NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1598: Jieyuan (4)
When Yang Ruxin received the news, she was working with Cheng Qian on recreating the classic old vinegar peanuts. She only remembered the general steps and ingredients needed, but the exact process had long slipped her memory. So, they had no choice but to experiment repeatedly. The failed batches of peanuts didn't go to waste, though—everyone happily ate them. After all, the peanuts from the space tasted far better than the ones outside.
This time, Guan Qingshu not only passed the provincial examination but also ranked first, earning the title of Jieyuan.
"It'd be strange if he didn't pass," Yang Ruxin said while popping a peanut into her mouth. The taste was almost identical to the versions from her previous life. She nodded approvingly and then pushed the bowl toward Cheng Qian. "I think we've nailed the flavor this time."
Cheng Qian tasted one. "It truly has an even better texture than the last batch."
"Now that we've finalized the cold dishes and hot dishes, we'll officially open on the eighth day of the tenth month," Yang Ruxin said as she untied her apron. "It's going to be hard work for you all then."
Cheng Qian didn't find it hard at all—he was thrilled. As for the dozen or so employees, they were over the moon. A successful opening meant good business, and good business meant better pay for them.
When Yang Ruxin returned to the village, she coincidentally arrived just as the government officers were entering to deliver news.
This time, the celebratory announcement wasn't as simple as sending a single person. Following traditional custom, Fang Dehua dispatched a whole team of government officials, complete with drums, gongs, and red banners, to deliver the good news to the Guan Family.
It was said that the entire village had gone to watch the spectacle.
Yang Ruxin didn't witness the grand scene herself, but Sanni, who came back from the commotion, eagerly recounted how Guan Tongshi hugged the announcement and broke into uncontrollable sobs.
Yang Ruxin completely understood the Guan Family's reaction. After all, passing the provincial examination meant one could become a government official. From now on, the Guan Family was no longer stuck in the peasant class. How could they not be ecstatic?
"Big Sister, one day I'll pass too," Xiaofeng said, grabbing Yang Ruxin's hand with a look of determination on his face.
Yang Ruxin was momentarily stunned, but then she burst into laughter, pulling her little brother into a hug. "My little brother is the smartest. Passing the scholar or even the provincial examination will be a piece of cake for you."
Xiaofeng grinned along with her.
The Guan Family was basking in glory, but the old Yang Family residence had plunged into gloom once again.
Yang Rusong, a scholar himself, was already considered quite accomplished. But compared to Guan Qingshu's success, he suddenly seemed rather insignificant.
In truth, Yang Ruxin believed that Yang Rusong's failure to pass the higher examination might not be such a bad thing. After all, so much had happened within the Yang Family, and Yang Rusong's temperament wasn't particularly stable. Facing some setbacks might actually help him in the long run.
Of course, the old residence likely wouldn't see it that way.
The days were getting colder, making it the perfect season for hotpot.
On the eighth day of October, the Xinxin Hotpot Restaurant officially opened for business.
Thanks to previous tasting events and soft openings, the restaurant had already piqued the curiosity of many. Consequently, the opening days saw nothing short of an explosive turnout.
Initially, everyone thought the excitement might wear off after a few days. But unexpectedly, the enthusiastic crowds continued for half a month straight, all thanks to the exceptional quality of the ingredients.
However, many customers who couldn't get a table started to voice their complaints.
In response, the restaurant introduced a reservation system. Customers could pay a deposit of one tael of silver to secure a table or private room for a specific day and time.
Within just a few days, reservations were fully booked for the next month.
Cheng Qian was delighted beyond measure, happily crunching numbers on the abacus every day with a steady rhythm of clicks and clacks.
Yuan Mengzhu also sent over the people Yang Ruxin had entrusted to her. After two months of training and observation, Yuan Mengzhu had thoroughly assessed the personalities and capabilities of each individual.