Xu Qinyu took the three ladies to Jinxiu Garden.
A small path was specially built on the road from the restaurant to Jinxiu Garden. Flowers and plants were planted on both sides, including many crape myrtle trees. Even now, the flowers and plants have just been planted and have not yet bloomed. The crape myrtle trees on both sides are still small and will definitely not grow this year. In addition, there is a long wooden chair every few meters for people to sit down and rest temporarily. In the summer, you can sit here. Behind it is a larger garden. Nothing is planted in it for the time being. Xu Qinyu plans to make use of it, turning one side into a garden for people to rest, and the other side to plant grape seedlings.
There are twenty courtyards of various sizes in Jinxiuyuan.
The smallest courtyard had four side rooms, each with its own toilet. Each also had a small kitchen and a toilette, which was used as a temporary restroom for the women who usually served the female guests in the courtyard. The larger courtyard had six side rooms, each also equipped with a toilet, utility room, toilette, and a small kitchen.
These courtyards, the small courtyard can accommodate four guests, and the large courtyard can accommodate six guests.
Of course, the bed in the wing was also large enough, a 1.8-meter-tall wooden frame. On either side of the frame stood bedside tables of the same color, and next to it stood a wardrobe for clothing. Under the window stood a dressing table, upon which lay a bronze mirror, a dressing table, and other items. This was the master bedroom, where one rested, separated by a curtain. Outside, there was a couch and a long wooden table. A simple white porcelain vase held a few wild peach or pear blossoms, or other long branches, picked from the mountains. In another corner stood a square table, surrounded by several chairs, serving as the dining table.
If guests staying in Jinxiu Garden do not want to go to the restaurant for meals, they can order dishes in the side rooms and ask the ladies serving in the courtyard to go to the restaurant to bring the food over and eat here.
There is a huge window in the master bedroom area, which allows you to see the flowers and plants planted in the yard when it is opened.
If there is wind, the breeze blows in and the curtains flutter, making it look fairy-like.
It’s a pity that the flowers and plants outside the window have not grown yet. Otherwise, with the curtains fluttering and admiring the flowers, plants and scenery outside, one’s mood will be relaxed.
In addition, there is a shoe cabinet at the door of the wing, on which you can place some small vases and ornaments, and the bottom can be opened to store embroidered shoes and boots.
The overall decoration is based on some later styles, but the whole is made of solid wood, which has an ancient flavor.
The price of staying in a room like this is one or two taels of silver.
The price is the same regardless of the number of people staying.
But it is generally recommended that only two people stay in the room. If some good friends come together, they can stay in the same room.
This is just the price of accommodation, the hot spring is free.
Even if you want to loosen up your muscles and bones on a daily basis, or use rouge, powder, incense, and cream, there will be additional charges.
Of course, you can choose not to use these, it all depends on the guests' own consumption concepts.
When Mrs. Lu brought her two girlfriends to Xianzong Garden, they found that each courtyard had its own name. After entering the Moon Gate, they saw a rose vine climbing on the Moon Gate, but it was also not in bloom.
There is a rockery in each yard, and next to it is a small fish pond with some water lilies and a few small koi.
After entering the yard, He and Yu didn't feel anything, but Mrs. Lu knew that in a few months, when all the flowers and plants in the yard grew and bloomed, the whole yard would be so beautiful. This yard was obviously carefully designed.
It was not until they entered the wing room that He and Yu were a little surprised. Although the furniture inside was not made of more expensive wood, and there were no common chaise longues and other furniture, it was very comfortable all day long. It was fairy-like, the lighting was excellent, and it was quite spacious. Just watching the curtains blown by the wind, their mood was actually soothed.
The two of them felt a little more relieved.
It is naturally impossible for three people to live in the same room, they live separately.
Xu Qinyu told the three of them that they could go take a hot spring bath first.
Madam Lu smiled and said, "What hot spring is Miss Xu talking about?"
Xu Qinyu then led the three of them to the hot spring pool.
The hot spring pool is on the right side of the yard. No matter which yard it is from, it is in a straight line and relatively close.
When they got here, the three of them were a little surprised.
Xu Qinyu briefly explained the benefits of the hot spring to the three of them.
Mrs. Lu didn't really care about these things. No one lived in this yard yet and it was relatively private, so no one would peek at her. She wanted to soak in the pool.
But He and Yu were a little hesitant and didn't know whether they could take a bath in the hot spring. They already knew that hot springs were underground hot springs, different from ordinary mountain spring water, and could not be drunk as it was bad for the body. But could they use it for taking a bath now?
The two of them finally declined. When they saw that Mrs. Lu wanted to stay and soak in the hot spring, they didn't say anything and planned to stay with her.
Mrs. Lu knew some of Miss Xu's abilities and believed in her.
Seeing that there were not many customers at the moment, Xu Qinyu went to take a hot spring bath with Mrs. Lu.
It is still late spring now, and the weather is still chilly. Soaking in hot springs is the most comfortable thing.
The other two ladies were sitting on a bench nearby, chatting.
Mrs. Lu was certainly not as relaxed as people in later generations. She went in to soak in her silk undergarment. The moment she entered the water, she clearly felt that the feeling was different from washing with hot water at home. It was very comfortable.
Xu Qinyu also took off her clothes and went in.
In fact, since the hot spring pool was completed, she and Wen also came here to take a bath, and asked someone to guard outside.
Wen was embarrassed at first, but later she tried it with Yu Niang, and she naturally liked it after taking a bath.
The two of them leaned against the hot spring pool and chatted. Mrs. Lu breathed a sigh of relief, "It's really comfortable to soak in this hot spring."
Xu Qinyu took the opportunity to tell Mrs. Lu about the benefits of hot springs, such as how they could improve skin, and how cold legs and other minor ailments could be alleviated by soaking in hot springs. In short, there were benefits, but they were not a panacea; they only provided relief.
He and Yu sat on a bench not far away, watching the two people soaking in the water. He couldn't help but say, "The one who soaked in Li Hua's water looks better, and his face is rosy. Could it be that soaking in this stuff is really good for the body?"
Yu was not sure either.
The two of them didn't soak for long, just over a quarter of an hour, about twenty to thirty minutes.
Don’t soak in the hot spring for too long at the beginning.
Xu Qinyu also told Mrs. Lu about this.
They returned to Xianzong Garden, and He and Yu ordered hot water and washed up.
Xu Qinyu also pushed Jinxiu Garden's unique cream and incense to the three of them.
After soaking in the hot spring and washing up, you can apply cream all over your body, light some soothing incense, and then call the girl waiting outside the door to help massage your muscles and bones and take a rest.
Naturally, all three of them wanted to try it.
After washing up, He and Yu asked the maid to apply cream on them, then put on their inner clothes, lit some pleasant-smelling incense, and asked the maid to massage their muscles and bones.
Kneading like this, I feel a little drowsy...
When I opened my eyes, an hour had passed.
It was just one hour, but it was more comfortable than the three or four hours of sleep they usually had at night.
Mrs. Lu, in particular, felt extremely relaxed. After she put on her clothes and looked at herself in the bronze mirror, she felt that her complexion was more rosy than before, and her lips had a hint of rosy color, making her look more delicate.
After a good rest, Mrs. Lu naturally went to find her two female friends and have dinner at the restaurant.
He and Yu slept very comfortably, but when they saw Mrs. Lu, they were a little surprised. She looked much better.
Madam Lu advised, "It must be the effect of the hot spring. After soaking, it helps loosen up your muscles and bones. It's really comfortable. You should try it next time. If you don't want to soak in the pool, you can ask the maid to bring water over to the side room and soak there. It will have the same effect."
Seeing that Madam Lu looked really good, the two of them couldn't help but be moved. "Then let's go and try it after dinner tonight."
As the three of them were talking, they were about to go to the restaurant. Before they got there, they could already smell a rich aroma.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the aroma was even stronger. Mrs. Lu was already familiar with the aroma of Xu's food, but the aroma today was completely different from the past, with a stronger and more exotic meaty aroma. Even she was very greedy, not to mention He Yu and the others.
When they arrived at the private room on the second floor, the crispy suckling pig was served on the table. Xu Qinyu helped them cut the suckling pig into even-sized pieces with the back of a knife, and picked up a piece for each of them to taste.
He Yu and the others couldn't help but murmur, "Li Hua, I finally understand why you insisted we come here."
The two finally understood why their best friend insisted on inviting them to the restaurant. They hadn't mentioned any other hot springs, but the food really amazed them.
Compared with the food in the restaurant, no other restaurant in the city can compare, not even the most famous signature dishes of Zuixianlou.
In the past, they had heard Mrs. Lu talk about how delicious the food was at Xu Ji in Yuanbao Town, and she wanted to take them there, but they were all women with children and grandchildren, so they didn't feel comfortable going to the town for a bite of food, so they refused. They also didn't quite believe it, thinking that the food cooked by a ten-year-old cook in a small town could be that delicious.
Only today did I realize how wrong they were.
It’s so delicious!
Why is it all pork? Miss Xu roasted it whole like this, and there is no fishy smell of pork at all. It is so fragrant that it can make people dizzy.
The two of them had already made up their minds that when they returned, they would definitely bring their family members to try it.
After finishing their evening meal, the three of them went back.
Because Xu Qinyu also told Mrs. Lu that it is not advisable to soak in this hot spring too many times, once a day is enough, so Mrs. Lu did not go there to soak again.
However, He Yu and the other person asked someone to bring hot spring water and soak in the room.
They waited until the hot spring water in the big bathtub gradually cooled down before getting up. It was indeed very comfortable.
In fact, it is most comfortable to soak in the pool, because the hot spring water is always at this temperature and will not get cold, which is more conducive to blood circulation.
The next day, the three of them went to the restaurant for breakfast.
Because there were not many customers, Xu Qinyu added a lot of other breakfast dishes in addition to the original ones that Xu Ji had.
But since there were no guests now, Xu Qinyu prepared the breakfast that Madam Lu had ordered last night.
Custard buns, crystal shrimp dumplings and seafood porridge.
The seafood porridge is made with fresh river shrimps, river crabs, and dried scallops. Xu Qinyu’s own preserved vegetables and peanut butter are also added to it, and it tastes incredibly sweet and fresh.
Seafood porridge is also a new product, and Mrs. Lu was very satisfied with it.
The same is true for He Yu and the other two.
The three of them stayed here. At noon, Dong also brought her youngest daughter Yu Jie'er and several of Dong's friends.
Because Dong and the others were all from Yuanbao Town, they already knew how delicious the food Xu Qinyu cooked was, and they were very convinced by what Xu Qinyu said.
So when Xu Qinyu mentioned taking a hot spring bath, several people went to try it.
There is not just one hot spring pool, but several, which are also separated by relatively thick curtains. It is very comfortable for several friends to soak in the same pool.
After soaking, go to the room, light some incense, apply some cream, relax your muscles and bones, and have a good sleep, and all your fatigue and sleepiness will be gone.
Only then did Dong realize that Miss Xu must have taken every aspect into consideration when planning to build this restaurant.
Business may not be good now, but anyone who has come here to play will definitely come often in the future.
The business here will be like Xu's Restaurant in the future, with a constant flow of customers, and there might even be queues.
…
Therefore, during the first few days after Xu's Restaurant opened, only Mrs. Lu and Mrs. Dong came.
Some of the other wealthier families in Yuanbao Town who often eat at Xu Ji also planned to come and support the restaurant, but the distance was too far and it was not convenient for them to leave the town, so they planned to come again when they had time.
Zhu from the prefect's mansion knew that Xu Qinyu had opened a restaurant outside the city, so she didn't dare bring her daughter-in-law over to avoid suspicion, but she still couldn't help but talk to the prefect.
After all, he treats Yu Niang as his own junior, and he must be worried about her business.
On the contrary, Governor Zhu was not too worried and told Zhu, "Don't worry, Yu Niang's restaurant will definitely have good business in the future. It's just a matter of time. Her cooking skills alone will attract countless people to come here."
Zhu thought of Yu Niang's cooking skills, and it was indeed true.
Unfortunately, in order to avoid suspicion, she couldn't bring her children and grandchildren to the restaurant, otherwise she really wanted to try it. She also missed the food made by Yu Niang.
Mrs. Lu, Mrs. He and Mrs. Yu stayed in the restaurant for only four days. Actually, Mrs. Lu wanted to stay longer, and she felt that it was much more comfortable than living in the city during these few days. However, her two girlfriends both had elderly parents and young children, so they definitely couldn't stay in the restaurant for too long because they had mothers-in-law above them. After they returned, their mothers-in-law might nag them.
On their way back, Madam Lu smiled and said to the two of them, "Someday, you can coax your mother-in-law to come over to the restaurant for a visit. She might even be reluctant to leave. Besides, even if she doesn't like hot springs, just eating here is enough to make her want to linger. She could eat something different for ten days or half a month straight. I'm going to come over again in a few days and stay for ten days or half a month."
He was fine with this. Her mother-in-law was quite nice. She didn't have to visit her every morning and evening. She only had to go and pay her respects on the first and fifteenth mornings of every month.
But it is indeed comfortable here, and He also wants to bring her mother-in-law here to stay for a few days.
After hearing this, Yu couldn't help but feel thoughtful.
The family she married into was the Qiu family in Raozhou City, who ran a money shop. Their family was very wealthy. Although not the richest family in Raozhou City, they were definitely among the top few.
Yu's family background is ordinary. She is just the daughter of a minor official, who is not even an official. Although the Qiu family is not from an official family, they are wealthy and live a life of luxury. Her mother-in-law is rather arrogant and looks down on Yu's background.
Over the years since Yu got married, she would go to pay her respects to the old lady most mornings.
The old lady's attitude towards her was just average.
If Mrs. Lu had not come to deliver the invitation in person, the old lady would not have allowed her to go out for fun.
Yu was even very clear in her mind that when she returned, the old lady would definitely scold her, so she had to think of a way to shut the old lady up.
So when she went back, Yu asked Xu Qinyu if she could order a crispy suckling pig to take back.
Although there were countless delicious dishes in the restaurant, the crispy suckling pig was probably irresistible to everyone. The three of them couldn't help it and ate it for three consecutive days.
Xu Qinyu smiled and said, "Of course you can. After you take it back, you can ask the people in the mansion to send the food box back when you have time."
The takeaway food boxes are all made of pure wood and are a bit expensive. The food box for the crispy suckling pig is much larger and the cost is high, so the food box cannot be thrown away.
Yu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Miss Xu. I will have someone send the food box back when I get back."
When He heard this, she couldn't help but ask for one, wanting to take it back for her family to try. This would make it easier to persuade them to come to the restaurant for dinner and entertainment in the future.
Mrs. Lu naturally brought one back and let Zhen Wu try it. She knew that Zhen Wu would definitely like it.
The three of them each ordered a crispy suckling pig to take home.
When I brought it back, it was time for dinner.
Yu asked the little maid to carry a large food box to the hall where they would have their meal.
Old Mrs. Qiu has only one son and two daughters who are already married. On weekdays, the Qiu family eats breakfast and dinner together.
Mr. Qiu is still alive, but because he is a bit old, the business of the bank has been handed over to his son.
Although Old Lady Qiu looked down on her daughter-in-law's background, she had given birth to three grandsons after marrying her for so many years. Even the eldest grandson got married and gave birth to a great-grandson for her as soon as he got married, which made the Qiu family prosperous. She accepted her daughter-in-law, but she was still a little unreasonable in her words.
Seeing Yu return, Old Lady Qiu said calmly, "Did you have fun? As the daughter-in-law of the Qiu family, you have parents-in-law above you, a little grandson below you, and a husband to take care of. How can you just abandon your family and go out for three days to play? How can you be so rude?"
Mrs. Lu came from a different background, so the old lady didn't dare to refuse at the time. Now that she saw her daughter-in-law coming back, she naturally couldn't help but say a few words to her.
Yu didn't care what the old lady said and continued to smile. "Mom, I know I was wrong, but the food in this restaurant is really delicious. I brought you some food from the restaurant. It's still hot. You and Dad can try it. It's Xu's Restaurant's signature dish, crispy suckling pig."
The Qiu family was not short of money, so Mrs. Qiu didn't think much of her daughter-in-law spending six taels of silver on food. She just frowned and said, "This restaurant just opened. How can the food be delicious?"
The chef of the Qiu family is also a famous chef, and the food he prepares on weekdays makes Old Mrs. Qiu quite satisfied.
Yu smiled and said, "Mother, you will know after you try it."
As she spoke, she asked the maid to make some space for the dishes on the table, put the whole food box on it, and then opened the lid of the food box.
This lid is a snap-on type, and it is very tight when closed, which can prevent the fragrance and heat inside from escaping.
As soon as the lid of the food box is opened, a rich aroma wafts out, and the roasted suckling pig inside the food box has a bright red skin and is roasted whole, which looks very appetizing.
When Mr. Qiu saw the crispy suckling pig, he couldn't help but say, "It looks quite good, very special, a food I have never seen before, and it smells delicious too. Is this the crispy suckling pig that cost six taels of silver on the list sent out by Xu Ji Restaurant a few days ago?" Even he felt it was a bit expensive at the time.
Yu nodded and chopped the suckling pig into pieces with the back of her knife. "Master, you should try it too."
Mr. Qiu first picked up a piece for his parents, and then picked up a piece for himself. The skin was crispy, the meat was fragrant, and it melted in the mouth.
Master Qiu couldn't help but hiss, "It's delicious, so delicious."
After tasting it, Mrs. Qiu and Mr. Qiu were silent. Mr. Qiu also praised it, "It's fragrant and delicious. It's the most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my life."
This is the first time in my life that I have tasted such delicious food.
Yu smiled and said, "The cook at Xu's is only eighteen years old. She's very famous in Yuanbao Town. Li Hua has always wanted to invite us to Yuanbao Town to eat there. I was expecting how delicious it would be, but after eating it, I realized I was wrong."
Old Mrs. Qiu didn't say anything, but her heart was conquered by the crispy suckling pig.
Mr. Qiu nodded repeatedly. "No wonder they're willing to sell it for six taels of silver. The taste is worth it even if it's a little more expensive. I have something to discuss with the people from the Chamber of Commerce soon. I'll invite them to eat at Xu's, but it's a little inconvenient because they have to leave the city."
Yu said, "Master, you don't know this. The restaurant outside the city is not just a place to eat. You don't have to rush back. You can stay there for two days and soak in the hot springs. It's very comfortable. You'll know it after you've been there."
When Mrs. Qiu heard this, she felt a little itchy in her heart.
She has lived a lifetime and probably only has a few years left, so naturally she wants to live more comfortably and eat better in the remaining years.
Even though she didn't have very good teeth, she was able to chew this crispy roast suckling pig. It was very crispy and the meat was very tender without getting stuck in her teeth.
Just by looking at this dish, she knew that the restaurant must be extraordinary.
Yu saw that her mother-in-law was a little tempted and said, "That restaurant has a lot of sweet soups, such as brown sugar and milk mochi, lotus seed and lily red bean paste, mango pudding, double skin milk, etc. There are also many snacks, which are also very delicious and not too sweet. It suits your taste very well. Do you want to try it? You can go with Aunt Jin to try it."
The old lady of the Jin family is the best friend of old lady Qiu. They had been friends since childhood, but now only the two of them are left. Whenever there is something delicious or a good play in the city, they both like to make an appointment to go out and eat together. Now that there is such a place where you can eat many delicious foods, the old lady wants to take her old sisters there to try it.
Mrs. Qiu thought about it, but finally couldn't help herself. Without showing any emotion, she said calmly, "Okay, your Aunt Jin said she's been feeling a bit bored staying at home these days, and the eldest son wants to go over there and have dinner with everyone. Bring me and your Aunt Jin with you when you go. We won't disturb you when we go, and we'll stay in the garden with the women."
Yu pursed her lips and smiled.
Two days later, Mr. Qiu invited several people from the Chamber of Commerce to have dinner at the restaurant.
Several people from the Chamber of Commerce felt that the restaurant was a bit far away.
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