Li Man’er wanted to go shopping, not for any particular reason other than she was tired of staying in the manor and wanted to go out.
Xiao Ruo Di didn't stop her, perhaps wanting to see Li Man’er's true intentions. On the surface, he let Xiao Qi Niang accompany her, but he secretly dispatched two highly skilled secret guards to follow and monitor her movements.
Li Man’er pretended not to know. She still wore men's clothing from last time, a wind-resistant cloak draped over her shoulders. She happily boarded the carriage prepared by Xiao Ruo Di and headed to the city.
This time, Xiao Ruo Di kept a close eye on Xiao Si, absolutely forbidding him from following, and even more so from orchestrating any "chance" encounters. He wanted to see what Li Man’er was truly up to.
Li Man’er didn't even bring Liu Ya, but she still had a very enjoyable time tagging along with Xiao Qi Niang, eating and drinking.
They shopped for most of the day, and Li Man’er then suggested they eat out.
"Seventh Miss, I'm tired of eating manor food every day. Why don't we find a good restaurant outside? It's my treat. We can eat and then return to the manor, how about it?"
"As the guest wishes," Xiao Qi Niang replied, her attitude towards Li Man’er no different than before, as if she were both wary of her and trying to curry favor with her.
"Alright then, I just don't know what good food there is here," Li Man’er said. "Not those grand restaurants with their reputations; they're rather dull. I want to eat at those small eateries, the inconspicuous little places tucked away in street corners, but with authentic flavors. Some families have run the same small shop for generations, making the same dishes, that's the kind of food one should truly eat. Let me tell you, there are many such little eateries in the capital, their flavors are unparalleled, far better than the food in big restaurants."
Xiao Qi Niang nodded, "Sister Man’er indeed has unique insights. Since that's the case, I'll send someone to inquire about what good food is nearby, and you can choose one."
"I won't choose. Although this meal is my treat, you are the host, after all. You just said 'as the guest wishes,' so let's follow that rule then!"
Xiao Qi Niang said helplessly, "Alright, I'll choose. But if the taste isn't authentic, you can't renege on paying!"
"What are you saying, do I look like someone so stingy?"
The carriage moved slowly. Xiao Qi Niang sent a servant to inquire nearby. Soon, someone replied that there was indeed a small restaurant in a nearby alley, specializing in Jiangnan cuisine. The recipes had been passed down for three generations, with only a few dishes that had never changed.
"It sounds just like what Sister Man’er described, such a restaurant really exists."
"Shall we go try it?" Li Man’er asked. "Anyway, I have a big appetite. I'll just order all those dishes, to show my generosity."
Xiao Qi Niang seemed amused by her, a slight smile curving her lips. "What kind of young lady calls herself having a big appetite? Aren't you afraid you won't find a husband? Besides, if people hear you, they'll laugh at you again."
Li Man’er leaned against the carriage, unconcerned. "If I don't say I have a big appetite, will people stop laughing at me? I've been used to it since I was little. Ever since I can remember, they said I had a tough fate, that I killed my own mother. I felt terrible and wanted my father to hold me, but he ignored me. He turned and held my half-sister instead. I was so young then, how could I understand the concept of yielding? I only knew that father held sister and not me, and I was heartbroken, so I secretly hid under the ancestral hall's offering table and cried."
Xiao Qi Niang was stunned for a moment.
"But I cried until I was tired and fell asleep, and yet no one came to find me. It wasn't until the next day, when I was so hungry I could no longer bear it, that I crawled out myself and truly understood a principle."
"What was it?"
Li Man’er smiled. "Relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself. Anyway, that's how I've been since I was little, because I understood that a child without a mother is not cherished, not even by their own father. I also heard the servants gossiping, saying that a stepmother brings a stepfather, and it was true. Since then, I never cried again. Whatever I wanted, I would strive for it with my own efforts. Others wouldn't yield to you; they would only mock your incompetence and deservedly bully you."
Looking at Li Man’er like this, Xiao Qi Niang was momentarily speechless. In her eyes, Li Man’er was radiant, not at all like the person she had first met.
Must one rely on oneself for everything?
Xiao Qi Niang felt that Li Man’er had taught her a lesson today. Yes, even one's own father couldn't be relied upon. Didn't the phrase "rely on oneself" best summarize her journey so far?
If Li Man’er could do it, she could too.
"You are right."
"So, if you're hungry, eat; if you're thirsty, drink; eat as much as you want, don't worry about what others think."
Xiao Qi Niang nodded, actually feeling a sense of admiration for Li Man’er. Little did she know that after being hypnotized by Li Man’er, she had developed a strong sense of trust and reliance on Li Man’er's voice. Coupled with Li Man’er's skillful methods of subtly planting psychological suggestions, she naturally began to feel a sense of security.
The carriage soon stopped. Zhu Yu said, "Miss, we've arrived. The restaurant is in the alley, and the carriage cannot enter. Please alight here, both young ladies!"
Li Man’er alighted first and tapped Zhu Yu's forehead. "I am a young master now, don't forget."
Zhu Yu could only comply.
Li Man’er reached out to help Xiao Qi Niang alight. The servant and the elderly woman led the way, with Li Man’er and Xiao Qi Niang following behind.
Several maids brought up the rear, creating quite a substantial entourage.
The small restaurant in the alley was not small at all. Its facade was imposing, and it was well-decorated. After all, it was the fruit of generations of hard work. To have survived until now clearly indicated its strength, and of course, it must be profitable.
"Business seems quite good," Li Man’er commented casually, seeing several tables already occupied inside.
"Thank you for your good words, Young Master," the waiter replied cleverly. "Young Master, the first floor is full. Would you prefer the second floor?"
Li Man’er nodded. "Lead the way."
The group bustled up to the second floor. Fortunately, there were no other guests on the second floor, otherwise, it might have easily led to unnecessary misunderstandings.
Li Man’er saw that the second floor could only accommodate three tables. She waved her hand decisively. "I'll take this second floor. Bring out your best wine and dishes, and your tip will be generous."
The waiter's spirits immediately lifted. "Please wait a moment, honored guest, we'll be right there."
Li Man’er sat down at a table by the window and said to the other servants and elderly women, "You all join in and try something new. Find your own seats, it's all on me today."
Everyone looked towards Xiao Qi Niang.
"Why are you looking at me? Young Master Li is treating, shouldn't you thank Young Master Li?"
Everyone understood and immediately thanked Li Man’er in unison.
Li Man’er pushed open the window and leaned on the windowsill, looking out. "It's truly lively."