Tao Wanniang felt that Hongzhu had a problem with her, but since Hongzhu hadn't said anything explicitly, she didn't intend to expose it. Although she didn't know the reason, she wouldn't stay in Youzhou and didn't want to make a fool of herself.
“Youzhou is too chaotic. I even saw someone beating his wife in the street today. It’s infuriating to watch.” Yun Pingting said to Tao Wanniang inside the house, “Sister Tao, in such a chaotic place, isn’t it very risky for you to open a restaurant?”
“That depends on who we cooperate with. If we cooperate with the Prince of Youzhou’s mansion, we’re not afraid of any risks!” Tao Wanniang said decisively. “If things are so chaotic outside, you should stay home for the next few days to avoid being attacked from the shadows.”
Xiao Qiao'er was still somewhat frightened. The scene she saw on the street reminded her of some of the things she had encountered during her escape from famine. "Mother, how much longer do we have to stay in Youzhou?"
"Let's wait a while longer; we need to finalize the location for the Star-Picking Tower," Tao Wanniang replied after a moment's thought. To be honest, she didn't really want to return to the capital.
Yun Pingting's eyes lit up, and she immediately said, "Then, shall we go to our Sifang City to discuss cooperation next?"
"That is indeed the plan, and I will inevitably need your help when the time comes," Tao Wanniang nodded and said.
Yun Pingting immediately said happily, "Sister Tao, after witnessing your skills, I believe your Star-Picking Tower will definitely be a success in our Sifang City. The question is, when the time comes, will you come to our Sifang City, or will it be your top apprentice?"
"We'll see when the time comes. Even if I go in person, I won't stay forever. Once I've taught my apprentice, I'll leave naturally." Tao Wanniang had thought about this issue. If Zhaixinglou wanted to open a chain, the first thing to do was to ensure the consistency of the dishes.
Yun Pingting felt a sense of anticipation. In Tao Wanniang, she saw that women could also hold up half the sky. Especially after hearing from Shen Lian and Xiao Qiao'er about Tao Wanniang's journey from fleeing famine to becoming the head manager of a restaurant, she felt that she could no longer act like a weak young lady.
"Sister Tao, if I help with the networking, could I take a small share of your restaurant's profits... um?" Yun Pingting asked expectantly. "I'll use all my savings."
"Have you heard something?" Tao Wanniang looked at Yun Pingting with a faint smile, a meaningful smile appearing on her face.
"Well, we can discuss this slowly, and we'll inevitably have to consult with your father later."
Yun Pingting readily agreed, her beautiful eyes seemingly already envisioning the future scene, showing great interest.
Over the next few days, Tao Wanniang spent her days searching for a suitable address with Xiao Yi, Hongzhu, and the steward. She also cooked several hot pot meals for the prince and princess, making both clear and spicy broths. As for snacks, she also had a good exchange with the prince's cooks on crispy pork and soy milk.
Tao Wanniang didn't think her cooking skills were the best; her strength lay in her broad knowledge, numerous ideas, and ability to come up with creative dishes.
About half a month later, the location was finally chosen. The most coincidental thing was that it used to be a restaurant. Although it had been abandoned, it could be renovated and used again.
"This place is quite elegant, not bad at all." The King of Youzhou had also come to see it; it was a bit more remote than he had imagined.
"Then let's start the repairs. Sister Tao wants to return to Beijing before the New Year, which is a bit rushed!" Xiao Yi said.
The King of Youzhou agreed, and Tao Wanniang spent another day signing the agreement. Finally, another cart full of things was ready to leave Youzhou. In any case, the emperor did not say that she should bring back any tokens.
"Your Highness, Your Highness's Consort, please don't see us off." On the day they left Youzhou, Xiao Yi and Hongzhu saw Tao Wanniang and her entourage off out of the city. Tao Wanniang got off the carriage and spoke to the two of them.
Xiao Yi looked at Tao Wanniang, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. Last night, Hongzhu had advised him to say what he wanted to say, even if he didn't get a response, he shouldn't let himself feel choked up.
"Sister Tao, it'll probably be another six months before we meet again," Xiao Yi said, adding that the restaurant would be under renovation for at least three months.
"Six months later is too early," Tao Wanniang estimated. The main problem was the inconvenient transportation; it would take three months to travel from the capital to Youzhou.
But with only two months left until the Lunar New Year, it was really too rushed for her to return to Beijing before the holiday.
"Sister Tao, could we speak in private for a moment?" Hongzhu couldn't help but speak up when she saw that Xiao Yi hadn't been able to say anything for a while. She was suffering from the internal turmoil caused by Xiao Yi's lingering feelings and expectations, which made her very uncomfortable.
"Hongzhu!" Xiao Yi knew that Hongzhu was pressuring him.
Tao Wanniang looked at the two of them, wondering what they were doing.
"Young Master, is there something you want to say to me?" Tao Wanniang looked at Xiao Yi and asked.
"Let's talk in private," Xiao Yi sighed, and invited Tao Wanniang aside.
"Sister Tao, it's been over two years since we first met," Xiao Yi said gently, looking at Tao Wanniang. "In these two years, you've become better and better; you're completely different from how you were when we first met!"
Tao Wanniang was startled. Why was she telling her this? But when she met Xiao Yi's gentle eyes, her heart suddenly skipped a beat. She wasn't a novice when it came to love. Not to mention that the original owner of this body was already a grandmother; she had also experienced many relationships during her previous interdimensional travels!
Good heavens! My charm is truly overwhelming; I've actually managed to win over this handsome man, Xiao Yi.
"Ha, money makes life easier! Thanks to the young master, my path to wealth is soaring!" Tao Wanniang chuckled. "What was the young master planning to say to me?"
“Sister Tao, I…I really admire you!” Xiao Yi said. “I know you have no interest in these things, and I don’t want to put any pressure on you. Just know that if you need anything in the future, you can come to me.”
"Ha, ha ha ha ha, what are you joking about, Your Highness?" Tao Wanniang said with a smile. "I know I'm not bad, but I'm really not worthy of Your Highness's affections."
"Your Highness, I have saved your life twice. Have you ever considered that you only think I am very capable?"
"After all, look at me, I'm older than you, not as good-looking as you, and I have sons and grandsons to take care of. I'm just an ordinary person."
Xiao Yi laughed at Tao Wanniang's self-deprecating remarks.
"Sister Tao, in my eyes you are naturally the best. I'm not saying this to ask for an answer from you. There are indeed many people standing between us." He couldn't possibly divorce Hongzhu. Although having multiple wives and concubines is normal, how could he let Sister Tao become his concubine!
"Well, thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. You have good taste. I think I'm quite good." Tao Wanniang smiled without any embarrassment. "But Your Highness, you don't necessarily have to have what you like. For example, I love the bright and clear moon in the sky, and I love the wildflowers waving in the wind on the cliff, but it's enough to just admire them from afar."
"That's what I think too. I'll always be here, Sister Tao. Like I said before, if you ever need someone to rely on, you can come to me." Xiao Yi said what was on his mind, and then he felt his heart was no longer so heavy.
“Well, that day will probably never come. It’s best if I’m alone!” Tao Wanniang said decisively. “Alright, I should get going.”
Xiao Yi wasn't too disappointed; this was the outcome he had anticipated.
"Sister Tao, have a safe journey!"
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