Tao Wanniang didn't know whether Ling Dapeng had gone to the general's mansion to ask for money. She intentionally ignored Ling Dapeng's affairs. Soon, Lu Neng and Liu Yueniang were getting married.
Liu Yueting, who succeeded Liu Yueniang, also brought a junior member of the Liu family, Liu Zhenzhen, with him. She was humble and had good skills, able to make pastries and desserts.
Everything at the restaurant was as usual, and Chaoyanglou stopped provokeing them. Tao Wanniang told the kitchen staff and other employees that she would be going on a long trip after autumn, with no fixed return date.
Zhao Changsheng had some objections and questioned Tao Wanniang in front of the kitchen staff, "Manager Tao, is it appropriate for you to go on a long trip?"
"Hmm?" Tao Wanniang suppressed her laughter, meeting Zhao Changsheng's disapproving gaze. "Chef Zhao, what's wrong with me? Can't I even have something to do?"
"Besides, haven't you always wanted to run the kitchen all by yourself? Great, I'll give you that chance this time!"
Zhao Changsheng's eyes widened as he looked at the apprentices. Although he had thought this way before, the Star-Picking Pavilion was doing too well. "Before you leave, these people all need to be taught how to cook independently," Zhao Changsheng said, sweeping a ladle around the group. "I don't want to work myself to death!"
"Isn't this exactly what I'm teaching?" Tao Wanniang laughed. "My apprentices, you must make me proud! I don't expect you to know everything, but you must be ready to help when needed. Don't let Chef Zhao get exhausted!"
"Alright, Master!" The kitchen remained bustling with activity as the apprentices responded.
Zhang Liang also hired a servant, a young and strong man named Yang Bai. He had a clean background, having grown up in a small alley in the capital, and his family consisted only of his elderly mother.
It's unclear where Zhang Liang found this person, but after meeting Tao Wanniang, they signed a contract.
"Brother Zhang, isn't this contract wrong?" After signing the contract, Yang Bai looked at his copy and asked Zhang Liang in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Zhang Liang didn't know many characters, but he had signed before!
"Shouldn't it be a contract of servitude? Why is there a three-month trial period, and a tael of silver during the trial period?" Yang Bai asked. Aren't the servants who sell themselves into servitude supposed to be provided with food and lodging by their masters and do whatever they are told?
"Oh, this? Our boss is a very kind man. Anyway, it won't do you any harm. Isn't it good to get some money?" Zhang Liang thought it was no big deal. "Let's go. Master Wang next door has found us a few houses. Let's go take a look."
Having met Tao Wanniang, Yang Bai asked hesitantly, "Is the master the madam?"
"Don't call her Madam, you can call her Head of the House. She's the one in charge here. Don't ask any other questions," Zhang Liang instructed. Soon, Wang Fugui, who was idly helping Tao Wanniang find a house next door, came over.
After meeting with the broker and looking at several houses, Wang Fugui suggested, "Zhang Liang, let's ask your manager Tao later. Since we're looking at houses, what about shops? If we buy a good shop, we can make money while lying down."
"Alright, I'll ask later," Zhang Liang said cheerfully. Of the several rooms he looked at today, two seemed quite nice. He'd have Tao Wan's mother take a look with them later, and then they could be finalized. Hmm, he'd also discuss the price with the broker privately!
After returning from her marriage in Luneng, Tao Wanniang spent some time away from the restaurant each day. By the time the Autumn Equinox arrived, she had the deeds to three houses, the deeds to fifteen mu of land, and the deeds to two shops.
"If nothing unexpected happens, I will be leaving for Youzhou in a few days. Zhang Liang, Gao Cuiniang, please take good care of everything at home." That morning, Tao Wanniang said to everyone in the family.
"Of course." Zhang Liang's face was rosy; he felt quite good having some money on hand. "Sister Tao, don't worry, I will definitely manage your business well."
Tao Wanniang rolled her eyes at Zhang Liang; his words made one wonder what else was going on.
"Master Shen, Xiao Qiao'er, just pack your things simply. If you need anything, you can buy it later," Tao Wanniang said to Xiao Qiao'er, who looked somewhat excited.
"Yes, Mother." Little Qiao'er was naturally happy. Not being abandoned and being able to go out with Tao Wan's mother filled her with immense satisfaction.
Tao Wanniang looked at Xiao Qiao'er gently. The little girl was sensible, but she lacked a sense of security, which was why she relied on her so much. However, she was willing to spoil her!
Before Zhao Zhe spoke, Tao Wanniang went to the restaurant as usual. On this day, while she was cooking at the restaurant, Luneng came to find her!
"That person has arrived!" Luneng said cautiously.
Tao Wanniang immediately understood. She took off her apron, wiped her hands, and went to see Zhao Zhe.
"Sister Tao, it's time to set off." Zhao Zhe had lost some weight, but his spirits were still good.
"This humble woman greets Your Majesty." Tao Wanniang greeted the emperor first, then said, "Well... how about we set off tomorrow? I still have some vegetables cooking in this pot, I need to tell the cooks about them!"
The only one willing to haggle with him was Tao Wanniang. Zhao Zhe nodded; indeed, a day or two wouldn't make a difference.
"Ling Yunzhou talked to me at length about your trip over there. Sister Tao, my great general still cares about you!" Zhao Zhe said slowly.
"My child's father still has some conscience, doesn't he?" Tao Wan's mother didn't deny it.
"I didn't hide it from Ling Yunzhou because I thought he would come and go to protect you. I don't want anything to happen to Sister Tao," Zhao Zhe said.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I am probably very lucky. Besides, I have brought my daughter and her husband with me. I'm just going out to relax," Tao Wanniang said without hiding anything.
"That's good. Sister Tao is open-minded, which puts my mind at ease." After all, sending a woman to Youzhou is a bit much if word gets out.
"What about the promised thousand taels of gold?" Tao Wanniang asked again.
"Of course you won't be left out," Zhao Zhe chuckled.
"Since His Majesty is here, let's have a good meal. Fortunately, thanks to His Majesty's wise words, Chaoyang Tower has not bothered Zhaixing Tower again!" Tao Wanniang said ingratiatingly.
"Yes, I will not break my promise."
Seeing this, Tao Wanniang didn't say much. She named a few dishes, and after receiving Zhao Zhe's approval, she went to cook. "I'll leave tomorrow, and return as soon as possible!"
The people from Lingyunzhou appeared at the Tao family's door the next day, along with a large horse-drawn carriage.
“Ling Dapeng borrowed five hundred li from a loan shark. He doesn’t know that it will double in a while,” Ling Yunzhou said to Tao Wanniang with a stern face. “How could I have such a stupid, pig-like son?”
“I grew up without a father to teach me, and as a woman, I am not capable enough,” Tao Wanniang replied. She let Chen Lian and Xiao Qiao’er get into the carriage first, and then looked at Ling Yunzhou and said seriously, “If we end up bankrupt, you can send them to the estate.”
"Okay, be careful on your way." Ling Yunzhou nodded, and there was nothing else to say between them.
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