Chapter 149: A Prosperous Grand Opening

The architects, upon learning that their assignment was the Flowing Water Pavilion, were filled with boundless curiosity. Only the most distinguished dignitaries could command the services of the Building Crafts Hall, and the sensation caused by the relocation of the Ma Family Morning Tea Stall to this pavilion had already reached their ears. To their surprise, they now found themselves working on that very project. Being the hands behind such a mysterious establishment was an unparalleled honor.

As for the third matter—while perhaps less sensational than the others, its impact was not to be underestimated: the Yuefeng Pavilion had ceased operations the night before, and in three days' time, it would take to the stage at the Flowing Water Pavilion to perform. Anyone associated with even one of these three events would surely achieve fame, and yet the Flowing Water Pavilion was linked to all of them, making it the talk of the town.

On every street corner, acquaintances could barely exchange a few words before the conversation inevitably veered toward the Flowing Water Pavilion. It was the constant subject of gossip over tea and meals. To admit ignorance of the pavilion was to risk being dismissed as a country bumpkin. In truth, this was all part of Liu Ling'er's plan. Her goal was to stir up hype—or perhaps "hype" was the wrong word, for the pavilion would have become famous eventually; she was simply accelerating the process to ensure a grand opening.

Initially, she had only planned for the Ma Family Morning Tea Stall. She had never anticipated that Young Master Wuyou would recall all the craftsmen from the Building Crafts Hall to renovate the pavilion in three days, nor had she ever dared to imagine that Baili Xian would suspend operations at the Yuefeng Pavilion to show his support.

Amidst these many surprises, three days passed in the blink of an eye. Amidst the endless chatter of the Imperial Capital’s citizens, the much-anticipated Flowing Water Pavilion opened its doors on schedule. The Ma Family Morning Tea Stall, which had occupied its original spot for hundreds of years, had indeed moved. Early that morning, the flagpole bestowed by the late Emperor was erected at the entrance, with the large character for "Tea" fluttering in the wind. As the Mas set up their breakfast stall, it was clear to everyone that they were here to stay.

The dignitaries, who had gone three days without their favorite morning tea, swarmed the entrance. Though it was not yet dawn, they conscientiously formed two long queues, as per the stall's long-standing rules, creating a remarkable sight in the bustling district. The one hundred portions of breakfast were sold out in a flash—or rather, snatched up, albeit in an orderly fashion.

By the time the breakfast was gone, the sun had just begun to rise. Looking at the ascending orb, Liu Ling'er said to Tie Wula, "Tie Wula, it is time. Let us light the firecrackers."

Tie Wula nodded and ignited the prepared firecrackers. The crackling sounds instantly shattered the quiet morning, enlivening the chilly street. Those who had been waiting for the opening surged forward, their appetites whetted to the extreme by the three-day wait. Eager to experience the interior, the crowd grew ever larger, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the mysterious pavilion.

Finally, just as the crowd grew impatient, the gates swung open. Women dressed in uniform attire emerged and lined up on either side, spaced precisely half a meter apart. With graceful steps and gentle smiles, they reached the entrance. The number of attendants was perfect, neither one too many nor one too few, leaving the onlookers stunned into silence.

Through the gates, everyone could clearly see the scene inside. What had once been a house on solid ground now appeared to be built upon water. The Flowing Water Pavilion was surrounded by a moat, and most miraculously, the water flowed around the pavilion. Given that the surrounding terrain was level, how the water could flow was a mystery that defied common sense.

Liu Ling'er watched with satisfaction. The moat was her own idea. She had named her establishment the Flowing Water Pavilion for a reason: "Small bridges, flowing water, and homes"—she wanted her guests to feel as though they were in their own residences. As for the water that defied nature, the secret lay in a row of waterwheels she had installed in a corner of the pavilion. They pumped the water continuously; as it was depleted in one area and added to another, gravity took over, causing the water to flow. To maintain the elegant aesthetic, the entrance was not a standard path, but a single arch bridge that led directly into the second floor of the building.

Following the women, a group of handsome young men in matching attire emerged, moving with synchronized precision to stand half a step behind and between the women. This display of beauty and grace attracted every eye, turning the opening into an extraordinary spectacle.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Master Hua stepped out from the pavilion, his clothes already damp with sweat despite the morning chill. Though he had run restaurants before, he had never seen an opening as grand as this. Being asked by the Princess Consort Xian to deliver the opening remarks left him both honored and nervous. Were it not for the crowd, he would have wiped the sweat from his brow.

As he finished speaking, the two rows of greeters bowed at a ninety-degree angle and said in unison, "Welcome to the Flowing Water Pavilion."

Suddenly, a stir rippled through the crowd as a group of palace guards approached, led by a eunuch. From the third floor, Liu Ling'er recognized him as Liu Degui, the Emperor’s personal attendant. She smiled, realizing that someone had come to add to her prestige.

She hurried down to the entrance, where Liu Degui had already arrived. With the palace guards clearing the way, no one dared to block his path. Seeing Liu Ling'er, he drew an imperial decree from his sleeve. "Princess Consort Xian, receive the edict."

*Damn it, kneeling again,* she thought. Despite her intense annoyance, Liu Ling'er knelt. "This subject receives the edict."

"By the grace of the Emperor, it is decreed: The Flowing Water Pavilion is hereby named the First Restaurant of East Chu. A golden plaque is bestowed upon it. May the Flowing Water Pavilion’s business flourish. Thus it is decreed." Liu Degui finished reading and signaled the guards. They hung a red-covered plaque on the pavilion, and as they pulled the cloth away, the gleaming golden characters dazzled the eyes of the onlookers.

Liu Ling'er was beaming. "Long live the Emperor, may he live for ten thousand years," she exclaimed, rising to accept the decree. Under the cover of the scroll, she slipped a purse of money to the chief eunuch. "Chief Steward, thank you for coming to the Flowing Water Pavilion despite your busy schedule. Won't you step inside for a cup of tea?"

"No need, I must return to the palace to report," Liu Degui replied. He weighed the purse in his hand and tucked it into his sleeve, clearly satisfied with her tactfulness.