296, Cheer for Her (4 more)
Li Hengyi’s gaze swept across the room.
“You are all influential figures of this county town, so I presume none of you would engage in such acts of bullying through power. Of course, if Zhinuan were to use my power to do wrong, I would not spare her either. Therefore, in the future, please take extra care of her. After all, it’s not easy for a girl to make a living, especially now that she’s picked up a child to care for!”
Everyone hastily agreed.
Curious about the child Zhinuan had picked up.
They also knew that the rumors of the child being the bastard son of the Prince of Jian were completely unfounded.
Some things, when spoken by women, really should not be taken seriously.
Li Hengyi nodded, “In that case, I’ll toast first. Please sit down and try the dishes of this restaurant, see if they are to your liking!”
“Yes!”
The crowd echoed in unison and sat down.
Xie Zhinuan wanted to say something to Li Hengyi but wasn’t sure what to say.
She picked up her cup and looked at him.
Li Hengyi lifted his cup and gently clinked it with hers, then drained it in one gulp.
Xie Zhinuan took a sip and called for everyone to start eating.
There was no need for her to urge them; the guests were initially reserved, but seeing Li Hengyi concentrated on eating, they also began to eat wholeheartedly.
Especially because the food was truly, truly, exceptionally delicious.
They were accustomed to rare delicacies, but they had never tasted food this delicious.
A dish with a spicy and slightly sour fish aroma made them unable to resist a second bite after the first one.
Even the sauce was delectable.
The braised pork was even more scrumptious, tender without being greasy, with perfect layers of fat and lean, incomparably tasty.
Needless to say, the steamed pork with rice flour, topped with meat, ribs, green beans, potatoes, taro, and sweet potatoes, all was incredibly delicious; the meat was lean and the ribs were tender.
The spicy diced chicken was so spicy that they hurriedly sipped some abalone soup, which was so aromatic they almost wished they could swallow the stones whole.
At previous feasts, there was always some boasting followed by some drinking. At today’s feast, there was only eating. Conversations were non-existent.
After the meal, Xie Zhinuan saw the guests off, some of whom made additional reservations. She also learned that other patrons had come for a meal, not ordering much food and not the best drinks, but there were still about twenty tables, along with a few reservations for evening banquets.
Xie Zhinuan heard the sound of Yin Suwen counting and working the abacus and thought that once those scholars returned, her “Kechanglai” would become even more prosperous.
The grand opening was a huge success, and Xie Zhinuan felt elated.
Everyone received a tip, varying from a hundred wen, two hundred wen, to three hundred wen.
In summary, everyone was rewarded.
Once “Kechanglai” became popular, those who had dined there spread the word, praising, “Such culinary delight is rare to experience in life. The drinks may be a bit expensive, but they are fragrant and undiluted. In all of Fengping County, there’s no restaurant with better-tasting dishes than ‘Kechanglai’!”
“Is it really that miraculous?”
“Go and you will know. I won’t go into details, I’ve booked a table and tonight I’m taking my parents and siblings to try it out!”
When one said so, others followed. Anyone who went couldn’t praise it enough.
They simply had to try it themselves.
Although the prices were a bit high, those who dined there said it was worth it.
Liang Family
After Master Liang returned home, he collapsed on the bed, eyes staring at the ceiling as if bewitched, his body trembling, muttering something under his breath.
Lady Liang had just received a letter from Xie Shuyue sent from the capital. She had yet to open it and ran into the room joyfully, exclaiming to Master Liang, “My lord, my lord, Shuyue has sent a letter!”
To the outside world, Xie Shuyue was a daughter the Liang Family had picked up and raised for ten years. Even after being recognized by the Marquis’s family, she never forgot the kindness the Liang Family had shown her and took great care of them, showing deep gratitude and loyalty.
Chapter 297