Chapter 225 The bustling scene in the restaurant
Chapter 225 The bustling scene in the restaurant
The capital city in spring is already full of vitality, and the joyous news of the Seventh Princess giving birth to a son is like a blazing fire, pushing the festive atmosphere of the entire capital city to a climax.
The Emperor was overjoyed and, with a flourish of his pen, issued an imperial edict: The Seventh Princess has given birth to a son, a joyous occasion for the royal family and a blessing for the entire nation. Therefore, the whole country is hereby granted a general amnesty.
In an instant, the entire capital city was in an uproar.
Inside the palace, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. Red silk hung from the palace walls, contrasting beautifully with the golden glazed tiles. Inside the imperial kitchen, the chefs were busy preparing a grand victory banquet, serving up a continuous stream of exquisite dishes.
Outside the palace, the streets and alleys were equally bustling. Red lanterns hung everywhere, and shops displayed celebratory signs, offering free snacks and tea to passersby. Children ran and laughed among the crowds, holding the sugar figurines they had just received, their faces beaming with innocent smiles.
A tall stage was erected in the square, and the opera troupe put on a spectacular show, singing, reciting, acting, and fighting. The audience below the stage was packed in layers, with cheers and applause rising and falling.
The dragon and lion dance troupe weaved through the crowd, the colorful lions so lifelike, leaping and tumbling, eliciting gasps of amazement from the spectators.
Even more literary figures set up long tables on the street, wielding their brushes and ink to send blessings to the young prince through poems and songs.
Passersby stopped to watch, frequently uttering exclamations of admiration. That day, every corner of the capital was immersed in joy, as everyone celebrated the arrival of the Seventh Princess's son, witnessing this royal glory and happiness.
Inside the most bustling restaurant in the capital, the atmosphere was lively and bustling. Red lanterns hung high among the carved beams and painted rafters, casting a warm yellow glow that amplified the joyful laughter of the guests.
The waiters moved among the tables and chairs, carrying trays steadily, and the aromas of tea, wine and food mingled and filled the air.
Shen Wanqing was dressed in plain clothes, but her lively and capable demeanor was still evident in her eyes. She smiled and chatted as she skillfully wiped the table while keeping an eye on the needs of each table of guests.
At this moment, Zhao Xiong strode over. He was tall and strong, with a big smile on his face and eyes full of praise and satisfaction for his sister: "Wanqing, look at this restaurant. It's the most popular place on this street now!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Wanqing stopped what she was doing, looked up at her brother, a sweet smile on her lips, and her eyes sparkling with confidence: "Brother, this is the result of our joint efforts. You handled so many things, from sourcing goods to running connections, and I was just doing my duty." Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but her eyes revealed determination and satisfaction.
"Haha, you're so modest, girl." Zhao Xiong laughed heartily, patting Shen Wanqing on the shoulder. "We have to work hard and make this place even more famous, so that everyone in the capital knows that not only is our food and wine delicious, but our service is also impeccable!"
Shen Wanqing nodded vigorously, her eyes full of anticipation: "Of course! In the future, we'll add more new dishes and decorate the private rooms upstairs so that our guests won't want to leave!"
As the two were talking, another guest entered. Shen Wanqing quickly went to greet them warmly, saying, "Please come in, esteemed guests. Please let us know what you would like to eat!"
Zhao Xiong quickly followed and helped arrange seats. The lively atmosphere in the restaurant grew even more vibrant as the brother and sister busied themselves.
Immediately afterward, Shen Wanqing deftly placed the tray steadily on the table and called out to the kitchen, "Sister-in-law, is the food ready yet?"
No sooner had the words been spoken than a crisp, clear reply came from the inner room: "Coming!"
In the blink of an eye, a woman dressed in simple clothes gracefully emerged from the kitchen. She wore a plain-colored cloth dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps. Although the fabric was simple and unadorned, it accentuated her light and graceful figure. Her black hair was loosely tied up, with a few strands falling beside her fair neck, adding to her gentle and refined appearance.
Her eyebrows were arched, and her eyes were like a clear spring, exuding gentleness and brightness. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks from her busy work, just like the peach blossoms that were just beginning to bloom on the branches in spring, beautiful without being ostentatious.
This person is Su Yao'er.
The Su Yao'er before my eyes is completely different from the spoiled and willful young lady of the past.
Back then, she was the legitimate daughter of the Su family. She was usually cunning and used to being waited on. She would fly into a rage at the slightest displeasure.
But who could have imagined that after getting married, she would be like a completely different person? Now, she exudes the virtue of a wife in every gesture. Carrying steaming dishes, she moves briskly yet steadily between tables and guests, always with a gentle smile on her face, warmly greeting each guest.
"Gentlemen, thank you for waiting. Please try our restaurant's signature dishes!" Su Yao'er said with a smile, placing the dishes steadily on the table and carefully setting out the bowls and chopsticks for the guests. "If you need anything, please let us know!" Her friendly and generous demeanor was a far cry from her former spoiled nature.
Zhao Xiong caught a glimpse of Su Yao'er's busy figure, his expression changed drastically, and he rushed to her side with a look of heartache.
He frowned slightly, his eyes full of concern. He gently placed his hands on Su Yao'er's shoulders and said softly, "Why are you working again? Didn't I tell you, we can handle these things. There are so many people in the shop, we can manage. You're newly pregnant, your body is delicate, what if you get tired?"
Su Yao'er smiled gently, patted Zhao Xiong's hand lightly, and said softly, "It's okay~ I don't want to be idle either. Helping out makes me feel at ease. Besides, I know I won't get tired, so don't worry about me."
Zhao Xiong sighed helplessly, turned to look at Shen Wanqing, pretended to be serious, and said with a stern face, "Wanqing, what's wrong with you? You're making your sister-in-law do chores again. What if she has a miscarriage? Will you take responsibility?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Shen Wanqing was momentarily speechless. Her mouth gaped slightly, and after a long while, she managed to stammer out, "I... sigh~"
Seeing this, Su Yao'er quickly tried to smooth things over, grabbing Zhao Xiong's arm and gently comforting him, "Oh, husband, don't say that about Wanqing. I just can't stay idle and wanted to help out at the shop. Wanqing works so hard every day, please don't wrong her."
Looking at Su Yao'er's stubborn yet virtuous appearance, Zhao Xiong felt helpless and could only remind her again, "Alright then, don't push yourself too hard. If you feel tired, take a rest."
Although he said that, his eyes were always fixed on Su Yao'er, paying close attention to her every move.
Seeing the couple so affectionate and sweet, Shen Wanqing couldn't help but chuckle. Then, she pretended to cough twice and teased, "Oh dear, you two shouldn't show off your love in front of me. I'm still single, so you'd better consider my feelings."
Hearing Shen Wanqing's teasing, Zhao Xiong's lips curled into a smile, a helpless yet amused expression on his face. He casually put his arm around Su Yao'er's shoulder and said half-jokingly, "Then why don't you hurry up and get married! Aren't you annoyed watching us show off our love every day? Or, I can keep an eye out for a good family for you?"
Su Yao'er nestled beside Zhao Xiong, her eyes crinkling with a smile, and chimed in, "That's good~ Wanqing is getting on in years, it's time to think about marriage. Husband, you have good taste, you must help your sister choose a good match."
Upon hearing this, Shen Wanqing's face instantly flushed red. Feigning anger, she waved her hands in the air and exclaimed in a coquettish voice, "Ugh, you guys are so annoying! How can you tease your own sister like that? I'm ignoring you, I'm going to get back to work, hmph!"
After saying that, she stomped her foot in a huff, turned around and strode towards the table with the guests. She picked up a rag and began wiping the table, but her slightly trembling shoulders betrayed the fact that she was trying not to laugh.
Zhao Xiong and Su Yao'er exchanged a glance, their eyes full of doting affection, and couldn't help but burst out laughing.
The laughter contained both the irrepressible amusement at Shen Wanqing's adorable appearance and the deep affection between the family members.
In this bustling restaurant, the warm family affection grew even stronger amidst laughter and joy, touching everyone's hearts.
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