Chapter 5, Hefeng Building
Su Jin laughed and said, "What is the meaning of being forced to do something? It is always better when you are willing to do it willingly"
Su Jin smiled and said, "Children, don't take her seriously. How is the income from your idle pursuits?"
Each private room is shielded by a nearly five-foot-wide green gauze curtain at the entrance, allowing only the blurred silhouettes of diners to be seen from the corridor. However, one can imagine that such a design ensures the privacy of the diners while never appearing stuffy.
The idle Yang Xiaosi's expression darkened, and with a hint of disappointment, he clasped his hands and turned to leave, preparing to target the next opportunity. Su Jin felt a stir in her heart; such common folk were indeed the best channel for her to understand this era. Moreover, although Yang Xiaosi was dressed in simple clothes, he appeared neat and clean, not unpleasant at all. As long as he was not a rogue or a scoundrel, Su Jin did not mind having a conversation with him
Su Jin was taken aback and said, "What do you mean by this?"
The crowd on the street has diminished significantly. Although the late spring sunshine is warm, it already carries a hint of heat when it touches the skin. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of delicious food, and the stomach, once filled with various snacks, has long since deflated and is now grumbling.
Su Jinyi tugged at her little arm and said, "Then let's go to this 'Hefeng Building.' Is it far?"
Are there any specialty dishes in your restaurant? Su Jin's question revealed her hesitation.
Xiao Sui stared with wide eyes, pondering for a long time but still could not understand the difference between the two; at that moment, Yang Xiao Si had already run out of the restaurant, smiling broadly and said: "Ladies, please proceed to the third floor"
Su Jin became more interested in this restaurant. In other places, they would hope you order as much as possible, regardless of whether you can finish it or not. However, this restaurant is peculiar; when you order too much, they actually intervene and stop you. It is truly strange.
Yang Xiaosi smiled and said, "Thank you, young master. I noticed that you are a refined person, and we have quite a good rapport. Generally, I would not go to such lengths to arrange such a good seat for an ordinary guest."
Su Jinggao, tall and with long fingers, said to Yang Xiaosi: "Not bad, you have some skills. For your thoughtfulness, I will double your reward."
The young attendant smiled and said, "Aren't you from the Lu Prefecture, young master?"
Yang Xiaosi said: "It is merely to make a living, each day I earn some reward money to take home to support my elderly mother. If I happen to encounter a generous patron, I can save a little. My mother helps me save some, so that in the future I can also find a wife."
When Su Jin and Xiao Sui'er left Suji Fabric Store, it was already close to noon. Suji Fabric Store provided a meal for the staff at noon, but Su Jin did not wish to eat here
Yang Xiaosi turned around quickly and bowed, saying: "Thank you, my lord. I am at your service."
Su Jin smiled and said, "I am Su Jin. I seldom go out and am indeed somewhat ignorant of the world. I would greatly appreciate it if you could introduce me to the dishes of He Feng Lou."
Both the shopkeeper and Yang Xiaosi were taken aback. The Su family in Luzhou is one of the four wealthiest families in the region, possessing immense wealth, with thousands of acres of land and numerous businesses throughout Luzhou City. Everyone in Luzhou knows of them, and it turns out that this young gentleman before them is indeed the son of the Su family, which is quite a shocking revelation.
Su Jin tapped her forehead and said: "I think you just can't bear to spend money. What is the point of making money? Making money is for enjoyment. Today, you are accompanying me to go shopping and have fun, so you can't let me keep bothering you. Otherwise, you won't come out with me next time."
The waiter observed that Su Jin did not exhibit the arrogance typical of a wealthy young master; on the contrary, he was amiable and approachable, which elicited a favorable impression. After regaining his composure, he said: "Young Master Su, the signature dishes at He Feng Lou vary with the seasons. The current seasonal specialties include: wine-braised Huai white fish, Mao Feng shrimp, Kung Pao quail, cloud-sliced pigeon eggs, chicken stew with roasted duck, and clear broth mixed fish..."
"Young masters, what would you like to order?" the waiter asked enthusiastically, wiping the table repeatedly.
Su Jin turned her gaze in the direction indicated by her small hand, and saw a lovely scene ahead where green willows shrouded in mist adorned the vibrant blue. The north-south orientation resembled a river running through the city, with both banks lush and filled with verdant trees.
As the two conversed, they followed Yang Xiaosi into the restaurant, strolling up the wide wooden staircase constructed of red-painted solid wood. Su Jinyou glanced around and noticed that the walls of the restaurant were adorned with various scrolls of paintings and calligraphy, which appeared elegant and refined, exuding an air of sophistication.
"What is so remarkable about you and Feng Lou?" Xiao Sui'er exploded, "My family's young master is the only son of the Su family in Luzhou. Are you saying he could be driven out of Luzhou just by your word?"
Su Jin secretly marveled at the fact that this era was truly remarkable. The restaurant was luxurious and elegant, with a uniquely thoughtful location. Dining in such an establishment, the taste of the food was secondary; the serene and refined environment alone made it worth a visit.
Yang Xiaosi said: "I have not failed in my mission"
"This brother, please stay; I would like to ask for your assistance." Su Jin called out to Yang Xiaosi
Su Jin felt that he had truly broadened his horizons; this was the first time in his life he had entered a restaurant with such an atmosphere. The establishments of the future, with security guards stationed at the entrance, large fake antique vases clumsily displayed in the lobby, and corridor columns adorned with photographs of leaders or celebrities alongside the hotel manager, which claimed to be so-called star-rated hotels, were utterly inferior in comparison to this place
The person performed a bow as a gesture of respect, with a rich smile on his face, and said: "This young master, I am Yang, also known as Xiao Si, at your service."
The waiter rolled his eyes and said: "In April, there is a shortage of many ingredients, and He Feng Lou has nearly fifty signature dishes."
This time, I originally came out to shop for fun, but unexpectedly encountered such a situation, and I couldn't ignore it, which took up quite a bit of time
Yang Xiaosi said with a苦着脸: "My lady, you must have misunderstood me. As helpers, it is only natural for us to serve our guests attentively and meticulously. How can this be considered flattery?"
Xiao Sui'er has begun to regard Su Jin with new eyes. In the past, she would have certainly expressed her opinions, but now her words have transformed into: "I will follow whatever the young master commands."
Su Jin was puzzled, noticing that this man was dressed completely differently from the staff inside, as if he were not one of the waiters in this tavern. For a moment, she did not know how to respond.
Su Jindao: "Don't just listen to my instructions; I am not familiar with the city. I have hardly been out to eat during my entire life. You are more familiar than I am, so you should take the lead and make a decision."
Su Jin smiled and said, "Is this some skill that allows you to find your place so easily?"
On the third floor, various sandalwood screens create around ten open-style private rooms. The screens reach a height of seven to eight feet, nearly touching the ceiling, which enhances the independence of the compartments. The screens are adorned with paintings of peonies, landscapes, and birds by maidservants, executed with exquisite skill that is truly pleasing to the eye
Their private room is the first one at the southern end, conveniently located next to two windows facing the south and west, allowing for a pleasant breeze and the enjoyment of two distinctly different views, clearly making it the best position here
Xiao Sui'er chuckled and said, "How could that be? Since the young master has given the order, how could this humble servant dare to disobey"
Two individuals walked briskly towards the riverbank, where an ancient and sturdy stone arch bridge spanned the east and west banks. Along the riverbank stood a row of quaint buildings with blue bricks and red tiles, which were home to dozens of restaurants.
"Bring me a plate of each of the more than ten kinds you just mentioned," Su Jin said
Su Jindao: "What happened? Can't you manage it? It's fine even if there are two fewer; I will come again next time to eat."
The waiter smiled and said, "If I were from Lu Prefecture, how could I not know about the signature dishes of He Feng Tower? We at He Feng Tower..."
Yang Xiaosi smiled and said, "Young master, just watch me; I will ensure both of you are satisfied." After saying this, he swiftly turned around and ran into the main hall of the restaurant.
Xiao Sui pouted and said, "You really know how to flatter, where is the waiter? Why hasn't he come yet?" After saying this, she stretched her neck and repeatedly called out, "Waiter, waiter."
Xiao Sui'er fluttered her eyes and said: "This little maid thinks that what is delicious to her may not necessarily be delicious to the young master. However, last time when I accompanied the lady on an errand, we had our meal at a restaurant called 'He Feng Lou' at noon. The dishes from that restaurant were quite tasty, and at that time, the lady even mentioned inviting the chef from 'He Feng Lou' to our residence to teach Aunt Zhang a thing or two."
The waiter recited a dozen items in one breath, and as soon as Su Jin waited for him to finish, she asked, "Is that all?"
Xiao Sui'er pouted and said: "Why invite these people to be idle? Isn't Xiao Sui'er serving well enough?"
What? Both the waiter at the restaurant and Xiao Sui thought they had misheard. These more than ten dishes are all top-tier delicacies, and this table of food would cost at least five or six guan. This gentleman is quite wealthy, unaware that a single meal could consume the living expenses of an ordinary family for several months. Moreover, ordering so many dishes for just two people is truly wasteful, as they simply cannot finish it all
Not far along the river, a three-story red building stands proudly by the water. On either side of the tall entrance, large red lanterns hang high, and on a black background with golden lettering, three characters in a vigorous script read "He Feng Lou." Inside the restaurant, the sound of voices is bustling, and there are no empty seats. Su Jin secretly admires it and steps into the building. Suddenly, a thin young man dressed in a plain robe and a blue hat appears beside her, startling Su Jin greatly.
Su Jin's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something but held back; at that moment, a waiter in a blue gown, with a snow-white cloth draped over his shoulder, entered by lifting the curtain, carrying a porcelain teapot. Yang Xiaosi helped take the teapot, poured the tea into two small purple clay cups, and skillfully filled them with clear tea.
Su Jinqiang suppressed his admiration; he could not appear like a country bumpkin. Even his little maid and the idle Yang Xiaosi were accustomed to such things. No matter what, he could not lose his composure in front of them.
It turns out to be Master Su. I beg your pardon for my lack of discernment, and I have committed many offenses; please forgive me for my transgressions. The two of them quickly bowed and paid their respects
Su Jin smiled and said, "First, let’s see what abilities you possess. I notice that this restaurant has quite a few guests. If you can help me arrange a private room by the window on the upper floor, there will be generous rewards later."
Xiao Sui'er is quite knowledgeable; after whispering a few words in Su Jin's ear, Su Jin learned that this Yang Xiaosi is actually a type of idle person known as 'Bangxian'. They frequent various restaurants, assisting the staff with errands and delivering messages for the guests, earning some tips in the process
Xiao Sui'er waved her small hand and said: "My young master has me to take care of him, so there is no need for you to go out of your way to be courteous."
"Xiao Sui'er, let's find a restaurant to enjoy a meal and experience the delicious flavors of our Luzhou City, shall we?" Su Jin said with a smile to the little girl beside her
The waiter said: "That is not the case. There are no dishes that cannot be prepared at He Feng Lou. I just believe that ordering more than ten dishes for the two of you is simply too much to consume, and besides, the prices are quite steep."
"Not far, just by the river ahead, the place is quite elegant," Xiao Sui'er pointed forward with her hand