhang San's expression changed slightly. After pondering for a moment, he slowly said, "Nephew, it would be too much to try and take 60% of the profits with just two good strategies. Even if we add your exclusive high-proof liquor, the profit split can only be 50/50 at most."

Liu Shan readily agreed, "Then let's do as Uncle Zhang says, add the liquor, and split it 60/40, with me taking 60%."

Zhang San's face darkened. "Nephew, what I just said was that the maximum split could only be 50/50."

Liu Shan remained calm and smiled, "Uncle Zhang, don't be impatient. What if the restaurant's name were changed to 'Never Stop Drinking'?"

Zhang San was stunned. He had attended the Ping Le Banquet hosted by Prince Kang, so he naturally knew how famous the phrase "Don't stop drinking" was.

He suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Brilliant!"

"Bring in the Wine" was written by Liu Shan. With the title "Don't Stop Drinking," it not only attracted literati and scholars but also, by borrowing the name of King Kang, made its fame resound throughout the land.

Zhang San suddenly understood and exclaimed, "My nephew, your insight is brilliant! This name will surely make the restaurant a hit!"

Liu Shan smiled and said, "Not only that, this wine is named 'Du Kang'. I will write a four-character poem on this theme and have it engraved in the restaurant to attract literati."

Zhang San was full of admiration and praised him repeatedly: "Nephew, you are indeed a man of great talent. This plan is brilliant! 'Don't Stop Drinking' paired with the poem 'Du Kang' will surely attract scholars from all over the place, and the restaurant's business will be booming in no time."

Liu Shanxia asked with a smile, "In that case, Uncle Zhang, would you be willing to split the profits 60/40?"

Zhang San nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, you get six and I get four."

He agreed so readily because Liu Shan was good at making promises, not only depicting the bright future of the restaurant, but also making him imagine a prosperous scene with guests flocking to the table and the aroma of wine filling the air.

Of course, most importantly, Dukang wine has a mellow taste and a long aftertaste, which will definitely make literati, wealthy merchants, and high-ranking officials linger.

Liu Shan was secretly delighted, knowing that Zhang San had been completely persuaded.

At this moment, the restaurant's kitchen began serving dishes one after another. Zhang San personally poured Liu Shan a full cup of Dukang wine, raised the cup, and said with a smile, "Nephew, from today onwards, you and I are partners in this restaurant. May 'Never Stop Drinking' become famous throughout the world!"

Liu Shan also raised his glass in a toast.

Zhang San was delighted. He finished his drink and said with a smile, "I heard from Tie Nan that you prepared a delicious meal yesterday. Today, I specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a few dishes according to Tie Nan's description. Please enjoy them."

Liu Shan smiled and nodded. The Zhang father and son were indeed thoughtful.

After taking a few bites, Liu Shan praised it highly: "It has excellent color, aroma and taste, and it truly lives up to its reputation! Uncle Zhang, with this delicious food, 'Bei Mo Ting' will surely be packed with guests."

Despite using ordinary ingredients, a hint of pride still flashed in Zhang San's eyes as he laughed, "Nephew, I'm not bragging, but the culinary skills in this kitchen are among the best in Cangzhou..."

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Zhang San stood up and said, "Nephew, you eat first, I'll be right back."

Liu Shan guessed what Zhang San was going to do, so he smiled and nodded, "Uncle Zhang, please go ahead. I'll chat with Tie Nan for a while."

A moment later, Zhang San solemnly placed the three-part contract in front of Liu Shan.

“Nephew, there are three contracts in total. You and I will each have one, and the government will prepare another one. Then the partnership is set in stone.”

Liu Shan examined it carefully, nodded in satisfaction, and signed his name. He then said to Zhang San, "Uncle Zhang, now that the agreement is settled, you can implement the first good strategy tomorrow, while I will go to the government office to implement the second strategy."

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