“Brother Huangfu, I am here to accompany you for lunch.” Huangfu Yuhu emerged from behind the curtain with a mischievous smile on his face, striding into the grand hall.
Huangfu Yuhu and Huangfu Yuchen were both sons of the Empress Dowager, with Huangfu Yuhu being three years younger than Huangfu Yuchen. After Huangfu Yuchen ascended the throne, all his brothers had to change the character “玉” in their names to “于” due to the taboo associated with the character “玉”. Being biological brothers, Huangfu Yuhu and Huangfu Yuchen shared a deep bond. Huangfu Yuhu could enter the Tenglong Palace without prior notice, indicating the immense trust Huangfu Yuchen had in him.
Huangfu Yuchen continued to review the memorials, not lifting his head. “Haven’t you been dining at Liuxian Pavilion lately?”
“Don’t mention it,” Huangfu Yuhu waved his hand with a hint of frustration, “I received news today that the food at Liuxian Pavilion is not clean. Someone fell ill after eating there in the morning. I dare not go there again.”
“Oh?” Huangfu Yuchen raised his head, intrigued. That person had finally obtained the opportunity to leave the palace, and Huangfu Yuchen was certain he would visit Liuxian Pavilion. What would be his reaction? Helplessness? Or an invigorated spirit?
The person he referred to was currently on his way back to the Yan Mansion.
“Master,” Wan Xiang said, “Since the aromatic pork chop can be presented as a gift, it must be a delicious dish. Why is it only available for three days and will never be served again?”
Gao Yun and Xiao Chuanzi heard about this matter after returning and were curious, so they pricked up their ears.
Yan Ge smiled and said, “It’s just exploiting people’s curiosity.”
“Curiosity?” Xia Chuanzi scratched his head. “I don’t understand, master.”
Yan Ge pondered for a moment. “Let’s say it’s in the dead of winter, and suddenly you see many people rushing to jump into the river, with smiles on their faces. Wouldn’t you feel curious?”
Wan Xiang and Wan Chuanzi nodded. “Master, you’re truly remarkable. Now we understand.”
“In short, it’s just playing on people’s curiosity. It’s just a gimmick,” Yan Ge said.
Back at Yan Mansion, Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan were sitting solemnly at the upper seat in the main hall. Yan Su was also sitting on the side, wearing a stern expression, resembling a judge in court. Apart from them, there were no servants or maidservants In the hall, not even the loyal Butler Yan Fu.
Yan Ge walked over with a smile. “Father, mother, elder brother, why is everyone so serious?”
Yan Xiaojing’s face turned stern, and he slammed his right palm forcefully on the table, causing the teacups to jump. “Speak! What exactly happened?” No wonder during the morning court, he felt that the Emperor’s gaze held a deeper meaning.
“Second brother, you’re finally back. We’ve all been waiting for you,” Yan Su gestured for Yan Ge to take a seat.
Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su heard that Yan Ge had left the palace and their expressions changed drastically. Madam Yan started to worry again. “Ge’er, can you finally explain everything now? Your father and your elder brother have been very worried about you.”
Yan Ge maintained his smile. He looked at Wan Xiang and Wan Chuanzi. “Go to the kitchen and check if the food is ready. I’m starving.”
“Yes.”
After the two left, Yan Ge’s expression turned serious. “Father, this is what happened yesterday…”
After listening to his words, Yan Xiaojing’s eyes rolled, almost passing out from anger. He pointed at Yan Ge, trembling with rage. “You…you..what did you say?!”
He suddenly turned to Madam Yan and Yan Su, shouting loudly, “You keep telling me how sensible he has become, but I see him becoming more and more willful and presumptuous! He even dares to make deals with the Emperor and negotiate conditions! He’s almost poking holes in the sky!”
Madam Yan and Yan Su were looking at Yan Ge in astonishment, and were startled by Yan Xiaojing’s outburst.
“Ge’er, how can you act so recklessly…” Madam Yan anxiously tightened her handkerchief, abruptly standing up.
Yan Xiaojing was so angry that he was muttering, “crazy!” several times.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun finally understood what had happened between Yan Ge and the Emperor, and they secretly admired Yan Ge’s courage. To make deals with the Emperor, Yan Ge was truly a unique individual throughout history.
Yan Jin(the system) mumbled softly, “Master, your father is terrifying.”
Yan Ge chuckled inwardly. With a serious expression, he said to Yan Xiaojing, “Father, I haven’t acted foolishly. Please listen to me and let me finish.”
Yan Xiaojing was breathing heavily with anger, and glaring at him fiercely. The situation had already been decided. What difference would it make if he didn’t listen to Yan Ge’s explanation?
“Speak! I want to see what you have to say.”
“Father, the son’s life in the palace…” Yan Ge intentionally spoke vaguely at the crucial point, guiding Yan Xiaojing and the others to think in a negative direction with a troubled expression. “The Emperor favors the female consorts, and the other three male consorts are outstanding. The son’s position is very awkward. Can the son live like this forever? The son thought, since the son likes business, why not use it to solidify his position in the palace? That way, even if the son is never favored by the Emperor in his lifetime, at least he can seek stability. What’s more important is that he can share the Emperor’s worries, just as you often say, ‘serve the court.’ Why not do it?”
Yan Xiaojing’s gaze flickered over Gao Feng and Gao Yun, and he sighed inwardly. He had been immersed in the officialdom for many years and was not as naïve as Madam Yan. Gao Feng and Gao Yun were the sons of Gao Jingwei, the Minister of Works, and they enjoyed the Emperor’s trust. Now they were assigned to Yan Ge’s side, while Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were dismissed, which was obviously abnormal.
Yan Su also sensed something and gave Yan Ge a reproachful look.
For a moment, Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su remained silent.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun noticed the tense atmosphere but couldn’t leave. They could only pretend not to know and look straight ahead.
“Father, trust me. I never fight battles I’m not sure of.” Yan Ge knew what they were worried about and walked behind Yan Xiaojing with a smiling face, massaging his shoulders. “By the way, I need to talk to you about something concerning Liuxian Pavilion. Let’s discuss it over our meal. I’m starving.”
Yan Xiaojing glanced at him and snorted heavily before standing up. “Do you think doing business is as easy as you imagine? You’ll suffer in the end! Everyone, let’s eat. I don’t want to bother with him!”
Yan Ge continued to smile and walked with him, occasionally patting Yan Xiaojing’s back, making Yan Xiaojing both amused and annoyed.
Madam Yan and Yan Su shook their heads while watching from behind.
The Yan family of four sat at a table, with Butler Yan Fu accompanying Gao Feng and Gao Yun at an additional table. Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi sat with them as well.
Yan Su observed that Yan Ge talked to Gao Feng and Gao Yun without any reservation, and there was no sign of reluctance in his expression. He couldn’t help but admire his brother’s courage. This brother had changed so much compared to before. It seemed that the palace was truly the place that could change a person the most, allowing him to grow so quickly. He only hoped that Yan Ge wouldn’t shoot himself in the foot.
As an older brother, he couldn’t resist giving Yan Ge a punch on the shoulder as a lesson.
Yan Ge had strengthened his body from practising and didn’t feel pain or discomfort. He arranged the dishes for Madam Yan and began discussing Liuxian Pavilion. “Today at Liuxian Pavilion…”
“Is there such a thing?” Yan Xiaojing furrowed his brows.
Yan Ge smiled. “Actually, this situation was expected. The problems today are just minor. In the future, there might be more issues, such as kickbacks, substandard quality, false accounts, and even recipe leaks.”
Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su’s expressions grew more serious.
“Recipe leaks?”
“Has the secret leaked?”
He filled their wine glasses, “Father, elder brother, my intention is not to imply that the people you have found are unreliable, but rather that the speed at which Liuxian is growing is too rapid, and the coordination among various aspects is not yet perfect, making it prone to problems. If not addressed in a timely manner, as time goes on, the frequency of leaks will increase.”
“For the restaurant matters, it’s not appropriate for either me or your elder brother to intervene too much,” Yan Xiaojing also hesitated. Both he and Yan Su had scholarly backgrounds, and they held official positions, which indeed made it difficult for them to handle business matters.
Madam Yan, being a virtuous woman, had only partial understanding of business matters and did not interject.
Yan Su looked at Yan Ge, “Do you have any ideas?”
Yan Ge nodded, “Indeed, I have some ideas, but there are still some details that need to be considered thoroughly. In the future, I will be able to leave the palace every day. Father, elder brother, if you trust me, you can entrust the matters of Liuxian Pavilion to me.”
Yan Xiaojing looked at Yan Su. He wasn’t particularly concerned about Liuxian Pavilion. After all, Liuxian Pavilion would eventually belong to the two brothers.
Yan Su nodded without hesitation, “Liuxian Pavilion should have been yours from the beginning. There’s nothing to worry about if it’s handled by you.”
Yan Ge smiled and shook his head. He had long made up his mind. Since he was tied to the Yan family and Yan Xiaojing, Yan Ge considered them his true family. Regardless of his own industries, he would allocate a share to Yan Su. However, actions spoke louder than words, and it was too early to talk about these things now.
“Let’s not discuss this for now. Once I’ve made my decision, I will explain how to handle the matters to you,” Yan Ge stood up and poured a glass of wine for Yan Xiaojing, Yan Su, and Madam Yan, respectively. “Father, mother, elder brother, I have truly grown up. I understand that some of my decisions seem unimaginable to others, but I have confidence in handling these matters well. The only thing you need to do is believe in me.”
Yan Xiaojing, Yan Su, and Madam Yan exchanged glances, all smiling, and raised their glasses simultaneously. Yan Ge had already “married” and even held the position of a palace consort. His future path would primarily rely on his own efforts.
“At this point, what difference does it make if we believe in you or not?” Yan Xiaojing reprimanded in a rough tone, but his eyes were kind.
“Thank you, Father, Mother, Elder Brother!” Yan Ge also smiled, feeling grateful for their acceptance. Unexpectedly, the warmth he couldn’t obtain in modern times was now experienced in this unfamiliar era.
