Having sent Long Xuanmo off to the early court assembly, Yang Mengchen instructed her servants to send invitations to the residences of family and friends. Over the following two days, she was busy with preparations for the new restaurant. Fu Chuyan, Chu Dieyi, Long Jingxi, and Long Yingtong all came to help, and of course, Nangong Lingfei and Yang Chenghong were no exceptions.
As evening fell, guests began arriving at the restaurant in carriages, having received their invitations.
The magnificent sight attracted many curious onlookers, but the restaurant was tightly guarded and they couldn’t find out anything, leaving some to linger outside, not ready to leave.
"Jiujiu has asked us here, is there something good happening?" the casually dressed Emperor chuckled heartily, ever since Jiujiu married into the royal family, good things had kept happening, by extension making everything he did feel more delightful.
"Your Majesty will know in a bit," Yang Mengchen said with a smile as she greeted everyone, "Tonight, it’s all family here, please take a seat in the main hall. Don’t be restrained, just make yourself at home."
Maids and guards, among others, were directed to the private rooms. Yang Mengchen had made meticulous arrangements around the restaurant; should anyone dare to cause trouble, they would definitely not return without consequences.
The waitstaff smiled as they ushered everyone to their seats. Although it was a family gathering, the seating was still divided between men and women.
Hearing what Yang Mengchen had said, Lu Ningshuang, who had come with her father and brother, covertly glanced at Yang Chenghong nearby, her heart fluttering with unease and sweetness.
Marquis Xuanping felt a touch of doubt, but he didn’t show it. Lu Ningyan, who knew his sister’s heart, breathed a sigh of relief and was happy for her.
The family of General Ye was very joyful. Chengning was interested in Princess Chen, and since Princess Chen had invited them, it was clear she approved of the match between Qiann’er and Chengning.
Yang Mengchen waved her hand, and the male waitstaff brought out specially made soup pots, carefully placing them in the stone tables crafted for this purpose. They then lit the coal placed in the stone boxes beneath the tables. After leaving a few to stand guard on both sides of the hall, the rest retreated back to the kitchen in an orderly fashion, ready to serve the dishes.
"Jiujiu, what is this?" Except Chu Dieyi, the Emperor and others all asked with a mix of surprise and curiosity, looking at Yang Mengchen.
"This is hot pot. The center is a clear broth made by simmering special herbs and bones for a long time, while the outer ring is spicy broth, which contains chili peppers and other seasonings," Yang Mengchen explained with a smile. "Soon, the waitstaff will teach everyone how to eat it. If you’re afraid of the spice, you can have the items cooked in the clear broth. Here’s the menu, if you like a certain dish, just check it off and hand it to the waitstaff—your food will be served shortly."
Long Yixuan took a deep breath. "It smells so good!"
By now, the soup had started boiling, and wafts of tantalizing aroma lingered in the air. It wasn’t just the guests whose mouths were watering—those lingering outside couldn’t help but swallow their saliva as well. What on earth was being cooked inside the restaurant that smelled so incredibly delicious?
Yang Mengchen instructed the female waitstaff to serve fine wine to the men and red wine and fruit wines to the women, while children received fruit juice drinks.
"So spicy!" Guided by a waiter, Long Yixuan eagerly tried a slice of beef cooked in the spicy broth and ended up shouting due to the heat of the spice. He only felt better after gulping down a whole cup of warm tea, and faced with everyone’s disdainful gazes, he sheepishly said with a laugh, "It’s supposed to be spicy, but it makes you feel invigorated!"
"Truly delicious. If the soldiers on the frontier could have such hot pot in the winter, with strong liquor to accompany it, they would be able to fend off the cold and not feel chilled," Grand Prince praised while eating.
"Imperial Uncle, rest assured. We’re growing more and more chili peppers, and Prince has already ordered a large quantity of chili sauce to be sent to the frontier. In a couple of years, when we have cotton filling for cotton clothes and quilts, the soldiers will no longer need to worry about the bitter cold," Yang Mengchen assured with a smile.
Cotton would not be widely cultivated until at least the next year; how would the soldiers get through this year’s winter? Lost in thought for a moment, Yang Mengchen’s eyes lit up—she had an idea. Though a drop in the bucket, it was something that could reduce the chances of freezing to death.
Seeing the sparkling light in his beloved wife’s eyes, Long Xuanmo looked on, proud and indulgent. Whatever his wife wished to do, he would support her wholeheartedly.
"Indeed, Momo and Jiujiu are thorough in their thoughts. The soldiers on the frontier are fortunate," Grand Prince stated with approval.
"Imperial Brother is right!" the Emperor laughed heartily, "Momo has the common people at heart, and Jiujiu is benevolent. They truly are the lucky stars of Dong Chu!"
Those in attendance were insiders, and they all understood the Emperor’s intention for Prince Chen to succeed the throne, so they took turns praising Prince Chen and Princess Chen. Of course, they also didn’t forget to extol the Emperor’s sagacious wisdom.
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