Chapter 10 has encountered a major incident

Needless to say, the owner of the voice was none other than the old acquaintance Deng Jian. Qin Shaoyou was instantly filled with rage, exclaiming that there was no law to speak of. This was under the emperor's feet, in the capital of the realm, where he consumed my plain congee daily, thinking I was easy to bully

At this moment, Shangguan Wan'er had regained her composure, standing with her hands clasped behind her back, adopting a posture of a superior looking down at Qin Shaoyou, her gaze reflecting a certain arrogance as if she were surveying mere ants.

Liu Yang quickly moved a chair over, and Zhou Wencai leisurely sat down. He glanced at Qin Shaoyou and suddenly smiled, as if engaging in casual conversation, saying: "This plaque, you have finally hung it up. What I was most worried about was this. As for you, you are merely a bookworm, with no skills other than reciting from books. In fact, this plaque is of no use to you, but it is very beneficial to the Zhou family. I have come here just to give you one last choice..." In fact, this plaque is of no use to you, but it is very beneficial to the Zhou family. I have come here just to give you one last choice...

Is that so? Qin Shaoyou calmed his emotions, then picked up the old ledger from the cabinet and said lightly, "I actually forgot, you haven't asked for your wages for nine hours now. This is good, keep it up."

Thus, Qin Shaoyou could only ask and answer himself: "I was too honest in the past, to the extent that all sorts of people took advantage of me. I am inherently kind-hearted, welcoming others with a pure heart and good intentions, yet I ended up in such a predicament. Therefore... starting tomorrow, I will become a bad person, a very bad person." Qin Shaoyou looked earnestly at Qin Shou for a moment and continued: "From now on, if anyone bullies me, I will demand tenfold or a hundredfold in return. Whoever dares to demand wages for no reason, I will not let it go easily, even if they are relatives, I will uphold justice and sever ties with them."

Cousin, do I look like an honest person to you

Shangguan Wan'er was somewhat annoyed; she initially looked at this fool with disdain, hoping to regain some face. However, this fellow remained as carefree as ever, impervious to her attempts, which truly disheartened her. She could only nod her head and, with a hint of a threatening tone, said: "Your name is Qin Shaoyou, I will remember you."

Qin Shou couldn't help but grimace and said, "Cousin, I haven't provoked you."

Threat, bare | A blatant threat

You ... ... '' Shangguan Wan'er was momentarily at a loss for words, but suddenly laughed and said: `` Alright, just wait and see, we will meet again, but I fear it might frighten you to death then ''

She is a bookworm, having read extensively under the guidance of her father, who served as a prime minister since childhood. Later, she entered the palace, responsible for drafting edicts. Besides attending to Wu Zetian, she spent most of her time secluding herself in the Imperial Study. She possessed an extraordinary memory, claiming to have all the poetry and prose of the world within her grasp. Just now, when Qin Shaoyou recited this poem, it was not particularly remarkable in terms of wording, but upon careful reflection, it conveyed a spirit of unadorned expression and a grandeur that could rival mountains and rivers.

Several bowls of soup were carefully packed into the food container. Qin Shaoyou, feeling a pang of conscience, surprisingly decided not to charge for the food container this time

Customers will always be present, and Qin Shaoyou gradually gained confidence. The recent period of leisure allowed him to develop the habit of dozing off with his head propped up on the counter. This cannot be blamed on his laziness; the business had become exceedingly slow, and not dozing off only added to his melancholy.

Qin Shou, Qin Shou, bring two bowls of porridge and add a steamed bun

Zhou Wen, with his hair groomed, wearing a long scarf and dressed in a straight-collared elegant robe, appeared quite dignified. After disembarking from the sedan chair, he did not immediately enter the restaurant. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the plaque hanging at the entrance, his eyes fervently fixed on the four characters "Unmatched Culinary Skills".

Although Qin Shaoyou had long harbored suspicions, it was not until this old man admitted it in person that he truly understood the truth of the matter. The events at the Spring Wine House today were not solely due to the foolishness of a bookworm, but were also closely related to this old man before him

Qin Shaoyou has lived two lives, always hoping that in this life he could live happily and simply, yet it seems that even such a small wish has become a luxury. An innocent man suffers for possessing something precious; he desires happiness, but some people insist on making things difficult for him. He yearns for simplicity, yet the unfolding of events ultimately becomes even more complicated.

Not long after Shangguan Wan'er left

After much difficulty, he finally withdrew his greedy gaze and then lifted his leg to enter the main door of the tavern

Qin Shou actually pondered for a long time, and this hesitation, which seemed to insult his dignity, made Qin Shaoyou feel a strong impulse to strangle him

A trace of murderous intent had already flashed in Zhou Wen's eyes, and beside him, the sycophant Liu Yang said fiercely: "You dare..."

In trade, it is essential to understand the principle of give and take. Everything that should be taken has been taken, and to take one more cut would feel rather inappropriate

One must have boundaries and principles in life; while money is valuable, integrity is even more precious

Just half a stick of incense later, a loud and righteous shout disturbed Qin Shaoyou's beautiful dream

A small sedan chair came to a stop at the entrance of the Ru Chun Restaurant, where the person in charge, Liu Yang, cordially assisted Zhou Wen in alighting.

Qin Shaoyou smiled, his smile as refreshing as a spring breeze, and then he stood with his hands behind his back, shaking his head and said: "Does Uncle Shi know the price of the top performer at the Fragrant Pavilion?"

Zhou Wen was momentarily taken aback

... ...

Dear guest, please remember to visit often to support the business

The next day, early in the morning, Qin Shaoyou, after washing up, went to the counter as usual to sit idly.

Qin Shaoyou deliberately emphasized the four characters of my restaurant, conveying a profound meaning

Long before, Qin Shou, who was peeking in the inner hall, quickly popped his head out. He was somewhat afraid of Old Master Zhou. Qin Shou had heard the previous words very clearly, which filled him with righteous indignation. Just when a beautiful life was within reach, the Zhou family completely shattered the joy and imposed mental anguish upon him

Shangguan Wan'er has already departed. As she was leaving, she turned back to glance at the signboard hanging at the entrance of the restaurant. The four gilded characters, written in a vigorous and graceful style, stood out prominently under the setting sun

"Silence!" Qin Shaoyou suddenly became furious: "This is my tavern, do you have the right to act so recklessly here?"

She suddenly began to pay attention, and thinking of the pearl and jade soup in the food box made her feel that this outing, aside from that bookworm being somewhat annoying, seemed to yield quite a bit.

Zhou Wen originally came to coerce, and in his impression, Qin Shaoyou was not only a young hothead but also merely a bookworm. He thought it would be easy to force him to submit, but unexpectedly, Qin Shaoyou's performance left him somewhat astonished

Zhou Wenlu stroked his beard and smiled faintly, saying: "You are not a bookworm; rather, I have misjudged you. However, at this point, even if you have discerned the truth, what does it matter? This restaurant will eventually be mine. As I have stated, I offer you a choice: either you take a sum of silver with you, whether to squander it or to secure your livelihood, but this restaurant and that plaque must remain. Or, starting tomorrow, I will ensure that you cannot establish yourself in Luoyang, not only ruining your reputation but also subjecting you to lawsuits and banishment as a slave. Consider your options carefully."

Qin Shaoyou, not minding at all, said with a smile: "Dear guest, safe travels"

Zhou Wenman slightly furrowed his brows, yet he did not shy away, stating directly: "Indeed."

Shangguan Wan'er gave a glance, and the guard beside her had already picked up the food box

... ...

Liu Yang could not help but turn back and spit, saying: "Just wait and see"

Shangguan Wan'er shook her head, suddenly pausing slightly: "Heaven and earth possess righteous energy, manifesting various forms; below are rivers and mountains, above are the sun and stars... Strange, why have I never heard of this poem? Hmm, it would be best to look it up when I return."

Qin Shaoyou asked and answered himself, speaking in a tone filled with longing: "There is value but no market." After a pause, he continued: "Why is this? Because they have principles, boundaries, and integrity. Unfortunately, they are precisely the examples I aspire to learn from. To be honest, I am also a person of great integrity. So... Uncle, please take care, and I shall not see you off further."

Qin Shaoyou recognized him based on the memory of that bookish fellow from before, and thus said with some annoyance: "Sir, are you here to eat?"

The tree wishes to be still, yet the wind does not cease. Qin Shaoyou sighed deeply and said, "Cousin, you have come."

The true crisis of the Chunjiu Restaurant seems to be finally about to erupt

Old Master Zhou has indeed arrived. This Old Master Zhou, with a single character for his name, has a corpulent figure, yet his demeanor does not resemble that of a merchant; he possesses a certain degree of authority.

He raised his eyes in anger and picked up the abacus in his hand... Can an abacus be used as a weapon

Qin Shaoyou further remarked: "The Son of Heaven will naturally come to the tavern to reminisce about His Highness the Crown Prince, so you wish to purchase this place in advance, preparing a splendid banquet with your own skills. If you can earn His Majesty's praise, then the Zhou family will surely rise to prominence. I believe your intentions are aimed at the imperial kitchen, am I correct?"

Qin Shaoyou saw him relying on his age and experience, and could not help but respond with a cold laugh: "Wait a moment, you have gone to great lengths to obtain this plaque, merely to attract the emperor's visit, is that so?"

Qin Shaoyou could not help but shake his head, yet his mood grew serious

Zhou Wen stood with his hands behind his back, remaining silent

Zhou Wen let out a cold laugh, stood up tall, and left behind a remark: "If it is not yours, then it is not yours. Do not force anything, for it may endanger your life." After saying this, he waved his sleeve and departed

Qin Shaoyou smiled even colder: "However, I see that you have passed the age of seventy, and it seems you have not been planning for yourself. The one who shines brightly before the emperor is probably your son, isn't it? In fact, your Zhou family has long been plotting this matter. If I continue to deduce, the business of the Ru Chun Restaurant has indeed plummeted in the past two years, which is certainly due to my poor management, but I fear your Zhou family has also contributed significantly behind the scenes. For instance, your Zhou family has opened a new restaurant on the street, with prices much cheaper. For example, my father once took on several apprentices, but after his death, they all left. For example, you secretly condoned the debts incurred by the Ru Chun Restaurant, which ultimately all fell under your name. Is that so?"

Deng Jian sat on the stool, leaned over the table, and greeted Qin Shaoyou: "Ah, Qin brother, you are up really early. Come, have a couple of bowls of porridge first, I have important news to tell you"

Qin Shaoyou furrowed his brow and couldn't help but think to himself: "I already regret not striking her down one more time."