Chapter 498

She still hadn't put on that heavy veil that covered her whole body, only wearing a layer of gauze, dressed head‑to‑toe in bright red women's attire, standing by the railing on the second floor.

She reached out, took the bronze gong, and with a clang‑clang‑clang drew every eye; then she announced loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen, all the ladies of the world, honored guests—I bear the surname Nangong, and I am the young proprietor of this tavern."

"Everyone can call me Lady Nangong."

"Today I hereby guarantee that this tavern is absolutely a proper women's establishment."

"Inside, besides specially brewed fruit and flower wines suitable for us women, there are all kinds of exquisite snacks and brand‑new dishes."

"Not only that, even our helpers, chefs, errand boys, managers, supervisors and so on are all women."

With a wave from Li Qingluo, all the staff of the tavern rushed out the door in unison and stood in a neat line.

Indeed, every one of them, young or old, was a woman!

Li Qingluo said: "If the ladies don't believe me, they can come inside and prove their identity themselves."

Besides serving food and drink, our tavern also offers irregular pastimes for the ladies to join each day.

There are flower‑drum relays, poetry chain games, pitch‑pot, riddles, writing poems and painting, needlework contests, and so on.

If anyone has any fun and lively ideas, they can suggest them to our tavern; after we examine each one at the Flower Pavilion, we will adopt them as appropriate.

Moreover, any lady guest who takes part in the pastimes that day will have a chance to join the 'free meal' event.

Take the flower‑drum relay, for example: whoever catches the drum must perform a talent, and if that talent wins everyone's approval, they can be exempt from all money spent at the tavern that day.

Each day, three ladies can be chosen for the free meal; each may participate.

Besides that, the most important point is also our tavern's rule.

Any lady entering the tavern must remove her veil before she may be seated.

Having said that, Li Qingluo looked toward Zheng Mama beside her.

Zheng Mama hurriedly ordered someone to light the firecrackers.

Amid the crackling pops, smoke and the shredded red paper from the exploding firecrackers scattered, like blossoms flying everywhere.

All the windows on the first floor of the Flower Pavilion Tavern were flung wide open at this moment.

The blue curtains swayed gently in the breeze.

Inside, the refined and elegant décor was accompanied by a fragrant aroma that wafted out.

It was floral scent!

"They actually put fresh flowers inside!"

"What season is this? Where could so many fresh flowers come from?"

"Just who is she? These ideas alone make even a man like me swoon, let alone all the ladies of the world."

"I really want to go in and have a look—could it really be that we're not allowed in?"

This is no joke.

A big man wearing a side‑arm tried to force his way in, but Que'er kicked him with one foot, sending him tumbling down the stairs.

"What are you doing?"

"Our Flower Pavilion Tavern is no place for you to run amok and cause trouble!"

No sooner had Que'er shouted her rebuke than someone clapped and cried, "Good!"

"They dare not enter; I, the princess, will be your first guest!"

Hearing this, everyone turned their heads in unison toward the source of the voice.

"It's from the Second Princess's residence."

"It sounds like Princess Changning?"

"How did Princess Changning come out?"

"Her mother and that Xie family monk have caused such a fuss; I heard she never wants to leave the manor, so how did she end up coming today to patronize the Flower Pavilion Tavern?"

Princess Changning walked out from the parted crowd.

By then Li Qingluo had already come downstairs and went to the door to greet her.

"The common woman pays her respects to the princess."

Princess Changning gave Li Qingluo a slight nod: "Young proprietor, won't you show us the way?"

As soon as the princess entered, several young ladies from aristocratic families who had been lurking in the crowd, eager to move, followed her inside.

As soon as they stepped inside, waiting maids came forward to take off their veils, registered them, and then collected all the veils.

The windows were closed.

It's a pity that those still outside watching the fun could only see those lively faces, each breaking into a fresh smile.

Soon, groups of ladies linked hands and walked into the tavern.

Within an hour, the tavern's unique feature spread throughout Nan'an.

By noon, the Flower Pavilion Tavern was already full.

All the ladies who couldn't get a seat had to take only a number tag and wait for an earlier chance next time.

By evening, Li Qingluo was exhausted to the point of feeling her skin peel.

Zheng Mama, feeling sorry for her, drew hot water and helped her sit in the tub to soak.

"Miss, if you keep busy a few more days, you'd better not go out."

"That Miss Jin is one of ours; once she sees how you do things and gets the hang of it, you won't have to worry anymore."

Li Qingluo propped herself on her jade arm, rubbing her forehead: "At least wait a month."

"This isn't so easy to pick up."

"The customs of the Great Chu are not as open as those of DaLiang; the demands on women are far stricter."

"With me acting so boldly, I fear I'll invite attacks and targeting from many, and even if business booms I'll draw envy."

"Lately I've had the killers take turns guarding the door."

Unless it's absolutely unavoidable to risk one's life, one must not barge into the tavern and break the rules.

In the main hall, Zheng Mama, you'll need to take the trouble to bring more of our own people out.

Running this business is truly more tiring than sword practice and calligraphy.

Opening a tavern to do business is simply much more wearing on the heart than sword practice.

By the way, Your Highness, Zhui Yu and Leng Dian still haven't returned?

Recently, these few days, the master and his two servants always go out early and return late.

Li Qingluo hasn't even seen a shadow of Duan Rongshi.

What they're doing, she hasn't had a chance to ask.

All she knows is that he does indeed come back every night at midnight, but when she turns to reach out beside her, it's already ice-cold.

Last time, Li Qingluo had Duan Rongshi sound out Zhui Yu's feelings for Que'er.

The year has passed, and still no reply.

Today, with great difficulty, we finally opened the tavern.

Only now did Li Qingluo think of this matter again.

Zheng Mama: "No. Shall this old servant go inquire?"

By the way, Miss, De Shu and Wu Quan have both come, and they're still waiting to see you tomorrow.

Li Qingluo was delighted to hear the names of this grandfather and grandson.

Then have them come first thing tomorrow morning.

As for Your Highness, leave it be for now.

He must be busy with more pressing matters.

When the time comes, he will naturally tell me.

Saying this, Li Qingluo slowly closed her eyes.

She was really tired.

She fell asleep sitting in the bathtub.

When the sound of water sounded again by her ear, Li Qingluo thought Zheng Mama was adding water for her.

She dazedly turned over and lay prone on the bathtub.

Zheng Mama, help me scrub my back...

Soon, a gentle yet strong warm wet towel began to glide across her back.

Li Qingluo hummed contentedly.

She only felt that hand pause for a moment.

Li Qingluo shifted.

Zheng Mama?

So comfortable.

Shall I scrub some more?

A clear, cold voice sounded by her ear: "Good."

Li Qingluo's eyes widened with a splash.

A male voice?