Chapter 116: Do You Want It or Not?

The soap business has become an overnight sensation in Chang'an, and Zheng An truly deserves the lion's share of the credit. Li Yi deeply approved of his approach. By doing this, Zheng An not only prevented counterfeits but also effectively cut off the greedy schemes of those looking to profit from the trend. Since this endeavor was both lucrative and beneficial to the welfare of the Great Tang, Li Shimin would surely be pleased to see it.

Although Zheng An’s bold move might shake the interests of some deeply entrenched noble clans, Li Yi was not worried about losing him as a business partner. After all, the Zheng family’s status as imperial merchants was already firmly established.

After pausing to listen to some of the chatter about "the Zheng family and their soap," Li Yi smiled and instructed his attendants, "Let us move on. To the Zuixian Pavilion."

"Yes, young master," the group replied in unison, nodding.

Passing through several long streets, Li Yi and his entourage soon arrived outside the Zuixian Pavilion. As always, business was booming, with a constant stream of patrons. The space that once held street stalls outside the restaurant had been absorbed into the pavilion’s domain, and many diners were now enjoying the restaurant's fine food and wine in the open air.

The waiter, who had been bustling about at the entrance, caught sight of Li Yi and his eyes lit up. He hurried over.

"Young Master Li, please, come in," the waiter said with a respectful, beaming smile as he gestured to the side. "The number one 'Heaven' room has been kept reserved for you by our manager all this time."

It was no surprise the waiter was so delighted to see Li Yi. If it weren't for the "Orleans Set" and the "Wuliangye" spirits sold exclusively at the Zuixian Pavilion, their business would never have become so incredibly popular. And, naturally, the wages of the staff would never have risen. To the waiter, seeing Li Yi was like a lost child finding a long-lost parent.

As he spoke, the waiter gestured again, smiling. "Young Master, please, come inside?"

"..." Li Yi found himself caught between laughter and tears. He waved his hand and shook his head, declining. "No need to go in. Quickly, go fetch your manager. I have something important to discuss with him."

"Oh..." The waiter blinked, finally snapping out of it, and nodded frantically like a chick pecking at rice. "Young Master, please wait here for a moment. I shall call the manager immediately."

With that, the waiter turned and dashed off like a whirlwind. Within a few moments, Manager Xu followed the waiter out of the pavilion.

"This humble one greets the Young Master." Upon seeing Li Yi, Manager Xu bowed with a wide, joyful grin, his delight plain to see. Clearly, the recent success of the Zuixian Pavilion had put him in a splendid mood; he looked at everyone as if they were nuggets of gold.

"Manager Xu, no need for such formalities," Li Yi said, waving his hand with a smile. He glanced up at the signboard above the entrance and said directly, "Manager Xu, have you ever considered expanding the scale of the Zuixian Pavilion?"

Upon hearing this, Manager Xu was startled. He wondered privately, *Could it be... that Young Master Li wants my restaurant for himself?*

However, the moment the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it.

"Young Master, although I have had such intentions, I have been troubled by a lack of funds for expansion. If it pleases you, I am willing to hand over the Zuixian Pavilion to you," Manager Xu said, his expression serious and sincere. "I only ask to remain as manager under you, to share your burdens. That would be enough to satisfy me."

"..." Li Yi was left speechless. The man made it sound as if he were there to rob him.

Whether or not Manager Xu was sincere, Li Yi would never accept such a gift. If he wanted a restaurant, given the Li family’s wealth and status, it would be a trivial matter. Furthermore, Li Yi was not only the son of Li Jing but also an official of the Tang. Moreover, the revenue from the "Orleans Set" and "Wuliangye" dwarfed that of the Zuixian Pavilion. Li Yi had no desire for such petty profits, especially if it meant giving others a handle against him.

"Ahem... Manager Xu, I will not be taking your little gift," Li Yi said, coughing softly before continuing in a earnest tone. "However, that signboard of yours really does need replacing. It would be a good opportunity to expand."

"A signboard? Expand?" Hearing these words, Manager Xu’s heart sank. His cheek twitched slightly as he said bitterly, "Young Master, didn't you just say you didn't want my gift? Why must the signboard be changed?"

Manager Xu felt a sense of impending doom. Every time he dealt with Li Yi, he was extremely cautious, yet he always seemed to come out on the losing end. He had a sinking feeling that the Zuixian Pavilion was about to stop being his.

"..." Li Yi sighed in silence, looked at Manager Xu sternly, and asked, "Just tell me, do you want it or not?"

"..." Manager Xu’s face contorted, and with a look of hopeless resignation, he nodded. "In that case, I thank you for your favor, Young Master."

Seeing the manager’s miserable expression, Li Yi couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Bring it here." No longer bothering with pleasantries, Li Yi waved his hand with a flourish and ordered his men, "Bring the sign over and let Manager Xu hang it up himself."

"Yes, young master," the attendants replied in turn, immediately bringing the sign over and placing it before Manager Xu.

"..." Manager Xu didn't even have the courage to look at it. After struggling with himself for a long moment, he took a deep breath and, with a look of utter helplessness, pulled away the red silk covering.

Suddenly, the golden, Feibai-style characters "Zuixian Pavilion" appeared before his eyes. Below them, a smaller line of gilded, Feibai-style script was revealed:

*Bestowed in the Fourth Year of Zhenguan!*

"This..." Manager Xu was stunned, his legs wobbling so much he nearly collapsed on the spot.

Those who had been watching from the sidelines were equally dumbfounded. The unique, graceful calligraphy of the Feibai style nearly blinded them. Their jaws dropped in shock.

"Bestowed in the Fourth Year of Zhenguan? And in the Holy One’s own signature Feibai style?"

"Is this... could this sign have been bestowed by the Emperor himself?"

"That seems impossible..."

"How could the Zuixian Pavilion... possibly receive a personal gift from the Emperor?"

The crowd stood like stone statues, frozen in place. Inside the restaurant, diners were so shocked that they didn't even notice the chicken legs they were holding falling onto their tables. The impact of this imperial sign was far too great; it exceeded the limits of what their minds could comprehend. Everyone felt their heartbeats quicken, as if they were athletes who had just stopped after a long, exhausting run.