Chapter 51: The restaurant opened. Widow Wang was overjoyed and hurriedly prepared...
Liu Yeshu was too busy at the General's Mansion; Widow Wang was the one who was primarily responsible. The restaurant was finally about to open, and several strings of cured meat hung at the door, their bright red flesh glistening in the sunlight.
Liu Yeshu's entrance set off a string of copper bells hanging from the doorframe, which rang out in a clear, melodious sound. She handed Xiao Yu'er some freshly made maltose, which she took and held up to share with Widow Wang.
"Miss Liu, take a look, is our restaurant okay?" Widow Wang ate a candy from Xiao Yuer's hand, and with her cheeks puffed out, she took Liu Yeshu on a tour.
The restaurant wasn't large, but it was well-planned. To the right of the entrance was a small counter, upon which lay a counting rod and an account book. Behind the counter, a clay blackboard hung on the wall, its daily specials and prices clearly written in chalk. To the left were several small wooden tables, seating only a dozen or so guests, but the tables and chairs were immaculately polished.
In the center of the shop, a long row of wooden display shelves neatly displays a variety of snacks and dried goods. Cured meat, dried meat, pretzels, sesame chips, and other specialty snacks are all signature products meticulously crafted to suit local tastes. Next to each item is a small bamboo sign with the price and a description.
A kitchen was set up at the back of the shop. A large earthen stove took up most of the space, and next to it was a wide wooden chopping board, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of multiple dishes. The walls were covered with various iron spatulas and ceramic jars of seasonings.
A cellar was dug in a corner of the kitchen to store perishable ingredients. Roughly a foot tall, the cellar's walls are constructed of thick bricks and stone, and the roof is covered with a thick layer of straw, which both insulates and absorbs excess moisture. Several large clay pots are placed in the cellar to store fresh meat and vegetables that need to be kept fresh. The pots are coated with a special mud to further maintain the temperature. The walls are also covered with a variety of pickled and dried ingredients. Cured meats, salted fish, and dried vegetables are hung on special wooden racks, providing convenient access and a unique visual display. Dried goods such as beans and grains are stored in sealed clay pots and neatly arranged on the shelves.
"In less than ten days, all the internal organs are already intact. Sister Wang, what kind of magical power do you have? I have become a hands-off boss now."
Widow Wang smiled and said, "Look at what you said. If your father and your brother hadn't come to help, I'm afraid it would take more than half a month to complete the work." After a pause, she asked, "How much should I pay them for their work?"
"Don't worry, Sister Wang. I'll give it to you later."
Widow Wang nodded. "Alright, I won't be polite with you. We can open tomorrow. I checked the date, it's an auspicious one."
Liu Yeshu nodded: "For the opening discount, let's just follow our previous plan."
The next day, Xiao Yuer hid in the shop with her ears covered after the firecrackers were set off, and Wangji Restaurant officially opened.
A huge iron pot was placed on a blazing charcoal fire, filled with freshly cooked fish soup. The rich aroma wafted in the cold wind, attracting many passers-by to stop.
Widow Wang stood by the pot, wearing a brand new coarse cloth gown and a white headscarf. She beckoned passersby with a warm smile, "Come on, come on, everyone! We're open today, free tastings! One bowl per person, first come, first served!" She swung a long-handled wooden spoon, stirring the fish broth constantly to ensure an even temperature. A thin layer of oil floated on the surface of the broth, garnished with chopped scallions and cilantro, emitting an enticing aroma.
"What a bargain!" Passersby eagerly grabbed the stoneware bowls placed nearby, and Widow Wang expertly ladled each one a generous spoonful of steaming hot fish soup. The broth was delicious, and each sip warmed them from head to toe. Thin slices of bacon drifted through the broth, giving it a distinct, smoky aroma. One sip warmed them from head to toe.
The owner of the drugstore next door also came over and filled a bowl, asking, "Is this bacon? Why does it smell so good?"
Widow Wang smiled and explained, "This is our special bacon. It's marinated with more than a dozen spices and smoked, giving it a unique flavor."
"We open today, feel free to try anything! If you like, come into the store and take a look. We also have bacon and various dried goods at affordable prices, which are easy to carry on the road!" Widow Wang stood at the door of the store, smiling and greeting everyone warmly.
The store was soon packed with people, and the air was filled with the aroma of various foods. The mellow fragrance of bacon, the sweetness of shortbread, and the fragrance of dried fruits were intertwined together, making people's mouths water.
A few men dressed as merchants, who had been drinking fish soup outside, came in and saw a little girl in a bright red short jacket, skipping and helping out in the shop. They called out to the shopkeeper, but Widow Wang was too busy to hear.
"Uncle, would you like to try our sesame chips? They are delicious!" Xiao Yuer walked forward holding a bamboo basket filled with golden sesame chips.
The bald businessman took it and pinched some bacon from the shelf to taste it.
"Give me fifty pounds of bacon and twenty pounds of dried meat. I'll take them with me on the road."
Widow Wang was overjoyed and quickly started packing the food. She also specially gave an extra pound of sesame chips.
After a busy day, Widow Wang rubbed her back and said to herself, "I have to tell Miss Liu that the store needs to hire another assistant."
*
"Humph, this Widow Wang is so lucky! It's amazing that a widow can open a restaurant." Aunt Li said sourly while washing clothes by the well at the village entrance. She usually disliked Widow Wang, and now that she saw her business was booming, she was even more unhappy.
Several village women nearby also chimed in, "Who says it's not true? How could an orphan and a widow suddenly become so capable? Business is so good they can't handle it. I heard they're even hiring employees!"
"Hiring a clerk? How much per month?"
Aunt Zhang held up her hand and said mysteriously, "I heard it's 500 wen a month! And it includes food and accommodation. The work isn't too hard. It's mainly about helping to greet customers and tidy up the store."
"Five hundred coins!" Aunt Li's voice suddenly rose a few notches, her eyes gleaming with envy and jealousy. Rubbing the clothes in her hands vigorously, she muttered, "A widow has such ability? Five hundred coins is a lot! My son has nothing to do anyway, so I'll let him try it later!"
Aunt Zhang shook her head and poured cold water on Aunt Li: "Don't you know? They already hired someone."
Aunt Li rolled her eyes, put down the clothes in her hands, and sneered: "It's better not to go. There are always troubles around a widow."
That night, Aunt Li's jealousy grew stronger and stronger. She felt restless and finally decided to go to the family of Widow Wang's in-laws. She wrapped herself tightly in her faded cotton-padded jacket and walked under the moonlight to the Yang family's old house.
The old house, a dilapidated quadrangle courtyard, was located at the west end of the village. Aunt Li knocked gently on the rusty wooden door, and Widow Wang's husband opened it.
Widow Wang's mother-in-law also came out from the inner room. After Aunt Li sat down, she began to stir up trouble.
"My dear sister, Widow Wang has opened a restaurant in the market, and business is booming!" Aunt Li said in a low voice. "I heard she can make several taels of silver a day!"
Old man Yang and his wife looked at each other, and a hint of greed flashed in their eyes.
Aunt Li continued, "She even hired a servant, paying him five hundred coins a month! But she won't even give you a penny as a gift. Look at this ungrateful person! She's getting even more outrageous."
Widow Wang said with a gloomy face: "How dare this unlucky guy make a fortune without telling us!" She slammed the table hard, the anger in her eyes growing more and more intense.
Old Man Yang stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with calculation: "It seems that it is time to let her know that one should never forget one's roots!"
Seeing that her instigation was successful, Aunt Li was secretly delighted and said with feigned concern, "That's right. You must discipline her properly. In my opinion, you should take Xiao Yu'er back home to prevent her from corrupting you."
Old Man Yang and his wife exchanged a glance, as if reaching some kind of consensus. Seeing this, Aunt Li realized that her goal had been achieved, and she immediately felt refreshed and stood up to say goodbye.
The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Widow Wang got up and prepared to open the shop. She tiptoed to Xiao Yu'er's bed and looked at her sleeping face, feeling a pang of reluctance. She gently woke Xiao Yu'er, and the girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up.
Widow Wang squatted down in front of Xiao Yu'er and carefully tidied her daughter's messy hair. Her movements were gentle, and her eyes were full of love.
"Yu'er, mother has to go to the shop to work today. You have to be good at home, okay?" Widow Wang said softly.
Xiao Yuer nodded, pouting slightly: "Mom, when will you come back?"
Widow Wang smiled and pointed out the window. "When the sun reaches this position," she gestured with her hand, "you can go across the street and find Aunt Liu, okay? She'll take care of you until I get back."
Xiao Yuer looked carefully at the direction her mother pointed and nodded again: "Yes, I remember it."
Widow Wang patted her daughter's head lovingly and reminded her, "Remember to eat breakfast. There are steamed buns and eggs prepared for you on the table. Also, don't open the door to strangers, okay?"
"I know, Mom." Xiao Yu'er answered obediently, then stretched out her little hands and gently hugged her mother's neck, "Mom, you have to come back soon."
Widow Wang felt warm in her heart and hugged her daughter tightly: "Okay, Mom promises you that I will come back early." She kissed Xiao Yuer lightly on the forehead, then got up and left reluctantly.
After Widow Wang left, Xiao Yu'er ate breakfast obediently and then played in the yard. From time to time, she looked up at the position of the sun, silently counting the time in her heart, waiting to find Aunt Liu.
However, at this moment, the gate was suddenly flung open. Old Man Yang rushed in with his two burly nephews. Xiao Yuer was startled by the sudden movement and dropped the toy in her hand.
Old Man Yang's face was gloomy, and his eyes were scanning the yard coldly. His two nephews stood behind him like two small mountains, staring at Xiao Yu'er expressionlessly.
"Grandpa...Grandpa?" Xiao Yu'er spoke timidly, her voice trembling slightly. She remembered her mother's instructions and took a few steps back.
Old Man Yang snorted coldly: "You still recognize Grandpa? Where's your mother?"
Xiao Yu'er lowered her head and whispered, "Mother...Mother went to the shop."
After hearing this, Old Man Yang's eyes flashed with ruthlessness. He winked at his nephew beside him and said, "Take her away."
Two large men immediately stepped forward and picked up Xiao Yu'er. She burst into tears, her face flushed crimson, tears streaming down her face like beads from a broken string. "Mother! Mother, save me!" Her cries were piercing, but to no avail. The men ignored her cries and forcibly dragged the child out.
Liu's father and brother took the camels out for a walk early in the morning. Only Liu's mother was at home. When she heard the noise, she came out immediately.
"What are you doing?!"
"I advise you to stay out of other people's family affairs!" One of the big men glared at her fiercely, his eyes as fierce as a jackal. After that, he pushed Liu's mother hard. Liu's mother staggered and almost fell down.
Mother Liu suppressed her anger and helplessness as she watched those people carry Xiao Yu'er away. Tears instantly blurred her eyes. She gritted her teeth and dared not step forward to stop them, fearing that they would hurt the child.
Before leaving, my husband's family threatened: "Tell that Wang that she owes us a lot! Since she has money for business, she should use it to pay us alimony, otherwise she will never see her daughter again!"
Widow Wang was in the restaurant, but her right eyelid had been twitching all morning. The last time it twitched like that was when Xiao Yu'er was almost pushed into the river by her cousin and drowned. Before lunch, she packed some food in her basket and hurried home. When she got home, the yard was empty, with only a few neighbors standing in the distance, looking uneasy. Widow Wang suddenly had a bad feeling in her heart, and she hurriedly asked, "Where is Yu'er? Where did Yu'er go?"
Seeing her return, Liu's mother sighed and said distressedly, "Your in-laws just came and took Xiao Yu'er away, and they also said..." She told Widow Wang everything that had just happened. With every word she spoke, Widow Wang's face turned paler.
At the end of the sentence, Widow Wang's face instantly turned pale, as if someone had just poured a basin of ice water over her head. The basket in her hands fell to the ground, and its contents scattered everywhere. She slumped to the ground, her eyes hollow as tears suddenly welled up and streamed down her cheeks.
"How could they do this! That's my daughter!" Widow Wang burst into tears, covering her face with trembling hands, unable to accept the fact before her.
Seeing her like this, Mother Liu, as a mother herself, felt the same way: "Don't worry, we'll think of a solution."
Widow Wang felt as if her heart was pierced by a sharp knife. She should have expected that her in-laws would use such despicable means to deal with her.
"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have left Xiao Yu'er at home alone."
She held her face and cried for a while, then suddenly seemed to remember something, stood up abruptly, and ran towards the general's mansion.
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