"Even the imperial kitchen can't compare?" Luo Jiu became even more curious and continued, "Then do you have any good recommendations?"
"Let me tell you about it. The braised pork knuckle with wine and vinegar, raw tofu, fried tripe with two kinds of fillings, and stir-fried shark with soup are all extremely delicious, especially the crab soup."
These crabs were personally selected by the chef from the fishermen early this morning. They're guaranteed to be plump, large, fresh, and delicious. Everyone who's tried them raves about them and wants to come back for more.
The waiter, as expected of someone who'd seen all sorts of people, captivated Luo Jiu with his description. Luo Jiu lowered her head, concealing her excitement and the sparkle in her eyes. She cleared her throat, feigning composure, and said:
"Then I'll bring you one of all your restaurant's signature dishes."
Yueying followed behind Luo Jiu, not daring to speak. Seeing that Luo Jiu was in a bad mood, she rolled her eyes, as if she knew this would happen. Zuixianju has so many signature dishes; how could they possibly finish them all?
Compared to the bustling lobby on the first floor, the second floor was much quieter. The staircase was in the middle, and the private seating area was arranged around it, forming a "回" shape.
The seats are separated by screens, like small private rooms. At the outermost edge, there's a thin gauze window. Looking out through the gauze, you can see vendors hawking their wares and the bustling crowds on the street.
The waiter left with a beaming smile after receiving his tip.
Luo Jiu was looking at the street with interest when Yueying's voice rang in her ears:
"Young master, after we finish our meal, shall we return to the palace?"
Hearing Yueying ask this question, Luo Jiu suddenly remembered that her purpose in leaving the palace today was to see a play. Seeing the food, she had almost forgotten about it.
He slapped his fan and turned around to ask, "Moon Shadow, do you know if there are any opera performances around here today?"
"The Pear Garden? This servant has lived in the palace with His Majesty for a long time, how would I know?" Yueying murmured. Then, after a moment's thought, she quickly added, "Young Master, when you told the Regent you liked the Pear Garden, wasn't it to spite him? You really liked it? Forgive me, forgive me. How could you like this?"
"I just had a sudden urge. I haven't really looked around properly. It's a shame to not go see it since I've finally come all this way," Luo Jiu reassured her.
"Young master, your dishes are all served." The waiter's accent carried a street-smart,江湖-like air.
"Hey, wait a minute. I'm asking you, where can I watch Peking Opera today?"
Luo Jiu grabbed the waiter and asked. People who make a living in restaurants see all sorts of people every day. News travels fast, he must know. She couldn't help but praise herself.
"This imperial city used to have many opera troupes. However, the current regent dislikes opera culture. The troupe leaders were afraid that they might accidentally displease the regent one day, so most of them moved away from the imperial city."
Only one troupe, backed by powerful figures, remained. But unfortunately, today Young Master Rongyu hosted a grand banquet, inviting people to drink tea and appreciate paintings. This opera troupe was thus invited to provide entertainment.
Luo Jiu sighed. The Regent is the Regent again. It's one thing if they won't let us see it in the palace, but we can't even see it outside the palace. Gu Muchen, why are you making such a fuss?
I never expected that even going out of the palace to see a play would be so difficult. There was nothing I could do; the punishment was there. So I could only ask, "Where is Young Master Rongyu holding his banquet?"
"On a painted boat on Yunmeng Lake. The boat departs at 3:45 PM."
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