Transmigrated as the Villainess, She Made the General Blush - chapter 46

Chapter 46

After a while, once all the dishes were served, Xiao Fuguang, in good spirits, carefully wiped his chopsticks clean.

Only after Yichun and Shuxia tasted the food did he reach out and pick up a piece of vinegar-braised goose, placing it in his mouth.

Perhaps he had never experienced such flavors in the Chancellor’s Mansion; Xiao Fuguang was quite gracious-after that first bite, he picked up two more pieces. Only after he’d had his fill of goose did he move his chopsticks to the other dishes.

After sampling every dish, a light of delight-befitting a child of his age-sparkled in Xiao Fuguang’s eyes. He recommended heartily to Xiao Wangshu-

“Sister, try this braised quail. The meat is tender and juicy. Quite good.”

For Xiao Fuguang to recommend something, it had to be exceptional.

Xiao Wangshu picked up a piece, tasted it, and nodded, responding, “It really is quite good.”

Just as Xiao Fuguang was about to say more, they saw the restaurant manager hurrying toward their table, nodding and bowing as he spoke-

“This humble one did not realize it was the young master and young miss from the Chancellor’s Mansion visiting-please forgive the oversight! Young Master Xiao, Young Miss Xiao, Young Master Mu and Fifth Miss Mu from the second-floor private room invite the two of you to dine with them upstairs. What do you think?”

Xiao Fuguang and Xiao Wangshu exchanged a glance.

Then, with a calm expression, Xiao Fuguang asked, “Which Young Master Mu and Young Miss Mu?”

The restaurant manager quickly replied, “It is the Third Young Master Mu and Fifth Miss Mu from the Central Secretariat Director’s residence.”

Mu Shuhao and Mu Xiaoxiao-seeing these siblings here, Xiao Wangshu was a bit surprised, though not entirely so.

Come to think of it, Mu Shuhao had set up quite a few businesses as well.

Only Mu Xiaoxiao was openly involved, while Mu Shuhao worked behind the scenes, which always made outsiders feel as if only Mu Xiaoxiao had inherited her maternal grandfather’s knack for business.

As for Mu Shuhao, he took after his father, exuding a scholarly air.

Seeing that Xiao Fuguang and Xiao Wangshu said nothing, the manager probed again, “If the two of you are unwilling, I’ll go inform Young Master Mu and Fifth Miss Mu right away.”

Xiao Fuguang looked at Xiao Wangshu.

He didn’t mind either way-he’d go if his sister wanted to.

With a smile, Xiao Wangshu looked at the manager and said, “Since the two young masters and young misses from the Mu Mansion are so enthusiastic in their invitation, let’s go and have a look.”

The restaurant manager was overjoyed, bowing even lower and gesturing with his hand, “This way please, Young Miss Xiao, Young Master Xiao.”

Xiao Wangshu rose gracefully, and together with Xiao Fuguang, followed the manager upstairs.

Yichun and Shuxia followed close behind.

Li Jun and his companions at the other table wanted to get up and follow as well, but were stopped by a raised hand from Xiao Wangshu.

It was broad daylight, and in such a crowded restaurant, there was no need to bring too many guards-it would make her seem overly cautious and timid.

Besides, the other party wanted to make good use of her-how could they risk making enemies with her in such a public way?

—

Second-floor private room.

The restaurant manager pushed the door open, bowing as he invited the Xiao siblings inside.

Inside, Mu Shuhao and Mu Xiaoxiao heard the commotion, looked toward the entrance, and stood up to greet them.

“Fourth Sister Xiao, Eighth Younger Brother, I’m so glad you were willing to see us.”

Mu Xiaoxiao’s words were filled with emotion, her eyes welling up with tears. She stepped forward to offer a formal greeting.

Mu Shuhao also cupped his hands and said, “Fourth Miss Xiao, Eighth Young Master Xiao. I’ve already heard from Xiaoxiao about what happened at the Gu Mansion birthday banquet. It was indeed the Mu Mansion’s fault. I apologize here on behalf of my younger siblings.”

Xiao Wangshu looked them up and down and smiled. “Let’s forget it. I thought it over carefully when I got home-Mu Caiqing and Mu Chengyang’s actions had little to do with the two of you.”

Hearing this, Mu Xiaoxiao wiped away her tears and smiled through them. “With these words from Fourth Sister Xiao, I’ll finally be able to get a good night’s sleep when I return home.”

Mu Shuhao patted her on the back and invited the Xiao siblings, “No need to stand around, please, have a seat. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, just let me know-I’ll have it prepared at once.”

“There’s no need. Just have the dishes we ordered earlier brought up. They were quite good,” Xiao Wangshu replied calmly as she took her seat.
This time, Yichun and Shuxia could not sit down; they stood properly by her side to attend to her.

Xiao Fuguang also walked over and sat down beside Xiao Wangshu.

Mu Xiaoxiao sat on Xiao Wangshu’s other side, while Mu Shuhao sat opposite Xiao Wangshu.

The small square table, which could originally seat two people on each side, now had only one person per side, so there was plenty of space.

“Are those dishes enough?” Mu Xiaoxiao asked, a bit hesitant.

“Fourth Sister Xiao, don’t be so polite. If there’s anything else you’d like to eat, just order it. Today’s meal is all about us making amends to you. If you’re still being polite with us, I’ll really feel bad.”

Mu Xiaoxiao spoke with heartfelt sincerity, almost reaching out to take Xiao Wangshu’s hand.

In fact, she was about to reach out, but Xiao Wangshu happened to avoid her by picking up her tea.

“I’m not being polite with you; I just don’t want to waste time waiting for the cook to make another dish. The food is still edible-why waste it?” Xiao Wangshu said, then picked up her teacup and took a small sip.

Seeing her firm attitude, Mu Shuhao raised his hand to stop Mu Xiaoxiao from speaking further and patiently instructed the servants to follow Xiao Wangshu’s wishes.

Mu Xiaoxiao collected her smile and changed the subject, asking, “How is the renovation of Fourth Sister Xiao’s shop going? Is there anything you need help with?”

Xiao Wangshu replied casually, “It’s going smoothly for now. If Fifth Miss Mu really wants to help, why not bring your close friends to have some fun when Brocade Gate opens for business?”

Beside her, Xiao Fuguang nearly choked on his tea.

Was his sister poaching customers?

And saying it so elegantly?

If he remembered correctly, Mu Xiaoxiao’s Ruibao Pavilion and his sister’s Brocade Gate were supposed to be competitors, weren’t they?

“What’s the harm in that? I’ll definitely bring them along then, and we’ll all go support Fourth Sister Xiao.” Mu Xiaoxiao only hesitated for a moment before responding.

With Xiao Wangshu’s abilities, she probably wouldn’t be able to sell anything good anyway.

Even if she brought all her customers over, Xiao Wangshu might not be able to keep them.

When the time came, those young ladies from the Capital could see for themselves the difference between Xiao Wangshu’s Brocade Gate and her own Ruibao Pavilion.

With the comparison, Ruibao Pavilion’s clientele would be even more stable.

Mu Shuhao smiled warmly, his face full of patience and consideration, and joined in, “That’s right, you both enjoy working with clothes and jewelry. Gathering together gives you plenty to talk about.

“If, in the future, I walk down the street and see all the ladies wearing clothes bought from your shops, wouldn’t that be a delightful sight!”

Xiao Wangshu smiled and took a sip of tea.

This pie in the sky was drawn a bit too big-hard to swallow.

“It would be wonderful if that day ever comes.” After saying this, Xiao Wangshu poured herself another cup of tea and raised it to Mu Xiaoxiao-

“This is my first time taking over a shop. If I need any help in the future, I hope Fifth Miss Mu won’t hesitate to lend a hand. I’ll use tea in place of wine to express my thanks.”

At this moment, Xiao Fuguang couldn’t help but sigh-his sister was truly something!

Even when asking for help, she still had that ‘I’m the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s Mansion’ arrogance.

Those who knew would say she was asking for help; those who didn’t might think she was rewarding her servants!

Mu Xiaoxiao forced a smile, doing her best to maintain her enthusiastic expression, raised her teacup, and readily agreed, “Of course, Fourth Sister Xiao, just come to me whenever you need.”

The smile on Xiao Wangshu’s face became a bit more genuine, and she replied without any pretense, “Then it’s settled.”

“Yes, it’s settled!” Mu Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement.

The two teacups clinked together, producing a crisp sound that lingered in the air.

—

After lunch, Mu Shuhao and Mu Xiaoxiao returned to their residence for business, while Xiao Wangshu and Xiao Fuguang went to Brocade Gate to check on the progress of the renovations.

The four of them said their farewells in front of Liuxiang Restaurant, then each left with their own attendants.