Chapter 30: The Young Lord’s Timely Awakening
Evening fell upon the Wang household.
For the past two days, Wang Shunyang had been in a state of extreme agitation, and for one reason only: the thriving business at Delicacy House. Its popularity had reached a point that made Wang Shunyang’s eyes burn with envy.
Though the profits of his own Splendid Pavilion had consistently outstripped Delicacy House over the past two months, if things continued this way, it would take less than half a month for Delicacy House to overtake him.
This anxious state left Wang Shunyang unable to enjoy his meals or sleep soundly; he even lost interest in visiting Li Shui Pavilion, his favorite brothel.
Restlessly, Wang Shunyang paced the length of his courtyard, pausing now and then to glance at the gate, as if awaiting someone’s arrival.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, someone finally arrived. It was the steward who had previously reported to Wang Shunyang about the stir-frying techniques.
This steward’s name was Li Huo. He had served in the Wang family for ten years and was known for his unwavering loyalty.
Li Huo entered the courtyard at a brisk trot, slightly out of breath and carrying a food container. “Young Master, I have returned. Forgive me for the wait!”
Wang Shunyang immediately strode forward, displeased. “What took you so long? Did you know you’ve been gone more than half an hour?”
Li Huo, wearing an aggrieved expression, replied, “Young Master, it wasn’t my fault! Delicacy House was simply too busy. I arrived before dusk, yet there was already a queue.”
“Enough, enough. Don’t explain—bring the dishes in at once!” Wang Shunyang urged impatiently.
Li Huo hurriedly carried the food container inside and carefully arranged two dishes on the table. These were the current sensations: Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Fungus and Mushrooms, and the highly praised Braised Pork.
With the sudden surge in Delicacy House’s business, Wang Shunyang had decided he needed to know his enemy as well as himself. He’d ordered Li Huo to buy these two dishes so he could taste and study them personally.
After handing over the chopsticks, Li Huo began his introduction. “Young Master, this is their most popular dish—Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Fungus and Mushrooms. That one is—”
Before Li Huo could finish, Wang Shunyang picked up a piece of black fungus and popped it into his mouth.
The next moment, Wang Shunyang’s expression changed dramatically. “How... How is this dish made? Why is it so delicious?”
Though he loathed to admit it, the flavor was simply stunning. The black fungus was crisp yet richly seasoned; its unique texture was utterly addictive.
One bite was not nearly enough. He immediately sampled the chicken and mushrooms, and was once again astounded by the perfect taste.
After a dozen more bites, Wang Shunyang finally managed to restrain himself, setting his chopsticks down and turning his attention to the other dish.
Li Huo immediately chimed in, “Young Master, this one is called Braised Pork. It’s another new addition.”
Wang Shunyang bent down, studying the braised pork closely. Its red sheen and rich aroma made his mouth water.
He picked up a piece and took a bite.
The moment it touched his tongue, Wang Shunyang was astonished again. He couldn’t stop eating, and between mouthfuls, he stared wide-eyed at the bowl of braised pork. “Delicious! It’s a taste rarely found in this world!”
In that instant, Wang Shunyang finally understood why Delicacy House had suddenly become so popular.
Unable to resist the temptation, he ordered Li Huo to fetch a pot of wine and began eating with gusto.
Within a quarter of an hour, both dishes and the wine were gone, leaving nothing but a trace of braised sauce on Wang Shunyang’s lips.
“Alas!”
No sooner had he finished than a wave of melancholy swept over him, and he shook his head with a heavy sigh.
Li Huo quickly asked, “Young Master, why do you sigh?”
Wang Shunyang replied dejectedly, “If only our Splendid Pavilion could serve dishes like these. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Alas…”
As he finished, he sighed again.
Li Huo could only lower his head, unsure what to say.
After a quiet moment, Wang Shunyang asked, “Steward Li, have you discovered anything about the iron wok I asked you to investigate?”
Li Huo replied at once, “Young Master, though I haven’t discovered which smithy made the wok, I did learn something important!”
“What is it?” Wang Shunyang asked.
Li Huo lowered his voice. “Young Master, the idea of stir-frying in an iron wok wasn’t conceived by Ning Yongqiang of Delicacy House. Someone else invented it!”
“Someone else? Who?” Wang Shunyang was all curiosity.
“A man named Xu Mo, who lives in Rooster’s Call Alley. He’s known as a hopeless gambler.”
Li Huo then relayed all he’d learned about Xu Mo.
“A hopeless gambler, capable of this?” Wang Shunyang was baffled.
Li Huo was certain. “At first, I didn’t believe it either, but after much inquiry, I confirmed it's true!”
“No wonder Delicacy House’s business soared so suddenly—Ning Yongqiang hired outside help!” Wang Shunyang seethed with anger.
But what good was anger?
When they’d made their wager, it was only agreed they’d see whose restaurant was more profitable after three months—there was no clause forbidding outside advice.
The more Wang Shunyang thought, the more stifled he felt. He went to the window for some fresh air.
A cool breeze later, he made a firm decision. “This won’t do! Splendid Pavilion cannot just wait for defeat. I will not allow myself to lose to that upstart Ning Yongqiang!”
He turned back and instructed, “Li Huo, listen carefully. Starting tomorrow, we’ll offer the dart-throwing game at Splendid Pavilion. Not only that, but the dish-timing and discount tokens—everything Delicacy House does, we’ll do as well! Most importantly, our discounts and offers must be bigger than theirs!”
“I refuse to believe I can’t beat you!” Wang Shunyang declared with resentment.
Li Huo was surprised. “But Young Master, didn’t you say before that we shouldn’t copy them…”
“What do you know?” Wang Shunyang cut him off. “Times have changed!”
Frowning deeply, he paused before continuing, “Do you think I want to imitate him? Do you think I care nothing for my reputation? I do this only because I have no choice!”
He resumed pacing, bitterly, “Delicacy House now has this stir-frying sensation and it’s making waves! If I don’t wake up and respond, won’t I be left farther and farther behind?”
“You are absolutely right, Young Master!” Li Huo agreed at once. “Rest assured, I’ll see to it immediately. Everything will be ready by tomorrow!”
With that, Li Huo tidied up the food containers and prepared to leave.
Suddenly, Wang Shunyang called him back. “Steward Li, you mentioned that Xu Mo is a compulsive gambler?”
Li Huo nodded, unsure of his master’s intentions.
Wang Shunyang said, “Steward Li, there isn’t a gambler alive who doesn’t love money. Find out where Xu Mo lives, and at any cost, bring him to me…”
“Yes, Young Master!” Li Huo replied swiftly, then departed with the food box.
A trace of smugness crossed Wang Shunyang’s face as he thought, “Ning Yongqiang, just you wait. When Xu Mo comes to my Splendid Pavilion, let’s see how you weep!”
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The next day, just before noon.
Li Huo instructed the staff to set up the dart boards they’d made overnight outside the entrance of Splendid Pavilion.
Standing at the door, Li Huo called out loudly, “Honored gentlemen and ladies, come try your luck! Today at Splendid Pavilion, throw darts and win discounts—up to ninety percent off!”
Strangely, though he shouted for a long time, only a handful of customers tried their hand at the game.
Just as Li Huo was feeling frustrated, two middle-aged men approached.
One of them said, “Steward Li, why are you still doing the dart game? That’s old news—Delicacy House did it ages ago!”
Before Li Huo could reply, the other chimed in, “Exactly, Steward Li. You might as well stop—Delicacy House moved on from that already. I hear they’ve got a new gimmick!”
“What new gimmick?” Li Huo asked anxiously.
Both men shook their heads. “We don’t know. We just heard there’s something new. In fact, we’re heading there to see for ourselves!”
With that, the two hurried off in the direction of Delicacy House.
Watching their retreating figures, Li Huo suddenly realized why no one had come despite all his shouting—everyone had gone to Delicacy House to see what the commotion was about!