Chapter 328 - Jealousy? (1/2)
Zhu Junyang was even more upset that he had not been thorough in his consideration—why had he not thought of sending over more ingredients? He turned to Head Steward Liu and ordered, ”Go, have Wu Deshun quickly send some people to the prefectural city to purchase some ingredients—especially all kinds of meat and eggs. If they can’t be bought in the prefectural city, go to the capital city!”
Yu Xiaocao's lips twitched, mumbling, ”Even if you go buy now, it would still take a long time. Are we just going to eat vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner like a rabbit?”
”This prince will treat you to Zhenxiu Restaurant for lunch and dinner!” After eating so many meals at Yu Xiaocao's, it seemed he still had not treated her to a meal!
Yu Xiaocao fluttered her big eyes and complained, ”We probably wouldn’t be able to get a table if we went now…”
Zhu Junyang lifted his chin and glared at Third Young Master Zhou, ”You… what do you think?”
Zhou Zixu wiped sweat off his forehead, laughing along, ”It's Zhenxiu Restaurant's utmost honor to have Royal Prince Yang dine in our restaurant. This commoner will treat lunch, so please honor us with your presence, Royal Prince Yang!”
The Zhou Family were imperial merchants, but if the Zhenxiu Restaurant was to be successful in the capital city, they would still need to get themselves a strong backing. Royal Prince Yang was currently one of the most influential people in the capital city, and also the emperor’s most trusted officials—it would be great if they could get his support, and even if they couldn’t, he must also leave a good impression on him.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Junyang did not appreciate the gesture. Instead, he proudly said, “Does this prince need to repeat myself? Lunch and dinner will be my treat! Am I unable to even afford two tables at a restaurant?”
Royal Prince Yang was indeed a member of the imperial family—he was as moody as the rumors said! Third Young Master Zhou really could not grasp his temper, so he turned his pleading gaze towards Yu Xiaocao.
Yu Xiaocao, who got his signal, spoke to Zhu Junyang, “At this moment, Zhenxiu Restaurant wouldn’t have any fresh vegetables. Why don’t we go back to harvest some to bring over? Or you could head over to Zhenxiu Restaurant first and wait for us?”
Zhu Junyang spoke without thinking, “How important are you to have this prince wait for you? Go back and harvest the vegetables! The three little fellows should be finishing their lessons; send someone to notify them to head directly to Zhenxiu Restaurant.”
Yu Xiaocao looked around him. The only servant he brought with him was Head Steward Liu, who had already been sent off, so it was only the two of them left—who was to go and notify the trio? ‘Young Royal Prince, can you harvest vegetables, or can you do errands?’
Zhu Junyang glanced at the manservant beside Third Young Master Zhou. He did not even need to speak before Third Young Master Zhou offered, “I’ll send Simo. He has met the little brother of the Yu Family and he knows the way to Rongxuan Academy. Royal Prince Yang, you should go back and rest for a little while, this commoner will make the arrangements at Zhenxiu Restaurant.”
Zhu Junyang arrogantly nodded. It seemed that only when he was around the Yu Family—or, more specifically, Yu Xiaocao—would he show his friendly and approachable side.
The three little fellows jumped for joy when they received the news—especially Sun Runze, who had always regarded it as an honor to be able to dine in Zhenxiu Restaurant. Just because one was rich, it did not guarantee them a table at Zhenxiu Restaurant, as their tables required a long waiting time. His family did not live in Tanggu Town, so naturally, his father would not spend so much time or money just for a meal in the restaurant.
Fortunately, they ate in a private room and not in the hall, or else Yu Xiaocao would definitely attract the attention of the rest of the customers by bringing her own vegetables. Even though Head Chef Wang had gone to the capital, the head of Zhenxiu Restaurant’s kitchen was his direct disciple, and his culinary skills were even better than his master’s. They were very satisfied with their meal.
The only person who was unsatisfied was Zhu Junyang. His eyes shot daggers at Third Young Master Zhou: ‘Why is this fellow so untactful? Must he unashamedly join them—does he not know that he’s annoying?’
Zhou Zixu expressed his innocence and bewilderment: ‘Royal Prince Yang doesn’t seem to like me; when did I offend him?
In the room, Zhou Zixu asked about the three kids, who were going to sit for the prefectural examination, “Including the rest time in between, it’ll take about half a month to complete all three stages of the prefectural examination. Have you all thought through where you will stay?”
Sun Runze was eating a roasted chicken drumstick and his mouth was covered in a layer of oil. He swallowed his food and replied, “Of course we’ll stay in my house! My house is near the prefectural yamen, so it’s very convenient!”
Liu Jinye, unwilling to be outdone, said, “My family has a residence that’s opposite the examination courtyard—staying at my place will be even more convenient!”
Yu Xiaocao had already decided beforehand that she would see her brother off to his examination in the prefectural city, but she was reluctant to stay in the homes of other people. However, it was more inconvenient if she stayed in an inn, as it would be too noisy, and she also would not be able to cook for her little brother.
Third Young Master Zhou could sense her hesitation, so he said, “If you don’t want to stay in their houses, I also have a residence in the prefectural city. However, it’s further away from the examination courtyard—about half an hour’s walking distance.”