Chapter 50 The Feast

After discussing the exam preparation with his mother, Zhou Chengyu felt relieved. However, Wei's mother and her two sisters-in-law were on high alert, trying every day to find ways to help Zhou Chengyu catch up on his studies. Every time Zhou Chengyu came back, they would surround him, showering him with concern and practically worshipping him.

“Mother, sister-in-law, there’s no need for this. You’re making Chengyu nervous. He’s just going to try it out this time. Let’s not put too much pressure on him. Just be himself as usual. No need for extra care.”

Knowing that Zhou Chengyu was shy and wouldn't want to refuse directly, Song Yushu spoke to Wei's mother on his behalf.

“We don’t understand the affairs of scholars, but I saw that the son of the family next door is also going to take the county exam. She said that nowadays everything should be done with the children first, after all, the imperial examination is not easy. Is it really okay for us to ignore everything?” Sister-in-law Wei asked.

“It’s alright, just listen to me. He can tell me what he needs. Chengyu doesn’t want you to worry about him just because he’s taking the county exam. Just do what you always do and let things take their course,” Song Yushu assured him.

In this way, Wei's mother and sister-in-law stopped doting on Zhou Chengyu, and only occasionally cooked some nourishing soup for Song Yushu to take to Zhou Chengyu.

On the day of the examination, Song Yushu personally escorted the child to the examination hall, but he did not stand outside with the others to wait for the child to come out.

The county examination consists of five sessions, with each session two days apart, and it will take ten days to finish. She can't just close the shop and wait outside, so she might as well go back and prepare some food so that she can have a good rest and prepare for the next exam when Zhou Chengyu comes out.

Over the next few days, Zhou Chengyu's mood fluctuated. The county examination mainly tested the understanding of the classics and writing skills. Although Zhou Chengyu could write, he did not have much hope of passing the exam.

"I made your favorite dishes. Eat and get some rest." After picking him up, Song Yushu didn't mention the county exam again.

The academy gave the students a holiday to relax after taking the county exam, so Zhou Chengyu simply stayed at the shop with Zhou Chengzhu to collect money and do the accounting.

Zhou Chengzhu, having grown accustomed to working under Song Yushu, was quick and efficient at settling accounts with customers, leaving Zhou Chengyu utterly demoralized.

"Brother, you didn't expect this, did you? I've been learning accounting from Mother for so long, and now I'm much better than you!" After collecting the money, Zhou Chengzhu picked up the account book and started writing and drawing, using characters that Zhou Chengyu couldn't understand.

"Mr. Wei, you're so lucky! Your child is so well-behaved!"

When passing customers saw the twins, a boy and a girl, not only were they good-looking, but they also helped Song Yushu run the shop together, and they couldn't help but praise them.

"Not at all, let the two of them play around," Song Yushu said modestly, then chatted with the guests about everyday matters before seeing them off.

However, when she glanced at the counter of the restaurant and saw her twins chatting and discussing things together, it was indeed a pleasing sight. Song Yushu felt a little proud at this moment, which proved that she had raised them well and they were both quite good!

Soon, Zhou Chengyu's county examination results came out, and he actually made the list, albeit at the very end. Xia Yun was also on the list, just two places behind him. It was truly a cause for celebration.

However, this ranking meant the family could forget about it, but it didn't affect their mood of having passed the county examination.

Song Yushu didn't care whether his ranking was high or low, as long as he passed, that was fine. He even generously arranged a banquet for Zhou Chengyu and the other students from his school who also made the list, inviting them to a restaurant to celebrate, covering all the expenses.

Therefore, she informed her customers a day in advance that she would be closing for a day. After learning the reason, the customers had no objections and congratulated her repeatedly.

Ten students from Zhou Chengyu's class made the list this time. Apart from Zhou Chengyu and Xia Yun, all of them had good names. The best student, Qi Mingcheng, even topped the county exam.

Song Yushu asked Zhou Chengyu to inquire about the students' and teachers' dietary restrictions, and finally finalized the menu.

Several parents were also coming, so the parents booked one table, the teacher booked one table, and the students booked one table. With only three tables, she and Wei's mother could manage.

On the morning of the banquet, the students from the academy took the initiative to help, washing and arranging all the dishes needed for the banquet, and setting up the tables and chairs, which saved Song Yushu and the others a lot of trouble.

Fearing they might get bored while waiting, Song Yushu brought out the tea and pastries he had prepared in advance to keep them entertained.

"What dishes is your mother preparing this time?" Xia Yun couldn't sit still, smelling the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

"We're in for a treat this time. A hunter caught a wild boar yesterday, and my mother specially saved it for today's feast. Your favorite Dongpo pork will definitely be there..."

Zhou Chengyu didn't want to spoil the fun, so he suggested a few of the restaurant's signature dishes, which raised the expectations of the young boys to the max.

In the kitchen, Song Yushu, Wei's mother, and Wei's sister-in-law prepared the main dishes one by one. This time, the amount prepared was less than usual when they ran the restaurant. However, the menu was a little different. They took into account the children's dietary restrictions and preferences and made two sweet and sour meat dishes, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and sweet and sour pork.

Of course, Song Yushu also prepared barbecue ingredients, which he brought out and had the students skewer to help him pass the time.

The group of teenagers were quite interested and worked without any complaints. Apart from being a little slow, they had no other shortcomings.

Before noon, some parents came over one after another to lend a hand. It wasn't until all the teachers from the academy arrived that the group began to congratulate and greet each other.

Song Yushu sped up and asked Wei's mother to help set out all the dishes first.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Wei, for your generosity. It is an honor to have the opportunity to eat at your chef's feast, thanks to my son!" A parent who loves to eat at Haowei Restaurant greeted Song Yushu.

"My restaurant has benefited from these children's success. If they pass the imperial examinations with flying colors, my restaurant will also become famous. It's a win-win situation!"

Song Yushu offered a complimentary compliment, then prepared and brought out all the dishes.

"There's plenty of plum juice and drinks available today, so please don't be shy..." Song Yushu said a few polite words before taking a cup of plum juice to Xue Huai'an's table.

"Thank you all for your hard work, teachers. The children's success in passing the exams is all thanks to your excellent teaching. I would like to offer you a toast with tea instead of wine!" After saying this, Song Yushu drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.

"Madam Wei, you're too kind. We were just doing our duty, there's no need for such formalities," the teachers said, feeling pleased with the affirmation and returning the courtesy humbly.

"Please enjoy your meal, gentlemen. If there are any dishes you like, just let us know," Song Yushu said. He knew that these gentlemen loved to eat, and even Master Xue often sent his servants to patronize their restaurant.

The teachers naturally liked the food at Song Yushu's restaurant. Usually, when the students ordered food from Song Yushu's restaurant, they would also order from it. They looked down on the food at the academy. Now, Song Yushu's words really resonated with them.