Chapter One Hundred Twelve: Xu Yuanhang

Chapter 112: Xu Yuanhang

Xiao Dashi remained silent. Sun Shi interjected, "Your grandfather misses home."

Xiao Dashi let out a dry chuckle. Lin Qiuran said to Lin Ming, "There's no need to rush on the journey; please look after the old master's health."

Lin Qiuran asked Lin Ming to accompany them, first to ensure Xiao Dashi's safe return, and second, to convey some instructions.

Lin Qiuran told him to inquire at the Xu family for the past few months' profits from Thirteen Spices and Wufangzhai. If Xu Yuanhang happened to be in the capital and wished to deliver the money in person, that would be a separate matter.

She also instructed Aunt Yu and Yang Niangzi to hand over the monthly profits to Shopkeeper Shi from now on. Shopkeeper Shi would keep a ledger of these profits, making it easy to combine them with those from Golden Tripod Restaurant. Every six months, she would send someone back to collect the money and check on the business, eliminating the need to involve Xiao Dashi.

Additionally, he was to inspect the two residences. Although Xiao Dashi claimed he hadn't brought anyone from the old homestead into the house, it was best to be cautious. What if, over the past month, Bai Shi and others had used the pretext of being Xiao family relatives to move in, and the servants were too intimidated to speak up? What then?

If Lin Ming didn't return, Xiao Dashi might soften his stance again.

Sending Lin Ming back to give clear instructions would prevent future complications.

After Xiao Dashi's departure, life at the manor continued much as before, though Sun Shi appeared downcast and joyless, even eating less.

Perhaps it wasn't due to missing him, but rather a general sense of discontent.

Lin Qiuran thought that with time, things would improve. Still, she encouraged Tangyuan to spend more time with Sun Shi, and the three of them joined Sun Shi for meals morning, noon, and night.

Sun Shi felt uneasy for a couple of days. It was hard to watch someone close to you deliberately make things difficult when they could be living well. They had overcome hardships and exhaustion together in the past, but now he was stirring up trouble.

Moreover, he had caused Lin Qiuran so much bother, almost jeopardizing her relationship with the Li family. She felt a pang of guilt, but after several more bowls of bird's nest soup, Sun Shi felt much better. The porridge was delicate, smooth, and sweet—truly delicious.

The maid reassured Sun Shi, "Madam instructed that rock sugar, not white granulated sugar, must be used to ensure it's clear and sweet. Madam also said that once this batch is finished, more will be purchased, but it looks like we have enough left for two months."

Sun Shi hesitated, "This must be expensive, right?"

If others gave it to her, she'd drink it, but why buy it herself?

The maid smiled and said, "For your enjoyment, no matter the cost, it must be bought. Just relax, eat and drink well, and don't mention such things again. Even more precious and delicious items will be bought for you."

Sun Shi smiled.

The maid added, "Oh, and Madam also sent these: Pearl Cream and Snowflake Lotion, for your face."

Sun Shi took them and examined them. Even a country old woman like her could now enjoy such fine things.

This time, Sun Shi let go of her worries. Why bother with those matters? She would focus on enjoying life from now on. If Xiao Dashi didn't want to enjoy his, that was his concern.

Days passed. After the fifth day of the new year, Xiao Xun returned to work. The sixth day marked the opening of Golden Tripod Restaurant. Sun Shi even went to observe the excitement, but due to a lack of promotion and no existing clientele, business was slow on opening day. The two-story establishment had only six tables of customers at noon.

Business could be described as dismal. With just these few tables at noon, covering the costs of decoration, setup, staffing, ingredients… it would take an eternity to break even.

Lin Qiuran sighed softly in the backyard, comforting herself that all beginnings are difficult. Coming to the capital was akin to starting completely anew.

Just as she was pondering this, Shopkeeper Zhu came to the backyard and announced, "Madam, someone has sent a congratulatory flower basket. It's a young gentleman."

Tangyuan ran out to look and quickly returned, his face beaming with joy, exclaiming, "Mom, Uncle Xu is here!"

Lin Qiuran was momentarily taken aback, then turned and instructed, "Lin Xia, please invite Mr. Xu to the second floor. I'll be there shortly."

Shopkeeper Zhu understood—they were acquainted.

Lin Qiuran gave the kitchen a few instructions. Since Xu Yuanhang had arrived, he would naturally stay for a meal. She relayed the menu to Lin Chun for preparation and then headed upstairs. Xiao Xun was at work today, so only Sun Shi was upstairs.

When Lin Qiuran reached the second floor, Xu Yuanhang was conversing with Sun Shi.

Sun Shi had a smile on her face, but when she looked at Xu Yuanhang, there was a hint of concern, "Why are you wearing so little? Aren't you cold?"

Xu Yuanhang: "It's enough. I came by carriage; it was just a few steps from the carriage. I won't freeze."

Sun Shi: "Even so, have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself."

Sun Shi looked at Xu Yuanhang as an elder looks at a younger person, concerned that he was dressed too lightly and that he had grown thin from not taking good care of himself.

Xu Yuanhang smiled, "Thank you, Auntie. Don't just talk about me. I was surprised to see you today. They say the capital has good feng shui, and it's certainly true."

Sun Shi smiled, "It's all thanks to Qiu Ran's good care."

Xu Yuanhang then looked at Tangyuan, "Tangyuan has grown taller too."

Tangyuan ran to Xu Yuanhang's side, "Last time we met, I only reached here on Uncle Xu."

Tangyuan gestured, and Xu Yuanhang's eyes held a warm smile as he patted Tangyuan's head. Tangyuan comfortably snuggled against him.

Sun Shi watched the scene and couldn't help but smile. Xu Yuanhang had always been kind to Qiu Ran and to Tangyuan. It was the same here in the capital. Just as she was thinking this, Sun Shi saw Lin Qiuran enter and waved, "Qiu Ran."

Lin Qiuran entered from the doorway, "Mr. Xu."

Xu Yuanhang turned and smiled gently, "I came to congratulate you on the shop's opening."

Lin Qiuran also smiled, "Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Mr. Xu."

As Lin Qiuran approached, Sun Shi didn't linger. The two surely had important matters to discuss, so she took Tangyuan and left.

The vast restaurant's second floor was empty of customers. The windows were open, and a charcoal brazier warmed the room. Compared to the bustling, lively shops on the street, it felt strangely quiet.

Lin Qiuran smiled helplessly, "Coming to the capital means starting everything from scratch. At least there are a few tables downstairs, so we won't be completely without business."

Xu Yuanhang nodded in understanding. The capital was different from Yu'an.

Moreover, he knew Xiao Xun had returned.

It was hard not to know. Even occasionally walking on the street, one could hear Xiao Xun's name, even outside the capital.

With Xiao Xun present, Lin Qiuran naturally had more considerations. Coupled with the lack of regular customers, it was no different from starting over.

He said, "Then I'll trouble Lin… Madam Lin to help me. I'll be staying in the capital for a few days to discuss business, and I don't know which restaurant to choose. Could you arrange a few tables for me?"

Lin Qiuran was pleasantly surprised. Xu Yuanhang's words were merely polite; she knew he was helping her. With so many restaurants in the capital, any would do for hosting guests. This was indirectly bringing customers to Golden Tripod Restaurant.

Lin Qiuran said sincerely, "Thank you."

Xu Yuanhang smiled, "Between you and me, saying that word feels distant."

Lin Qiuran said, "Then I hope Mr. Xu keeps his word and doesn't insist on paying after eating here."

Xu Yuanhang: "Don't worry about that. Today I came to deliver money, so naturally, I won't be spending any."

Xu Yuanhang had brought New Year's gifts, which were still in the carriage, along with the profits from Thirteen Spices and Wufangzhai. According to their agreed-upon shares, Xu Yuanhang had brought a total of four thousand taels of silver this time.

Lin Qiuran had witnessed the business of Thirteen Spices grow steadily. From an initial monthly share of forty-five taels, it had gradually increased. During the war years, business stagnated, but in the past two years, it had picked up again, flourishing like bamboo shoots after rain. Now, the monthly profit amounted to several hundred taels.

Xu Yuanhang pushed the account book and silver notes over, "Take a look."

Lin Qiuran chuckled, "I trust Mr. Xu's integrity. I'll look it over later when I have time."

They had signed the spice contract nearly four years ago, initially for a five-year term. Lin Qiuran intended to continue partnering with Xu Yuanhang. She believed in not forgetting her origins—just because the spices were selling well didn't mean she should start her own venture.

She had also offered to give the spice formula to Xu Yuanhang to prevent any delays on her part from affecting the business, but Xu Yuanhang had declined.

Xu Yuanhang had said at the time, "Many people around me are interested in this. Keeping the other half with you gives me the most peace of mind."

Lin Qiuran didn't press the matter.

Xu Yuanhang didn't know what Lin Qiuran was thinking. He nodded, refraining from asking how she had been lately. With Xiao Xun now ennobled, Lin Qiuran was a countess, living comfortably. It was evident from her bright eyes and the absence of any sadness or impatience on her face.

She was gentle with Tangyuan, capable—continuing to run the Golden Tripod Restaurant and managing household affairs. She had brought her family to the capital and established herself.

The Golden Tripod Restaurant in the capital was even grander than the one in Yu'an.

Xu Yuanhang said, "There's no need to rush the business. Over time, as customers find the food delicious, repeat business will gradually accumulate, and things will improve."

Lin Qiuran replied, "That's true. Hearing you say that, I was anxious before, but now I feel reassured."

Xu Yuanhang: "Even if you doubt other things, you should trust your own skills."

Lin Qiuran smiled, "Then I suppose I'll have to show off my cooking later. After the meal, you can tell me if the guests have any dietary restrictions or preferences."

Since Xu Yuanhang was hosting and conducting business, it was best to be thorough—asking about preferences would ensure the guests enjoyed the meal and negotiations proceeded smoothly. However, Lin Qiuran wouldn't cook herself; she would plan the menu.

Xu Yuanhang murmured in agreement. Lin Qiuran said, "I'll go check the kitchen first. Let Tangyuan come in and keep you company. That child always talks about you."

Xu Yuanhang nodded slightly. Seeing Lin Qiuran like this made him happy and relieved. Xiao Xun's official position provided protection for her and Tangyuan, but sometimes he felt a pang of regret.

He wondered if he had been too focused on profit in the past. Perhaps if he had spoken up earlier, before Xiao Xun returned, there might have been a chance.

And that time Lin Qiuran came seeking help for Sun Shi and her husband, he should have made an appearance.

But things were good now. They could meet often, and Tangyuan was very fond of him. Moreover, business was expanding. As someone who traveled frequently without a fixed home, having someone to care about was enough.

Lin Qiuran went to the kitchen. She occasionally cooked at home, and since Xu Yuanhang had helped her so much—like family—it felt right to prepare a couple of her signature dishes.

While she cooked, Tangyuan played with Xu Yuanhang, who had brought gifts from his recent trip south. He had just returned yesterday with many novelties.

Now, he helped Tangyuan unwrap them.

Tangyuan had initially wanted to open them later, thinking it impolite to open presents in front of the giver. But Xu Yuanhang said, "It's fine. Uncle Xu isn't a stranger."

Tangyuan's eyes lit up, and he happily sat in Xu Yuanhang's lap, examining the gifts.

There was a carriage made of seashells, various beautiful stones, local clay figures, and toys. Each one elicited a "wow" from Tangyuan. The last item turned out to be a set of writing tools—ink, brush, paper, and inkstone.

Tangyuan turned to Xu Yuanhang. How did Uncle Xu know he needed these?

Xu Yuanhang smiled. "I remembered you're about to begin your studies, so I bought these. Since I can't visit often, using these and looking at them will remind you of me."

Tangyuan asked curiously, "Why can't you visit often?"

Xu Yuanhang: "I have to do business and can't stay in one place."

Tangyuan's eyes lit up. "Then I should give Uncle Xu something too, as a memento, since I'm not always with you either."

Xu Yuanhang chuckled—the child wasn't wrong. He asked gently, "What will Tangyuan give Uncle Xu?"

Tangyuan: "I didn't have time to prepare today since we came out. When are you leaving the capital? Can I prepare slowly and give it to you before you leave?"

Xu Yuanhang: "I'll stay until after your birthday."

Tangyuan's eyes lit up again. "That's wonderful! Will Uncle Xu celebrate my birthday with me this year too?"

Children's birthdays weren't grand affairs, but Xu Yuanhang came every year.

Xu Yuanhang: "Mm."

Before lunch, the two talked and played together. Sun Shi watched the scene with heartfelt happiness. She thought Xu Yuanhang's care for Tangyuan was exceptional—not just playing with him, but even being recognized as an honorary father wouldn't be excessive.

He remembered Tangyuan when away and brought gifts upon returning. When Xiao Xun was absent, it was always Mr. Xu who looked after Tangyuan, never forgetting his birthday.

Lin Qiuran couldn't easily bring this up, given Xu Yuanhang was a man. If anyone should suggest it, it should be her, or better yet, Xiao Xun, to show his generosity and magnanimity.

Sun Shi planned to find an opportunity to discuss it with Xiao Xun.

After the meal, Sun Shi took Xu Yuanhang's hand and instructed warmly, "Whenever you come to the capital, eat here. If you're not busy, come to our home for meals. Don't just settle for less by yourself."

Having traveled herself, Sun Shi knew the hardships of traveling—poor meals and sleepless nights. Xu Yuanhang looked somewhat thinner.

Despite earning so much, it was hard work.

Xu Yuanhang smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Auntie. I won't be formal with you."

Tangyuan was reluctant to part. Lin Qiuran told him, "Your Uncle Xu has business to attend to; he can't just play with you. Mother also has things to do. You go home with Grandma first."

Tangyuan wasn't the type to make a fuss. He obediently went home, then rummaged through boxes and cabinets, choosing a gift for Xu Yuanhang. But even by the time Xiao Xun came home from work, he hadn't decided what to give.

It was truly a tough decision.

Xiao Xun asked what he was looking for.

Tangyuan: "I want to choose a gift for Uncle Xu, so when he goes on long trips, he can think of me."