Shen Qinghe paused in his writing, his sharp gaze sweeping over the man like a blade. The man was so startled by the glare that he took a half step back. Someone pulled him away and whispered, "You! Didn't you even bother to find out beforehand? That Lady Meng is not only Lord Shen's sworn sister, but also his former sister-in-law. You're not only trying to take advantage of his sister, but you're also trying to steal his deceased brother's wife. Who else should I glare at but you!"
The man suddenly realized what was happening, and slapped his forehead in frustration, saying, "No wonder they all refused to come, but insisted on sending me. They dug a pit for me to fall into!"
After the other person kindly reminded him, he immediately stepped back a few paces, afraid of being implicated. After all, who didn't know Shen Huazhang's temper? If he held a grudge, his days in the Zhan family mansion would be difficult.
Nowadays, whenever people in the capital want to see Meng Zhao, whether to buy a shop or to arrange a marriage, they receive the same answer: "He's in a restaurant on Zhuque Street." But where exactly is this restaurant? What is it called? These questions have become a mystery to everyone.
What's even more absurd is that the new restaurant, which was originally open for travelers to rest even during renovations, has been closed for the past few days, with only occasional staff members coming in and out to move items.
While many people were searching for her, Meng Zhao was leisurely looking at the newly made signboard in the restaurant, listening to Huang Cui's report, "Today, the brokers brought two more groups of people to look at the shop. In total, there should be at least twenty or thirty people."
Where have we gotten to the price negotiation?
"This shop is a bit smaller than the last one. We've negotiated 1,200 taels so far, but it'll be difficult to go any higher. After all, the official documents from the new city gate haven't been issued for a day, and those people are getting hesitant."
Meng Zhao thought about it and said that 1,200 taels was reasonable, considering that the shop had only cost less than 600 taels when it was bought. So he said, "Tomorrow, go to the brokerage and tell the clerk to see who offers the highest price, invite them out, and we can sign the contract."
Huang Cui asked, "If they ask if we still have any shops to sell, what should I say?"
"Just like before, let them figure out how to find me."
Huang Cui nodded, and Meng Zhao then found a few young men to wrap the plaque in red cloth and hang it at the entrance.
As a result, many people in the capital immediately received the letter and eagerly awaited the restaurant's opening so that they could see Lady Meng.
On February 28th, the imperial court finally posted a public notice announcing that construction on the new city gate was about to begin, and the people around Zhuque Street cheered with joy.
Meanwhile, the most eye-catching restaurant on Zhuque Street also celebrated its grand opening today. Amidst the resounding gongs and drums and the showers of red envelopes, the restaurant's owner, Meng Zhao, dressed in a scarlet brocade robe, stepped forward and bowed to the onlookers.
"Greetings to all distinguished guests and neighbors! I am fortunate to have the blessing of Heaven and the support of all sides, which has allowed me to open this building on Zhuque Avenue."
"Today is our grand opening! We have prepared the finest Zuixian wine, aged Zhuyeqing liquor, and a variety of fresh vegetables delivered by fast horse, all ready to be enjoyed with you all as we celebrate this auspicious occasion!"
Before the words were even finished, someone in the crowd laughed loudly, "Boss, after all this talk, what's the name of your restaurant?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao smiled and walked to the side of the shop sign, raised his hand to grasp the dangling red rope, and said loudly:
"With wine flags waving and the humble abode opened, a sumptuous feast is prepared to welcome guests from ten miles away—this establishment shall be called 'Welcoming Guests Pavilion'!"
With that, she flicked her wrist, and the red rope fell to the ground, the silk ribbon slid open, revealing three large gilded characters on the plaque: "Welcoming Guests Pavilion," written with powerful strokes and an imposing presence. At the same time, the young waiter beside her, quick as lightning, ripped the red silk ribbon off the couplet as well.
Those in the crowd who could read immediately read aloud, “Delicious food attracts guests from beyond the clouds, and the aroma of wine draws out immortals from the cave.”
Upon hearing this, the onlookers couldn't help but whisper among themselves, with one clicking his tongue and exclaiming, "Wow! What arrogance!"
Meng Zhao remained calm and smiled, "If you don't believe me, why don't you come in and taste it for yourself? Our Yingkelou restaurant's fine wines and delicacies are not afraid of being tasted; we're just afraid that after you've tasted them, you won't want to leave!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted around her. Some clapped and cheered, while others eagerly stepped into the building. Seeing this, the waiters immediately called out loudly, "Honored guests, please come in!"
In an instant, many people rushed into the shop, truly testing the management skills of the waiters inside. At this moment, two young waiters, about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in indigo short shirts, stood at the entrance. One of them, standing outside the door, greeted passersby in a clear voice: "Sir, our Yingkelou is opening today! We're offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Drunken Immortal Brew, and our seasonal fresh vegetables just arrived this morning. Would you like to come in and try some?"
If the guest nodded in agreement, he would step aside and lead the way, saying as he walked, "How about I arrange a quiet spot for you?" In the process, he would subtly guide the guest to a suitable location.
The shopkeeper said that if there are many people, customers should be seated in the innermost seats first, so that other customers will see from the door that the place is full when it is actually empty. However, if there are few people, customers should be seated from the outside in to create a lively atmosphere. Since there are so many people today, we should choose the former.
Another shop assistant stood at the top of the stairs leading to the third floor, his sharp eyes subtly observing the customers entering the shop. Suddenly, he noticed several guests dressed in brocade robes and adorned with jade pendants. He immediately put on a smiling face and went forward to greet them: "Esteemed guests, the private rooms on the third floor are currently available! The window seats offer a panoramic view of the entire Zhuque Street, and paired with our treasured Zhuyeqing liquor, that would be truly elegant!"
The group, finding the noise downstairs bothering them, nodded, and the young waiter immediately stepped aside to lead the way: "This way, please—" Although he was leading the way for the guests, he kept a close eye on them, reminding them as they went up the stairs: "The steps are a bit steep, please watch your step."
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