Chapter 138: Congratulatory Gift

Jiang Xiaomu was immersed in the joy of opening when a carriage stopped at the entrance of Mu Yu Lou.

A middle-aged man in official robes, with a gaunt face, stepped down from the carriage — none other than County Magistrate Li Wenqing.

"Jiang Boss, congratulations, congratulations!"

Li Wenqing clasped his hands, smiled, and said, with two yamen runners behind him carrying a large gift box.

"Sir Li, your gracious visit truly brings glory to my humble dwelling!"

Jiang Xiaomu hurried forward to greet him.

Li Wenqing patted Jiang Xiaomu's shoulder and said:

"How could I not come to show support for the opening of your Mu Yu Lou?"

Jiang Xiaomu smiled modestly.

"Thanks to Sir Li's favor, this small business hopes for your continued support."

Li Wenqing laughed heartily.

"No problem, no problem — from now on, all county banquets will be held at your Mu Yu Lou!"

Hardly had his words finished when an ornately decorated carriage also pulled up in front of Mu Yu Lou.

The carriage curtain lifted, and a thin man with a full beard stepped down — none other than Hawei.

"Jiang Boss, congratulations and prosperity!"

Hawei shouted in a rough voice, holding a jar of wine whose fragrance filled the air.

"Hawei Boss, you've come too!"

Jiang Xiaomu exclaimed in surprise.

"Ha ha, such a great joy — how could I not come?"

"This is aged wine I've treasured for years from the Western Regions, brought especially to celebrate with you!"

Hawei handed the wine jar to Jiang Xiaomu.

Jiang Xiaomu quickly took it.

Jiang Xiaomu ushered Li Wenqing and Hawei into the restaurant and seated them at the place of honor.

The restaurant was already full of guests, bustling extraordinarily.

Jiang Xiaoyu moved through the crowd, skillfully greeting guests with a smiling face.

Just then, a slender figure appeared at the restaurant entrance.

He wore a green long robe and a square headcloth — none other than the county office's Master Tang.

"Jiang Boss, congratulations, congratulations!"

Master Tang approached with a beaming smile.

Jiang Xiaomu, somewhat surprised, quickly clasped his hands and said:

"Master Tang, how did you come here?"

Master Tang smiled mysteriously.

"Jiang Boss, I am acting on the Prefect's orders to bring you a congratulatory gift."

"The Prefect?"

Jiang Xiaomu was even more surprised.

He never expected that Prefect Zhao would send him a congratulatory gift.

Master Tang nodded.

"The Prefect is tied up with official duties and cannot leave, so he specially instructed me to deliver the gift."

Saying this, Master Tang took a brocade box from a yamen runner behind him and handed it to Jiang Xiaomu.

"This is a small token of the Prefect's goodwill; please accept it, Jiang Boss."

Jiang Xiaomu received the box with both hands, his doubts growing stronger.

Why would Prefect Zhao value him so highly?

He opened the box to find a finely carved jade pendant inside, bearing the character 'Mu' engraved on it.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart jolted; the material and craftsmanship of the jade pendant were exceptional, clearly valuable.

At current market prices, this jade pendant could be exchanged for at least two Mu Yu Lou establishments.

What could Prefect Zhao possibly mean by giving such a precious gift?

He looked up at Master Tang, only to see him already seated in the carriage, gazing at him with a half-smile, his eyes full of meaning.

After three rounds of drinks, Li Wenqing and Hawei were both a little drunk.

Li Wenqing grasped Jiang Xiaomu's hand and spoke indistinctly:

"Jiang Boss, you… you really are a… a fine young man!"

"From now on… if you need anything… anything at all, just… just come find me!"

Hawei, also drunk, slapped Jiang Xiaomu's shoulder.

"Jiang Younger Brother, from now on… we will be… brothers!"

"Who… whoever dares to bully you will have to… answer to me!"

Jiang Xiaomu watched the two drunken men, feeling both amused and exasperated.

These two were genuinely trying to help him, yet he always felt something was off.

After seeing off the last guest, Jiang Xiaomu weakly slumped into a chair, rubbing his aching temples.

On the opening day of Mu Yu Lou, the house was full of guests, bustling extraordinarily, far beyond his expectations.

But after the bustle, there remained deep fatigue and a lingering doubt.

Prefect Zhao's congratulatory gift truly left him puzzled.

Jiang Xiaoyu ran over to him, hopping and skipping, excitedly shaking his arm.

Brother, we made a lot of money today! Look, look!

She held out a small box of heavy silver like offering a treasure, flashing with a tempting light in the dim lamplight.

Jiang Xiaomu forced a smile and rubbed her head.

Xiao Yu, thank you for your hard work.

Jiang Xiaoyu said with a grin:

It's not tiring—seeing so many customers come to our restaurant to eat makes me happy I can't even keep up!

Jiang Xiaomu felt a warm current rise in his heart as he watched his sister's innocent, cheerful smile.

Late at night, all quiet, Jiang Xiaomu lay in bed tossing and turning.

He's been in this chaotic world for a long time, each day living a life of licking blood from a blade, and has long grown numb.

Now that he has his own business, which ought to be a good thing, his heart remains shrouded in a shadow.

The prefect's gift and the master's gaze made him feel uneasy.

The next morning, Jiang Xiaomu arrived early at Mu Yu Lou.

He pushed open the door to find the chefs and staff busy in orderly fashion.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded in satisfaction; everything was orderly, easing his tense nerves a little.

He walked to the counter, where the old shopkeeper was tallying yesterday's opening totals.

He picked up the ledger and saw that yesterday's income was considerably better than he had expected.

In this chaotic era, people's desire to seize pleasure seems even stronger.

The appearance of Mu Yu Lou happened to meet that need.

As he was pondering the restaurant's future development, a shop assistant rushed in, out of breath, to report.

Boss, outside…outside there's an official.

He says…he says the prefect sent him, requesting…requesting you go to his residence.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart sank; what was bound to come finally arrived.

The prefect's gift and the master's meaningful smile now loomed like dark clouds over his heart.

He set down the ledger, took a deep breath, and ordered:

Xiao Yu, watch the shop; I'll be right back.

Xiao Yu watched him anxiously.

Brother, could there be danger?

Jiang Xiaomu rubbed her hair, forcing a relaxed laugh.

Don't worry, it's fine; maybe the prefect just wants to try our restaurant's signature dish.

But that was just self-deception.

What kind of person is the prefect?

If he wanted something to eat, he only needed to send a servant with a word; why go to such trouble to summon him to the mansion?

Following the official all the way to the governor's mansion, Jiang Xiaomu's apprehension grew.

Led to a side hall, Jiang Xiaomu held his breath and waited for the prefect's arrival.

Moments later, the prefect entered, behind him the very master who had delivered the gift yesterday.

Mr. Jiang, how have you been?

The prefect opened his mouth, his tone surprisingly warm.

Jiang Xiaomu quickly clasped his hands in salute.

Commoner Jiang Xiaomu greets you, Prefect.

The prefect laughed heartily and gestured for him to sit.

Enough, there are no outsiders; Mr. Jiang, no need for formalities—please sit, someone, bring tea.