Chapter 57: The Second Meeting with Li Xiaogong

Shopkeeper Lu left the prince’s residence without lingering, hurrying directly to Du Chengfeng’s estate. The prince’s ready agreement to Du Chengfeng’s proposal had been a great relief to him.

After instructing the kitchen maids in some modern cooking techniques, Du Chengfeng was taking a stroll in the garden to aid his digestion; it had been a long time since he’d eaten so well. As he walked, a servant hurried over to inform him that Shopkeeper Lu had returned, requesting an audience, and was now waiting in the reception hall.

“So soon?” Du Chengfeng remarked in passing, surmising that Shopkeeper Lu’s employer had already replied.

He walked unhurriedly to the reception hall, where Shopkeeper Lu, upon seeing him, immediately came forward with a beaming smile. “Brother Chengfeng, my master was delighted with your proposal and has agreed to your terms. He would very much like to meet you in person, if that is convenient?”

“Of course, lead the way,” Du Chengfeng replied heartily.

He was confident in his proposal; any discerning businessman would be unable to resist such profitable prospects. In fact, he was more curious about the true identity of the owner behind Wangjiang House. To stand out among the numerous restaurants in Chang’an required not only business acumen but also a formidable background.

“Excellent, this way please, Brother Chengfeng.” Pleased by Du Chengfeng’s ready agreement, Shopkeeper Lu took the lead.

Outside Du Chengfeng’s courtyard, an opulent carriage awaited them, already prepared by Shopkeeper Lu. Du Chengfeng, now well acquainted with him, accepted the gesture without fuss and climbed into the carriage. Shopkeeper Lu himself took the reins, driving them toward the Prince of Hejian’s residence.

Upon arrival, Du Chengfeng glanced up at the plaque above the grand gates: “Prince of Hejian’s Residence.” He was momentarily puzzled—wasn’t this Li Xiaogong’s palace?

So, Wangjiang House’s mysterious backer was none other than the Prince of Hejian! No wonder it dominated the restaurant scene in Chang’an.

Wasn’t it said that the royal family discouraged competing with commoners for profit? But then again, it was understandable; even royalty needed to make a living.

In the early Tang era, the economy was still recovering, and most members of the royal family were hardly wealthy, with even Li Shimin himself known for his frugal lifestyle.

Thus, it was only natural for royal family members to support businesses behind the scenes.

He had met Li Xiaogong once before in Du Family Village and had found the prince quite agreeable. Now that he knew Li Xiaogong was the owner behind Wangjiang House, Du Chengfeng felt even more confident about implementing his plans.

At the palace gates, Shopkeeper Lu dismounted and approached two guards, introducing Du Chengfeng as the distinguished guest the prince was expecting and requesting that they be announced.

Hearing that Du Chengfeng was the prince’s invited guest, the guards gave him a once-over. He was young, but his bearing was extraordinary, which surprised them. Nevertheless, given the prince’s instructions and Shopkeeper Lu’s familiarity with the household, they allowed the two inside without delay.

Shopkeeper Lu led Du Chengfeng straight to the study. The guards at the door, already signaled by Li Xiaogong, opened the way for them at once.

Li Xiaogong, seeing Du Chengfeng enter, quickly rose to greet him, saying delightedly, “Brother Chengfeng, I did not expect we would meet again so soon. You never cease to surprise me!”

“You flatter me, Your Highness,” Du Chengfeng replied, bowing modestly.

Shopkeeper Lu, meanwhile, was utterly confused. Did Du Chengfeng possess some other illustrious identity, to merit the prince’s personal reception? In the entire Tang realm, there were few more distinguished than the Prince of Hejian, save the Emperor and the retired Emperor themselves.

What was even stranger was how accustomed Du Chengfeng seemed to such treatment.

“Your Highness, if I may ask—?” Shopkeeper Lu could not contain his curiosity.

Li Xiaogong laughed heartily. “Shopkeeper Lu, this young man here is the one who presented the high-yield rice to the Tang dynasty—a true blessing to our nation. It is only right that I greet him personally.”

Hearing such high praise, Shopkeeper Lu was even more bewildered. Still, as a loyal subordinate, he knew better than to ask questions when he shouldn’t. In time, all would become clear.

“Please, Brother Chengfeng, have a seat,” Li Xiaogong gestured to a couch beside him.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Du Chengfeng sat sideways at one end of the couch.

In the center of the couch stood a small square table, upon which lay the proposal for Wangjiang House’s renovation, written by Du Chengfeng himself.

Li Xiaogong sat down as well, and regarding the composed and confident Du Chengfeng, said gravely, “Let me be frank, Brother Chengfeng. I’ve read your proposal for Wangjiang House’s transformation and am both satisfied and amazed. If, as you claim, the scale and revenue can be tripled, I will grant your requested terms.”

“Could you now explain your plan in detail? There are many terms and concepts in here I do not understand.”

“I consider myself well-informed, but many of the things you’ve marked on these diagrams are entirely unfamiliar to me,” he admitted with a somewhat awkward smile.

Du Chengfeng remained unruffled, his gaze steady. Many of the terms on the blueprint were, after all, modern, and naturally Li Xiaogong would not comprehend them without explanation.

Taking up the proposal and opening it to the page with the floor plan, Du Chengfeng explained, “Your Highness, so that you may better understand this new business model, I have named it the ‘Commercial Hotel Project.’ A hotel: a place that combines dining, lodging, entertainment, and leisure in one.”

“Each area of the hotel will be operated according to standardized procedures and specialized training. As for dining, I believe Your Highness has already guessed its importance.”

“Shopkeeper Lu has previously brought over several of my new dishes, which Your Highness has likely tasted. As for the wine, I’m sure you know as well—the Immortal Wine is also my creation.”

“Yes, I have indeed tasted those dishes. Their color, aroma, and flavor are all superb—far better than anything in the imperial kitchens. And the Immortal Wine is truly a masterpiece,” Li Xiaogong interjected, offering genuine praise.