The Company's Fame
Chunfang Palace
“Rumor has it that His Majesty invited Yan Changzai to a banquet at the palace last night,” Du Zhengfeng picked a white piece, scanning the chessboard with ease before making a swift move.
Zhou Wenhan chimed in coolly, “It is also said that after the banquet, His Majesty and Yan Changzai left together.”
Song Ruhao placed a black piece down and asked curiously, “Is that so? However… I have not heard of any imperial decree regarding His Majesty’s promotion.”
Zhou Wenhan sneered, “That merely indicates His Majesty didn’t not intend to do so. Even if he were to reside in Tenglong Palace, what difference would it make? He is no different from us.”
Song Ruhao shook his head slightly, “That may not necessarily be the case. Perhaps His Majesty is temporarily withholding the promotion to protect Yan Changzai.”
Du Zhengfeng raised an eyebrow and glanced at him before saying, “Your turn again.”
Zhou Wenhan looked at Song Ruhao in astonishment, his mouth agape, but he didn’t utter a word. His mood clearly dampened significantly.
Yongyi Palace
The Empress sat before a mirror, her face displaying signs of weariness. She languidly asked, “Has there been any imperial decree issued within the palace today?”
The chief palace maid, who was adorning her with the phoenix crown, whispered, “Replying to Her Majesty, no imperial decree has been issued.”
A faint smile appeared on the Empress’s face, “Go inform the Grand Tutor to dismiss the Crown Prince from his studies earlier today.”
“Yes.”
…
Around noon, under the scorching sun at a temple construction site, a dark-skinned man set down his tools and said to his fellow workers, “Let’s go to the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop and have a bowl of spicy hot pot. Its spiciness gives you energy to work throughout the day.”
One of the workers chuckled and said, “Sounds good. I love that taste! Your treat?”
“I’ll treat, it’s not expensive anyway. But you treat for the next meal.”
“Deal!”
At a bustling dock, laborers carrying bags shouted, “Anyone interested in chipping in for some barbecue?”
“I’m in!”
“Count me in too.”
…
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop, the group discovered that only half of the door was open. Perplexed, they entered and inquired, “What’s going on? Is the business still running or not?”
Zhao Cheng hurriedly walked out and pointed at the notice pasted on the door, his voice somewhat hoarse, “Apologies, everyone. Our boss intends to use this shop space for another business. You can visit other shops like Old Zhang’s Snack Shop, Wang’s BBQ, Liu’s Spicy Hot Pot… As long as they have this sign, you can enjoy the same spicy hot pot and barbecue, guaranteed to taste just like ours!”
Within less than half an hour, people continuously came to inquire about the situation. Those who could read directly read the notice, and for those who couldn’t, it was read to them repeatedly, dozens of times.
This scene repeated itself in front of the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop for several days.
The people of the capital suddenly realized that the food market in the city was mainly occupied by two establishments, Liuxian Pavilion in the high and side, and Nanyi, while the low-end food market was almost completely dominated by the “hot pot and barbeque” franchise.
*The character Huangfu Yuchen created for Yu Ge’s logo are (男已), and the pinyin is Nán Yǐ.Hot pot and barbecue were cheap and delicious, and were most popular among ordinary people. If you buy two or three coins of vegetarian dishes, and one coin of noodles, you can eat enough. Even some young masters were obsessed with this special taste. They were embarrassed to go to the small shop to squeeze with other people, so they send the servants and maids at home to buy it. On the street, there were obviously more maids and servants carrying food boxes.
The main purpose of the renowned Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop was to promote its spicy hot pot and barbecue, gaining a reputation before divulging its recipes.
Yan Ge dispatched Xiao Chuanzi and Zhao Cheng to negotiate with those who desired to sell barbecue and spicy hot pot, with the First Company claiming twenty percent of each shop’s profits.
The First Company entered the public’s gaze with a momentum of a thousand troops that swept through the masses. Including Wan Xiang and others, everyone simply regarded “Nan Yi” as two words. Huangfu Yuchen did not publicly disclose that it was a “fei” character, and Yan Ge was content with it, never correcting Wan Xiang and the others.
Inside the hall of Liuxian Pavilion, two young gentlemen were engaged in casual conversation.
“Brother Xu, your Xu family’s restaurant used to thrive. But now, you often come to Liuxian Pavilion to dine. I wonder, does Brother Xu have any thoughts on this?” Young Master Fang poured a glass of wine for Young Master Xu, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
Young Master Xu sighed, “What’s the use of having ideas? I had someone inquire about Liuxian Pavilion’s background, but they found nothing. The less background a person has, the more formidable their presence. Can one easily provoke such a person?”
Young Master Fang snorted and said, “Liuxian Pavilion aside, has Brother Xu ever tasted the spicy hot pot and barbecue?”
Young Master Xu nodded, his face showing appreciation, “That flavor is indeed unique and memorable. Unfortunately, Liuxian Pavilion doesn’t sell barbecue and spicy hot pot. The few times I’ve had it, I sent my servants to the small shops to buy it.”
Young Master Fang whispered, “It is said that both the spicy hot pot and barbecue originate from the First Company.”
“The First Company,” Young Master Xu shook his head, “Recently, more than one person has mentioned the First Company to me. Brother Fang, what is the background of this First Company? Its debut is so sensational, as if it possesses unstoppable momentum.”
Young Master Fang replied, “Our Fang family’s pastry shop has also seen a sharp decline in business, all due to the influence of the spicy hot pot and barbecue. I plan to investigate this First Company.”
Lu Shaoling happened to pass by and heard their conversation. He turned his head to look at them and kindly advised, “I suggest you two not to provoke trouble with them.”
*Lu Shaoling is the young master Yan Ge and the others met when they were checking out the clothes shops. He got a warning from Gao Feng when he wanted to trouble Yan Ge.Young Master Fang and Young Master Xu exchanged puzzled glances.
Young Master Fang clasped his hands and said to Lu Shaoling, “It seems that this brother knows something. How about we have a drink together?”
Lu Shaoling had investigated Yan Ge’s identity and although he didn’t find any conclusive evidence, he accidentally discovered that Yan Ge frequently entered and exited the First Company. This indicated a connection to the spicy hot pot and barbecue. Seeing that Young Master Fang seemed determined to seek trouble from the First Company, he shook his head sympathetically and walked away slowly with an unhurried gait.
The Company's Fame
Chunfang Palace
“Rumor has it that His Majesty invited Yan Changzai to a banquet at the palace last night,” Du Zhengfeng picked a white piece, scanning the chessboard with ease before making a swift move.
Zhou Wenhan chimed in coolly, “It is also said that after the banquet, His Majesty and Yan Changzai left together.”
Song Ruhao placed a black piece down and asked curiously, “Is that so? However… I have not heard of any imperial decree regarding His Majesty’s promotion.”
Zhou Wenhan sneered, “That merely indicates His Majesty didn’t not intend to do so. Even if he were to reside in Tenglong Palace, what difference would it make? He is no different from us.”
Song Ruhao shook his head slightly, “That may not necessarily be the case. Perhaps His Majesty is temporarily withholding the promotion to protect Yan Changzai.”
Du Zhengfeng raised an eyebrow and glanced at him before saying, “Your turn again.”
Zhou Wenhan looked at Song Ruhao in astonishment, his mouth agape, but he didn’t utter a word. His mood clearly dampened significantly.
Yongyi Palace
The Empress sat before a mirror, her face displaying signs of weariness. She languidly asked, “Has there been any imperial decree issued within the palace today?”
The chief palace maid, who was adorning her with the phoenix crown, whispered, “Replying to Her Majesty, no imperial decree has been issued.”
A faint smile appeared on the Empress’s face, “Go inform the Grand Tutor to dismiss the Crown Prince from his studies earlier today.”
“Yes.”
…
Around noon, under the scorching sun at a temple construction site, a dark-skinned man set down his tools and said to his fellow workers, “Let’s go to the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop and have a bowl of spicy hot pot. Its spiciness gives you energy to work throughout the day.”
One of the workers chuckled and said, “Sounds good. I love that taste! Your treat?”
“I’ll treat, it’s not expensive anyway. But you treat for the next meal.”
“Deal!”
At a bustling dock, laborers carrying bags shouted, “Anyone interested in chipping in for some barbecue?”
“I’m in!”
“Count me in too.”
…
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop, the group discovered that only half of the door was open. Perplexed, they entered and inquired, “What’s going on? Is the business still running or not?”
Zhao Cheng hurriedly walked out and pointed at the notice pasted on the door, his voice somewhat hoarse, “Apologies, everyone. Our boss intends to use this shop space for another business. You can visit other shops like Old Zhang’s Snack Shop, Wang’s BBQ, Liu’s Spicy Hot Pot… As long as they have this sign, you can enjoy the same spicy hot pot and barbecue, guaranteed to taste just like ours!”
Within less than half an hour, people continuously came to inquire about the situation. Those who could read directly read the notice, and for those who couldn’t, it was read to them repeatedly, dozens of times.
This scene repeated itself in front of the Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop for several days.
The people of the capital suddenly realized that the food market in the city was mainly occupied by two establishments, Liuxian Pavilion in the high and side, and Nanyi, while the low-end food market was almost completely dominated by the “hot pot and barbeque” franchise.
*The character Huangfu Yuchen created for Yu Ge’s logo are (男已), and the pinyin is Nán Yǐ.Hot pot and barbecue were cheap and delicious, and were most popular among ordinary people. If you buy two or three coins of vegetarian dishes, and one coin of noodles, you can eat enough. Even some young masters were obsessed with this special taste. They were embarrassed to go to the small shop to squeeze with other people, so they send the servants and maids at home to buy it. On the street, there were obviously more maids and servants carrying food boxes.
The main purpose of the renowned Spicy Fragrance Snack Shop was to promote its spicy hot pot and barbecue, gaining a reputation before divulging its recipes.
Yan Ge dispatched Xiao Chuanzi and Zhao Cheng to negotiate with those who desired to sell barbecue and spicy hot pot, with the First Company claiming twenty percent of each shop’s profits.
The First Company entered the public’s gaze with a momentum of a thousand troops that swept through the masses. Including Wan Xiang and others, everyone simply regarded “Nan Yi” as two words. Huangfu Yuchen did not publicly disclose that it was a “fei” character, and Yan Ge was content with it, never correcting Wan Xiang and the others.
Inside the hall of Liuxian Pavilion, two young gentlemen were engaged in casual conversation.
“Brother Xu, your Xu family’s restaurant used to thrive. But now, you often come to Liuxian Pavilion to dine. I wonder, does Brother Xu have any thoughts on this?” Young Master Fang poured a glass of wine for Young Master Xu, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
Young Master Xu sighed, “What’s the use of having ideas? I had someone inquire about Liuxian Pavilion’s background, but they found nothing. The less background a person has, the more formidable their presence. Can one easily provoke such a person?”
Young Master Fang snorted and said, “Liuxian Pavilion aside, has Brother Xu ever tasted the spicy hot pot and barbecue?”
Young Master Xu nodded, his face showing appreciation, “That flavor is indeed unique and memorable. Unfortunately, Liuxian Pavilion doesn’t sell barbecue and spicy hot pot. The few times I’ve had it, I sent my servants to the small shops to buy it.”
Young Master Fang whispered, “It is said that both the spicy hot pot and barbecue originate from the First Company.”
“The First Company,” Young Master Xu shook his head, “Recently, more than one person has mentioned the First Company to me. Brother Fang, what is the background of this First Company? Its debut is so sensational, as if it possesses unstoppable momentum.”
Young Master Fang replied, “Our Fang family’s pastry shop has also seen a sharp decline in business, all due to the influence of the spicy hot pot and barbecue. I plan to investigate this First Company.”
Lu Shaoling happened to pass by and heard their conversation. He turned his head to look at them and kindly advised, “I suggest you two not to provoke trouble with them.”
*Lu Shaoling is the young master Yan Ge and the others met when they were checking out the clothes shops. He got a warning from Gao Feng when he wanted to trouble Yan Ge.Young Master Fang and Young Master Xu exchanged puzzled glances.
Young Master Fang clasped his hands and said to Lu Shaoling, “It seems that this brother knows something. How about we have a drink together?”
Lu Shaoling had investigated Yan Ge’s identity and although he didn’t find any conclusive evidence, he accidentally discovered that Yan Ge frequently entered and exited the First Company. This indicated a connection to the spicy hot pot and barbecue. Seeing that Young Master Fang seemed determined to seek trouble from the First Company, he shook his head sympathetically and walked away slowly with an unhurried gait.
