The Li family's affair caused a sensation in Huzhou. Because of what had happened before, people naturally connected this matter with Song Ning.
After all, there aren't many people who offend the Li family and still manage to leave the government office unscathed.
For a time, rumors spread throughout Huzhou that Li Ji's death was related to her, and most people in Huzhou were gossiping about her behind her back.
She has powerful backers, officials even more powerful than the prefect.
She came to Huzhou because she couldn't stand the Li family's ways, and they even made her appear as an incognito visitor.
They also said that she only dared to disregard the Li family because she was good-looking and had married into a wealthy family.
There were all sorts of opinions, but in short, Song Ning became famous in Huzhou.
The Li family used to be the subject of gossip in Huzhou, but now it's hers.
Xiao Cui came back from outside, looking unhappy.
He came in very angry and said, "Master, these people have gone too far. They're spreading rumors about you everywhere, and the things they're saying are really nasty."
Song Ning just smiled lightly: "People can talk, we can't control them. Let them talk, it won't hurt them anyway."
She certainly won't skimp on the meat, but what she's worried about now is whether a bad reputation will affect her business.
However, this worry soon disappeared.
Because all the rumors and gossip outside were suppressed within a day.
The next day, Prefect Cao arrived.
I almost knelt down before her.
“Miss Song, you have really suffered these past few days. Don’t worry, I will definitely deal with these troublemakers in Huzhou and give you an explanation.”
Song Ning smiled slightly: "It's just a few idle words, nothing to worry about."
Prefect Cao's fawning was undisguised: "Miss Song, you see, this matter has been resolved. As for the Prince... please put in a good word for him."
Song Ning was truly stunned this time.
What prince? When did she meet the prince?
"His Highness values you highly. Before he left, he said that he would make sure things were done to your satisfaction. So, do you think this matter... can we just let it go like this?"
Song Ning suddenly remembered something and asked, "Is the prince that the prefect mentioned the one you met at the prefectural office that day?"
"That's right, he's a rising star in our court. He just made a contribution in the south and was personally appointed Prince Qi by His Majesty."
If he knew that Song Ning was Prince Qi's man, he wouldn't dare to disrespect Song Ning even if he had a hundred lives.
Song Ning frowned slightly: "What's the name of the Prince Qi you mentioned?"
"Oh dear, we can't just casually mention His Highness Prince Qi's name."
"Are you sure this Prince Qi knows me?"
Prefect Cao assumed that Song Ning was unwilling to admit it, and then gave him a knowing look.
"Please don't be modest, young lady. I saw with my own eyes that His Highness Prince Qi enter your shop that day."
Song Ning finally understood.
These days, the only person who comes to her shop is Tang Xinghuai.
Everything became clear; it was indeed Tang Xinghuai's doing.
She said that the reason why Prefect Cao's attitude changed so quickly was because Tang Xinghuai had become successful.
Tang Xinghuai was a wanted criminal not long ago, but now he has transformed into a rising star in the imperial court, which is simply unbelievable.
"I understand, Your Excellency. Rest assured, I will not bring this matter up again. As for the Li family, as long as they do not cause trouble, I will not say anything."
Prefect Cao immediately laughed: "Good, good, young lady, you are so magnanimous."
She's not magnanimous at all. She's just afraid that once Tang Xinghuai leaves, no one in Huzhou will be there to support her anymore, and she's worried about retaliation from the Li family.
She doesn't care about being aloof or pretentious.
Since someone offered her a free advantage, she naturally wanted to take advantage of it.
Besides, Tang Xinghuai offered her this bargain himself, so it was his way of apologizing for the things he had done to her before.
The rumors circulating outside were dealt with by Prefect Cao, and soon the rumors died down.
Song Ning focused all her energy on the shop. The opening preparations were almost complete, and Song Ning even called over a few girls from Qingyuefang.
The restaurant is currently short-staffed, and those who didn't want to stay in Qingyuefang, that place of heartbreak, have all been brought here by her.
She changed out of her fine silks and gold and silver jewelry, put on the clothes of an ordinary family, and tied her hair up, becoming a girl from an ordinary household.
These girls didn't mean to end up in a place like Qingyuefang. If they could have a proper job to support themselves, that would be a good thing.
With everything ready, Song Ning called everyone in the building to the lobby.
"Our Xiangyun Restaurant will be opening tomorrow, Manager Su. It will probably be a bit busy tomorrow. If you have any questions, just ask Xiao Cui."
Su Mingchao nodded.
"The work in the kitchen is the most important. Those of you who are busy in the kitchen, remember to tell everyone before that you must pay attention to hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and wrap your hair properly. You must not slack off."
Su Xiuhong nodded: "Don't worry, boss, I remind them of these things every day."
The people working in the kitchen were mostly Su Xiuhong's close friends, all of whom were introduced by Su Xiuhong. Moreover, their monthly wages were not low, so naturally, no one dared to disobey.
"The rest is about entertaining guests. In this regard, everyone should learn from the girls."
Attitude is very important. Our service must be excellent, but we can't just give in without principle. If you encounter a problem you can't resolve, inform me promptly; never act impulsively.
The girls smiled genuinely for the first time since arriving at Xiangyun Tower.
After all, they used to make a living in brothels. They weren't treated like human beings while they were there, and even after they left the brothels, they were still looked down upon.
But here, the employer did not discriminate based on their background and treated them all equally.
Suddenly, I felt a sense of reassurance that someone was making decisions for me.
"Furthermore, now that we've all come to Xiangyun Tower, we're all family. We should look out for each other from now on. I don't want to hear any discordant voices."
Everyone present knew what Song Ning wanted to say, so they didn't speak, but simply nodded.
Several girls had red eyes, and the grievances in their hearts welled up, and they couldn't help but shed tears.
"Alright, tidy up. Get some rest today. Tomorrow is the opening day, so everyone needs to be in high spirits and strive for a great start. We'll give everyone some perks then."
This approach was very effective, especially the last sentence which included a perk.
Everyone had dinner together that evening and went to bed early, all excited and looking forward to the opening ceremony the next day.
The next day, just as dawn broke, there was a commotion downstairs. Su Xiuhong and the others got up early and started working in the kitchen.
Su Xiuhong is in charge of the kitchen, which is the most lucrative position in the entire restaurant.
The group chatted and laughed as they worked, and the conversation turned to Su Xiuhong.
"Xiuhong, now that you have such a good job, you have to be careful. You haven't been home these past few days, so you don't know, but the Ma family has come again."
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