Seeing that the group was very interested in the old Taoist priest's story, the waiter perked up and continued:
"More than a month later, the old Taoist priest had tasted all the local delicacies and wanted more, but the merchants refused to give him any more."
In order to enjoy delicious food, the old Taoist priest began to treat illnesses and tell fortunes in the small town. Unexpectedly, his methods were quite effective. He didn't charge money; all he wanted was for people to taste the food.
There is a restaurant in the town that serves all kinds of wild game, the most famous dish being braised wild boar.
This delicacy is a specialty of Jiangnan, but unfortunately it is expensive and most people cannot afford it.
In order to enjoy this delicacy, the old Taoist priest helped the shopkeeper's mother cure her eye disease. The shopkeeper was so happy that he invited the old Taoist priest to dinner, and the old Taoist priest specifically asked for braised wild boar meat.
You should know that wild boar meat is transported from other places, and it is very difficult to eat wild boar meat, so the price is naturally high. This meal was very sumptuous and cost the innkeeper a lot of money.
Unexpectedly, the old Taoist priest came again the next day. Out of courtesy, the shopkeeper still prepared a sumptuous feast, including wild boar meat.
This went on for several days in a row, and the shopkeeper couldn't take it anymore. If this continued, he would have to close down sooner or later. So he told the old Taoist priest not to come anymore.
Unexpectedly, the old Taoist priest burst into laughter upon hearing this.
He told the shopkeeper that except for the first meal, which the shopkeeper treated him to, he would pay for every meal from the second meal onwards, without missing a penny. He also instructed the shopkeeper to keep a good record of the bill.
Seeing that the old Taoist priest had a dignified and otherworldly air about him, and that he was in such good health at such an advanced age, and that he did indeed have some skills, the shopkeeper did not think he was a fraud, so he agreed to the old Taoist priest's request.
More than a month has passed in the blink of an eye. The old Taoist priest eats and drinks lavishly in the restaurant every day. He used to do things like treating patients, but now that he has enough to eat and drink, he doesn't do those things anymore.
During this period, the restaurant had to pay a considerable amount of money for Lao Dao's food and drink.
As the amount of money advanced increased, the shopkeeper began to worry. Finally, one day, he couldn't hold back any longer and asked the old Taoist priest when the accounts would be settled.
The old Taoist priest calculated and said it would be soon; in about twenty days, someone would come to settle all the accounts.
The shopkeeper was a little skeptical of the old Taoist's words. How could a wandering monk, with no relatives or friends, possibly have someone come to pay his bill?
You should know that in just over twenty days, the old Taoist's debt for food and drink will reach two hundred taels of silver, an amount that most families cannot afford.
Seeing his hesitation, the old Taoist priest told him that as a monk, he must always keep his word and would not shortchange him by a single penny.
If he is short even a penny, or pays an hour late, the shopkeeper can take him to the authorities.
The shopkeeper had no choice but to believe him and continue to provide the old Taoist priest with food and drink.
Counting the days, today should be the last day. Now many people in the town have gone to the hotel to watch the excitement.
When the appointed time arrives, if no one comes to settle the old Taoist's bill, let's see how he handles the situation. He might actually end up being taken to the authorities.
After the waiter finished speaking, Li Guang asked:
Where is that restaurant located?
"Would you gentlemen also like to go and see what's going on?" the waiter asked.
“Of course, how could we miss something so fun?” Li Xue said.
On the east side of the town, there are several restaurants, and the area becomes extremely popular during mealtimes.
There was a restaurant that, from the outside, wasn't particularly grand in its decor, but today it was incredibly popular, packed with people inside and out.
On a table in the lobby of the restaurant, a variety of delicious dishes were laid out, steaming hot, making one's mouth water just looking at them.
Sitting at the table was an old Taoist priest, who looked to be in his eighties or nineties. Although he was very thin, he did not appear weak. He did not touch his chopsticks, as if he was waiting for someone to come and eat.
There were five or six more pairs of chopsticks on the table, so it seemed quite a few people were coming over.
At this other table, many people were seated, most of them not ordering food, but looking at the old man at the table as if waiting for a good show to begin.
At the back of the restaurant, the manager stood there, his face ashen, as if he had been tricked.
There weren't many people eating today, but the restaurant was packed with onlookers.
People estimated the time and realized it was almost time, but the person who was supposed to settle the bill hadn't come yet, so they figured no one would be coming.
The shopkeeper sighed. He had been running the restaurant for so many years, and yet he had been tricked by an old Taoist priest. The financial loss was a small matter, but losing face was a big deal.
Just then, there was movement at the door, and a pretty girl led a group of people in.
Just by looking at their attire, you could tell they were young ladies from wealthy families who had come for dinner.
Going out for a meal with so many people shouldn't be related to the old Taoist priest.
Seeing so many people coming to eat, the innkeeper went to greet them.
But after they entered, they went straight to the old Taoist priest.
Only then did the old Taoist priest speak:
"Young man, we meet again. I knew you were coming today, so I prepared the meal in advance."
"Thank you, Daoist Master," Li Guang said.
At this moment, the old Taoist priest looked at Li Xue, stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting to Li Xue.
"Greetings, Princess. This humble Taoist priest is very polite."
The old Taoist's words surprised the onlookers and also astonished Li Xue. This old Taoist was indeed a reclusive master who could tell at a glance that she was the current princess.
Li Guang began to ponder. Since the old Taoist could see Li Xue's identity, it meant that he already knew his identity. He had no secrets from the old Taoist.
Seeing that everyone around her was staring at her in surprise, Li Xue decided it was best not to ask any more questions and instead spoke up:
"I've heard of Master Dao for a long time, and it's only today that I've finally met you. I didn't expect you to have prepared such a delicious meal. We won't stand on ceremony then." Li Xue then invited everyone to sit down and eat.
The onlookers exchanged bewildered glances. They hadn't expected the old Taoist priest to be waiting for the current princess. One couldn't disturb a princess while she was eating; doing so could cost one's head.
The onlookers were smart enough to slip away quietly, and the hall immediately fell silent.
At this moment, the innkeeper was standing not far from the dining table. When the old Taoist saw the innkeeper, he immediately gestured for him to come over.
The shopkeeper walked over and bowed to Li Xueshen.
"Greetings, Princess."
"No need for formalities. Thank you for taking care of me during this time."
Li Xue's words made the shopkeeper's forehead sweat. He was glad that he hadn't done anything out of line to the old Taoist priest during this time, otherwise he would have been in big trouble.
At this moment, the old Taoist priest picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said:
“A monk does not lie. He always does what he says. You can calculate how much silver it costs. We will settle the bill after the meal. Do you think the princess is short of money?”
"No, no, it's already been calculated. It's two hundred and fifteen taels of silver in total. Two hundred taels will do," the shopkeeper quickly replied.
"I told you, you won't be shortchanged by a single coin. It's two hundred and fifteen taels of silver. The princess will pay you later," the old Taoist priest said.
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