Chapter 5

Chapter 5

After Song Zhu Wonton was completed, the inn next door also began its renovations.

At the same time, Xie Zhixue’s name and mine spread further and further, our reputations even reaching beyond the capital.

Everyone said that Xie the Zhuangyuan Lang was a man who repaid his debts of gratitude, and that Song Zhu, the girl who sold wontons, was someone who never used her kindness to demand favors.

Both were seen as people who cared for the nation’s livelihood and the well-being of the common folk.

With such a story circulating, business at Song Zhu Wonton flourished. It became far too much for me to handle alone, so I hired a few more workers.

Among them was a boy named Fu Gui. He was only fourteen or fifteen years old, but he was very sharp.

When he came to apply, I noticed his clothes were quite expensive, so I asked him why he wanted to work at my wonton shop.

Fu Gui looked indignant.

“…My father asked me how much an egg costs. I gave the wrong answer, so he kicked me out. He said I can only go back and inherit the family business once I figure out the daily price of vegetables.”

I found it a bit amusing as I listened.

“So, how much do you think an egg should cost?”

Fu Gui: “…Ten taels?”

I sighed and pulled two tea eggs out of the kitchen.

“In this shop, we sell these tea eggs for one copper coin each.”

“Buying raw eggs is even cheaper. Usually, seven eggs only cost five copper coins.”

“The ten taels of silver you just mentioned is enough to cover a year’s worth of expenses for a middle-class family here in the Southern District.”

Fu Gui lowered his head and remained silent.

Although his outfit was plain in color, a closer look revealed that the tailoring, embroidery, and fabric were all exquisite.

Rather than a shop assistant, he looked more like a young master who had sneaked out of a wealthy household.

“If you really want to stay here, our shop provides uniforms for the staff,” I said. “You can’t wear what you have on anymore. I’m afraid the customers won’t dare step foot inside.”

Hearing my words, Fu Gui snapped his head up, his eyes full of pleasant surprise.

“Don’t worry, Boss!” he shouted. “I’ll definitely work hard!”