Chapter 50: The Famous Restaurant In Capital
Meanwhile, Wang Gege and Qing’er had just stepped into the restaurant.
The moment they crossed the entrance, the bustling noises of the marketplace seemed to fade behind them, replaced by the gentle melody of a guqin drifting through the spacious hall. The fragrance of freshly brewed tea mingled with the rich aroma of various dishes, while conversations remained soft and restrained despite the restaurant being filled with guests.
Wang Gege instinctively slowed her footsteps.
Compared to the lively streets outside, this place felt considerably more elegant. Every table was neatly arranged, the polished wooden floor reflected the afternoon sunlight, and even the attendants moved about with practiced composure.
"So this is what an expensive restaurant looks like..." She quietly mumbled to herself.
Qing’er smiled faintly, "This restaurant is among the most famous in the capital, Young Madam. Many officials and wealthy merchants frequent this place."
"Really?" Wang Gege’s eyes wandered around curiously. "No wonder it feels so different."
Before she could admire the surroundings any longer, a neatly dressed attendant quickly approached them with a respectful bow.
"Welcome, honoured guests." His gaze swept across the two women before politely asking, "May I ask how many guests will be dining today?"
"Two." Qing’er answered before adding, "Our Young Master will arrive shortly."
"Which family?" The attendant asked for confirmation.
Qing’er calmly replied, "Xie."
The attendant nodded understandingly. "Please follow this humble one."
Without another word, he led them deeper into the restaurant.
As they walked past one table after another, Wang Gege quietly observed the guests around her. Some were discussing business, others were engaged in lively conversations over tea, while several scholars sat by the windows composing poetry, creating an atmosphere far more refined than the bustling marketplace outside.
It was only after reaching the second floor that the attendant finally came to a stop before an empty table beside the window.
"This seat offers the finest view in the restaurant." He smiled politely before gesturing toward the chairs. "Please have a seat. This humble one will prepare the menu."
Wang Gege smiled back. "Thank you."
Only after the attendant departed did she slowly walk toward the window.
From here, nearly the entire street below came into view.
People continuously passed by, merchants enthusiastically welcomed customers, and elegant horse-drawn carriages occasionally rolled through the busy road.
She unconsciously rested both hands upon the wooden railing and took a breather.
"I kind of like this place..." A smile quietly appeared upon her face.
Qing’er gently poured a cup of freshly brewed tea before placing it before Wang Gege. "Young Madam, please have some tea while we wait for the Young Master."
Wang Gege smiled before looking at the empty chair opposite her. "Qing’er."
"Yes, Young Madam?" Qing’er immediately leaned forward, listening attentively.
"Sit." Wang Gege pulled the chair slightly.
Qing’er blinked in surprise. "This servant?"
"Mm." Wang Gege nodded matter-of-factly. "There are so many empty chairs. Standing the whole time must be tiring."
Qing’er’s expression immediately became flustered. "Young Madam, this servant dares not."
"Why not? It is against the rules." Wang Gege looked around the restaurant before lowering her voice. "But no one from the Xie or Shen Residence is here."
She leaned forward slightly and whispered as though sharing a secret. "Husband won’t mind."
Qing’er smiled helplessly, "Young Madam... This servant truly cannot."
Seeing how determined Qing’er looked, Wang Gege could only let out a small sigh.
"Alright..." She reached for the teapot instead. "Then at least let me pour you a cup of tea."
Qing’er was startled, "Young Madam!"
Almost instinctively, she hurried forward and took the teapot from Wang Gege’s hands. "Please... allow this servant."
Wang Gege blinked before laughing softly. "I was only pouring tea."
Qing’er lowered her head respectfully, "That is precisely why this servant cannot allow it."
Wang Gege could only smile helplessly, "Ancient etiquette really is troublesome."
Just then, a loud voice suddenly echoed from the first floor.
"What do you mean there are no tables left?"
The entire restaurant gradually fell silent.
Just then, a loud voice suddenly echoed from the first floor.
"What do you mean there are no tables left?"
The lively conversations throughout the restaurant gradually came to a halt.
Almost every guest instinctively turned toward the entrance.
Wang Gege also looked over curiously before setting down her teacup.
From the second floor, she could clearly see a young woman standing proudly at the entrance.
She appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed in a flowing lavender robe embroidered with delicate silver butterflies. Although her features were undeniably beautiful, the impatience between her brows made her seem difficult to approach.
Behind her stood four maids and several guards. It was obvious at a glance that she came from a prominent family.
The restaurant attendant repeatedly bowed, "This humble one truly begs Young Lady’s forgiveness. Our restaurant is completely full today. The remaining private rooms have all been reserved, while every table in the main hall is already occupied."
The young lady frowned. "Then ask someone to give up their table."
The attendant’s face immediately turned pale. "Y-Young Lady..."
His eyes instinctively swept across the dining hall.
Every table was occupied. Some guests were officials, some wealthy merchants, while others were scholars of considerable reputation. None of them were people he could afford to offend.
Seeing his hesitation, the young lady’s brows knitted together.
"What?" Her tone carried a hint of displeasure. "Surely there is not a single table in this entire restaurant that can be vacated?"
As she spoke, her gaze slowly wandered around the spacious hall. One table after another passed before her eyes.
Finally, her gaze came to a stop on the second floor. More precisely, on the table beside the window.
The afternoon sunlight gently filtered through the carved wooden lattice, illuminating the elegant seat that overlooked the bustling streets below. Compared to every other table in the restaurant, it was undoubtedly the finest location.
The young lady raised a slender finger and pointed toward it, "I want that table."
The attendant instinctively looked up. His expression immediately stiffened. "T-That.. Near the window."
The young lady spoke as though she had already made her decision. "Ask them to move."
The attendant’s face turned even paler, "But... Young Lady... That table is already occupied."