Tao Wanniang couldn't bear to look at Zhou Xiaoyun like this, so she called her into the private room. She crossed her arms and said coldly, "Tell me, what kind of trouble is this now?"
"Mother, you know, I'm the mother of this child, how can you not let me see my child?" Zhou Xiaoyun complained bitterly. "Every day you make me learn this and that, am I even cut out for it? And that Hailan, she's not even officially married, but she acts like a general's wife."
"I'm a young mistress, but nobody listens to me, Mother. Isn't this life too stifling? And where is Dapeng? I heard Father sent him to join the army. Does that mean he's going to fight in a war? Is it dangerous? I...I...Mother, you have to help me!"
"It's no big deal," Tao Wanniang said bluntly, looking Zhou Xiaoyun up and down. "Zhou Xiaoyun, are you getting old and starting to cause trouble again? You threw both your sons into the General's Mansion, isn't it all for the riches and glory?"
"You want two outstanding sons, but have you ever thought about whether you, as their mother, will be a burden to them? I've given you a comfortable life and taught you all sorts of aristocratic etiquette. At least when the children grow up, they won't have an uneducated and vulgar mother. What more could you ask for?"
Zhou Xiaoyun was taken aback by Tao Wan's words, and then stammered, "Mother, I...I'm not even twenty years old yet...I...I don't want to live the life of a widow!"
Tao Wanniang's face darkened, and she was speechless. This was a classic case of "when you're well-fed and clothed, you think of lust!"
"Zhou Xiaoyun, I really want to crack open your head and see what's inside. Is life in the General's Mansion too easy?"
Zhou Xiaoyun shrank her neck; this wasn't how she was supposed to live a life of luxury!
"If you came here just to talk to me about this, get out of here right now!" Tao Wanniang scolded disdainfully.
"I...I'm just going to get some food," Zhou Xiaoyun said guiltily.
Tao Wanniang really didn't want to get involved in Zhou Xiaoyun's mess, so she slammed the door and left.
I thought Zhou Xiaoyun would finish her food and leave on her own, but when that time came, Tao Wanniang, the waiter, came again.
"Manager Tao, that's your daughter-in-law. She says the private rooms are too expensive. Could you give us a discount?"
It's really... Tao Wanniang is extremely annoyed.
"Let her go, I'll take the blame." Tao Wanniang didn't even want to see her anymore. Zhou Xiaoyun wanted to inherit the blessings of her children and grandchildren, but she was unwilling to improve herself; she was already well-off, but she also wanted to reunite with her husband. Where in the world is there such a good thing!
Tao Wanniang ignored Zhou Xiaoyun's matter completely and gave the order that they should not be seen again if anyone came looking for them.
She had no interest in anything related to the General's Mansion of Lingyunzhou, yet someone still came knocking on her door.
When Hailan wanted to see her, she was curious to see what this young girl, who thought she was the general's wife, was up to, according to Zhou Xiaoyun. But when she actually saw her, Tao Wanniang was speechless.
"Manager Tao, your family is so large and prosperous, why can't you tolerate your son and daughter-in-law?" Hailan's words were accusatory, leaving Tao Wan's mother stunned.
"I wonder what right Miss Hailan has to point at me," Tao Wanniang retorted. "But whatever your status, what business is it of yours whatsoever with my family affairs?"
“I…” Hailan was annoyed by Tao Wanniang’s disdainful look. “What is my status in the General’s Mansion? Manager Tao, you can go and find out for yourself.”
"No need to inquire. Even if you are Ling Yunzhou's second wife, you have no right to interfere in these matters," Tao Wanniang said directly. "The son is his. He didn't care for him for the first seventeen years, so what's wrong with him caring for him in his later years? He bears the Ling family name, calls him 'Father,' and lives in the General's Mansion. What's wrong with that?"
“They are your son and daughter-in-law, your grandchildren. It’s not like you can’t afford to raise them,” Hailan retorted. “The General is, after all, a man, and he will also have to start his own family someday!”
"Oh, really? What does Ling Yunzhou's marriage have to do with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson?" Tao Wanniang retorted. "What does it have to do with you?"
"Let's not even talk about whether you and him will get together in the future. Even if you do, can't you tolerate Ling Yunzhou's son?"
"Young lady, you have quite the ambition, but your brains aren't very sharp. Assuming you really do rise to power, he's already quite old; it's questionable whether he'll even leave you an heir. And if he does, it's questionable whether he'll live to see your child grow up. Young lady, even if the General's Mansion doesn't give it to my good-for-nothing son, these two grandsons were raised by Ling Yunzhou himself; they can surely cultivate an heir. Do you think you'll rely on anyone in your old age after you rise to power?"
Tao Wan's mother launched into a tirade, leaving Hailan stunned.
"Furthermore, young lady, you probably don't understand. A vow made before the Emperor cannot be easily broken. Ling Yunzhou can no longer marry!"
Hailan didn't believe it; a man always has to marry, and with her by his side every day, there was bound to be a reason for the rock to soften. But the presence of his daughter-in-law and two grandsons always made her feel that there was still a possibility for Ling Yunzhou and Tao Wanniang to reconcile.
"Stop talking nonsense. Your wife is incredibly stupid. She'll only embarrass herself in the General's Mansion," Hailan said bluntly.
"What does that have to do with me?" Tao Wanniang said irritably. "When you come to a restaurant, you either eat or get out. I'm not going to keep you company!" After saying that, Tao Wanniang walked away. Well, now there's one more person on the guest list.
Why are all these people from the General's Mansion running out? Tao Wanniang really doesn't want to get involved in anything in Lingyunzhou.
With autumn in full swing, she even came up with new chestnut desserts and pastries, and asked Liu Yueniang to adjust the flavors!
"Manager Tao, we've made chestnut cake before, and it's really fragrant, but how do you determine the best texture when chestnuts are mixed with milk?"
"Let's try it. With so many people tasting it, the one that most people like is the best," Tao Wanniang said.
In autumn and winter, the restaurant also added a new dish, chestnut stewed chicken. Tao Wanniang thought that it was time to set up a department to develop new dishes. She couldn't have to think of everything!
After I shared this idea with Shandong Luneng, they wholeheartedly agreed.
“My suggestion is to first select people from within the restaurant. If anyone wants to transfer, that’s fine too,” Tao Wanniang said. “Then, look for people from outside. Experienced gourmets are the best, but young people are also good, as long as they are quick-witted.”
Luneng nodded, still thinking that Tao Wanniang's mind was the most flexible.
"Manager Tao, sometimes I'm really curious, how have you managed to get through half your life? How do you always come up with new ideas?" Lu Neng exclaimed. "And our restaurant is becoming more and more different from other restaurants."
"Ha, isn't that great? Zhaixinglou is just different from other restaurants," Tao Wanniang said confidently. "Because of me!"
"Alright, I'll go find someone right away and then let Manager Tao choose." Lu Neng didn't think Tao Wanniang was narcissistic at all. Indeed, it was because of her that this restaurant was so special!
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