Chapter 189 An Auspicious Day, Luo'er Restaurant Finally Opens
Li Qingluo knew nothing about Pei Nanjia's affairs beforehand; her grandmother hadn't mentioned it, and she hadn't heard any rumors about it.
But once Madam Pei learned that Qingyangzi had been imprisoned in the Jinling government jail, she would naturally inquire about it.
After Pei Nanjia was poisoned, her father made such a big fuss, seeking out imperial physicians and searching for famous doctors all over Jinling. How could her grandmother not know?
Today, Li Qingluo personally witnessed Pei Nanjia's current situation and was greatly shocked.
She desperately wanted to do everything she could to save Nan Jia's life.
When Li Kechuan broke his leg, didn't Grandmother invite the divine physician Luo?
Madam Pei shook her head and said, "What a coincidence! Doctor Luo went to travel in the Great Chu a month ago. Although Grandmother has sent someone by fast horse to deliver a letter to him, when will he return? And will he be able to save Twelfth Sister's life when he returns? Everything is still unknown."
Li Qinglu thought to himself: Could it be that this hope can only be placed on Prince Su?
I wonder if Nanping can persuade Prince Su to lend him those famous doctors in his household.
Li Qingluo waited for news from Princess Nanping and Old Madam Pei, while her restaurant finally opened for business.
The 25th day of the twelfth lunar month is an auspicious day.
The Zhenxiu Tangguo Restaurant finally opened for business amidst the eager anticipation and curiosity of the people of Jinling City.
Early in the morning, Li Qingluo invited a lion and dragon dance team to create a lively atmosphere in front of her door.
Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, she stood on the steps with Madam Pei, covering each other's ears as they gazed at the strange sight she herself had never seen before.
Li Qingluo is still dressed as a man today.
This was also for the convenience of going out in the future, so everyone only saw that the young owner of this soup restaurant was actually a young and handsome young man.
Moreover, this is the first hot pot restaurant in Jinling City!
Everyone was filled with curiosity, until the shopkeeper struck the gong heavily and shouted, "Open for business!"
In an instant, dozens of people rushed forward.
The hall was packed with people, both inside and out.
Li Qingluo had already made arrangements, but even she herself did not expect that so many people would come to join in the fun and try something new.
During the months of preparation, she listened to a lot of advice, humbly learned from her grandmother, and secretly observed how others did things in many restaurants.
So although there were many people and a lot of people today, everything was prepared in advance and things were in good order.
Everyone in a group must first take a number and then be seated in order.
Inside the hall, there were not only large tables, but also small tables, and even a few tables facing the street under the porch outside.
Enjoying a hot pot meal while watching the snow in winter, even though it's a bit cold, has a unique charm.
If you keep walking in, there are a few outdoor seats overlooking the Qinhuai River on the terrace, where you can also watch the river cruise ships.
Apart from the first floor, the second floor is entirely private rooms.
Each of the private rooms is not only spacious, but also well-ventilated by windows.
The room was decorated with green plants, and there was a square table with a repaired stove. There were also two tables in the largest side room.
However, not everyone can easily get a private room. Because the number is limited and the rooms are in high demand, you need to pay in advance to reserve the room, regardless of whether you are a high-ranking official or a nobleman.
In addition, Madam Pei also noticed that each room had a chimney that extended from the stove and directly to the window.
Moreover, there are also small chimneys gathered together in the lobby on the first floor, all extending out of the restaurant.
Although Li Qinglu decorated it with vines and greenery, it was hard not to notice them.
Because it's just too ugly!
Madam Pei couldn't help but ask curiously, "Don't you want these ugly things? Grandmother thinks everything else is beautiful, but these things are just an eyesore."
Li Qingluo explained with a smile, "Grandmother, without them, my restaurant wouldn't have had to wait until today to open. Although they took time, they are the most indispensable things for this restaurant!"
“I asked Princess Nanping, and she said that when they were in the Northwest, they ate hot pot using individual charcoal stoves. But mining was quite developed there, so burning charcoal was more convenient than burning firewood.”
“But this is Jinling. If my granddaughter wants to use the best smokeless charcoal for the whole shop, it will be too difficult to avoid smoke. And even if it is charcoal, even if all the doors and windows are opened, my granddaughter is worried that it will knock everyone out on the first day.”
"So, let's burn firewood."
"The helper who adds firewood and starts the fire is more economical than smokeless charcoal."
"Although the stove is a bit ugly, it is very warm in winter, and it is also a novelty for the people in Jinling City to eat around the stove. It is also the most feasible method at present."
However, Li Qingluo's pots and pans are not cheap, so he still makes a good profit.
Madam Pei nodded, "If the food tastes good, all these things are secondary. Besides being innovative, the most important thing for a restaurant is good taste; good taste is the most crucial thing!"
Li Qingluo studied at the Red Maple Pavilion for several months.
She thoroughly researched all the soup bases she had previously conceived.
Now, I just give the recipe to someone I trust, and that person brings the recipe to prepare the ingredients every day, so I don't have to worry about it anymore.
"Plum Blossom Frost!"
When Que'er saw Mei Shuang busy at work, she called her over.
Mei Shuang, who was wearing a veil, turned around and hurried over as soon as she heard the shout.
"Meishuang greets the old lady, greets the aunt... greets the young master."
Li Qinglu smiled slightly: "From now on, you'll have to work hard. I've made you the manager of this shop, so you'd better be paid the manager's salary, understand?"
Mei Shuang has been completely transformed by the people sent by Granny Deng.
Not only has he become much more composed and capable, but he has also developed some martial arts skills.
The formula that Li Qingluo gave to her was the one she was given.
Li Qingluo also asked Meishuang if she wanted to change her name, but Meishuang said that a name is just a title and she doesn't care what she's called.
So she is still called Mei Shuang.
"Please rest assured, young master, Mei Shuang will protect this restaurant with her life."
Madam Pei was very satisfied with Mei Shuang's attitude.
Seeing her calm and methodical approach to things, Madam Pei nodded repeatedly in approval.
After Mei Shuang left, Li Qingluo led Old Madam Pei to the prepared room and they sat down.
Madam Pei: "I heard from Old Deng and the others earlier that you were going to train a maid to be a manager. I didn't believe that a maid from the Li family could be trained to be anything of importance."
"However, judging from what she has experienced, and the fact that she dared to slash her own face to save her life, she is a person who is willing to risk everything and has a decisive mind."
"Luo'er, you have good taste."
"Cultivate more of your own trusted confidants; they will naturally be of great use to you in the future."
Li Qingluo listened attentively: "Yes, Grandmother."
As they were talking, Princess Nanping was brought over by Granny Deng.
"Sister Luo'er, we're here."
"Your place is quite lively today. I'm going to be a regular here from now on, so aren't you going to treat me well today?"
Princess Nanping, upon arriving and witnessing the bustling atmosphere, immediately felt as if she had returned to the Northwest, and became as excited as a chirping little bird.
Li Qingluo stood up to greet him, "What would you like to eat or drink today? I'll treat you."
Li Qingluo noticed that following Nanping were several elegantly dressed women with headscarves and veils. She wondered which family's daughters had come to support them.
The private room was warm and cozy because of the firewood burning inside.
As soon as they entered, the girls removed their veils and cloaks.
Li Qingluo then realized that the girls who had come with her that day were the same girls who had hidden back in the camp.
Besides Liu Qingzhu and her servant, everyone else has come?
Moreover, there were also Cui Jiu Niang and Cui Shi Yi Niang, who were the last people she expected!
"you……"
Li Qingluo looked at them and suddenly didn't know what to say.
Cui Jiuniang: "Are you not welcoming us? Miss Li was brave and resourceful that day, saving everyone. We came here without prior notice not only to support you, but also to bring you some gifts to express our gratitude for that day."
Another Lin Qiniang chimed in, "Yes, yes. You look like a handsome young man today, you shouldn't neglect us."
As he spoke, the servants behind him began to pile up the gifts.
Li Qingluo was stunned.
She never imagined that what she did would one day be remembered.
Moreover, Cui Jiuniang was originally full of disdain and hostility towards her, but it seems that after that day's events, her attitude has changed somewhat.
"Thank you all. Please have a seat!"
Li Qingluo readily accepted them all.
The young ladies stepped forward to greet Madam Pei and introduced themselves by their surnames.
Neither Cui Jiuniang nor Cui Shiyi Niang concealed their identities, so Old Madam Pei naturally glanced at Cui Jiuniang a few more times.
However, no one deliberately brought up the matter of the two families' marriage, and everyone just ate hot pot together peacefully.
Li Qingluo had prepared a duck soup base with pickled radish for everyone beforehand.
A sip of old duck soup on a winter's day instantly warms you up from head to toe.
With the addition of Nanjing's signature salted duck and a few snacks, one's appetite is instantly whetted.
Freshly cooked mutton is served with various golden-fried meatballs and vegetables.
Que'er and the maids stayed by her side, constantly cooking and serving dishes to their masters.
Seeing that the maids were pushing the seated girls aside, Li Qingluo told them to go down and ask for a table in the main hall to eat by themselves, and that they didn't need to serve her anymore.
The real joy of hot pot is that it tastes even better when you cook it yourself.
Sparrow knew the girl was telling the truth, and happily led the other maids away.
The remaining Cui Jiuniang and the others stared at each other, unsure of what to do next.
Nanping, with her mouth still stuffed full, anxiously reached for more food in the pot with her chopsticks, saying, "Hurry up, if you don't eat soon, this fresh tripe will become too tough to chew!"
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