Zhang Xiu'e placed the chili oil and vinegar on the counter, then prepared the soup dishes one by one and served them to the table.

The merchants were initially unimpressed, but their eyes lit up when they saw the novel food.

"Wow, I've never seen meat and vegetables cooked together like this before. It doesn't look very appealing, but it smells pretty good."

As he spoke, the man picked up his chopsticks, took a noodle, and put it in his mouth.

"Hmm...it's not bad. It's a flavor I've never tasted before. It has sesame paste, Sichuan peppercorns...and other things I can't quite put my finger on. Miss, what seasonings did you use to make this? It's really delicious."

Song He'er was unwilling to reveal all her ingredients. What if these people were loose-lipped and allowed someone with ulterior motives to steal their business?

Moreover, this kind of ingredient was not available in many places in ancient times. It was something that people had to take out from their own spatial storage. Even if they told others, these people might not recognize it.

"It's just ordinary oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. Just mix them according to the proportions. Actually, most of the flavor in this soup comes from the vegetables and meat. The soup needs to be simmered over low heat so that the seasonings can gradually infuse the flavor. There's nothing special about it. It's just that some people can't control the heat well."

Upon hearing this, the guests were full of praise and nodded repeatedly, then placed the silver coins from their waists on the table.

"Thirty coins, no more, no less, it's worth the money!"

A chubby man next to him chimed in, “That’s right. When I used to eat at other shops, I had to order side dishes and steamed buns, and every now and then I’d have to ask for a bowl of soup. It cost quite a bit of money in one meal. This is much better. It’s delicious and convenient. I’ll come here more often in the future. I can eat and then hurry on my way, instead of waiting in those small shops.”

Seeing that everyone was satisfied, Song He'er felt very happy.

While clearing the table, Zhang Xiue asked, "Which restaurant did you gentlemen eat at before? I wonder how the food was? This is a newly opened restaurant, so sometimes we need your guidance."

Even when buying things, you have to compare prices from three different vendors, let alone food. Zhang Xiu'e has certainly become quite shrewd.

"There's nothing particularly special about it. There's a shop in the west of the city that makes delicious pastries. The owner is said to be from the Central Plains and also knows tea ceremony and acrobatics! The pastries look unique and the fruit isn't too sweet. Ladies, you might want to try them if you have time."

Zhang Xiue chuckled, picked up the bowls and plates, and headed towards the small kitchen.

Song He'er quite enjoyed making tea, finding it somewhat poetic and picturesque, though a bit cumbersome. It was suitable for high-ranking officials and nobles who weren't in a hurry, but not for merchants on their journeys.

If you choose to run a teahouse, you should go to Jiangning, not the border town.

"Third Aunt, you've worked hard. Let me help you wash the dishes."

"No need. Go outside and help your third uncle with the accounts. I'm afraid he might make a mistake in the heat of the moment."

Song He'er smiled and said, "Third Uncle is a man who has been involved in officialdom and is also well-educated. How could he not even understand such a small amount of money? Third Aunt is underestimating him too much."

“It’s not that I’m underestimating him, but your third uncle is sometimes stubborn, and I’m afraid he might make a mistake occasionally.”

"Okay, I'll go out and take a look. I'll leave the kitchen work to you."

"It's nothing, this little bit of work is nothing. Once we make some money, we'll hire a few more helpers, and then we'll all have an easier time."

Song He'er nodded, turned around and left the kitchen. When she returned outside, she saw that all the merchants had left, and only a few pedestrians were craning their necks to look in.

"Third Uncle, how much money did you collect in total?"

"They were supposed to each receive fifteen coins, but they each gave thirty coins, and for nine people, that's a total of two hundred and seventy coins..."

"Hmm, the first day went well. If we can maintain this, we can pay back the debts we've incurred within a month."

Song Xiaoyu asked in disbelief, "Really?"

Song He'er looked around and whispered, "It's true. Actually, Uncle San knows that this kind of thing, apart from the special taste, is just some ordinary vegetable noodles with some beef and chicken. The cost is not much."

Song Xiaoyu glanced at the people outside who were about to come in, signaled Song He'er to be quiet, and then stepped forward and asked them, "What would you like to order?"

A young man, dressed in a coarse cloth robe, looked Song Xiaoyu up and down and asked in surprise, "Huh, the Xu couple aren't doing it anymore?"

"Yes, we've taken over this shop now. What would you like to order? We're not officially open yet, but if you gentlemen would like to try something, you can do so today at half price."

The old woman standing outside frowned. "I only have five coins. Can I eat here? I see the storefront has changed, and the furnishings inside have also changed. Are you opening a tavern again? I don't have any money to buy meat."

Song Xiaoyu was slightly taken aback, then narrowed her eyes and replied with a smile, "Today, seniors over fifty years old can enjoy the food for free, but there's one thing: you can't take it away; you can only eat it in the store."

"Over fifty years old? That's great! I'm fifty-one this year (by Chinese reckoning), so I should be able to sample it for free, right?"

"Can."

Song He'er guessed that this was a group of people who liked to take advantage of others, and she felt a little guilty. But after thinking about it carefully, she realized that the older people couldn't eat much, so it was fine to give it away for free.

If they think it's good, they can tell their children when they get home, which would be a free advertisement for themselves.

“In that case, let’s have a taste here today. My mother is old, but I will pay as usual.” With that, the young man placed a money bag on the table.

Song Xiaoyu nodded, but instead of taking out the menu, she went directly to the kitchen and instructed Zhang Xiu'e to cook.

"Hey, where's the menu? Show it to us and let us see what new things you have."

Song He'er would never show them the menu. These people looked like they had ill intentions. What if they were from a nearby shop and had sent someone to spy on them? If she did that, wouldn't she be revealing all her secrets...?

"We were in a rush and didn't have time to prepare some things, so there's no menu. However, we'll be focusing on one dish, so you'll see once it's served."

The old woman was speechless, but could only nod in agreement, "If that's the case, then so be it..."

Zhang Xiue was quick and efficient, and she could learn some things very easily. Song He'er only taught her once, and she was able to prepare everything on her own without any trouble.

"He'er, those people outside aren't just freeloading, are they?"

Song He'er shook her head. "I don't know. What is love? Just deal with it. But if you give in once or twice, you won't get such a good chance next time."