But Yun Chuhuan had no interest in such things.
He had grown up in Yaohua Palace. After so many years of living among the extravagance of Noble Consort Liu's chambers, even the most refined arrangements on Tian Waitian's second floor could not impress him.
Even if this layout were twice as elegant, could it truly surpass Yaohua Palace?
In the past, he might have enjoyed the novelty. But now, with only a hundred taels and one copper coin to his name, he wasn't about to waste twenty times the price of a meal just for a bit of extra refinement.
Without sparing even a glance at the tastefully arranged furnishings, Yun Chuhuan strode directly toward the buffet.
There was still over an hour before the Restaurant officially opened, so most of the hot dishes had yet to be brought out.
Even so, just the cold appetizers already looked far more appetizing than those on the first floor.
In addition, a long shelf by the wall had been set up with rows of exquisite pastries. There were cakes he had tasted before in Fifth Sister's palace, but also many more he had never seen. Each one looked just as delectable as the next.
Gulp.
Yun Chuhuan let out an audible swallow.
Without hesitation, he fished out his precious one hundred taels and stuffed it back into Yun Shu's hand, though his eyes never left the pastry shelf for even a moment.
"I'll take ten meals on the second floor!"
"..."
So this was what it looked like when a former spendthrift was forced to live like a commoner—Frugality in fits and starts, yet still lavish at heart.
Yun Shu chuckled.
"Very well. I'll have someone prepare a membership card for you. We'll store your hundred taels in it. As for today's meal... it's on me."
"You're the best, Fifth Sister!"
Yun Chuhuan cheered. His first thought was that he wouldn't have to pay today. His second thought came with a puzzled frown.
"What's a membership card?"
"If you deposit one thousand taels of silver, you can obtain a Silver Membership Card. Silver members receive a ten percent discount at both Tian Waitian and Xianting.
If you deposit ten thousand taels, you'll receive a Gold Membership Card, which grants twenty percent off.
Of course, all membership cards are for personal use only."
Yun Shu lifted an eyebrow.
"You may only have one hundred taels, but given our relationship—and the fact that you're also my partner in the Capital Weekly—I'll make an exception and gift you a Gold Card."
"Fifth Sister, you truly are the best! Thank you!!"
Yun Chuhuan quickly did the math. With a twenty percent discount, his hundred taels could now buy him twelve meals instead of ten—with some silver left to spare.
He let out another joyous cry.
"Then can I start eating now?"
"For today, go straight to the back kitchen."
Yun Shu nodded.
"It's the grand opening, so it will be particularly lively. Go see what you like in the kitchen and have it brought up to the private room on the fourth floor. We'll eat there shortly."
"Alright!"
Yun Chuhuan's eyes lit up even more. The back kitchen was bound to have even more food than what had been set out. Without waiting for Yun Shu to guide him, he followed the scent on his own and ran eagerly in that direction.
At the hour of Si—ten o'clock in the morning—
The main doors of Tian Waitian were finally opened.
Warm air from inside rushed out to meet the crowd of commoners closest to the entrance, drawing exclamations from all directions.
"It's really so warm in there!"
"Everyone, quiet down please!"
Tang Xinhua stood on the steps, raising her voice so that it carried clearly through the gathered crowd.
"First, thank you all for coming to support Tian Waitian today. I am Tang Xinhua, manager of this establishment.
I know many of you have come because of the five-hundred-wen-for-one-hundred-dishes offer. Rest assured, we promise not a single dish less!"
Then, after clearly announcing the rules of the buffet, she gave a brief introduction of the second, third, and fourth floors.
Finally, she smiled and had the prize wheel brought outside.
"Now, guests who wish to dine may head to the front counter to purchase their dining tokens!
And anyone who would like to join our lucky draw can do so here, for just one wen!"
Behind Tian Waitian stood none other than Princess Yun Shu—and, behind her, the power of the Emperor himself.
Whether they were commoners or nobles, everyone followed Tang Xinhua's instructions to the letter. No one dared to stir trouble.
Yun Shu sat in her private room on the fourth floor, the window open as she watched the lively scene below. A soft smile lingered on her lips.
Until she saw the carriages of the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince pulling up in front of the Restaurant.
"The Crown Prince and Eldest Brother actually came?"
Yun Chuhuan, who had just finished another egg tart, followed her gaze and blinked in surprise.
"Eldest Brother, sure. He's been doing everything he can lately to win Father Emperor's favor. Since Father holds a share in this Restaurant, it makes sense for him to come show support.
But the Crown Prince..."
He lowered his voice. Having been repeatedly warned by his mother these past few days not to show himself before the Crown Prince without reason, he finally displayed a rare moment of caution.
"Fifth Sister... do you think he's here to stir up trouble?"
"You just said it yourself—Father Emperor holds a stake in this Restaurant."
So causing a scene outright was out of the question.
But the matter with the Empress being sent to Longhua Temple—That had been tied to her.
Men like the Crown Prince would never reflect on their own failings. They would only shift the blame to others.
Which meant...
"Ah ku."
Yun Shu spoke softly.
"Keep an eye on the Crown Prince for me. See if he tries anything that could be used to frame me."
...
The room fell silent.
It took a while before Yun Chuhuan finally processed her words.
"You... you have shadow guards?"
"I must. Too many people want to see me fall."
Yun Shu leaned back against the chair and let out a long sigh.
"It seems one should never shine too brightly."
"..."
Yun Chuhuan blinked in confusion.
He took a bite of pudding, then glanced back out the window.
"Even the legitimate daughter of the Shen family is here... Wait, is Cen Yiyi walking in with the Marquis of Wu'an?"
"Stop eating."
Yun Shu had also noticed the Marquis of Wu'an. She reached over and gave the back of Yun Chuhuan's head a light tap.
"Come on. Time to make an appearance."
"O-okay!"
He quickly set his spoon aside and scampered after Yun Shu, following her down the stairs.
"Marquis of Wu'an. Yiyi."
By the time they reached the first floor, the Marquis and his group were already at the counter, preparing to sign up for membership.
Upon hearing Yun Shu's voice, the Marquis of Wu'an turned at once. He gave a respectful bow to both her and Yun Chuhuan.
"Your Highnesses."
"No need for such formality, Marquis."
Yun Chuhuan waved his hand hurriedly.