The two chatted in the backyard for a while before going outside to help. They were surprised to find that the restaurant was completely full, with no room to sit and many people standing.
Not only that, but I also saw many familiar faces. Among them were the Yu family from Fengchenfang, with whom I had been cooperating, the Dong family, with whom I had previously had some friction, and officials of all ranks in the county. As long as they didn't have anything else to do today, they all brought their families.
The doctors at the clinic, especially Manager Ren, He Jiuniang's nominal master, brought their grandsons with them.
This was something He Jiuniang had never expected; the restaurant instantly became even more upscale.
"Oh my, what a wonderful day! We've been waiting for you all to come!"
He Jiuniang pulled Lu Baichuan forward to greet them. Although they were all there to show their support and would all have to spend money later, most of them were there because of the reputation they had built up over this period of time. Of course, the most important reason was her and Lu Baichuan's influence.
Lu Baichuan didn't need much introduction from her, because those people had already identified themselves and were eager to get to know him.
These people were all acquainted with the county magistrate, and it's possible that the magistrate had relayed the message. Even those who came forward to establish a connection didn't mention Lu Baichuan's identity; they simply addressed him respectfully as Third Master Lu. To ordinary people, this would at most mean that they had a good relationship, and they wouldn't think anything more of it.
However, the Lu family's reputation has truly soared. With so many people coming to support the restaurant's opening, even without revealing their identities, the common people know that the restaurant has a powerful background. Moreover, with such attractive offers, everyone enjoys their meal.
Manager Ren laughed and said, "Of course! The boss wrote to us, telling us to come and support the business even if we have to close our clinic today. He said he would reimburse us for all the expenses. How could we miss this opportunity!"
"Dr. Song, you're too kind. I'll have someone arrange a private room for you. I guarantee you'll have a great time!"
"Okay!"
Afterwards, some female relatives came to chat with He Jiuniang, and He Jiuniang responded with a smile. After all, no one is a fool. They all come and say nice things. So no matter who they are or what their husbands do, they are all guests and should be treated well.
Although there were enough young waiters and maids, the Lu family still needed to entertain these familiar guests, especially Old Man Lu and Madam Sun, who were the most popular people today besides Lu Baichuan and He Jiuniang.
Lu Baichuan and his wife both smiled on the surface, but in reality they didn't want to deal with people they weren't very familiar with, nor did they want them to try to establish connections with them. They would just give a simple greeting and that would be it. So, these people turned their attention to the elderly couple.
The elderly couple were farmers in the countryside. Although they owned other shops, they didn't manage them much, and the younger generation mostly handled them. They just had to wait to receive their dividends.
This is the first time I've faced a scene like this, so I can't help but feel a little reserved.
Moreover, those who wanted to curry favor were all government officials. Although their ranks were not very high, they were all officials, and the old couple dared not offend them. They greeted everyone with smiles.
Old Lu was alright. His son was successful and was being fawned over by so many people, which meant his son was capable. He felt proud of himself and didn't mind having a few drinks with him.
But Sun was different. She was surrounded by a group of female relatives of officials, who praised even the tattered cloth she had casually pulled to tie her hair, as if it were some kind of exquisite hairband.
After praising them, they started asking about family matters, such as Lei Zi's marriage, wanting to send someone to the Lu family, which family has a girl, which family has a good young man who would be suitable for Lianhua.
Even the younger Jiezi and Gou'er were targeted for marriage.
At first, Madam Sun was just going along with it, but as the conversation gradually turned to these matters, she became wary. These people were so enthusiastic now because of Lu Baichuan's high official position; they were after power and influence. The Lu family couldn't accept someone like that.
So, after thinking for a moment, she said, "There are indeed children in the family who have reached marriageable age, but none of them have any official titles or honors. Even if they get married, how will they support their families? Therefore, the family has decided to wait until they have official titles or other skills to support their families before discussing marriage."
Today is, after all, the grand opening of the restaurant, so we can't afford to cause any unpleasantness. Madam Sun isn't stupid; she wouldn't risk turning against these people. They are all guests, so we should greet them with a smile.
"Oh dear, Madam Lu, you can't think like that! Everyone says that a man should settle down and start a family before building a career. Why is your family doing the opposite?"
"Yes, even if a man should establish his career before starting a family, the young lady in the family will also be of marriageable age. A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. After starting a family, she only needs to take care of the household and doesn't necessarily need to have any special skills!"
“I have a nephew who is very handsome. I think he and Miss Lianhua are a perfect match! Why don’t you consider it, Madam?”
...
Ignoring Sun's refusal, these people continued to promote their own or their relatives' children, believing that as long as they were associated with the Lu family, they could rise rapidly in their careers.
Sun was furious and was about to find an excuse to leave when He Jiuniang squeezed through the crowd and grabbed her, saying, "Mother, dinner's ready! So you're here! Hurry up, the food will get cold!"
"Okay, okay!"
Sun had never felt that He Jiuniang had arrived so timely, and without saying a word, she wanted to run away with her.
Unfortunately, these ladies were no pushovers; they enthusiastically tried to persuade He Jiu Niang to stay and eat with them.
"No need to trouble yourself, everything is ready in the backyard."
At first, He Jiuniang was still smiling, but these people refused to let go, holding onto He Jiuniang's sleeve tightly, as if they wanted to tear it to shreds.
Perhaps they felt that He Jiuniang, as the wife of a high-ranking official of the third rank, was personally coming to the restaurant to entertain guests, or perhaps they thought that He Jiuniang and Lu Baichuan did not intend to reveal their identities, so they were somewhat unscrupulous.
He Jiuniang's patience had run out. She looked coldly at the woman who was clutching her sleeve and said, "Madam, everything should have its limits. It's important for people to know their own limitations. As wives of officials, don't you understand this basic principle?"
He Jiuniang spoke quite harshly, showing no mercy whatsoever.
This is clearly telling these people that the men in their families are too low-ranking and not qualified to climb up to the Lu family!
The woman was startled by her gaze and quickly released her grip, saying, "I'm sorry, Madam Lu..."
It is said that a higher rank can crush a person. A county magistrate is only a seventh-rank official, and other officials are only lower than the county magistrate. Such people are indeed nothing to Lu Baichuan now.
If they are genuinely friendly, that's good. We'll see how they get to know each other. After all, the Lu family doesn't really care about their social standing; they were just country folk before.
But now, facing these people, He Jiuniang deliberately doesn't want to give them any face.
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