Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 76 Gu Liuli Opens a Restaurant

"Ding! Mission triggered—Host must open the largest restaurant in the capital within five days! The reward for completing the mission is 'How Steel is Forged'!" As soon as the system's mechanical voice finished speaking, Gu Liuli pouted.

The system continued, "It contains instructions on how to forge weapons. Are you sure you don't want to accept the mission?"

Gu Liuli's eyes lit up. Since she was going to open a restaurant anyway, she decided to "accept the mission!"

Xiao Jingchuan was very supportive after hearing this, but his father, Emperor Xiao Han, was somewhat hesitant, since merchants were considered the lowest of the low.

Meanwhile, Empress Dowager and Empress Mu Qingling overheard their maids chattering about the two of them. Their eyes lit up; no one knew that despite eating imperial meals every day, they were already tired of them.

The Empress Dowager spoke first: "This is quite a novel idea. If Liuli can open the largest restaurant in the capital, it might bring us some different kinds of food."

The Empress nodded in agreement: "What Mother says is true. It is indeed boring to eat the same few dishes in the Imperial Kitchen every day. If Liuli opens a restaurant, we can have a change of pace."

After discussing it, the two decided to try to persuade Xiao Han.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress went straight to the Imperial Study. Xiao Han was slightly surprised to see them: "Mother, Empress, what brings you here?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Emperor, I heard that Liuli is going to open a restaurant. This is a good thing. Why are you hesitating?"

Xiao Han looked troubled: "Mother, merchants have a low social status. As the Crown Princess, it would be difficult for Liu Li to go out and run a restaurant. I'm afraid people will criticize her."

The Empress smiled gently: "Your Majesty, I don't think this is a bad thing. Liuli is exceptionally intelligent. If she can run the restaurant well, it will enrich the lives of the people in the capital, and we can also taste different kinds of food."

The Empress Dowager also advised from the side: "Yes, Your Majesty, do not be bound by old ways, give the young people a chance."

Xiao Han pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Since both the Empress Dowager and the Empress say so, let her give it a try."

With the Emperor's approval, Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan immediately sprang into action. Using the system's "interpersonal assistance" function, Gu Liuli quickly selected a group of loyal and experienced individuals.

She approached Manager Zhao, who was known for his business acumen, and said sincerely, "Manager Zhao, I want to open the largest restaurant in the capital within five days. This is something I can't do without you. Would you be willing to help me?"

Manager Zhao cupped his hands and said, "The Crown Princess trusts me, and I will do my best. However, five days is too tight. To prepare for the opening of a large restaurant, we need to solve many problems such as the venue, ingredients, and manpower."

Gu Liuli said confidently, "I've already chosen the largest vacant house in the east of the city as the site, and we can start renovating it immediately. As for the ingredients, you make a list, and I'll have someone buy them. Don't worry about manpower either; I've already gathered a group of reliable people."

Upon hearing this, Manager Zhao couldn't help but secretly admire Gu Liuli's decisiveness and the speed of her preparations. He then began discussing the specific plans for the restaurant with Gu Liuli.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jingchuan was not idle either. He used his status as the crown prince to smooth over relationships with all parties and ensure that all procedures for the restaurant's opening were completed smoothly.

With everyone working diligently, the renovation project of the restaurant was in full swing. The craftsmen worked day and night to transform the original residence into a magnificent restaurant. The interior decoration was luxurious yet elegant, with tables and chairs crafted from the finest wood and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls.

In the kitchen, the chefs personally selected by Gu Liuli were also busy developing new dishes. They combined local specialties to create a series of dishes that were delicious, visually appealing, and aromatic.

Soon, the five-day deadline arrived. On the eve of the restaurant's opening, Gu Liuli checked all the preparations one last time. Looking at the newly renovated restaurant, she felt both nervous and expectant.

"Manager Zhao, tomorrow is the opening day. Is everything ready?" Gu Liuli asked.

Manager Zhao said confidently, "Your Highness, rest assured, the ingredients are fresh and plentiful, and the staff are all well-trained. We're just waiting to open for business tomorrow."

Xiao Jingchuan also came over and said with a smile, "Liuli, I have invited many high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants and tycoons from the capital to come and support us. Tomorrow will definitely be a lively and extraordinary day."

The next morning, the restaurant was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and firecrackers were set off. Gu Liuli, dressed in gorgeous clothes, stood with Xiao Jingchuan at the restaurant entrance to greet the guests.

People from all walks of life in the capital flocked to the restaurant, and upon seeing its magnificent grandeur, they couldn't help but admire it.

"This Crown Princess is indeed remarkable. She managed to open such a grand restaurant in just five days. It's truly impressive."

"Yes, I wonder what the food at this restaurant is like. I've been looking forward to it for a long time."

The guests entered the restaurant while discussing the matter.

Looking at the table, one can see a variety of delicious dishes that make one's mouth water. The aroma of roast duck is irresistible, with crispy skin and tender meat that is rich but not greasy; the fresh steamed fish is tender and melts in your mouth; there are also Kung Pao chicken, spicy and fragrant boiled pork slices, and many other dishes that are perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Each dish is carefully prepared by the chefs and has an excellent taste.

"This dish has a truly unique flavor; I've never tasted it anywhere else."

"That's right. This restaurant not only has a great environment, but its dishes are also superb. It will definitely become a great place in the capital in the future."

The guests raved about the restaurant's food, and the entire restaurant was bustling with activity.

Looking at the full house of guests, Gu Liuli felt a surge of satisfaction. Just then, the system's voice rang in her mind: "Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the mission. The reward, 'How the Steel Was Tempered,' has been issued. Please check your account."

Gu Liuli was overjoyed and couldn't wait to check the reward. She thought that this weapon manual still needed to be personally delivered to the Emperor by Xiao Jingchuan.

As time went by, Gu Liuli's restaurant became increasingly famous, and its business flourished. Every day, a large number of diners came from far and wide to taste its delicacies. Even ministers and concubines from the imperial palace frequently patronized the restaurant, praising its dishes highly.

Seeing the restaurant thriving, Gu Liuli felt a great sense of accomplishment. At the same time, she didn't forget her promise to Emperor Xiao Han. Every month, she would send half of the restaurant's profits to the palace on time, and the Emperor was very pleased with her keeping her word.

Eunuch Fu walked ahead with a beaming smile, followed by guards who carried the boxes in pairs. When they arrived at the Imperial Study, Eunuch Fu cheerfully reported, "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess instructed us to bring in a month's income for you!"

Xiao Jingchuan, who was frowning and worried about the lack of money because of the shortage of soldiers at the front, was suddenly surprised to hear that someone was delivering money. Then, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he hurriedly asked, "What did you say? The Crown Princess sent it? Is this the restaurant's income?"

Eunuch Fu nodded and bowed, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, that's right. The Crown Princess said that the restaurant had an agreement with Your Majesty that the profits would be split equally between them, and this is the restaurant's share for this month."

Xiao Han was deeply shocked as he looked at the boxes.

He hadn't expected that Gu Liuli's restaurant would generate such substantial revenue in just one month since its opening. This not only solved his immediate financial crisis but also gave him a new appreciation for Gu Liuli's abilities.

"Go, convey my decree, summon the Crown Princess to the palace," Xiao Han said.

Before long, Gu Liuli arrived at the Imperial Study, bowed, and said, "Father, may I ask why you have summoned your daughter-in-law here?"

Xiao Han looked at Gu Liuli with admiration in his eyes: "Liuli, you have indeed run your restaurant exceptionally well. This money has been a great help. The war at the front is intense, and we are short of military pay. I didn't expect your restaurant to provide such a timely help."

Gu Liuli smiled slightly: "Father, you flatter me. I have only tried my best to manage it. Since we had an agreement before, it is only right that the money be sent over. If it can help the war effort at the front, it would be my honor."

At this moment, Empress Mu Qingling brought chicken soup to the imperial study: "Your Majesty, you should rest. You haven't slept or slept for several days. If you keep going like this, your health will suffer!"

As soon as Mu Qingling finished speaking and looked up, a dazzling light blinded her. Upon closer inspection, she saw that these were nothing but chests of silver.

She glanced at her daughter-in-law Gu Liuli and then at the Emperor, clearly bewildered.

The Emperor smiled and, holding the Empress's hand, explained, "This is a share of the restaurant's profits that our good daughter-in-law has given us!" Xiao Jingchuan laughed a few times as he spoke.

Mu Qingling suddenly realized and exclaimed with delight, "I didn't expect Liuli's restaurant to be doing so well, with such a large share of the profits each month." She looked at Gu Liuli with admiration in her eyes, "Liuli, you are truly capable, solving a major problem for the court."

Gu Liuli gave a slight curtsy and said humbly, "Your Majesty is too kind. This is all thanks to everyone. The restaurant's success today is inseparable from Father's support, as well as Manager Zhao and all the staff's hard work."

Xiao Han smiled and nodded: "That's true, but you are the backbone of this restaurant. If you didn't have business acumen, how could you have achieved such success?"

Mu Qingling placed the chicken soup on the table and said, "Alright, Your Majesty, don't rush to praise it. Have some chicken soup and rest. Liuli, you've been busy for a long time too, have some with us."

The monk Yuanji, who was far away on the mountaintop, had opened his eyes, which had been closed. He looked up at the east, where the white clouds resembled a phoenix. He slowly opened his mouth and said, "The phoenix is ​​coming! Good news is coming! The Nanzhao Kingdom and the Xijing Kingdom are saved! The soldiers and civilians on the front lines are saved!"

At this moment, he wrote a letter, blew it into the sky, and the sound seemed to come out of nowhere. Suddenly, a large bird descended from the sky, and the monk Yuanji tied the letter to the bird's foot: "Go and give the letter to the emperor of Nanzhao."

“Your Majesty, have you forgotten something? It’s time for His Highness the Crown Prince to regain his status!” Eunuch Fu said, standing beside the Emperor with his lips pursed.

Xiao Han also wanted to, but the 200,000 soldiers on the front lines couldn't just disappear like that. He had to give an explanation to the people of the world.

"Father, the 200,000 soldiers were not completely wiped out. The story that the letter I sent back was intercepted by Chen Qi and sent to the capital is false!" Xiao Jingchuan walked in wearing a python robe.

She also took out the letter that Liuli found in her spatial dimension, and the emperor was furious after reading it!

"This Chen Qi dares to be so audacious, deceiving the emperor and committing an unforgivable crime!" Xiao Han trembled with anger and slammed his hand heavily on the table.

Xiao Jingchuan said with a serious expression, "Father, Chen Qi's actions not only framed me and caused my status to be revoked, but more seriously, his behavior disrupted the court's judgment on the front-line war and almost caused a disaster."

"Fortunately, because of Prince Duan's affair, Chen Qi has been beheaded, and Consort Chen has been imprisoned!"