Chapter 112 Chapter 112 Xu Yuanheng alone...

Xiao Dashi said nothing. Sun said, "Your grandfather misses home."

Xiao Dashi laughed dryly. Lin Qiuran said to Lin Ming, "Don't rush on the road. Be careful of the old man's health."

Lin Qiuran asked Lin Ming to follow her, firstly to escort Xiao Dashi back safely, and secondly because she had given him some instructions.

Lin Qiuran asked him to go to the Xu family and ask for the profits from Thirteen Spices and Wufangzhai over the past few months. If Xu Yuanheng happened to be in the capital and wanted to take some money, that would be another matter.

She also told Aunt Yu and Madam Yang to give the monthly profits to Shopkeeper Shi. Shopkeeper Shi should keep a record of the monthly profits, so that there would be only two numbers for convenience, and put them together with the profits from Jindinglou. She would have someone go back to collect them every six months and check on how the business was going. She didn't have to give any more to Xiao Dashi.

There are two more houses to look at. Xiao Dashi said that he did not bring the people from the old house home, but just in case, what if Bai and others move in during this month using the excuse that they are relatives of the Xiao family, and the servants dare not say much?

If Lin Ming didn't go back, Xiao Dashi might soften his heart again.

Let Lin Ming go back and give detailed instructions to avoid trouble in the future.

After Xiao Dashi left, there was no change in the mansion. However, Sun looked depressed and unhappy, and even ate less.

Maybe it’s not because I’m reluctant to let go that I feel unhappy.

Lin Qiuran thought that it would be better if the time was longer, but she still asked Tangyuan to go over and talk to Sun more often, and the three of them also accompanied Sun for meals in the morning, noon and evening.

Sun had been feeling unhappy for two days. How could she feel good seeing people around her living a good life? She had endured all the hardships and fatigue in the past, but now they were causing trouble.

Moreover, she had caused so much trouble to Lin Qiuran that it almost affected her relationship with the Li family. She felt bad, but after drinking a few more bowls of bird's nest porridge, Sun Shi felt relieved. This thing was delicate, smooth, sweet, and delicious.

The maid coaxed Sun, "Madam instructed that you can't put granulated sugar in it, you have to put rock sugar in it, so that it will be sweet and delicious when stewed. Madam also said that we can buy more after we finish eating this, but I see that there is enough left for two months."

Sun hesitated and said, "This thing is not cheap..."

She can just drink what others give her, why buy more?

The maid smiled and said, "I'll buy you some drink, no matter how expensive it is. Just relax and eat and drink well. Don't talk about this in the future. Buy more expensive and delicious things and eat them."

Sun smiled.

The maid continued, "Oh, by the way, Madam also sent some pearl cream and snow dew for you to apply on your face."

Sun took it and looked at it. She, an old lady from the countryside, was able to drink and use these good things.

This time, Sun was not worried. Why bother with those things? She would enjoy her life in the future. If Xiao Dashi didn't want to enjoy his life, who cares?

Days passed, and after the fifth day, Xiao Xun took up his post. The sixth day of the first lunar month was the opening day of the Jinding Building, and Sun went to check it out. However, due to lack of publicity and regular customers, business was not good on the opening day. At noon, there were only six tables of customers on the two floors.

Business can be described as bleak. Just looking at the profits from these few tables at noon, it will take a long time to make a profit from the decoration, layout, hiring people, meat, vegetables and seasonings...

Lin Qiuran sighed slightly in the backyard and could only persuade himself that everything is difficult at the beginning. Coming to the capital was no different from starting over.

Just as she was thinking about it, the shopkeeper Zhu came to the backyard and said, "Madam, someone sent a flower basket. It's a young man."

Tang Yuan ran out to take a look, and soon ran back, his face full of joy, cheering, "Mom, Uncle Xu is here!"

Lin Qiuran was stunned for a moment, then turned around and ordered, "Lin Xia, please invite Mr. Xu to the second floor. I'll be there in a moment."

Shopkeeper Zhu understood and realized that he knew him.

Lin Qiuran gave the kitchen some instructions. Since Xu Yuanheng was coming, she naturally had to keep him company. She told Lin Chun what dishes to cook on the menu and then went upstairs. Xiao Xun was on duty today, and Sun was the boss.

When Lin Qiuran went upstairs, Xu Yuanheng was talking to Sun.

Sun had a smile on her face, but when she looked at Xu Yuanheng, she seemed a little worried. "Why are you wearing so little? Aren't you feeling cold?"

Xu Yuanheng: "It's quite a bit. I came here by carriage and it's only a few steps away. I won't be cold."

Sun: "That's right, have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."

The way Sun looked at Xu Yuanheng was like an elder looking at a younger person. She complained that he didn't wear enough clothes, that he was too thin, and that he didn't take good care of himself.

Xu Yuanheng smiled and said, "Thank you, auntie. Don't just talk about me. I was shocked when I saw you today. They say that the capital has good feng shui, and it's true."

Sun smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Qiuran's good care."

Xu Yuanheng looked at Tangyuan again and said, "Tangyuan has grown taller too."

Tang Yuan ran to Xu Yuanheng and said, "Last time we met, I only came to Uncle Xu's place."

Tangyuan gestured, and Xu Yuanheng, with a smile in his eyes, touched Tangyuan's head, and Tangyuan rubbed it comfortably.

Sun Shi couldn't help but laugh at the scene. Xu Yuanheng had always been very kind to Qiu Ran and Tang Yuan. He was still the same even after coming to the capital. Just as she was thinking this, Sun Shi saw Lin Qiu Ran coming in. She waved, "Qiu Ran."

Lin Qiuran came in from outside, "Mr. Xu."

Xu Yuanheng looked back and smiled gently, "Come over to congratulate you on the opening of the shop."

Lin Qiuran also smiled, "Thank you, Master Xu, for your honor."

When Lin Qiuran came over, Sun didn't stay any longer. The two of them must have some serious business to discuss, so she took Tangyuan out.

The second floor of the huge restaurant was empty, the windows open, and a charcoal brazier placed inside. Compared to the bustling shops on the street, it seemed strangely deserted.

Lin Qiuran smiled helplessly, "Coming to the capital means I have to start all over again. How many tables are there downstairs? I don't want to starve."

Xu Yuanheng nodded to show that he understood that Jingcheng and Yu An were different.

Moreover, he also knew that Xiao Xun was back.

It's hard not to know this. Occasionally, when you walk on the street, you can hear Xiao Xun's name even if you are not in the capital.

With Xiao Xun around, Lin Qiuran naturally had many concerns. Add to that the lack of regular customers, and it was like starting over from scratch.

He said, "Then I'll have to trouble Mrs. Lin...Mrs. Lin for a favor. I'm going to stay in the capital for a few days to discuss business, and I don't know which restaurant to go to. Could you please arrange a few tables for me?"

Lin Qiuran was pleasantly surprised. Xu Yuanheng's words were just for the sake of being nice. She knew he was helping her. With so many restaurants in the capital, it wasn't just about eating; it was a disguised way of attracting customers to the Jinding Tower.

Lin Qiuran said sincerely, "Thank you very much."

Xu Yuanheng smiled, "Speaking of this word creates distance between you and me."

Lin Qiuran said, "I hope Mr. Xu will keep his word. Don't eat at my place and then force money on me."

Xu Yuanheng: "Don't worry about that. I'm here to give you money today, so I won't spend any money."

Xu Yuanheng brought New Year gifts today, which are now in the car, as well as the profits from Thirteen Spices and Five Spices Zhai. The two of them split the profits, and this time Xu Yuanheng brought a total of four thousand taels of silver.

Lin Qiuran watched the Thirteen Spices business grow bigger and bigger. At the beginning, he could get 45 taels of profit per month, and then it became more and more. The business stagnated during the war years, but it has picked up again in the past two years, like mushrooms after rain, and now it makes a profit of several hundred taels every month.

Xu Yuanheng pushed the account book and banknotes over to him and said, "Take a look."

Lin Qiuran chuckled, "I trust Master Xu. I'll wait and see when we get back."

The two had been working on the spice business for nearly four years, originally for a five-year contract. Lin Qiuran had intended to continue his partnership with Xu Yuanheng. But as the saying goes, one should remember the well-digger; one shouldn't just start a new business just because the spices were selling well.

She also told Xu Yuanheng to give him the spice recipe so that she wouldn't delay the business, but Xu Yuanheng didn't listen.

Xu Yuanheng said at the time: "There are many people around me who are eyeing this, and I feel most at ease leaving my other half with you."

Lin Qiuran didn't argue.

Xu Yuanheng didn't know what Lin Qiuran was thinking. He nodded without asking her how she was doing recently. Xiao Xun was conferred the title, and Lin Qiuran was now a countess. Naturally, her life was good. It could also be seen that her eyes were bright and there was no sadness or impatience on her face.

When he saw Tang Yuan, his expression was also very gentle and capable. He continued to run the Jinding Restaurant and take care of the household affairs. He brought his family to the capital and established himself.

Today's Jinding Building is more magnificent than Yu An's.

Xu Yuanheng said, "You don't have to worry about business. With time, customers will find the food delicious and repeat customers will gradually accumulate, and business will pick up."

Lin Qiuran said, "That's right. After hearing you say that, I was worried, but now I feel relieved."

Xu Yuanheng: "Even if I don't believe in anything else, I should believe in your craftsmanship."

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "Then I'll have to show off my cooking skills. After dinner, tell me if the guests have any dietary preferences."

Since Xu Yuanheng was treating guests and also wanted to discuss business, he had to be thorough and ask about dietary restrictions. If the guests were happy with the food, business would go more smoothly. However, Lin Qiuran definitely wouldn't cook this dish herself; she would be responsible for setting the menu.

Xu Yuanheng hummed, and Lin Qiuran said, "I'll go to the kitchen first. Let Tangyuan come in to keep you company. This child is always talking about you."

Xu Yuanheng nodded gently. Seeing Lin Qiuran like this, he was very happy and relieved. Xiao Xun was an official and could provide them with shelter, but sometimes he would feel depressed.

He wondered if he had been too greedy in the past. If he had explained it earlier, before Xiao Xun came back, maybe there would still be a chance.

And that time when Lin Qiuran came to him for the Sun couple, he should have shown up.

But it's not bad now. They can visit each other often, and Tangyuan likes him very much. Moreover, the business is getting bigger and bigger. He has been traveling all over the country and has no fixed place to live. It's enough to have someone to care about.

Lin Qiuran went to the kitchen. She also cooked occasionally at home. To her, Xu Yuanheng helped her a lot. As a family member, it was only natural for him to cook two of his signature dishes.

While she was cooking, Tangyuan chased Xu Yuanheng to play. This time, Xu Yuanheng brought gifts for Tangyuan. He had just returned from the south yesterday and brought a lot of new things.

Now take the dumplings and open them to take a look.

Tang Yuan wanted to go back and open it, because it was a gift from someone else and it was not appropriate to open it in front of him. But Xu Yuanheng said, "It's okay, Uncle Xu is not someone else."

Tangyuan's eyes lit up and she happily sat in Xu Yuanheng's arms to look at the gift.

There were carriages made of conch shells, all kinds of beautiful stones, local clay figurines and toys. Tangyuan exclaimed in surprise when he saw each one, and when he took apart the last one, he found that it was the Four Treasures of the Study.

Tangyuan turned his head to look at Xu Yuanheng. How did Uncle Xu know that he was going to use this?

Xu Yuanheng smiled and said, "I remembered that you were about to reach enlightenment age, so I bought this. Uncle Xu can't come here often, so you can use this and look at these things, and you will think of your uncle."

Tang Yuan asked in confusion: "Why can't you come more often?"

Xu Yuanheng said, "I want to do business, so I won't always be in one place."

Tang Yuan's eyes lit up, "Then I should give Uncle Xu something as a token of my appreciation, since I'm not always by his side."

Xu Yuanheng smiled. This was not wrong. He lowered his voice and asked, "What do you want to give Uncle Xu?"

Tang Yuan said, "I came out today and didn't have time to prepare. When will Uncle Xu leave Beijing? Can I prepare it slowly and give it to you before Uncle Xu leaves Beijing?"

Xu Yuanheng: "I'll wait until Tangyuan's birthday is over before leaving."

Tang Yuan's eyes lit up again, "That's great! Uncle Xu, will you celebrate my birthday this year too?"

I don’t know how to organize children’s birthdays, but Xu Yuanheng comes every year.

Xu Yuanheng: "Yeah."

Before lunch, the two of them talked and played together. Sun was genuinely happy to see this scene. She felt that Xu Yuanheng had nothing to say about Tang Yuan. Not to mention playing together, even recognizing him as his godfather would not be too much of a stretch.

He would think of her when she was away and send her gifts when she came back. When Xiao Xun was not around, it was Master Xu who would coax her and remember her birthday.

It would definitely not be easy for Qiu Ran to bring up this matter. After all, Xu Yuanheng was a man, so it was her who should bring it up. It would be best if Xiao Xun brought it up, as it would also show that Xiao Xun was magnanimous and broad-minded.

Sun planned to find an opportunity to talk to Xiao Xun.

After dinner, Sun took Xu Yuanheng's hand and told him, "Next time you come to the capital, eat here. If you are not busy, go to the mansion to eat. Don't make do on your own."

Sun had been out for a while, and she knew it wasn't easy. She'd been sleeping in the open, eating and sleeping well, and Xu Yuanheng looked a little thinner.

Even though you make so much money, it's hard work.

Xu Yuanheng smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, Auntie, I will definitely not be polite to you."

Tang Yuan was reluctant to leave, so Lin Qiuran said to him, "Your Uncle Xu has things to do and can't stay with you alone. Mother has things to do too, so you should go home with Grandma first."

Tangyuan was not the type to make trouble, so she went home obediently. After returning home, she rummaged through the drawers and cabinets to choose a gift for Xu Yuanheng, but she still hadn't decided what to give him until Xiao Xun was fired.

This is really a dilemma.

Xiao Xun asked him what he was looking for.

Tang Yuan: "I want to choose a gift for Uncle Xu, so that when Uncle Xu goes away, he will think of me."

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The author has something to say: [Cat head][Panda head] Tangyuan is a good baby