In the yard.
Yuan Bao who was gulping down a pancake waved at Lu Lin and said expectantly, "Father, they all said that Roast Whole Lamb is delicious."
Roast Whole Lamb had already become talk of the town. Yuan Bao had heard of it as well.
Lu Lin smiled. There should be just a small group of people who had tried Roast Whole Lamb, but they had been talking about it because of the price.
Lu Lin touched his chin and said, "It's quite delicious indeed."
Yuan Bao togged at Lu Lin's robe with some anticipation and said, "Father, when will we cook one at home?"
Lu Lin looked at the Yuan Bao and said teasingly, "Let's talk about it later."
Lu Lin actually felt hesitant about this, they had just branded the Roast Whole Lamb as a rarity, all the customers needed to wait for a month for another auction, he felt he shouldn't cook one at home right after the auction.
A thing is most valued if it is rare. To put it bluntly, Roast Whole Lamb was nothing but some dish, Lu Lin wanted to maintain the hype for as long as possible.
Yuan Bao said in a disappointed tone, "Okay."
Lu Lin felt so sorry, but he felt like this was the right thing to do to run a successful business.
"In a few days, the Hot Springs Resort will have a grand opening, we can cook a Roast Whole Lamb for the opening" Chen Xiao Mi said.
Lu Lin nodded and said, "That's a great idea."
At the auction, they did say they would only hold the second auction in a month, but that was just in the restaurant, they could cook a Roast Whole Lamb for other occasions.
…
A few days later.
Ji Yun An walked on the street in a good mood, then he turned around and looked at Wei Qiyu, who was following closely behind him, "Why do you keep following me?"
Wei Qiyu said with some grievance in his tone, "You grew up in Sha County and now I'm your guest who has come from afar. Shouldn't you do your hospitality of a host? Like showing me around and keeping me entertained?"
"Didn't I treat you to a meal two days ago?"
Wei Qiyu sullenly said, "You have the nerve to mention that, how long have I been here, and you have just treated me one meal!"
Ji Yun An teased Wei Qiyu, "But you eat so much, how can I afford to treat you more meals?"
Wei Qiyu glared at Ji Yun An with his cheeks all puffed up.
Ji Yun An shrugged, "Young Master Wei, give me a break, your family is one of the most wealthiest families in the capital city, do you really count on me to buy you food?"
Wei Qiyu suppressed his anger, "Of course I can buy my own food, but there are certain things that cannot be bought with money, you know what I mean?"
Ji Yun An rubbed his forehead and played dumb, "I'm afraid I can't help you here, I don't know what you are talking about."
Wei Qiyu looked at Ji Yun An and blinked. "I heard your fiancée is a great chef, and I know you are going to the county yamen right now, of course he is going to cook for you, I've also heard that Magistrate Lu is cooking Roast Whole Lamb today." Wei Qiyu smacked his lips, recollect the pleasant flavor of the Roast Whole Lamb Gao Jun had auctioned.
In the past few days, Wei Qiyu had been tossing and turning at night, wishing to have another taste of Roast Whole Lamb.
Ji Yun An looked at Wei Qiyu and shook his head. "You are acting like a three-year-old now, are you going to throw a tantrum if I don't take you to the county yamen?"
Ji Yun An felt he was in an awkward position now, on one hand hedidn't want to upset his friend, but on the other hand he felt a bit rude bringing an invited guest to his fiancee's house.
Wei Qiyu looked at Ji Yun An with his puppy dog eyes and said, "Have mercy! I'll never have the chance to taste the Roast Whole Lamb after I go back to the capital city."
Ji Yun An sighed, he now didn't have the heart to say no to this friend of his.
"I can bring you there, but you have to promise me you will behave yourself!" Ji Yun An thought to himself, 'I will have to give you a good beating if you do anything embarrassing.'
Wei Qiyu nodded and said, "Don't worry, I will behave myself."
Ji Yun An walked to Lu Lin's residence. The servants in Lu family knew who Ji Yun An was, they greeted him warmly and opened the gate for him.
Ji Yun An walked into the county yamen with Wei Qiju. Wei Qiyu smelled the aroma in the air and said, "Smells so great! Perfect timing!"
…
In the yard, Yuan Bao was playing swing while Dash was playing the sand with a mini shovel in hand.
Seeing Ji Yun An coming over, Yuan Bao came down from the swing and walked towards him. Dash, on the other hand, was not interested, he gave them a faint head nod and went back to playing sand.
"Wall-climbing-Brother, you're here! And you've brought a guest! Hi, I'm Yuan Bao".
"Hi, Yuan Bao, I'm Wei Qiyu."
Wei Qiyu glanced at Ji Yun An and asked curiously, "Yun An, why did he call you wall-climbing-brother?"
Ji Yun An ignored Wei Qiyu and asked Yuan Bao, "Where's your Little Uncle?"
Yuan Bao replied without thinking, "Uncle is cooking Roast Whole Lamb!"
Wei Qiyu was thrilled on hearing that, 'My sources didn't lie to me! They are making Roast Whole Lamb today!'
Yuan Bao looked at Wei Qiyu and asked curiously, "Brother Yun An, are you guys friends?"
Wei Qiyu smiled and said, "I am your brother Yun An's classmate, we are close friends."
Wei Qiyu took out a rattle from his sleeve and handed it to Yuan Bao, "This is for you, Yuan Bao."
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and exclaimed in his hear, 'You! You are stealing my thunder for a bite of food!'
Yuan Bao shook the rattle and found it very interesting.
Ji Yun An looked at Wei Qiyu and said, "You are really generous!" The rattle that Wei Qiyu took out was made of silver and jade, it must be very expensive.
Wei Qiyu waved his hand and said, "As long Yuan Bao likes it."
Ji Yun An took Wei Qiyu to the kitchen at Wei Qiyu's request.
There was a grill in front of Chen Xiao Mai and a lamb was placed on the grill.
" Roast Whole Lamb"
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said, "Haven't you seen it before? Why are you still so excited?"
Wei Qiyu stammered, "It's… it's different! I didn't get to see how it was made from scratch last… last time!"
Yuan Bao and Dash rushed over to Chen Xiao Mai and said sweetly, "Little Uncle, when will the lamb be ready?"
Chen Xiao Mai smiled and said, "Soon, Yuan Bao, soon."
Chen Xiao Mai glanced at Wei Qiyu and asked, "Who is this?"
"This is my classmate, Wei Qiyu, we are close friends," said Ji Yun An.
"Did he go to the exam with you?" asked Chen Xiao Mai.
Ji Yun An nodded and said: "Yeah!"
"Did he pass the exam?"
Ji Yun An shook his head.
Chen Xiao Mai and Wei Qiyu greeted each other.
Wei Qiyu then lowered his head in embarrassment.
Chen Xiao Mai looked at Ji Yun An and the kids with a smile, "Go take a seat, the lamb will be ready soon."
Ji Yun An looked a little worried, "Are you sure? Don't we need to wait for Magistrate Lu?"
Chen Xiao Mai tilted his head and said, "Lin Ge and Big Brother have gone out for a business meeting. Besides, he said that he wants to have a light diet recently, I will leave half for them."
Ji Yun An nodded, and he let out a sigh of relief. Ji Yun An felt that Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi seemed to have less smiles towards him since he and Mai got engaged, so he was a bit nervous on having dinner together with them.
…
Chen Xiao Mai cut half of the Roast Whole Lamb and asked everyone to be seated.
Wei Qiyu tore off a large piece of gigot with excitement. He didn't get to enjoy any gigot meat at Gao Jun's gathering, so he almost danced for joy.
Wei Qiyu gulped down the gigot while humming, then he felt Yuan Bao's gaze, he turned around slightly, pretending he didn't notice that.
Xiao Mai then served Wei Qiyu some lamb soup after he was done with the gigot in hand, Wei Qiyu took the soup without ceremony.
Wei Qiyu was actually pretty full already, but he still savored every mouthful of the soup.
Wei Qiyu thought to himself, 'The food of this county yamen is really original and unique, no wonder Highness Cheng stayed in this place for so long. There is hearsay that Highness Cheng is just here to avoid his new wife and concubine, I say that's rumor! Of course His Highness stayed here for the food!'
After the feast, Wei Qiyu took a stroll in the yard, then he was fascinated with the rocking chair in the county yamen. Wei Qiyu felt full and drank, lying on the rocking chair. He sat on the rocking chair and took a nap.
…
An hour later, Ji Yun An woke Wei Qiyu up and together they left the county yamen.
Wei Qyui slowly followed behind Ji Yun An, "Ah Yun An! Now I know why you insist on betrothing this Bio boy, he and his family are so inventive! I wish I could find a girl like that, so different and so capable!"
Ji Yun An rolled his eyes and said, "Dream on."
Wei Qiyu pouted, "You are a happy man now, you should send me your wishes, not these sarcastic comments."
Ji Yun An made a face.
Wei Qiyu sighed, "It's a pity that Chen Xiao Mai doesn't have a sister. I wish I could have the luck to chase after his sister if he had one."
"Qiyu, don't get your hopes high, the Chens have high standards!"
Wei Qiyu retorted, "Why can't you just have some faith in me! I'm very popular. Just yesterday when I walked on the street, two girls were talking about me, they said I looked so handsome."
"All right, I'm sorry, Qiyu, I'm sure you will find the perfect girl."
"But in all seriousness, you love food, why don't you just ask your father to find a good cook for you."
Wei Qiyu sighed, " don't like none of the famous chefs in the capital city now thanks to this trip."
Ji Yun An nodded, he knew what Wei Qiyu meant.
Wei Qiyu suddenly thought of something and asked, "When will the hot spring resort open?"
"In a few more days, why?"
Wei Qiyu was a little anxious, "It' s just my father urges me to go back home."
Ji Yun An smiled helplessly and said, "There are still some rooms unfinished, but if you really want to go, I can take you there to experience it and raise some suggestions."
Wei Qiyu beamed with smiles, "There is such good thing? Really?"
Ji Yun An smiled and said, "Yes, my friend, we all appreciate your suggestions, Young Master Wei."
Wei Qiyu finally felt better.
…
Liu Yun saw Ji Cheng Kang and said happily, "General Ji, the young master is back."
Ji Cheng Kang was a little surprised. "He actually came back."
Ji Cheng Kang thought to himself, 'Hmm, what's going on this time? Why isn't he in the county yamen?'
Ji Cheng Kang walked into Ji Yun An's tent only to see him drawing attentively.
Ji Cheng Kang glanced at Ji Yun An and said, "When did you like to draw?"
Ji Yun An helplessly said, "It's not that I like drawing, it's Chen Xiao Cai who needs some art to decorate the resort. There is no art gallery in Sha County. So he asked me the other day whether I'm willing to give it a try."
Ji Yun An had been a freeloader in the county yamen for so long and this day he had even brought another freeloader, so he felt like he should try his best to not let Chen Xiao Cai down.
It was rare for Chen Xiao Cai to ask him for help, Ji Yun An was very happy. It meant Chen Xiao Cai had accepted him as a family member.
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Since Chen Xiao Cai asked you, just do your best, he and his family are great people, they have helped us a lot in the past few years."
Villagers' Reaction
In Big Stone Village.
"Are you serious? Is Mai engaged?"
"Yes, indeed he is engaged, to a young master from the capital city."
"Pardon? Mai is engaged to a young master from the capital city? Does the young master know Mai is special?"
The travelling merchants from Forest Town brought home the news of Chen Xiao Mai and Ji Yun An's engagement.
"That makes me wonder if there is something wrong with this young master as well."
"You cannot be more wrong! That young master is not even eighteen yet, but you know what, but he has already passed the highest imperial examinations!"
"Really? Passed the highest imperial examinations at such a young age? That's amazing!"
"To think we only have a handful of Xiucais who have passed the imperial examination at the county level in our village! No wonder people all say there are a galaxy of talents in the capital city!"
"Indeed, the talents in the capital city have their own tutors since they were very young, but us villagers have to support a student with the entire house's income! Not fair competition to be honest."
The villagers all sighed hearing that.
"Are you sure this news is true? It's so hard to believe! Could it be a rumor?"
"The merchants had even seen their engagement banquet, that can't be a rumor!"
…
These villagers were shocked to the core, they kept talking about Chen Xiao Mai for so long, they couldn't figure out how come a promising young talent would take a fancy to a wild Bio boy like Chen Xiao Mai!
"This young master who just got engaged to Chen Xiao Mai is going to be an official one day, right?"
"Definitely! Plus he is a young master from an influential family, his family must have paved the way for him already!"
"If Chen Xiao Mai married a government official, then he would become a madam!"
"Amazing, amazing! Who would have expected Slow Mai to become an official's wife?"".
The villagers had slowly accepted the fact that Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Cai were capable and ambitious people, but they had always seen Chen Xiao Mai as deadweight. They got mad jealous when Mai had a sudden rise in life.
…
Tang stood aside and listened to the villagers talk for a while, then she left without uttering a word.
Lu Cheng Yu didn't pass the imperial examinations at the highest level.
Lu Cheng Yu had been studying so hard since Lu Lin bought the official title, but he had met yet another failure.
Those students in the capital city had the opportunities to learn and practice with the best scholars in the entire country, but the students from the villages weren't so lucky, there were only limited education resources available for them.
Lu Cheng Yu still wanted to keep studying and give the exam another try, but Tang wanted him to open a school so he could bring home some income.
Although Tang wanted her son to become an official, covered in glory and enjoyed the praises from the villagers, she became realistic over the years, now she just wanted her son to be able to make a living and shoulder the responsibility to support the family because she was getting old.
Tang had really been struggling to pay Lu Cheng Yu's tuition fee.
It had been so long since Tang bought any meat, sometimes she just wished her son could share the responsibility to support the family like his peers. Tang heard that there was an old Tongsheng in the neighboring village who had opened a school for kids, the school was so popular. Some parents would give the Tongsheng grains or meat as tuition fee. Tang wished Lu Cheng Yu could open a school as well, but she knew she needed to do this delicately and strategically in case Lu Cheng Yu took it the wrong way.
Tang was on her way to the farmland when she heard the villagers talking about Chen Xiao Mai's engagement. Her first reaction was 'that can't be true'! In the past few years, Tang has slowly accepted the fact that Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mi were capable people with great plans even though she despised it when Lu Lin bought his official title. But she was secretly glad that Chen Xiao Mai would be their burden forever.
And now not only Mai was engaged, but he was engaged to a promising young master who had passed the highest imperial examinations. Tang almost collapsed on hearing that, she felt drained of energy. She couldn't help but blame her son for his failure, but she didn't have the heart to do so, because she knew how hard her son had been studying.
…
When Tang returned home, she saw Li Fang Yue feeding the chicken while her two granddaughters were playing in the yard.
Tang was ablaze with anger when she saw Li Fang Yue. "Where's Cheng Yu?"
"He is reading in the room."
After the Secretary-general was thrown into prison, Li Fang Yue's position in the Lu family suffered a disastrous decline. Lu Cheng Yu saw himself as a laughing stock for marrying Li Fang Yue with dozens of taels of silver. The relationship between Li Fang Yue and Lu Cheng Yu had been getting more and more tense over the past few years.
Tang walked into the study and saw Lu Cheng Yu who buried herself in the books.
Lu Cheng Yu's hair was a little messy, his eyes were sunken and black-ringed, he looked a little haggard.
Tang was a little worried. Lu Cheng Yu had already reached the point of losing sleep and forgetting to eat from anxiety. Tang was happy first when her son studied so hard. However, she became more and more worried as she saw her son getting thinner every day.
"Mother, you're back."
Tang nodded and said worriedly, " Cheng Yu, don't work too hard. Take care of yourself!"
All of a sudden, Lu Cheng Yu punched the table. "This is unfair!"
He had clearly worked so hard, but he couldn't pass the exam. But that Lu Lin just enjoyed all the glory because he was rich! He was even promoted by the emperor!
Lu Cheng Yu always thought he would be considered as a big shot in the village if not for Lu Lin, but now he was more like a joke, a failure.
Lu Cheng Yu was very confident in participating in the exam this time. And he was so indignant when he found out he failed yet again, he started to question the fairness of the exam and hated the talents from the capital city who enjoyed better education resources.
Lu Cheng Yu glanced at Tang and said, "They said that Chen Xiao Mai is engaged to a young master from the capital city who has passed the exam?"
Tang smiled awkwardly, "Yeah, the villagers are talking about that, but how is it possible! Chen Xiao Mai is retarded, you know that!" However, it was most likely a joke.
Lu Cheng Yu gritted his teeth and said, "It's not necessary a joke. I heard that there was a successful candidate named Ji Yun An who grew up in Sha County this year. This guy is only sixteen, and he planned on giving up on the result this year and aim for a better ranking in the next exam! Isn't Sha County where Lu Lin and his family are?"
Tang widened her eyes in shock. She couldn't figure out why would someone give up on such a great result!
"The more I think about it, the more I think that's a rumor," Tang muttered.
Lu Cheng Yu thought to himself, 'It must be true! Ji Yun An's uncle is General Ji in the border patrol camp, and Chen Xiao Mai lives in Sha County. The travelling merchants say they have even seen the engagement banquet, why would they lie! This must be true! Mother is just trying to comfort me.'
Lu Cheng Yu gritted his teeth and he felt a splitting headache. How could Chen Xiao Mai, an idiot, be engaged to a young master from the capital city!
Tang looked at Lu Cheng Yu's expression and comforted him, "This is just an engagement, and it's not a marriage. Even if they got married, I think Chen Xiao Mai would end up being repudiated. Even the young master is willing to marry such an idiot, how about the young master's family?"
Lu Cheng Yu squinted and said, "Maybe the young master suffers some unmentionable disease."
…
In Chen family.
Grandma Chen said sullenly, "Have you heard the news? Is t Chen Xiao Mai really going to marry a young master from the capital city?"
Chen Shou Ren's wife, Zhang Yue Hong, nodded and said, "The travelling merchants brought the news, and now everyone is talking about it!"
Grandma Chen snorted and said, "I don't believe such nonsense. When Lu Cheng Yu married Li Fang Yue, Tang bragged that they were betrothed with some lad from an official's family, and we've all seen how that worked out for them. Li Fang Yue's sister was just a concubine!"
Zhang Yue Hong nodded and said, "Yes, mother, you are right. No official young master is willing to marry a retarded Bio!"
Even though Zhang Yue Hong said so, she wasn't entirely sure, the travelling merchants who just came back from Sha County all said they had seen the engagement banquet.
'But if it were true, Chen Xiao Mai would become a madam! In the capital city!' thought Zhang Yue Hong.
Grandma Chen said angrily, "Chen Xiao Cai is a bastard, so is Chen Xiao Mai."
When Chen Xiao Cai came back to the village with Shen Chi last time, Grandma Chen tried to approach him. However, Chen Xiao Cai didn't want to pay any attention to the old lady. Grandma Chen didn't even get to meet Chen Xiao Cai, the villagers had even told her off and sent her home in case she offended the distinguished guest.
Zhang Yue Hong nodded, "They are so coldhearted! And the villagers are isolating us because of them!"
…
Bucher Zhang was busy in his shop this day.
Two years ago, Zhang Rui came back for a visit, he gave Bucher Zhang a large sum of money. Bucher Zhang opened a butcher's shop in town using that money and his savings.
Many people in Forest Town knew Bucher Zhang's son was working for Lu Lin in Sha County.
People would come to Bucher Zhang's shop to listen to the stories like His Highness Cheng paid a visit to Sha county, some young master paid 80 taels of silver for some dish…
"Butcher Zhang, when is your son coming back?"
Butcher Zhang said, "Hmm, not anytime soon. He is so busy in Sha County, but that's a good thing, he enjoys working for Magistrate Lu."
"Yeah! And he is earing some sweet coins!"
"Butcher Zhang, I heard that your son has met a prince."
Butcher Zhang said smugly, "Not only has my son met the prince, but he has cooked for the prince! Magistrate Lu always entrusts important tasks to my son."
Butcher Zhang was just bragging, the truth was Zhang Rui was very reserved and he didn't want to say the wrong things in Highness Cheng's presence, so he took refuge in Chen Xiao Cai's residence when Highness Cheng stayed in the county yamen.
Bucher Zhang saw those stories as white lies, he saw that as a way to entertain his customers.
"Bucher Zhang, you must be really proud of your son." The customers all enjoyed the stories very much.
Bucher Zhang enjoyed all the attention and praise, but he knew he needed to be modest.
"Guys, honestly, I just feel Rui is very lucky, he is just lucky enough to work for Magistrate Lu!"
The customers all nodded in agreement.
"Butcher Zhang, the travelling merchants say Chen Xiao Mai is engaged to a young master from the capital city? Has Rui mentioned this in his letters?"
Butcher Zhang nodded and said, "It is true. I heard that young master is a general's nephew, and they have known each other for a few years."
"Really? But what has that young master seen in Chen Xiao Cai?"
Butcher Zhang wrapped a piece of pork for a customer and said, "I don't know, Rui didn't mention. But Rui mentioned Xiao Cai was a great chef, and he is very friendly, never has he put on any air as a young master. I also have my own theory, the Chens are very wealthy, I heard Chen Xiao Cai has built a commercial street, so I think they will prepare a handsome dowry for Chen Xiao Mai, but I'm sure that's not the reason why the young master from the capital city is engaged to Chen Xiao Mai."
"Yeah, that young master must be rich himself as well, he doesn't need Chen Xiao Mai's dowry." Said a customer, and other customers nodded in agreement.
Butcher Zhang Chu thought to himself, 'Grandma Chen must be kicking herself right now, she used to abuse the Chen Brothers, but look at them now, they are just so capable!'
Hot Springs Resort
Wei Qiyu bummed some Roast Whole Lamb off Chen Xiao Mai thanks to Ji Yun An. He couldn't keep a secret and he bragged to his friends about it. And everyone kept pestering him for information like when Chen Xiao Mai was going to make Roast Whole Lamb next time.
Wei Qiyu had no idea, and he didn't have the guts to ask Ji Yun An for help, so he told his friends that they could have some Roast Whole Lamb when the Hot Springs Resort had the soft opening.
Chen Xiao Cai would invite a group of people for feedbacks and suggestions, and chances were he was going to treat the guests to Roast Whole Lamb.
Wei Qiyu only told a few familiar friends, but the news 'accidentally' spread, more than 20 people gathered around, and they were ready to head to the Hot Springs Resort.
The Roast Whole Lamb had made a name since Gao Jun auctioned it with 80 tales of silver, many young masters had coveted the lamb, so they were all excited about the soft opening about the Hot Springs Resort.
"Are you sure this is the way?" A young man asked on the foot of a mountain, feeling a bit daunted by the rugged mountain road.
Wei Qiyu nodded and said, "Yeah, it's a bit bumpy, make your decision now, I'm not carrying anyone on the way!"
Wei Qiyu said that helf-jokingly.
"Fatty Wei, you should worry about yourself," a well-dressed young man pointed at Wei Qiyu with a fan and laughed.
Wei Qiyu pouted and said, "Zhou Yu, you sissy, you are most likely to give up halfway."
Wei Qiyu thought to himself, 'Zhou Yu, this guy is really strange. He is obviously a man, but he is so feminine, his clothes are more colorful than women's. It is said that his father has thrown him out of the house because he likes to play with rouge and powder.'
Zhou Yu glared at Wei Qiyu and retorted, "You damn fatty."
Wei Qiyu made a face, "I'm not fat."
A good-looking teenager walked down the bumpy road, it was Qin Ming. Qin Ming glanced at them and said with a polite smile, "Young masters, are you going to the Hot Springs Resort? Please allow me to lead the way."
Wei Qiyu smiled and said, "Thank you so much."
Qin Ming nodded slightly and walked in front.
Wei Qiyu glanced at Qin Ming and said, "Have we met? You look so familiar!"
Qin Ming glanced at Wei Qiyu and said, "I work at the county yamen."
Wei Qiyu suddenly recalled he had met Qin Ming when he followed Ji Yun An to the county yamen last time. But he was too focused on the Roast Whole Lamb to notice anything or anyone else.
Wei Qiyu looked at Qin Ming and thought to himself, 'I've been in Sha County for a while now, a lot of villagers would shy away from me, but not Qin Ming, he is neither servile nor overbearing.'
It was partly because of Qin Ming's nature, partly because Qin Ming had been to the capital city and received Highness Cheng himself, so he wasn't overwhelmed by the young masters.
"Young man, I heard that His Highness Cheng once stayed in the county yamen, have you met His Highness?" Zhou Yu asked.
"Yes, but I had no idea he was Highness Cheng until he left. Magistrate Lu just told me to respect that distinguished guest and treat him well, he didn't tell me that was Highness Cheng in case I got too scared," Qin Ming said.
Qin Ming thought to himself, 'I actually find Highness Cheng funny, all he did was sleeping, eating, and playing with Xiao Mai. He would sleep till noon and order food, Xiao Mai would cook for him whenever he was in a good mood. I guess that was why they got along so well. And he took a fancy to Dash's rocking chair, Magistrate Lu made one for him over night! I should have noticed that old man was a big shot then, otherwise Magistrate Lu wouldn't be so patient towards him.'
Lu Lin didn't tell Qin Ming that old man was Highness Cheng until Highness Cheng left for the capital city. Qin Ming couldn't fall asleep for three days after he heard that, he kept thinking whether he had offended the prince.
And Qin Ming finally calmed himself down a few days later. He started to regret for not talking to Highness Cheng more, however, he was satisfied with this encounter, he could brag about it for a lifetime.
The road to the Hot Springs Resort was in sections, one section was made of green jade, one was cobblestone, one was bricks…
Chen Xiao Cai designed it that way in case people got bored on the way.
The bushes on both sides were cleaned up and they were replaced by flowers.
It was not the first time that Qin Ming taken this route, but he was still amazed. 'Boss Chen is such a genius, his time and effort has definitely paid off.'
The young masters were amazed by Chen Xiao Cai's inventive mind as well, they laughed and talked along the way. But they were all young masters who were used to taking sedan chairs to go places, tiredness crept up on them in the last stretch, but none of them said anything due to Wei Qiyu's warning.
Ji Yun An arrived at the Hot Springs Resort first.
The resort smacked of classical in its design, Lu Lin decorated the hall with a lot of paintings and calligraphies.
In order to save money, all of the paintings and calligraphies were created by Ji Yun An. Ji Yun An was a talented calligrapher and painter, his works were still a bit green compared to some great masters' work, but the style was good enough for a resort in Sha County.
Wei Qiyu walked in the resort and exclaimed, "Yun An, this place is amazing!"
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "Told you."
The resort was mostly done, there was an open-air hot spring pond in one of the courtyards. There was a row of trees standing behind the spring for privacy, and the spring looked so ethereal with the mist floating on the water.
Gao Hui, one of the young masters, smiled and said, "I didn't expect Sha County to have such a good place. What a trip!"
Wei Qiyu opened his folding fan and thought to himself, 'I wonder how much money I have to spend if I were to build a resort like this in the capital city?'
The young masters who were here for the Roast Whole Lamb were now charmed by the open-air hot spring.
Qin Ming took them to the change room, they got bathrobes and jumped into the hot spring.
They were a little bit tired from the bumpy road, and they all appreciated the hot spring even more.
Wei Qiyu lay face down on a bamboo futon and enjoyed a back massage.
At first, when Qin Ming asked the young masters if they wanted to enjoy a back massage, they all turned him down. Only Wei Qiyu, who was willing to try new things, jumped on the futon without asking a question.
The masseurs in the resort were trained by Lu Lin.
A back massage had definitely made the hot bath even more enjoyable!
Wei Qiyu looked at Ji Yun An who was half-soaked in water and said, "Yun An, this massage is very comfortable! Come and try!"
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said, "No need."
Wei Qiyu pouted and said, "You, you will regret!"
Some muscles on Wei Qiyu's back felt painful and sour in the massage, but Wei Qiyu felt so relaxed.
Wei Qiyu suddenly let out a sigh, "Yun An, everything is perfect, but if I have to nitpick, I'll say maybe ask beautiful ladies to do the massage for us!"
Ji Yun An rolled his eyes at Wei Qiyu and said, "I don't think that's constructive suggestion, I think you should keep it to yourself."
Lu Lin had also considered hiring women to provide massage service, but he gave up in the end. Even in modern society, people had certain assumptions about a masseuse, let alone in this time and space.
Wei Qiyu made a face, then he waved at other young masters, "Come on, everyone, this massage is amazing!"
About half of the young masters said they wanted to give it a try. However, there were only four masseurs in the resort because it was just soft opening, so they had to take turns.
Human nature was funny, all the waiting had made them want to enjoy the massage even more.
Zhou Yu was the fastest, he snatched a spot for himself.
Zhou Yu lay on the bamboo futon with nothing but bathrobe on, he would moan from time to time.
Wei Qiyu glanced at Zhou Yu and thought to himself, 'So inappropriate! Time and place! How can you moan like a cat in heat in front of so many people!'
The other people who were enjoying the massage all felt the same way, they all buried their heads in the towels with embarrassment.
Wei Qiyu glanced at Ji Yun An and said, "Yun An, when are we having lunch?"
Ji Yun An looked at Wei Qiyu with disbelief and said, "It's still early, didn't you just have breakfast?"
The others were also looking forward to lunch, they all turned around to look at Ji Yun An, waiting for an answer.
Wei Qiyu sullenly said, "I had a light breakfast deliberately."
Ji Yun An narrowed his eyes and said, "It's about time I guess, but maybe not the Roast Whole Lamb because it takes an awful long time. We can have a look at the dining hall."
As soon as Ji Yun An said this, several people jumped out from the water, couldn't wait to find out what they were having for lunch. In their opinion, the hot spring could wait, but if they waited for food, chances were they could only get odds and ends.
The Hot Springs Resort Boom
Ji Yun An took the young masters to the dining hall. The resort was serving a buffet, the young masters looked so intrigued by this new way of serving food, they were dazzled by the endless array of food.
"Yun An, is this really all-you-can-eat?"
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "Yes, apparently it's called a buffet according to Magistrate Lu, but don't waste food, just take the amount you can eat."
Wei Qiyu rolled his eyes and said, "So, I can take as much as I want as long as I can finish it?"
Ji Yun An nodded, "That's exactly how it works."
Wei Qiyu opened his folding fan and beamed with smiles, "People with a big appetite are winning."
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said "Yes! You big winner."
"Yun An, why do you keep teasing me?" Wei Qiyu pouted.
Ji Yun An tapped Wei Qiyu on the shoulder and apologized.
Wei Qiyu tried some deep-fried noodles with brown sauce, he fell in love with the taste and served himself a giant bowl.
"Yun An, try this noodle, it tastes great!"
Ji Yun An smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it, but are you sure you don't want to try other food?"
"Don't worry, I can eat a lot."
Ji Yun An thought to himself, 'People seem to have no idea how a buffet works, you shouldn't feed yourself with all those staple, you need to try a few different things to make it worthwhile.'
Wei Qiyu savored every bite of the noodles and said, "I wonder what they have put in the brown sauce! How come it tastes so rich!"
"Mai once mentioned it was sesame paste," said Ji Yun An.
Wei Qiyu looked at Ji Yun An with a cheeky smile, "My friend, do me a favor, ask your fiancée to sell me some paste please."
Ji Yun An helplessly stared at Wei Qiyu and said, "Why are you such a foodie?"
Wei Qiyu smiled and said, "I'm just appreciating good food, I'm sure the chef will feel so happy if he knows his food is much appreciated by the customers."
The young masters were all looking forward to having Roast Whole Lamb, but they couldn't help eating other dishes on the table.
"The buns look so exquisite!"
To common people, they wanted to have big oily buns.
However, for these young masters, they would appreciate the exquisite look of the buns. The buns in the restaurant were so small that they could be finished with just two bites, but the young masters loved them.
"Yun An, the smell of this bun is a bit strange! It's not savory, it's actually sweet!" Wei Qiyu exclaimed.
Ji Yun An smiled. Wei Qiyu was eating a creamy custard bun, Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Mai had added goat milk in the dough.
Zhou Yu took a stroll in the hall to have a look at all the food before he selected anything.
Zhou Yu paid great attention the portion and what he was picking.
Zhou Yu seemed to have a sweet tooth though, he really liked pastries, so he took a piece of rose cake, a pierce of honey cake and a piece of green bean cake.
Zhou Yu was kind of a loner, he picked a quiet area and enjoyed the cake all by himself.
After Zhou Yu finished eating his first plate, he struggled a while before he went to pick up a few more.
Wei Qiyu looked at Zhou Yu's direction and thought to himself, 'Aha, I've been there, my friend! Dieting is hard, don't torture yourself, we are having a buffet, just eat!'
"Hey, Yun An, look at Zhou Yu, he eats like a child, he just eats cakes."
Ji Yun An said, "The pastries that Zhou Yu are eating are not easy to make, I think he has great taste."
Everyone's appetite and preference were different, but they all found what they liked in the dining hall.
The Roast Whole Lamb was ready when they were about half full.
A chef cut the lamb into pieces and wrapped them with lotus-leaf-like pancakes, everyone loved it.
The young masters originally planned to leave right after eating the Roast Whole Lamb. However, after spending a day in the Hot Springs Resort, they didn't feel like leaving. So they stayed one more day and spent time organizing all kinds of activities like chanting poetry and painting within half an hour.
…
"That Hot Springs Resort is just amazing!" Zhou Yu said to his friends.
It was Wei Qiyu who organized the outing to the resort. A few of Zhou Yu's friends didn't get along with Wei Qiyu, so they didn't join the outing.
"Really? I've only heard good things about that resort, is it really that good?"
Zhou Yu nodded, "Yeah! It's even better that what you've heard. I was sp lucky, I didn't spend a penny on it."
"Zhou Yu, what is the massage thing you have mentioned?"
Zhou Yu rolled his eyes and explained the massage he had experienced.
A man named Yun Qi stared at Zhou Yu with disbelief and said, "Zhou Yu, how could you let a man touch you!"
Zhou Yu looked disapprovingly at Yun Qi and said, "Why does it matter?"
Yun Qi crossed his arms and shivered. "It's because he's a man! I don't want those stinky men to touch me."
Zhou Yu looked helplessly at Yun Qi and angrily said, "Why are you so narrowminded? You have no idea how comfortable the massage is, you just feel so refreshed and relaxed after the massage. Plus, I was wearing a bathrobe the whole time."
Yun Qi said suspiciously, "Have you guys all tried that massage thing?"
Zhou Yu nodded and said, "Yeah, it was so popular that there was a line!"
"Even the Gaos? They are so pedantic, did they really do the massage?"
Zhou Yu blushed and said, "Having a massage is no big deal, you need to lighten up."
"I heard that the Hot Springs Resort will officially open in two days. We'll go and take a look then," Yun Qi said.
Zhou Yu rolled his eyes and thought to himself, 'Even though I just went to the resort, but it was just so amazing, I think I will go back again when it officially opens.'
'It's said the admission fee is one tale of silver, I can't believe it's so cheap."
…
Shen Chi looked at the account book and asked, "The hot springs resort is finally opening?"
Chen Xiao Cai nodded and said, "Yeah, in just two days."
The young masters who had joined Wei Qiyu for the outing had been talking about the resort, and the name of the resort had already spread. More and more people had asked Chen Xiao Cai about it recently, Chen Xiao Cai figured it was time to have the grand opening.
Shen Chi took a deep breath and said, " It's finally going to open, we've never invested this much money to any of our previous businesses before, this is so exciting!"
Chen Xiao Cai glanced at Shen Chi and said, "Chi, we both have been very busy recently. It's time to us to treat ourselves, let's try it on the opening day."
Shen Chi blushed and said, "I'm a Bio, people will stare, I don't feel comfortable."
Chen Xiao Cai smiled and said, "You don't have to worry about this. We have private rooms for couples like us."
Shen Chi glanced at Chen Xiao Cai and asked, "That sounds amazing."
Chen Xiao Cai nodded, "Yes! There are many options, open-air hot springs, private rooms, double rooms, you name it."
Shen Chi nodded and said, "Alright, I will go."
Chen Xiao Cai was caught up with the preparation work for the resort that he and Shen Chi didn't get to spend much time together. Shen Chi was full of expectations for the Hot Springs Resort, he had been busy with the commercial street, and he looked forward to having a relaxing day with Chen Xiao Cai.
…
Shen Chi brought their two sons and invited Chen Xiao Mi and his kids.
After arriving at the Hot Springs Resort, Shen Chi and Chen Xiao Mi put the kids in the wooden buckets and watched them play for a while before they jumped into the water.
The kids loved it so much, they enjoyed floating on the water.
Yuan Bao, the biggest one among them, knew how to swim, he volunteered to push the wooden bucket around so the kids could have more fun.
Laughter lingered in the room, the kids had never had this much fun.
Chen Xiao Mi cupped his hands and splashed water to his kids, he then closed his eyes and said with a little intoxication, "It's so comfortable! No wonder your Lin Ge and Cai are so passionate on building this resort, even I have fallen in love with this place now."
Shen Chi nodded and said, "It is indeed very comfortable. It should be even more comfortable in wintertime."
Chen Xiao Mi wished Mai were here we well. But Mai was busy studying at home, he had turned down the invitation.
…
Lu Lin glanced at Chen Xiao Mi and asked, "You're back, where did you guys go?"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, and the kids chimed in before he could reply.
Yuan Bao and Dash rushed to Lu Lin and surrounded him.
"Father, the hot springs is so much fun!"
"Father, the hot springs eggs are delicious!"
"Father, the rooms in the Hot Springs Resort are so big!"
"Father, every room is so misty."
…
Lu Lin couldn't help pouting. "You guys went to the hot springs without me?"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah, I'm so sorry, you weren't home when Chi came to our house and invited us! Everything was great, Lin, I think the resort will be a huge success."
Lu Lin smiled and said, "I was just playing with you, of course I'm not mad, I'm glad you like it."
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Lu Lin and said sympathetically, "It's a shame you were out for business, we would have so much fun with the kids in the resort."
Lu Lin forced a smile, "Next time, I will join you guys next time…"
Lu Lin wasn't a greedy person, he never complained about the official work, he knew certain sacrifice must be made.
Chen Xiao Mi rested his head on Lu Lin's shoulder and said, "Yeah, let's go with the kids next time you are free."
Lu Lin made a face. Chen Xiao Mi was amused by the boy side of Lu Lin.
…
Amidst everyone's anticipation, the Hot Springs Resort finally had its grand opening.
The admission fee was one tale of silver, there came with one ticket for the hot springs and two buffet tickets.
The admission fee scared many people away. However, a lot of wealthy local people, young masters from the capital city and merchants from Liao Dynasty flocked to the resort. There were more than 100 guests who bought the entry ticket on the grand opening day, the hot springs, the massage service, and the buffets were all critically acclaimed.
Everyone in the streets and lanes was talking about the Hot Springs Resort.
The people who were skeptical about the resort were shocked to see how successful it was, each person needed to pay one tales of silver as an entry fee, and there were over 100 guests on the first day! That meant they made more than 100 tales of silver in a day!
"Mr. Liu, the Hot Springs Resort is open," a soldier said to Liu Yun.
Liu Yun nodded, "Yeah! Chen Xiao Cai is such a genius, who has expected a resort in the remote mountainous area would be such a huge success!"
"Mr. Liu, I heard this hot spring resort is so much fun!"
Liu Yun glanced at the soldier beside him and said, "I think if you start saving now, maybe you can afford the entry fee in three months or so."
"People say the resort is as beautiful as the heavenly palace. I really want to go over and take a look."
Liu Yun smiled and said, "It's just a resort, I think people are exaggerating."
As a matter of fact, just a few days ago, Liu Yun went to the resort together with Ji Yun An. But he didn't want the soldiers to be jealous, so he kept it a secret.
A Letter from Highness Cheng
The admission fee was one tale of silver, but the customers needed to pay extra for robes and massage service.
Shen Chi looked at the account book and said, "There are many people buying bathrobes!"
Chen Xiao Cai nodded, "Yeah! It looks like they all like the idea of having their own bathrobes."
Customers who bought the bathrobes could either take the robes home or deposit the robes in the cabinets so they could use whenever they came back.
One bathrobe was sold for 500 cents, and one session of massage serviced was about the same price, but not a lot of customers were willing to give massage service a try.
People in this time and space were more conservative in general, they had some antipathy towards being touched by strangers.
Shen Chi glanced at Chen Xiao Cai and asked, "Hey, how did Lin Ge think of providing massage service in the resort? I've never even heard of such thing called massage."
Chen Xiao Cai shook his head, "I don't know, either."
In fact, at first, when Lu Lin told Chen Xiao Cai that he wanted to launch massage service in the resort, Chen Xiao Cai felt very uncomfortable. He felt that kind of service was a little out of place, but Lu Lin explained the service fully at ease.
'How did Lin Ge think of this? Could it originate from Lin Ge and Big Brother's bedroom activities?' thought Chen Xiao Cai, he then shook his head violently as if he wanted to shake that idea out of his brain, 'No! It must be Lin Ge, he is always full of novel ideas, it must be him.'
Shen Chi looked at Chen Xiao Cai and asked in confusion, " Why do you blush crimson? What are you thinking about? You look so strange."
Chen Xiao Cai lowered his head, "Nothing."
Shen Chi tilted his head and held his chin. "I've met anyone like Lin Ge, it seems that he can always come up with new ideas."
Chen Xiao Cai nodded, "Yeah! Our life will never be boring with him being part of it."
Shen Chi looked at the account book and said, "How strange, there are a lot of people buying buffet tickets, but each entry ticket comes with two buffet tickets for free."
Chen Xiao Cai leaned in and checked the account book, "Yeah, that's indeed strange!"
The customers could stay as long as they wanted with an entry ticket, so some of them chose to stay for even two or three days, they had to buy more buffet tickets after they spent the two buffet tickets came with the entry ticket.
"I heard that customers all speak highly of the food. They like the way how buffet works."
Shen Chi nodded, "See? That's another genius idea from Lin Ge, of the customers like the idea of all-you-can-eat, but to be honest, we are still getting a profit even though the customers think they are the winning party."
The resort took their reputation seriously, so all the food were carefully prepared and cooked, they only serve the best quality food to the customers.
"I think people are just fascinated by buffets, the concept is very new," Chen Xiao Cai said.
Chen Xiao Cai felt glad that he didn't hire too many masseurs right from the start, because most customers were still not willing to give that a try.
'People will be more and more open-minded, or maybe I can launch some free massage sessions to promote it,' thought Chen Xiao Cai.
The number of customers dropped drastically on the third day after the grand opening day. Essentially, 1 tale of silver was too much for common people, and the rich young masters wouldn't spend so many days in a row in the resort.
However, Chen Xiao Cai made about 200 taels of silver within just 3 days, that was a huge relief for him. He invested about 600 tales in the resort, he was optimistic the resort would start to make profit soon.
"Cai, we should feel proud, we took risks and now it pays off!" Shen Chi said.
Chen Xiao Cai nodded, "Yeah! Quite a few people are visiting the resort from the surrounding towns."
"Although that is the case, we still need to come up with new ways to attract new customers, there are way less customers today than yesterday, " Shen Chi said worriedly.
Chen Xiao Cai hired a large group of employees in the resort, the chef team, the masseur team, the cleaning team, the laundry team… … Shen Chi couldn't help but get worried about the spending.
Chen Xiao Cai nodded and said, "For the time being, there's no need to worry. Lin Ge said that if there's really no business, we'll do some lucky draw activities in the hotpot restaurant and give out some free admission tickets, invite people over for free."
Shen Chi glanced at Chen Xiao Cai and said, "For free!"
Chen Xiao Cai said with an assuring smile, "Yes, they can enter the resort for free, but they will spend money in the dining hall, there are more than one way to stimulate consumption, but now we are pretty safe."
Shen Chi nodded and said, "Yeah, that's a great backup plan, but I've noticed there are a lot of merchants from Liao Dynasty inviting their potential business partners in our resort talking about business."
"Yeah, see, no need to worry. I think things are looking great for us," Chen Xiao Cai said.
…