Xiao Jingzhao squatted down and opened his arms. His soft and adorable son rushed into his arms, and the feeling of satisfaction made all his fatigue disappear.
"Father, I miss you so much, Father."
Sui Sui's little mouth was as sweet as honey, and she even rubbed her little head against Xiao Jingzhao's neck.
A warm feeling washed over Xiao Jingzhao.
He lowered his head and kissed his son's forehead, saying, "Daddy missed you too."
As Xiao Jingzhao spoke, he picked up his son and walked into the house.
The Empress Dowager asked, "Your Majesty, when will you announce Sui Sui's identity to the court officials? And what are your plans for settling Miss Jiang?"
"Mother, don't worry, your son has his own plans." Xiao Jingzhao carried his son and headed straight for the dining room.
Aunt Cai, with her keen eye, waved to the palace maid, "Serve the meal."
Before the Empress Dowager could ask anything else, Yonghe grabbed her sleeve and whispered, "Mother, don't worry, Second Brother has his own plans."
...
Zhen Jingxiu topped the list in one fell swoop, and the mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. People came in an endless stream to congratulate him, and the servants and maids all had smiles on their faces.
After dinner, the scholar and his wife enjoyed tea in the small hall.
The Grand Scholar was filled with emotion. “The new emperor is wise. Now the country is peaceful and prosperous. Our grandson has also lived up to expectations, ranking first in the imperial examination. All my years of hard work have been worth it.”
"Old man, we've lived in constant fear all these years, but now we can finally enjoy a peaceful life." Recalling the past and comparing it with the present, the old lady was deeply moved.
"Grandfather, Grandmother." As the elderly couple were talking, Zhen Jingxiu walked in.
Looking at her refined, handsome, and dashing grandson, the old lady's eyes were filled with pride and satisfaction.
The Grand Scholar's smile faded, and he said seriously, "This year's imperial examination is extraordinary. You should prepare well. His Majesty is both a scholar and a warrior, and has a broad mind. He is not comparable to those who only live in the Four Directions City. Even your grandfather cannot guess what the questions for the imperial examination will be."
"Grandson understands, Grandfather need not worry. The palace examination is around the beginning of next month, and grandson has plenty of time to prepare," Zhen Jingxiu said confidently.
Then, the Grand Scholar Zhen gave his grandson a few more words of advice, the gist of which was that Zhen Jingxiu was the youngest top scorer in recent years, and even if he became the top scorer in the palace examination, he should not be arrogant or complacent.
When the old lady saw her eldest grandson looking at her as if he had something to say, she suddenly remembered the promise she had made to him before the imperial examination.
She had her maid summon the steward.
A moment later, the real butler strode over.
"Does the old lady have any instructions? I will arrange it immediately."
The old lady smiled and said, "Tomorrow, take the old master's invitation to invite the matchmaker to the Jiang residence. If Miss Jiang agrees to the marriage, send the betrothal gifts prepared in the storeroom to the Jiang residence."
The steward acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Suppressing his joy, Zhen Jingxiu cupped his hands and said to Grand Scholar Zhen, "Grandfather, please put your mind at ease. There is an old saying that goes, 'Before it emerges from the soil, it already has joints; even when it reaches the clouds, it remains humble.' I understand this principle."
...
The following day, amidst deafening firecrackers, Juxian Pavilion opened for business.
The area in front of the luxurious restaurant was bustling with activity. Two handsome young men held red ribbons, while Hu Qing and Nangong Zeyue stood on either side of Jiang Shuyue, each holding a pair of scissors.
The moment the firecrackers went off, the three of them simultaneously slashed with their scissors, and three silk flowers fell into an exquisite tray as their hands moved.
Passersby stopped to watch.
"Is that girl in the middle the restaurant owner, Yue Niang?" Someone who had heard of Yue Niang's name but had never seen Jiang Shuyue in person inquired quietly.
The woman's clothes fluttered in the breeze, her figure was graceful, and her stunning beauty was like that of a fairy descended from heaven. Her demeanor was dignified and proper, and every smile and frown of hers exuded confidence.
A young woman said, "She is Yue Niang. She also owns Jishetang and that affordable grain shop."
Among the onlookers, there were those who praised, those who envied, and some women who cast jealous glances.
"Whose daughter is she? She's incredibly capable. There aren't many men from prominent families in the capital who are more capable than her."
"I don't know, I heard she's the daughter of a wealthy businessman."
"No, I heard her brother came in second place in this year's scientific expedition."
Everyone had their own opinion, each wanting to find out more about the Moon Goddess.
Behind the crowd, an inconspicuous carriage slowed down.
The person sitting in the carriage was none other than Jiang Zhengming, who was heading to the government office.
Jiang Zhengming listened to the discussions of the crowd, feeling a mix of emotions.
Suddenly, a burst of festive music drew everyone's attention.
A procession of ceremonial attendants, dressed in palace attire, carried a plaque toward Juxian Pavilion.
The man leading the group was dressed in an official robe. Jiang Zhengming leaned out to look ahead and recognized the man in front of him; he was a vice minister from the Ministry of Rites.
Before Jiang Zhengming could even see what was written on the plaque sent by the Ministry of Rites, he heard a gasp of surprise.
"Wow! The number one restaurant under heaven! This is a plaque bestowed by the Emperor! With this plaque, Juxian Pavilion's business is sure to flourish."
"To receive a plaque bestowed by the Emperor, this Yue Niang must be someone of considerable importance."
"Yes, yes, no merchant's daughter could ever receive a plaque personally bestowed by the Emperor."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the Vice Minister of Rites personally delivered the plaque into the Juxian Pavilion.
Nangong Zeyue glanced at the paintings on the wall of the hall and then looked at Jiang Shuyue, "Where would be a suitable place to put this plaque?"
"Of course it has to be placed in the lobby, so that guests can see it as soon as they enter. This is a golden signboard bestowed by the emperor."
After Jiang Shuyue finished speaking, she instructed the waiters to fetch the stairs.
When Hu Qing returned after seeing off the people from the Ministry of Rites, he saw that the plaque had already been hung on the wall.
The news that the Emperor had bestowed the title of "Number One Pavilion Under Heaven" upon Juxian Pavilion spread like wildfire, and within half a day, it was known to everyone in the capital, from the streets to the alleys.
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