Border Soldiers: My granaries are full of grain and meat, and I guard this region.

Qi Feng's expression didn't change much upon hearing this, but he was quickly calculating the pros and cons in his mind.

Since Zhong Shao came to him personally and even used the name of the Zhong family, it means that this matter was definitely not something he decided on a whim, but something that the entire Zhong family had already discussed.

If she refused, the friendship she had built with the Zhong family would likely be greatly diminished, but if she agreed too easily, it would make her seem easy to manipulate.

Qi Feng did not rush to answer, but instead asked in a humble yet assertive manner:

"Young Master Zhong, what are the regulations you're referring to regarding this monopoly?"

Upon hearing this, Zhong Shao felt a surge of admiration.

If Qi Feng agreed immediately, he would think that Qi Feng was too naive.

Looking at Qi Feng's composed and dignified demeanor, Zhong Shao realized that Qi Feng was someone capable of great things.

"I've drafted a bill, Brother Qi, please take a look. Although we have a good personal relationship, we can't be too careless about this matter."

Qi Feng cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Zhong Shao: "Young Master Zhong is right."

Seeing that Zhong Shao did not use his family's power to suppress him, Qi Feng felt a sense of relief.

Qi Feng took the draft from Zhong Shao and glanced at it. The terms written on it were not complicated.

The gist of the deal is that the Zhong family would invest in a storefront in Linzhao City to serve as the exclusive distributor of Qijiu in Shuofeng County. Qifeng would be responsible for supplying the liquor in fixed quantities each month and year, while the Zhong family would be responsible for sales. The profits would be split 60/40, with the Zhong family receiving 60% and Qifeng receiving 40%.

The Chung family took care of all the expenses, including shop management, employee salaries, daily costs, and promotion.

"A 60/40 split?" Qi Feng looked at the split on the draft with some surprise.

Zhong Shao smiled.

"Brother Qi, I know this ratio seems a bit unfair, but you have to think about it. Linzhao City is not like Fuxing County. The shop rent there is more than double that of here, plus the commercial tax is not on the same level, and there are also official connections. All of these require money to pave the way, otherwise, it will not be an easy task to sell your Qi Wine. Do you think there is no one behind that Immortal Brew? My Zhong family has put in all this money. If we only take 40%, then this deal cannot be done."

Qi Feng placed the draft on the table, not in a hurry to express his opinion.

He naturally knew that the Zhong family taking 60% was not high. The fact that Shenxian Brew was so popular in Longxi Prefecture was not due to Lin Shou's efforts alone. The relationships between various parties in Longxi Prefecture were complex and intertwined, and everyone wanted to get a slice of the pie.

Even if Qi Feng brews Qi wine perfectly, without a powerful backer, he will inevitably be targeted sooner or later.

Now, the Zhong family not only has enough prestige on the battlefield, but is also a behemoth in Shuofeng County. With the protection of the Zhong family, Qi Feng can live a very stable life, but he does not want his interests to be suppressed too much.

"Young Master Zhong, 60/40 is no problem, but I have two conditions." Qi Feng held up two fingers.

Zhong Shao's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "Brother Qi, what are your conditions? Please speak freely."

"First, I will determine the monthly and annual supply and pricing, and the Zhong family cannot interfere. I know that officials like to have special supplies, but my Qi wine has strict regulations on its grade classification, and I cannot disrupt my own rhythm for the sake of anyone's face. Moreover, I can guarantee you that the highest quality Qi wine will be given priority to the Zhong family."

Zhong Shao frowned slightly. If Qi Feng determined both the pricing and the supply, the Zhong family would lose the most crucial pricing power, which would reduce their profits.

However, since Qi wine was brewed by Qi Feng, Zhong Shao hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Can."

Qi Feng smiled slightly upon seeing this.

"Secondly, apart from the exclusive store in Linzhao City, the Ye Family Restaurant in Fuxing County remains my main business. The Zhong family shall not interfere with the normal operation of the Ye Family Restaurant under any pretext, nor shall they bypass me to privately negotiate the distribution of Qijiu with other merchants."

After listening, Zhong Shao remained silent for two breaths, then shook his head and sighed:

"Brother Qi, are you guarding against me?"

Qi Feng smiled calmly.

"You shouldn't have the heart to harm others, but you can't be without the heart to guard against others. Young Master Zhong, our friendship is friendship, but business is business. Let's make things clear now to avoid damaging our relationship in the future."

Zhong Shao slapped the table and couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, I agree to these two conditions. I'll have the clerk formally draft them later, and once you sign them, they'll be in force."

Qi Feng reached out and picked up his teacup, then clinked it against Zhong Shao's.

"Young Master Zhong, I wish us a pleasant cooperation!"

Zhong Shao also picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down with a serious expression.

"Brother Qi, to be honest, I, Zhong Shao, have seen many talented people. There are quite a few outstanding young talents in Shuofeng County, but I have never seen anyone like you who is good at fighting, has excellent strategy, can brew fine wine, and can calculate business accounts so clearly. If you are willing, you will definitely have a place in Shuofeng County in the future."

Qi Feng understood the meaning behind Zhong Shao's words. He knew that Zhong Shao wanted him to climb up the Zhong family's ladder, and that Zhong Shao was recruiting him.

However, Qi Feng did not agree directly, but simply cupped his hands slightly.

"I am honored by your high regard, Young Master Zhong. I am but a commoner, how can I compare to those young masters from aristocratic families? I wonder what kind of moves the Great Rong will make after spring arrives."

Zhong Shao nodded slightly upon hearing this, and said nothing more.

Some things only need to be said once. After all, Zhong Shao has the Zhong family behind him, and he is unwilling to lower himself too much to win over Qi Feng. Maintaining their current relationship is enough.

It was already dark when I left the county government office.

Qi Feng walked along the road, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his mind constantly replaying the collaboration he had just discussed with Zhong Shao.

If the storefront in Linzhao City is established, Qijiu's production must at least triple to maintain supply, but with its current production, that's simply not possible.

This means he must find a way to expand production capacity in a short period of time, either by finding a larger brewing workshop around Fuxing County and outsourcing the brewing process to others.

Either hire more people and expand your production capacity yourself.

The former costs less money, but has poorer confidentiality. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and Qi Feng is thinking about how to find a balance.

When Qi Feng returned to Ye Family Restaurant, Yu Yourong was sitting on a small stool at the entrance waiting for him.

Seeing Qi Feng return, Yu Yourong quickly stood up and handed him a cup of tea: "Husband, you're back. Have some tea to soothe your throat."

Qi Feng accepted the tea and drank it all in one gulp.

Yu Yourong then continued, "What business do they have with my husband at the county government office?"

Qi Feng said, "Zhong Shao has returned from Linzhao City. He came to see me for two reasons. First, he wanted to tell me about Ma Shuo's matter. Second, his Zhong family wants to open a shop in Linzhao City that exclusively supplies Qi wine. He came to discuss cooperation with me, and I agreed."

Yu Yourong nodded and didn't ask any more questions. She was always like this; she never spoke up on important matters, only listened to Qi Feng, and only helped Qi Feng improve on small details.

Qi Feng glanced at Yu Yourong, then reached out and pulled her into his arms: "Yourong, aren't you going to ask me if I'll lose out?"

Yu Yourong smiled gently and nestled in Qi Feng's arms: "My husband always acts with discretion, so we won't lose out."

Upon hearing this, Qi Feng felt a warmth in his heart. With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?