Chapter 0001: Evening Banquet at Xichun Tower

The young servant promptly delivered the dishes and wine to the private room, and Sun Yuanqi's fingers moved eagerly, his chopsticks moving with such speed that they seemed almost like a blur, indicating that he was indeed hungry, and the dishes at Xichun Tower were certainly quite good

Sun Yuanqi wants them all

Alright, tomorrow morning, you can leave the city. We will meet outside the city and return to Dinghai as soon as possible

Su Yonglin respectfully watched him leave, wishing him a wonderful evening

Here.

She is displeased, and I am even more so. My dear nephew, you do not know this, but this woman cannot be indulged. The more you indulge her, the greater her appetite becomes. At first, she only wanted some trinkets, but now she demands the latest gold and silver jewelry from Zhu Yue Xuan! My salary is entirely spent on buying her jewelry

What does this mean

Well, has this job been resigned from the shopkeeper?

Ah, this...

Uncle forgot? Aunt's place... now everything is golden.

At the hour of Hai, this private dinner party is declared to be over

Su Yonglin wore an expression of indifference

Well

In the afternoon, a gentle breeze began to blow through the city of Lin'an, carrying with it a hint of warmth from the early spring of March, warming the faces of the people and intoxicating their hearts

Furthermore, keep an eye on them as they feed the kitchen waste to the pigs before leaving, to create some difficulties for the authorities; we still need a little more time

The young servant nodded slightly without making a sound and said to the subordinate workers who were tidying up the dining table: "Once you have finished cleaning up, pour all the leftovers into the slop bucket to feed the pigs, understood?"

This is indeed the fault of my uncle. He is busy with official duties, spending all day at the government office. My aunt, left without companionship, can only seek solace in the company of friends. With more women around, it is inevitable that comparisons arise. When one sees what others possess but lacks oneself, it is only natural to feel discontent. This is a common human sentiment; what is wrong with that?

Here.

The gentle breeze arrives in the evening, bringing with it a hint of coolness, but where does this cool breeze extinguish the brilliant lights of the Lin'an Restaurant?

Satisfaction! Satisfaction! My dear nephew has shown great thoughtfulness

However, it is of no consequence; being an official naturally has its advantages. After a while, one can give him a taste of hardship, and then bestow kindness upon him again. This approach will suffice

This young man from the Su family possesses great abilities, is quite sharp-minded, and acts decisively. Over time, he may become difficult to manage

Sun Yuanqi looked at Su Yonglin with a smile, his gaze implying something

Sun Yuanqi thought that while the beauty in his arms was indeed fragrant and soft, and a night in spring was intoxicating, the yellow-faced woman at home was not easy to deal with. If that yellow-faced woman were to get angry and transform into a fierce lioness, it would be difficult for him to manage, and it would not reflect well on his face.

Sun Yuanqi, unable to contain his excitement, strode into the main room with his prominent belly and two beautiful ladies, ready to indulge in a passionate encounter. Observing his flushed face and shortness of breath, it was evident that he was prepared to unleash his vigor.

Sun Yuanqi smiled cheerfully, continuing to jest with the two beauties on the surface, while his mind was already at work.

Once the atmosphere is set, everything will be easier to discuss

Sun Yuanqi immediately showed a deeply moved expression: "Dear nephew, this is too extravagant, isn't it?"

After finishing their conversation, the two descended to the first floor, where the "young servant" respectfully escorted Su Yonglin out of the main entrance of Xichun Building

Thanks to the early death of my former boss, I have finally acquired the inexhaustible treasure trove of the Su family. It is essential to make good use of it, as the financial resources of the Su family will undoubtedly play a significant role in my future promotions

These two hostesses are certainly not just one for each person

Esteemed guest, I will guide you, please proceed this way

Su Yonglin smiled mysteriously

In the city of Lin'an, any establishment of a certain caliber will employ a group of courtesans, to varying degrees.

Everything has been disposed of, the paper wrappings have all been stuffed into the stove and burned, leaving no trace

The private room is called Jichuge, which is a very good private compartment. Apart from the restaurant staff, no outsiders are allowed to enter or spy.

Sun Yuanqi swallowed and smacked his lips, his face, glistening with oil, turned bright red.

At this moment, Sun Yuanqi took a look and was taken aback, his eyes widening, and with a slight curve of his lips, he burst into laughter

The young servant turned around, wearing a broad smile as he looked at Su Yonglin

The young servant led the way in front, with Su Yonglin following behind, walking down the staircase, descending half a level in a very ordinary manner

Su Yonglin bowed respectfully and expressed gratitude to Sun Yuanqi

As soon as Sun Yuanqi entered the door, he burst into hearty laughter, his smile resembling that of Maitreya Buddha, kind and amiable, filled with humor, making it impossible for anyone to harbor any ill feelings towards him

Hahaha! Dear nephew, it has been several months since we last met, and your eloquence has become increasingly sharp, hahaha!

It is still my dear nephew who is thoughtful, unlike your aunt, who spends all day nagging me about needing money to buy this and that, saying that all her friends have it but she does not, which is quite embarrassing, as if I am merely her purse, completely disregarding my well-being

The privacy is quite good, the decor is extremely luxurious, with a table where two people sit opposite each other, lighting incense, toasting and exchanging drinks while discussing intimate topics, even if some taboos are breached, there is no fear of outsiders overhearing.

There are distinctions between large and small compartments; the large compartment features a large hollow square table in the center, and the open space in the middle can be used for enjoying song and dance performances

Thank you, uncle

Sun Yuanqi looked at Su Yonglin with a face that seemed to say, "You are too young"

Sun Yuanqi was filled with joy in his heart

He then turned around and walked over to the servant who was directing his subordinates to clear the dining table, giving him a knowing glance.

My little nephew has already ordered ten pieces each of the latest gold and silver jewelry from Zhu Yue Xuan, which have been sent to the residence along with some wild ginseng from Liaodong. I must say, the craftsmanship of the artisans at Zhu Yue Xuan is truly exceptional; the gold thread floral hairpins are dazzling and vibrant. I can imagine that my aunt must be surrounded by a golden glow now.

Su Yonglin smiled as she served dishes to Sun Yuanqi, but she herself ate very little; almost all the food on the table was consumed by Sun Yuanqi

Start serving the dishes

Sun Yuanqi was completely puzzled

Su Yonglin arrived at Xichun Tower ahead of time, reserved a premium private room, ordered a table of exquisite dishes, and warmed up some fine wine, waiting for the only guest of the evening to arrive for the banquet

At the hour of the Dog, Sun Yuanqi, with a prosperous appearance and a rosy complexion, leisurely arrived at the private room on the third floor of Xichun Building, his round belly protruding prominently

Sun Yuanqi was already seated at the table, bringing the delicately fragrant pastries on the table to his mouth, eating while smiling and saying: "The affairs of the office are busy, I hurriedly had a few bites of food at noon, and then I was so engrossed that I lost track of time until now, feeling quite hungry, I hope my dear nephew does not take offense."

Suddenly, he revealed a look of difficulty again

At the same time, as long as one is willing to spend money, those beautiful young women do not mind spending a night with the patrons.

The guest room has been prepared for tonight, is uncle satisfied?

Su Yonglin stood up to pour him a drink, watching as he embraced a beautiful woman, her warm and soft body in his arms, looking as if his bones had turned to mush, with only a smile on his face

The small room is the one that Su Yonglin has rented.

Many people come to such large restaurants not only to drink but often also to call upon one or two young ladies to accompany them. The young ladies strive to promote the beverages and can earn some extra income from it

Su Yonglin is a junior, and moreover, a commoner

On the 8th day of the 3rd month in the 28th year of the Song Shaoxing era, it was clear.

Haha, I see, uncle, do not worry

After three rounds of drinks, Su Yonglin noticed that Sun Yuanqi had nearly finished eating, so he clapped his hands, and the door to the room immediately opened. Two beautiful and charming hostesses walked in with smiles on their faces

Su Yonglin walked to Sun Yuanqi's side and gently poured him a cup of tea

Resigned, just until tonight

As night fell, Su Yonglin set off from the inn where he was staying, taking a hired donkey cart to Xi Chun Lou

Nephew, this maritime merchant business is getting better and better

Sun Yuanqi raised his eyebrows, and the smile at the corners of his mouth deepened

The rope around this fellow's neck must not be loosened; with every pull and tug, he must be made to understand whose dog he is. He must not entertain any ill thoughts, otherwise, this treasure basin will yield no riches.

Uncle, what you said is not correct. Your nephew has greatly benefited from your support. Without you, where would I be today? If I had not been unable to find a better restaurant than Xichun Lou, how could I have invited you to come here?

The guests sat in a circle around the square table, drinking wine, listening to music, and watching the dance. When their spirits were high, they personally joined the dance, indulging in pleasure and reveling in boundless joy

Uncle, there is still a long time ahead.

Xichun Tower is a high-end restaurant, naturally not to be outdone. Within the restaurant, there are dozens of courtesans, each adorned with heavy makeup, gathered under the eaves of the main corridor, waiting for the call of the guests, resembling celestial beings, stirring one's heart at a mere glance

Su Yonglin shook his head repeatedly and let out a sigh

But if I do not return home tonight, the family ... ...

Although he did not have a white beard, nor was he wearing a red hat, and certainly did not clench his hand into a claw and say "I want it all" in a fierce tone, Su Yonglin would not be so lacking in perception as to think he was qualified to share these two stunning beauties with him in this setting

Your words are mistaken, dear nephew

Xichun Tower is a top-tier private restaurant located in the city of Lin'an, featuring three stories. The top floor has private rooms along both the north and south corridors.

The workers spoke in unison

Hahaha, dear nephew, I previously told you not to spend so extravagantly; it would suffice to find a tavern for a drink. Yet, you always host banquets in such places, which are quite expensive.

The young servant sang a tune, took a few steps back to leave the room, and closed the door for Su Yonglin and Sun Yuanqi.

He hosted this banquet, and the only guest was Sun Yuanqi, the current Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finance.

Su Yonglin glanced at the respectful young servant standing beside him and nodded at him

As she spoke, Su Yonglin took out a thick envelope from her bosom and handed it to Sun Yuanqi

Sun Yuanqi swiftly tucked the envelope into his bosom and smiled, saying: "Back when General Yue launched the northern expedition, your grandfather extended his support to me. You are the sole descendant of the Su family; how could I bear to watch your family fall into ruin? It is but a small effort on my part, yet you consistently bring me these gifts, for which I feel unworthy."

Oh! Exactly! Exactly!

Understood, understood

It all depends on my uncle's assistance; without my uncle's protection, this maritime merchant... could very well lose his head

Su Yonglin bowed and greeted with a beaming smile

Sun Yuanqi fixed his gaze on the envelope, reached out to take it, immediately tore it open, and scanned the contents of the papers inside, breaking into a broad smile

Sun Yuanqi appeared to be smiling happily, with his hands clasped behind his back, proudly leading the way into the private room, his round belly protruding, and his steps exuding an air of grandeur.

He is an elder, and even more so, an official

Listening to Sun Yuanqi's complaints, Su Yonglin let out a light laugh

Sun Yuanqi's expression brightened with joy, and he laughed heartily, saying: "Nephew, you have truly been very thorough! Rest assured, with me around, there will absolutely be no issues on your end. I have already taken care of all the accounts, and no one will be able to find any trace of irregularities, especially since those who are conducting the checks are all my friends"

Su Yonglin seemed to smile as if she had foreseen the future

Dear nephew, just obediently be my treasure basin!

Have all the medicines been used up

Without an uncle, after the grandfather's passing, the little nephew would likely face ruin and despair. It is precisely because of the uncle's support that the little nephew can revive the family business. This kindness is something the little nephew can never repay in his lifetime, let alone a few pieces of gold and silver jewelry

It is certainly commendable that my uncle is busy with official duties, but he must also pay attention to his health. When I met my uncle last year, I noticed that he appeared pale and had lost weight. I, as his nephew, have been worried day and night, fearing that my uncle's health may be compromised. Therefore, I entrusted someone to purchase a century-old wild ginseng from Liaodong at a high price for my uncle from the Jin Kingdom. I have already arranged for it to be delivered to your residence. Uncle, please be sure to take care of your health

Su Yonglin's smile is also quite charming

Su Yonglin hinted with her eyes, and Sun Yuanqi understood intuitively