Chapter 150: The Troublemakers Have Arrived

Although Chief Steward Liu had departed, the impact of his visit did not fade; instead, it elevated the status of the Flowing Water Pavilion to a new level. Looking at the golden plaque hanging above the gatehouse, the corners of Liu Ling'er's mouth twitched into a grin. It was crafted from pure gold. Hanging such a massive piece of gold there might risk appearing like a nouveau riche display, but this imperial-bestowed plaque served as a constant reminder of one thing: even the Emperor had to show respect to the Flowing Water Pavilion.

The Flowing Water Pavilion was a restaurant, but it did not open for business in the early morning; it only accepted reservations. When mealtime arrived, one could simply present their reservation slip to dine.

As noon approached, three guests with reservations stepped into the courtyard. Everyone outside watched them, for they were the first to dine at the establishment, setting a trend. Just as they entered, a hostess approached them: "Welcome to the Flowing Water Pavilion. Do you have a reservation?"

The trio nodded and produced their slips. The hostess checked them, smiled, and guided them inside. Seeing them welcomed so courteously, the crowd outside became restless. With a precedent set and the influence of herd mentality, the situation erupted the moment the second wave of guests was ushered in.

The onlookers stopped waiting and staring; if they continued, would they ever get to eat? They swarmed toward the entrance. Seeing chaos brewing, Manager Hua rushed over. "Friends, please, do not be anxious! The Flowing Water Pavilion has plenty of seating. Please form a line—those with reservations on the left, those without on the right." Had they rushed in like that, the wooden arched bridge would likely have collapsed before they even reached the building.

Regardless of reservations, guests were ushered in continuously. The interior instantly became lively, yet it was not noisy. A unique, ancient melody drifted from an unknown source, instantly calming the spirits of those who entered. No matter how worldly a guest might be, their pace slowed the moment they stepped inside. Their eyes darted everywhere; the interior decor was intricate yet orderly, incredibly refined, and captivating in every detail.

The carvings of lotus flowers and leaves on the ceiling were natural and rustic, yet magnificent. The front hall alone was a study in understated luxury and depth. Though the guests said nothing, they silently praised the experience. It was worth the trip—to fill one's stomach while feasting one's eyes; where else could one find such a thing?

Soon, the common tables on the first floor were full, and even the small private rooms on the second floor were opened for free use. Yet, the queue outside remained long. Manager Hua, at his wit's end, hurried to consult Liu Ling'er.

Liu Ling'er seemed to have anticipated this. Seeing the flustered manager approach, she smiled: "Manager Hua, what brings you here in such a rush?"

Hearing this, Manager Hua’s expression turned peculiar. The situation was dire, yet the Princess Consort of the Virtuous Prince could still smile. He wondered if she was truly oblivious or if she had a secret plan. "Princess Consort, look—there are almost no seats left, and there are still so many people outside..."

Seeing the manager’s lack of humor, Liu Ling'er stopped teasing him. "Manager Hua, starting today, add a rule to the Flowing Water Pavilion: no matter who they are, guests may order a maximum of three dishes. We will not serve more than that."

"Ah!" Manager Hua’s jaw dropped. Setting such a rule on opening day—a rule never heard of before—wasn't this shooting oneself in the foot? His mouth twitched. "Princess Consort, that seems inappropriate!"

Liu Ling'er waved her hand. "It is the only way for now. Do as I say. Rest assured, you will not be held responsible for any trouble."

Seeing her firm attitude, Manager Hua could say no more and went to issue the order. When word of the rule spread, the Pavilion erupted: "Are you kidding? I come here to eat and you only let me order three dishes? That’s not even enough to fill the gaps in my teeth! Call your owner here!" A burly man shouted in anger. A waiter stepped up politely: "My good sir, I truly apologize. If this does not suit you, perhaps you might try another establishment?"

The man was left speechless. He had been queuing since morning; how could he leave without eating? Seeing the waiter’s clear intent to turn him away, he quickly changed his tune: "Heh heh, I was just saying!"

Whenever someone complained, the waiters repeated the same line. The guests dared not protest further. Having queued for so long, to turn around and leave would make them look like they couldn't afford the meal—a loss of face they couldn't bear.

Yet, once they tasted the food, their resentment vanished into thin air. Although it was only three dishes, the flavors were unlike anything they had ever experienced. They finished their plates clean and were still left wanting more.

Some even went back outside to join the queue again, prompting a curious person in front to ask: "Didn't you already eat? Why are you queuing again?"

"Don't say I didn't warn you, brother," the man replied. "The food here is truly otherworldly. Especially since the price is halved today, it's a steal to eat as much as possible."

From the third floor, Liu Ling'er curled her lips into a smile. While the ingredients were not rare—they were quite ordinary—the key was that her chefs were no common cooks; they were former imperial chefs. Most had returned to their hometowns after leaving the palace, and she had hired them with high salaries. One could imagine that with such skill, even common ingredients turned into delicacies.

Because of her three-dish rule, the first wave of guests finished quickly, allowing tables to be cleared and used for the next group. The timing was perfectly balanced. Watching the Pavilion operate with such efficiency, Manager Hua had to admire her foresight.

Just as everything was progressing smoothly, the queue at the entrance became restless. Several men shoved their way in from the back, pushing people aside. "Move! Don't block my path if you value your life!"

Manager Hua noticed the commotion. Seeing the men pushing through, his heart sank, and his expression turned bitter: "Damn it, trouble has arrived."