Chapter 38. Shengming only came for a meal.
Yu Man felt Li Heng's gaze and frowned imperceptibly, but her face still maintained a perfectly welcoming smile. She stepped forward with a composed gait and a clear voice: "I am the owner of this restaurant. Is the food not to your liking? Please forgive me if there has been any inadequacy in my service."
Seeing her composure, Li Heng's interest deepened. He didn't get up, but casually tapped the table with his long fingers, his gaze still fixed on Yu Man's face, a half-smile on his lips: "The food? It's alright."
He paused deliberately, observing Yu Man's reaction. Seeing no change in her expression, he slowly continued, "I've heard that Madam Yu's culinary skills are superb, unparalleled in Dongqing, especially her signature dishes, which are imbued with her unique ingenuity. I have no other hobbies in life but a strong passion for food. Having come here because of her reputation, I naturally want to taste the flavors prepared by the master herself. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like entering a treasure mountain and returning empty-handed?"
His words, though seemingly polite, carried an undeniable insistence and a subtle sense of superiority. The word "acceptable" was a dismissive dismissal of Shan Niang's culinary skills. The atmosphere in the shop became slightly tense after his remarks; A Mao and the other shop assistants showed some displeasure, but dared not speak out due to his imposing demeanor.
Yu Man's mind raced. This man's intentions were unclear, and his imposing manner suggested that a direct confrontation was not the best course of action. However, if she yielded now, it would make her and the restaurant appear too weak, and they would likely be looked down upon in the future. She quickly made a decision and nodded readily, "I see. Since you've come for my cooking, it's an honor for the restaurant. How could we possibly disappoint you?" She changed the subject slightly, "However, the cooking process also requires timing and precise control. Please have a seat and some tea, and I'll go prepare it for you right away."
After saying that, she bowed to Li Heng again, then turned around and subtly tugged at the wrist of Shan Niang, who was standing to the side with a slightly pale face, and whispered, "Shan Niang, come with me for a moment."
Upon entering the kitchen, where the view of the front room was blocked, Yu Man's smile faded slightly, not out of fear, but rather with a quiet contemplation. She didn't immediately begin cooking as Li Heng had expected, but instead went straight to a small stool next to the preparation area and sat down.
Shan Niang followed quietly behind her, her calm eyes looking at her with a questioning gaze.
Yu Man looked up at Shan Niang and said in a calm tone, "Shan Niang, please make another one, exactly the same as the one before, without any difference."
A faint hint of surprise flashed in Shan Niang's eyes, but she didn't ask any further questions, only nodding again. She seemed to understand Yu Man's intention.
Soon, the rhythmic sounds of chopping and the hum of the stove filled the kitchen again. Shan Niang remained focused, her movements as fluid as flowing water. Yu Man sat to the side, seemingly resting, but actually observing silently, her admiration for Shan Niang growing ever stronger. That composure, that precision, was something few could possess.
Time passed slowly, and Li Heng in the front of the restaurant seemed extremely patient, not urging anyone on. His gaze casually swept over the restaurant's layout. The shop wasn't large, but it was clean and tidy, the tables and chairs were arranged elegantly, and the suggestion box on the wall was a clever touch. The waiters, though simply dressed, were quick and efficient, and their attitudes were warm. It was clear that Yu Man did indeed have some business acumen.
After Shan Niang plated the freshly prepared casserole of mushroom and chicken, Yu Man stood up, walked to the stove, and gently wiped the still-warm rim of the pot with her hand. Her fingertips were stained with a little oil and the smell of cooking oil. She then picked up a clean cloth and wiped away non-existent beads of sweat from her forehead, putting on an act as if she had just finished working.
Then he personally picked up the plate of food, which was just as delicious and visually appealing as the previous dish, and steadily walked out of the kitchen.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting, sir." Yu Man gently placed the dish in front of Li Heng, and the aroma instantly filled the air. "Please enjoy the casserole chicken with mushrooms that you specifically requested."
Li Heng's gaze fell on the dishes, a genuine appreciation flashing in his eyes. The presentation and aroma were indeed top-notch. He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece that combined the essence of various ingredients, and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully. The meat was tender, the mushrooms were smooth, and the broth was rich and flavorful. The various flavors were distinct yet perfectly blended, and the cooking time was exquisitely controlled.
He slowly put down his chopsticks and looked at Yu Man. This time, the admiration in his eyes was much more genuine: "Truly delicious. Madam Yu's cooking skills are well-deserved. This dish is ingenious, cooked perfectly, and has a rich and mellow flavor. It's a rare find."
Upon hearing this, Yu Man did not show any smugness. Instead, he shook his head slightly and said clearly and frankly in front of everyone, "You flatter me, sir. However, this dish was not made by me."
Upon hearing this, not only was Li Heng stunned, but even the diners and waiters who were listening nearby were taken aback.
Yu Man turned to the side and pointed to Shan Niang, who was quietly following behind him. His tone was full of undisguised certainty: "This dish, from beginning to end, was made by another chef in our restaurant, Shan Niang. It is the same dish that you tasted before."
The shop fell silent. No one had expected Yu Man to expose the matter so openly. A-Mao watched Li Heng nervously, fearing he would become enraged.
Li Heng was indeed stunned. He looked at Yu Man's clear, open, and unwavering eyes, then at the calm and silent woman behind her. A hint of surprise flashed across his face, which quickly turned into understanding, and then into a smile that was a mixture of astonishment, amusement, and a subtle, almost imperceptible appreciation.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, he did not get angry. Instead, he chuckled softly, "Interesting... Madam Yu, you do have quite a temper." He naturally understood that Yu Man's words were a retaliation for his previous deliberate refusal to taste and his belittling of Shan Niang's cooking.
"What a fine craftsman, Master Shanniang!" Li Heng turned his gaze to Shanniang and sincerely praised her, "Her skills are superb." Shanniang remained silent, only nodding slightly in return.
Just as the atmosphere became tense, a commotion suddenly arose outside the food stall, accompanied by shouts of constables clearing the way. Magistrate Tao, accompanied by several attendants, hurried over, his face filled with fear and urgency. Yu Man noticed that the clerk who had been in the hall earlier was nowhere to be seen, replaced by an unfamiliar face.
Magistrate Tao spotted Li Heng sitting by the window at a glance. Ignoring the other customers in the shop, he hurried forward and, in full view of everyone, knelt down and prostrated himself, saying, "This humble official greets Your Highness Prince Ding! Long live Your Highness! I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival in this county and have failed to greet you properly. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness!"
"His Royal Highness Prince Ding?"
"He's a prince?!"
The shop erupted in chaos, filled with the sounds of people kneeling in panic. Everyone bowed down in unison, shouting, "Greetings, Your Highness! Long live Your Highness!"
Although Yu Man had suspected it for a while, it was now confirmed, and she knelt down along with everyone else. She lowered her eyelids and could feel Li Heng's gaze lingering on her for a moment.
"Rise, all of you." Li Heng's voice remained casual. "I am traveling incognito this time and do not intend to disturb the local area. I have only heard that Dongqing County is prosperous and the people are living in peace and happiness, so I would like to take a stroll and see what the people eat every day and understand their lives. There is no need for formalities. Please rise and do not disturb the shopkeepers' business."
The crowd rose tremblingly to express their gratitude, standing with their hands at their sides, not daring to say another word, but the excitement and curiosity in their eyes could not be concealed.
Li Heng then turned his gaze back to Yu Man, his tone filled with undisguised admiration, his voice clear and loud enough for everyone inside and outside the shop to hear: "Madam Yu, your Manxin Food Shop truly lives up to its reputation. The dishes are excellent, the staff are capable, and what's even more remarkable is that you, Madam Yu, are upright and unassuming. Even in the face of... my slight rudeness, you remained neither humble nor overbearing, displaying remarkable composure and grace. You are truly a heroine among women, a true lady! Dongqing County is fortunate to have a merchant like you."
These are words of praise from the prince!
It was as if a layer of gold had been gilded over Manxin Food Shop. Yu Man could feel the gazes cast by the surrounding gentry and wealthy merchants instantly become incredibly ardent, and he knew that Manxin Food Shop had finally gained a firm foothold.
Li Heng did not linger. He offered a few more words of encouragement to Magistrate Tao, emphasizing diligence and love for the people, before departing amidst the entourage of Magistrate Tao and others. As soon as he left, the food stall was filled with chatter.
"Master Yu! Congratulations on receiving such praise from His Highness Prince Ding!"
"Quick! Give me a serving of that chicken dish that His Highness Prince Ding praised!"
"Me too! And bring one of each of our other signature dishes!"
"Mr. Yu, I wonder if your restaurant accepts reservations? I'm hosting a banquet tomorrow and would like to book it here!"
The guests who had been observing or simply dining, especially the well-informed wealthy merchants and gentry who had rushed over upon hearing the news, immediately surrounded him, chattering and looking on eagerly. After all, the words of the Prince of Ding were as powerful as an inscription!
Yu Man quickly suppressed the chaotic thoughts in his mind, directed A Mao and others to receive the guests in an orderly manner, and instructed Yu Chengfu to keep an eye on things in the front hall.
Taking advantage of a break, she walked over to Shanniang, who had been quietly sitting in the corner as if the chaos outside had nothing to do with her, and whispered, "Shanniang, I'm afraid you'll have to work hard for a while." Looking into Shanniang's calm eyes, she added, "Starting this month, I'll increase your wages by 30%."
Shan Niang glanced at the food stall that was instantly packed, her eyes showing no fear, but rather a faint hint of eagerness. She nodded solemnly to Yu Man.
Just then, a plump merchant dressed in silk shouted, "Master Yu, hurry! Bring me a serving of all your signature dishes!" His tone was urgent, as if he was afraid that he would miss out if he was late.
Yu Man responded and quickly gave Yu Chengfu a few instructions before quietly slipping out of the food stall through the back door.
She walked a few steps along the street and saw that Li Heng had not gone far. He was standing alone under a willow tree in front of the bridge, seemingly admiring the river view. Magistrate Tao and the others were not there; he must have sent them away.
Yu Man took a deep breath and walked over.
Hearing footsteps, Li Heng turned around and saw that it was her, but his face showed no surprise.
Yu Man stopped in front of him, and without beating around the bush, asked directly, her gaze clear and sharp: "Did Pei Ji send you?"
Li Heng raised an eyebrow, seemingly appreciating her directness, and readily admitted, "That's right. He sent me." He paused, looked at Yu Man, and said with a touch of emotion, "He saved my life, and I promised to do something for him to repay that kindness."
He said as if recalling a memory, "I thought he would ask me to eliminate some troublesome enemies for him, or to handle some matters that would be beneficial to him but quite difficult to accomplish. These are not particularly momentous events, but they would still require some effort." He spread his hands, a strange smile appearing on his face, "But I never expected that he would go to such great lengths to ask me to come to your Dongqing County, to your restaurant... for a meal."
Yu Man stared at him, then suddenly remembered that the servant had mentioned there was another distinguished guest in the villa…
Li Heng seemed to understand her thoughts, nodding with a smile, and repeated and emphasized, "That's right, it was me. And what he asked me to do was really just to have a meal." His gaze swept over the direction of the Manxin Restaurant, and his tone became more serious, "Therefore, the praise I gave in the restaurant just now was not entirely unfounded. Your dishes have indeed pleased me. He didn't ask me to do anything extra; he believed that with your skills alone, just my presence and tasting were enough."
Yu Man was stunned. She hadn't expected Pei Ji to help her in this way.
She paused for a moment, then said, "I understand. Thank you for coming today, Your Highness, and thank you for speaking frankly."
Li Heng smiled and said, "Madam Yu is a clever woman. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary. I hope that one day your Manxin Food Shop can open in the capital. At that time, I will definitely be a regular customer."
After saying that, he said no more, nodded slightly to Yu Man, turned around, and leisurely walked away along the riverbank.
...
Because of Li Heng, long queues formed outside the restaurant for several days in a row. Diners who came because of his reputation, gentry who wanted to make friends, and ordinary people who were simply curious all came in an endless stream. Yu Man and Shan Niang practically lived in the kitchen, and the waiters were also constantly on their feet. Even Yu Chengfu rolled up his sleeves to help greet customers and maintain order, keeping him extremely busy.
Despite their exhaustion, the Yu family was filled with energy as they watched the steady stream of income and the thriving business of the food shop. Yu Man even took the opportunity to launch several new dishes with more refined flavors, improved by Shan Niang, as well as easy-to-carry braised snacks.
That day, business at the shop was a little slow, so Yu Man temporarily handed over all the affairs to Shan Niang and Yu Chengfu. She specially changed into a clean set of fine cloth dress, carried several bags of pastries she had made herself, and some fruits and vegetables, and went to the Pei family.
She arrived relatively early and knocked on the door.
The door creaked open, revealing Pei's mother's gentle, smiling face. Upon seeing Yu Man, her eyes immediately lit up with genuine joy: "Aman's here! Come in quickly, come in quickly! The sun is strong outside, don't get sunburned."
Mother Pei warmly pulled Yu Man's hand and led her into the house, nagging as they walked: "You're always so restless. The shop is so busy, yet you still think of us." She looked Yu Man up and down, her eyes full of affection, "You seem to have lost some weight. Are you tired? You need to take better care of yourself."
Yu Man felt a warm glow in her heart. She placed the pastries on the table and smiled, "Aunt Liu, I'm fine, just a little busy these past few days."
"Oh dear, you're always so polite," Pei's mother said with a smile, gently pulling her to sit down and personally pouring her a cup of cool tea.
Yu Man looked around; the courtyard was quiet, and she couldn't see anyone. She asked directly, "Isn't Pei Ji home?"
Upon hearing this, Pei's mother was somewhat surprised: "Didn't he tell you? The other day he went back to the academy with his classmate. He said that with the provincial examination approaching, the teachers at the academy would be giving intensive lessons and guidance on essays."
Fearing that Yu Man might overthink things, he explained, "This child left in a hurry and didn't have time to say goodbye to you."
"Back to the academy?" Yu Man was slightly taken aback, but didn't take it to heart. Thinking of what he had said last time, he was quite proactive.
She replied, "The imperial examination is a serious matter and cannot be delayed."
Madam Pei chatted casually with Yu Man, asking in detail about Yu Chengfu and Deng Sanniang's health and whether the food shop was doing well lately.
After chatting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Madam Pei got up and went into the inner room. A little while later, she came out carrying several neatly folded new clothes and stuffed them into Yu Man's arms: "Aman, these are some summer clothes I made for you in my spare time, based on the current fashions in the prefecture. The material is quite breathable. Take them and wear them. You're busy in the kitchen all day, so you should have a few decent clothes to change into."
Yu Man touched the soft, smooth fabric, the stitches fine and even: "Aunt Liu, your eyesight isn't good, you shouldn't overexert yourself..."
"No need for that, no need for that!" Mother Pei interrupted her, patting her hand. "I'm happy to make you clothes. Take them quickly, or I'll get angry."
Yu Man responded and efficiently carried out her task. Remembering something, she took out a written prescription from her purse and pointed to a small bundle she had brought earlier: "This is a medicinal recipe for moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs that I inquired about before. It's gentle and won't harm the body. Also, these pears and loquat leaves were brought from Lanning Village by someone; they're the freshest. Uncle Pei's cough has been recurring since the beginning of summer. You could try using this recipe to make soup or boil water; it might help alleviate the symptoms."
Mother Pei took the recipe and ingredients, her eyes slightly moist. "Good child, it's so kind of you to still be thinking of him." Mother Pei's voice was a little choked up. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he drinks it."
After sitting for a while, Yu Man got up to take her leave. Pei's mother accompanied her all the way to the courtyard gate before reluctantly returning home.
As soon as Yu Man left, the door to the Pei family's study opened silently a crack. Pei's father peeked out.
He strolled into the main room, his gaze falling on the small bundle containing pears and loquat leaves on the table. He glanced at the pastries Yu Man had brought, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily, but he said indifferently, "...She's gone?"
Madam Pei was packing her things when she heard this. Without even looking up, she said, "Okay, I'm leaving." She picked up the packet of herbs and prescription and said deliberately, "Aman specially brought these over. He said they're a prescription for moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs, and there are also these fresh pears. I think I'll stew some for you tonight?"
A hint of unease flashed across Pei's father's face. He cleared his throat, his voice still stiff: "Hmph, just some ordinary things... those pastries, though they look quite exquisite."
Pei's mother finally raised her head and looked at him with a half-smile: "Oh? Didn't you say you wouldn't eat the things Aman sent? Did you think that her background was not respectable enough and not good enough for your son who has the talent of a top scholar?" Pei's father had never told her what he was thinking, but after sharing a bed with her for so many years, she could guess a bit of it.
Pei's father was taken aback by his wife's retort, and looked somewhat embarrassed: "It is only right to be filial to one's elders."
For once, Mrs. Pei's face darkened. She put down her work, walked up to Mr. Pei, looked him straight in the eye, and called out his full name, "Pei Mingyuan!"
Startled by her sudden seriousness, Pei's father instinctively straightened up.
"I'll say it one last time," Madam Pei said firmly, with a sharp edge she rarely displayed, "I, and Guanzhen, both love Aman! We love her from the bottom of our hearts! We consider her family!"
"Yes, the Pei family was once illustrious, but that's all in the past! What's left of the Pei family now? Just you and your father! You're still putting on that long-gone air, talking about a marriage of equals?" Pei's mother became increasingly angry, her voice rising. "Don't forget, I, Liu Suxin, was just a lowly maid in your courtyard back then! Now our marriage contract is officially registered in the government, and who can say a word against it?"
"If you still want to live a good life, if you still want to see Guanzhen marry and have children, and for the whole family to live in harmony, then you'd better put away those outdated ideas of yours!" Mother Pei's chest heaved as she spoke with a firm voice. "If you continue to be so stubborn, then this life is over! We'll get a divorce, and you can go live with your Pei family ancestors!"
Mr. Pei was stunned by Mrs. Pei's rapid-fire scolding. He opened his mouth, speechless. He had never seen the gentle and obedient Liu Suxin lose her temper like this, and for a moment he was at a loss for what to do.
"I...I..." He stammered for a long time before finally sighing dejectedly and whispering, "I...I didn't say she was bad...it's just, it's just..." But he couldn't get any more out of it.
Seeing his expression, Pei's mother knew that the stubborn old man had softened, but he was still too proud to admit it. She didn't press him any further, gave a heavy "humph," picked up the packet of herbs and pears, and turned to go into the kitchen.
As soon as she entered the kitchen and closed the door, the imposing aura that Pei's mother had just put on instantly dissipated. She leaned against the door, gently patted her chest, let out a long sigh, and muttered to herself, "That scared me to death... I've never argued with him like this in my life..." But thinking of Pei Mingyuan's defeated look, she couldn't help but smile and began to clean the pears neatly, preparing to stew the medicinal food according to the recipe given by Yu Man.
Yu Man carried the new clothes back to her home behind the food shop. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she bumped into Deng San Niang seeing her brother and sister-in-law off.
"Uncle, is Aunt leaving already?" Yu Man greeted her with a smile.
Sister-in-law Deng remained as usual, but Brother Deng's eyes darted around as if he dared not look at Yu Man any longer, and he left in a hurry.
Yu Man entered the room and saw Deng San Niang standing by the table, her expression somewhat complicated. She stepped forward to help Deng San Niang up: "Aunt Xiang, why didn't you invite Uncle and Aunt to stay for a meal before they left? They seem to have something on their mind."
Deng Sanniang shook her head: "They have work to do at home, they can't sit still."
"Let's not talk about them anymore. You went to the Pei family?"
Yu Man nodded and told him that Pei Ji had returned to the academy to prepare for the provincial examination.
As Deng Sanniang listened, although she hadn't read many books, she knew that scholars had a hard life, "They're going to have to work hard for a while."
Time flies like sand through our fingers, and August has arrived in the blink of an eye. The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and cicadas are chirping loudly in the trees.
Deng Sanniang's belly swelled up, making it increasingly difficult for her to move around. The sweltering heat was even more unbearable for her; she was often drenched in sweat, irritable, and short of breath. Yu Man saw this and tried every means to pull strings and spend a lot of money to get some ice from the county's ice cellar. He put it in a basin and placed it in Deng Sanniang's room, which at least dispelled some of the heat and allowed her to sleep more peacefully.
That evening, the family had just finished dinner and were enjoying the cool air in the courtyard with palm-leaf fans when a postman delivered a letter, specifically addressed to Yu Man.
During this time, letters occasionally arrived from Shanqing Academy, along with several items. Yu Man took the letter; the envelope bore Pei Ji's familiar handwriting. She walked to the lamplight and opened it to examine it closely. The letter was short, beginning with a simple greeting, followed by mentioning that his studies at Shanqing Academy were complete and he would soon be heading to the prefectural capital to participate in the provincial examination in late August. At the end of the letter, the pen shifted slightly, writing: "...The prefectural capital is far away, and I will not return for over a month. With departure imminent, my classmates and friends are all seeing me off with relatives and friends, the place bustling with carriages and horses. Only I... am quite peaceful."
Yu Man, who was familiar with his routine, couldn't help but laugh.
Yu Chengfu leaned closer and asked curiously, "Daughter, who sent the letter? Is it something?"
She looked up, carefully folded the letter, tucked it into her sleeve, and said in a calm tone, "Father, Aunt Xiang. I've negotiated a new sauce deal in the prefectural capital, and I need to go there in person to finalize the details."
Yu Chengfu was taken aback for a moment, then seemed to suddenly remember something, turned to Deng Sanniang and winked, saying, "Oh my! Mother, I heard that this... no, it's the provincial examination! It's in the next few days, right? It's being held in the prefectural capital!"
Upon hearing this, Deng Sanniang immediately understood. Suppressing a laugh, she nudged Yu Chengfu lightly with her elbow and urged, "You talk too much! Hurry up and rent a safe and comfortable carriage for our daughter! It's a long way to the prefecture. If we're late, all the good carriages will be booked by others!"
Yu Man: "...I really went to discuss business."
"Okay, I'll go check out the carriage shop first." Yu Chengfu quickly went out the door.
"The exam must be tiring, I'll go prepare some food." Deng San Niang stood up.
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