26 - Chapter 24

They spent some time going over the various applications of the temperature control formations, for both heating and cooling as that would be a central part of what was required for the venue. Without the ability to store food in a temperature controlled setting, the impact on the quality would be immense.

“Now that we have an idea on how to proceed on the largest part of the requirement,” said Sa Bina. “How small can we make these formations? It would be useful to have small cabinets, with glass doors, that can be used to store juice bottles. It would also be useful if we could make ice, or at least freeze water in the freezer, then store it near the bar for use in making drinks.”

“If, when we test with the beast cores, the results are reasonable.” said Gao Ye, “Then i don't see any reason why we could not do that.” As long as the cabinets can be built to your designs my lady, we can place the formations. The issue has always been powering them. We may need to adjust the formations to account for beast cores, but that is for later.”

“Right, let us not get lost in the details just yet.” said Sa Bina. “So we have covered what we need from the artificers, and glassmiths. Next we turn to our resident winemaker He Mai. The first thing I need from you is actually not your product, but something I call the cream of tartar. So tell me He Mai, when you make wine, do you find a white crystal forming on the inside of wine barrels.”

“Yes my lady, it is a pain.” replied He Mai.”It's a nuisance, and we have to spend time clearing them.”

“Well, whatever you do, do not throw them away.” replied Sa Bina. “They are one of the reasons I purchased your company. We need to collect them, then our alchemist will purify and grind it into a fine powder. This fine powder is called cream of tartar and has many uses in baking. Our cooks will be able to create wonderful recipes with them.”

“Really? I am sure I can even collect a lot from the other winemakers.” said He Mai, now excited.

“As long as you don’t tell them why we need it.” replied Sa Bina. “Now you mostly make wine, beer and baiju?”

“Yes my lady,” replied He Mai, “Those are the traditional drinks that are available.”

“Well I intend to increase the range of alcohol production.” said Sa Bina. “We can add cider, gin, whiskey, vodka, rum and maybe a few others. I will need you to see what is available cheaply for us to use. We can ferment anything, so the alcohol type we choose will depend on the type of thing available. We might even do mead, if enough honey is available. The idea is to increase the range of available drinks. It will also make it easier to create cocktails and mixed drinks.”

He Mai was shocked. She had never heard of these drinks before, if people liked the taste, her business would have a monopoly on whole new types of drinks. Expanding beyond the kingdom would be possible!

“Next to our dairy farmer Su Niu,” said Sa Bina. “We will need high quality butter, and a variety of types of cream. They will be used with our baked goods to create treats that everyone will want. We will also expand the range and uses of yogurts and create new types of cheese. With the cold storage or fridge’s available, we can even look at a variety of soft cheeses. We will also need to produce a large amount of milk that will be required in the kitchens.”

Su Niu had never thought that milk would have so many uses, mostly dairy was used in medicine and the temples. He had not imagined that they would be used to make treats. Certainly, the amount of milk he produced would need to increase. That explained the substantial amount of land Sa Bina had purchased surrounding his farm.

“Next to our blacksmiths.” said Sa Bina. ”You have already heard of all the things we need to build, they will all require your input. In addition to those tasks, you will need to create the fine sieves, cookware for the new ovens, the shelf storage solutions for the pantries and cutlery, and a lot of other items. I take it you use forge steel?”

“Yes my lady, though it’s expensive,” replied Lin Ye. “We are able to work with steel.”

“If we can find the right materials working with our alchemist,” said Sa Bina. “We can potentially create stainless steel. The finish on stainless steel would look amazing and is much easier to keep clean. We may also be able to improve the quality of the furness with the formations of Gao Ye.”

Lin Ye wondered if they would have enough time in the next five months to get everything done, or would they need to bring in more blacksmiths. He never thought he would see the day when he may have too much work.

“Then, I need everyone to work together to create a windmill or a water wheel or both. We will use it to grind flour and sugar to a much finer consistency. That will change everything we do from baking bread to the quality of noodles we make.”

“And that just leaves Liu Wen, our alchemist,” said Sa Bina. “You are the most important in our group right now. I need your help to create something called baking soda. It is a complex process to create. We will sit down and I will tell you what I remember about it. With baking soda, we can make baking powder, the most important ingredient if we want to have the best cakes. If we are lucky, you can help me find the right ore to reduce the amount of work we have to do. Otherwise if we have to make every step, then we will have a hard road ahead. Still that is the primary reason I need you. Apart from that, we will need your help in making fine paper, glue, and various colours for creating labels for our bottles.”

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“As you can see, there is a lot of work in front of us.” said Sa Bina. “The best part is that at our grand opening, everyone will look with wonder at all the new creations. This will create orders for versions of everything that we will make, creating a lot of work for us all. And no one else will be able to take on the jobs. Yes some people may copy some of our ideas, but we can keep coming up with new ideas. Also a lot of our processes will not be possible for anyone else.”

With that Sa Bina sat down, and let the others discuss everything that she had revealed to them about her ambitious business plan. The meeting went on for another two bells, with everyone enthused about the new ideas and plans.

By this point it was time for dinner. Sa Bina wanted to get some rest. Tomorrow was her first day at her new school and she really had no idea of what to expect.

Sa Bina left everyone still deep in discussion about their plans, leaving Be Net to oversee the affairs. See and Lou Sie made their way to her suite. Sa Bina had made an impromptu decision to go into town for dinner. She also wanted to see if the tailor was still open. The woman had not come to see her and she wanted to know why. She also wanted some more sets of clothing for the week. She needed to keep up appearances, and she needed high quality clothing to be able to do that.

After freshening up and getting changed, Sa Bina, Lou Sie, Han Ji and her guards left for the city proper.

They decided to head to the tailor first. It did not take long for them to arrive. The girls left Han Ji and the guard’s by the carriage, not wanting to crowd the shop. The tailor’s shop was well lit, its warm wooden interior bustling with activity.

Sa Bina, with a confident stride, stepped in, her secretary Lou Sie trailing behind her with a basket in hand. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter, her first day at the academy and she wondered what new drama would rear its head..

Sa Bina walked straight to the counter where the tailor was waiting. “Lady Sa Bina,” she greeted with a bow, “your order is ready. Would you like to inspect them? I would also like to apologise for not making the time to visit. I shall correct that oversight as soon as I am able.”

Just as Sa Bina opened her mouth to reply, the shop door swung open with a sharp clang of bells. A girl, perhaps a year older than Sa Bina, swept in with an air of practiced elegance. Her silken robes glimmered with threads of gold and crimson, and she held a fan lazily in one hand. Two attendants flanked her, whispering deferentially.

The girl stopped just short of the counter, her gaze scanning the shop before landing on Sa Bina. Her brows knit together briefly, as if struggling to place her. With a dismissive flick of her fan, she stepped forward, directly addressing the tailor.

“I need a new cheongsam for tomorrow,” she announced in a clear, commanding tone. “The best ones. No delays.”

The tailor hesitated, glancing nervously between her and Sa Bina. “Lady Xiu Lian, I would be happy to assist you, but I was just assisting…”

“Who is she?” Xiu Lian interrupted, turning to Sa Bina with a look of mild disdain, as though she were appraising a piece of furniture.

Sa Bina met her gaze calmly, her lips curving into a faint smile. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”

Xiu Lian’s fan snapped shut, her sharp eyes narrowing. “Should I know you? You look... common.”

Lou Sie let out a quiet gasp, but Sa Bina’s smile only grew sharper. “I didn’t realize one’s worth could be measured by another’s ignorance. Allow me to enlighten you, I am Lady Sa Bina.” She intentionally neglected to mention her rank or her role as ambassador. She would love to see this arrogant twit’s reaction when she found out.

Xiu Lian raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Sa Bina? Never heard of you. Strange that someone so ordinary would be here in the capital. And ordering something as fine as these cheongsam? Curious.”

“I could say the same,” Sa Bina replied coolly, tilting her head. “What brings someone so self-assured to fret over a mere set of dresses? Perhaps trying to cover your inadequacy, by spending your family’s money? Or is it because you are not even good enough to attend the academy and are being sent to the finishing school by your family?”

The tailor froze, his hands hovering over the cheongsam she had been folding. Xiu Lian’s cheeks flushed, and she took a step closer to Bina, her fan tapping against her palm.

“How dare you speak to me like that? Do you have any idea who I am?”

Bina stepped closer, undeterred, her dark eyes locking onto Xiu Lian’s. “No, I don’t. But from the way you carry yourself, I’d guess someone who mistakes arrogance for confidence.”

Lou Sie tugged at Sa Bina’s sleeve, whispering, “My lady, perhaps we should leave.”

But Sa Bina wasn’t done. “If you’re heading to the academy,” she continued, her voice steady, “then I’ll be sure to remember this conversation. And we’ll see how far your name carries you when talent and wit are what matter.”

Xiu Lian starred, momentarily stunned into silence, before regaining her composure with an audible huff. “Enjoy your first day, Lady Sa Bina,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “But don’t expect it to be easy.”

“Only the witless and the talentless fear a challenge,” Sa Bina replied, stepping past her with deliberate grace. “Come, good tailor. We have a busy day ahead.”

The tailor did her best to prepare Sa Bina’s order. She handed it to Lou Sie. “Send the bill to the estate,” said Sa Bina, the tailor catching the intent behind her words.

“It will be done, my lady.” replied the tailor.

Outside, Lou Sie couldn’t hold back her astonishment. “My lady, that was bold. Was it wise to provoke her?”

Sa Bina chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Lou Sie, boldness isn’t the same as provocation. I simply let her know that I won’t be underestimated. She’ll figure it out soon enough.”

The two wandered off into the night, leaving the glow of the shop behind them. The academy promised to be an interesting experience if the attitude of this girl was anything to go by. After Lou Sie had secured the package in their carriage, the two wandered off to find a suitable restaurant for dinner, quietly shadowed by Sa Bina’s protection detail.