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In a society where social hierarchy prevailed, a membership card that showcased status and purchasing power became a coveted item.
Furthermore, the dishes at the Eight Treasures Pavilion were truly exceptional.
With exquisite flavors, generous ingredients, and a reputation for medicinal cuisine, it elevated those who dined there above mere culinary pleasure seekers, giving them a touch of sophistication and taste that was quite appealing.
Since the opening of the Eight Treasures Pavilion, the entire county town had elevated its social standing by hosting gatherings and celebrations at this prestigious establishment.
The business at the county town’s Eight Treasures Pavilion could be described as enduring and thriving.
Despite the reputation of the capital city’s Eight Treasures Pavilion and the authentic medicinal cuisine offered, sustaining such popularity in the county town was indeed challenging, but the quality of the food and the prestige associated with dining there made it a success.
The success of the Eight Treasures Pavilion at this time was largely attributed to Jiang Mixia’s introduction of the membership card, a fact acknowledged by Zheng Yuanhe and Wei, the shopkeeper.
To show his gratitude, Zheng Yuanhe made a special trip from the capital city to the county town, not only to visit the Zheng family but also to bring many gifts to thank Jiang Mixia.
These gifts included medicinal herbs, silk fabrics, pastries, and more, all packed into a large carriage.
Even with this generous gesture, Zheng Yuanhe still felt it wasn’t enough and presented Jiang Mixia with a heavy box of silver melon seeds.
“These are just some small items I’ve made during my spare time. With the New Year approaching, keep these gifts. They will make elegant and refined presents when the time comes,” Zheng Yuanhe suggested.
Considered as a reward for her role as a special consultant, Jiang Mixia accepted graciously, expressing thanks and carefully storing the gifts.
Zheng Yuanhe also mentioned the possibility of implementing a membership system at the capital city’s Eight Treasures Pavilion and discussed with Jiang Mixia what kind of holiday gifts should be given to members by the end of the year.
After hours of discussions that stretched into the evening, Zheng Yuanhe, still mindful of visiting the Qiu family to see Zheng’s in-laws, finally took his leave.
Jiang Mixia collected the box of silver melon seeds and, with the help of Zhucui and Chengmao, began to tidy up the gifts brought by Zheng Yuanhe.
As evening approached, Zhucui had prepared dinner, but Song Jingyun had not returned yet.
“Go and see why Jingyun hasn’t come back yet,” Jiang Mixia peeked out but still didn’t spot Song Jingyun. She turned to Chengmao.
“Madam, you forgot. Master mentioned at noon that he would be attending a poetry gathering at the teahouse with some classmates this evening. He may be delayed, so you needn’t wait for him to have dinner,” Zhucui explained with a smile.
“Ah, I completely forgot about that. I was so engrossed in conversation with Master Zheng,” Jiang Mixia chuckled. “Let’s have our meal first.”
After spending considerable time in the county town, Zhucui had been keen on learning various dishes from the local taverns. Additionally, due to Jiang Mixia’s connection with the Eight Treasures Pavilion, Zhucui had the opportunity to learn from the head chef there, significantly improving her culinary skills.
For dinner that evening, with dishes like fried eggplant balls, home-style tofu, vinegar-glazed lotus root, and celery salad, all meticulously prepared and delicious, Jiang Mixia nodded in approval, praising Zhucui’s refined cooking skills.
Blushing at the compliments, Zhucui chuckled modestly, “If Madam enjoys them, I’ll learn a few more dishes.”
“Great,” Jiang Mixia replied thoughtfully. “Given the cold weather, learn some hearty soups as well for more enjoyment during meals.”
“Alright, I’ll go learn a few things from Chef Zhou tomorrow,” Zhucui replied eagerly.
Meanwhile, after finishing his studies, Song Jingyun walked to the teahouse with Lu Yuming and others.
Upon reaching the teahouse, Wei Liangji had been waiting, and upon seeing Song Jingyun and the group, he hurried over, “You’ve finally arrived. Come on, come on!”
With that, he ushered Song Jingyun and the others forward.
“Aren’t we going to the teahouse? Why are we not going upstairs but moving forward?” Song Jingyun asked, puzzled.
“Oh, Song Jingyun, are you truly so clear-headed yet confused?” Wei Liangji chuckled. “Hosting the poetry gathering at the teahouse would be dull. Today, I’m taking you all to a better place. Once we get there, I guarantee Song Jingyun will be inspired, producing even more beautiful and elegant poetry.”
A place better than the teahouse, a place that sparks inspiration?
Song Jingyun and Lu Yuming exchanged a glance, a bit perplexed.
However, since Wei Liangji was organizing this poetry gathering and they had already agreed to attend, they decided to follow along and see what this unique location had to offer.
Song Jingyun and Lu Yuming nodded and followed Wei Liangji and the others.
As they chatted along the way, they soon arrived at the place mentioned by Wei Liangji.
Detecting a strong scent of cosmetics, Song Jingyun raised his head and saw a towering building with a gilded plaque hanging above – the Wan Chun Tower.
“What is this place…”
Song Jingyun observed women in revealing attire enticing customers at the entrance, with some individuals openly making advances towards younger, provocatively dressed women, displaying inappropriate behavior in public.
The women, far from showing displeasure or resistance, appeared delighted, responding with flirtatious smiles.
The scene was undeniably lewd…
Upon Song Jingyun’s inquiry, Wei Liangji chuckled, “This is the Soul-Entrancing Pavilion. Song Jingyun, because of your harmonious and loving relationship with your wife, I believe this might be your first time in such a place.”
“But Song Jingyun, please don’t be offended. Not all the women in the Wan Chun Tower are mundane, and not all activities here are solely about the flesh trade. Recently, two elegant ladies have arrived here. They are said to be sisters from the capital, both possessing extraordinary beauty and refinement. What sets them apart is their literary prowess – they are well-versed in poetry and are excellent at poetic exchanges, which is quite remarkable.”
“I’ve also heard that one sister is gentle and dignified, while the other is lively and charming. Known as the ‘Big and Little Qiao Sisters’ due to their surname, they are both skilled in music and dance – one excels in playing the zither, while the other moves with grace as if boneless.”
“These Qiao sisters are highly sought after; many are willing to spend a fortune just to spend a night conversing with them. However, despite their worldly circumstances, they do not engage in selling their bodies but rather showcase their talents and love discussing music and poetry. They are selective in their company, preferring to interact with literary talents rather than wealth alone.”
“Just yesterday, I responded to a pair of couplets they had penned, and presented them with two exquisite pots of peonies. This gesture won their favor, and they agreed to host a poetry gathering where they will accompany us with music and song.”
Upon hearing Wei Liangji’s account, some among the group became excited. “So, Wei Liangji, your grand plans for the poetry gathering are all because of this?”
“Wei Liangji has always been a person of refined taste, and when it comes to matters of elegance, he won’t forget us,” Wei Liangji’s reputation for sophistication precedes him.
“It’s getting late, and we shouldn’t keep those two talented ladies waiting. Let’s head up quickly.”
“Start thinking about the poetry you want to recite; don’t falter in front of these charming ladies…”