In the days leading up to the opening, Shu Rui learned from previous experience and went to the tax office early to complete all filings and paperwork. Running a business always involved taxes, and he wanted to avoid any potential trouble. Though Lu Ling could have asked his father to use his scholar’s status to exempt the shop from taxes, Shu Rui knew many successful scholars disliked such arrangements.
Their business was different, however; it required discretion. Having just met the family, it wasn’t proper to ask for favors, and neither Lu Ling nor his family were married yet. Lu Ling suggested going to Lu Yu for assistance, since he was a newly minted scholar and had some tax privileges, but Shu Rui gently refused.
Careful consideration made them decide to handle things independently until their shop was well-established. Once Lu Ling’s father was secure in Chaoxi Prefecture and the family’s influence firm, it would be safer to leverage it for business.
At the same time, Lu Ling’s father and Lu Yu were busy—Lu Yu had ranked in the top three in the scholar exams, earning the admiration of local officials, and the family received many visits of congratulations. Previously, Lu Ling’s father had hosted banquets for similar occasions, and Madam Liu had some experience in organizing them, though she had no familiar help in Chaoxi Prefecture and often got flustered, even blistering her lips from stress.
Shu Rui stepped in to coordinate the number of guests, borrowing five tables from the inn and hiring an affordable banquet team to provide a total of seven or eight tables. On the day of the feast, he even specially prepared a marinated fish dish, which the guests praised, asking where it came from.
The banquet went smoothly, making both Lu Ling’s father and Lu Yu proud. Privately, Lu Ling’s father was impressed by Shu Rui’s foresight and sense of propriety, recognizing his intelligence. After discussion, the couple handed Shu Rui a red envelope with twenty strings of cash—a thoughtful gesture for his help in preparing the shop. Though not a large sum, it eased his immediate expenses.
On September 8th, Shu Rui collected a piece of red silk from Yang Chunhua and, with Lu Ling’s help, draped it over the new shop sign. Since the inn’s daytime beverage service was ending, it would now operate as a restaurant offering both food and lodging. Shu Rui instructed Qing to inform guests that the inn would soon provide meals.
That morning, Shu Rui and Qing cleaned every corner of the inn and prepared the guest rooms. In the afternoon, they went to the market to purchase fresh ingredients for the grand opening. He planned to follow the previous method for selling meals: whatever was available would be offered, and daily specials would be listed outside. Special orders could be accommodated with advance notice.
This approach might lose some customers, but as an inn, they couldn’t operate like a specialized restaurant with a full kitchen staff. Overextending themselves could result in poor service.
Shu Rui bought five pounds of mutton, two free-range chickens, and arranged for three large bluefish and some clams and small shellfish to be delivered fresh the next morning. Sea products were abundant now, so he didn’t need to pay extra delivery fees. Seeing the meat done, he also bought a bundle of vermicelli, green onions, and bamboo shoots.
After returning, Shu Rui and Qing each carried a full basket. In previous days, they had arranged with local grain sellers for five shi of rice. With the abundant autumn harvest, rural households sold rice at lower prices, so Shu Rui stockpiled extra. Many of the surrounding residents did the same, often receiving fresh rice from relatives’ land harvests. Though not enough to feed an entire family for long, it ensured that, barring natural disasters, they could buy and store new rice at a good price.
Qing mentioned keeping an eye out for farmers needing quick sales during her mother’s trips to relatives. Shu Rui gladly agreed. Having ample, well-priced grain available would help the inn’s daily operations and also kept Madam Liu reassured. In short, they would not lack staple ingredients for the coming days.
After a full day of early rising and constant work, Shu Rui was so exhausted that his legs and feet tingled with fatigue. Sitting down for dinner, he felt as if he had permanently fused to the chair, unwilling to move a muscle.
Lu Ling fetched the bowls to wash, then brought a basin of hot water, helping Shu Rui remove his shoes and socks. He soaked Shu Rui’s feet in the water and gently massaged his calves to ease the soreness. At first, Shu Rui felt a bit awkward, embarrassed to have Lu Ling wash his feet, but as Lu Ling kneaded his tired legs, the relief was undeniable, and he soon stopped protesting.
“No wonder wealthy households have servants just to massage and wash feet,” Shu Rui said, lowering his gaze to watch Lu Ling kneel before him. He had only ever seen wives and husbands tending to each other in such a way—or in books, where it was often used as part of flirtation. But seeing Lu Ling massage him so sincerely, without any ill intent, warmed his heart.
Lu Ling looked up at him. “Then from now on, I’ll be your foot washer, and I won’t do worse than anyone else.”
Shu Rui laughed. “So I won’t be wasting those strong hands you’ve trained in martial arts?”
“These hands aren’t precious,” Lu Ling said. “Even if they were, I’d gladly serve you.”
Shu Rui couldn’t resist and playfully pinched Lu Ling’s ear.
After a bit of teasing, Lu Ling finally turned to business. He had already arranged with the martial arts school for tomorrow, a rest day, to help Shu Rui with the shop’s opening.
“Have you settled the room prices and the opening promotions?” Lu Ling asked.
Shu Rui replied, “Two upper rooms are four hundred coins per day, two lower rooms are two hundred, and the dorm-style rooms are sixty coins. The prices are a bit high, but during the first seven days, we offer fifteen percent off, so it’s not too much.”
“Once business is steady, we can offer some practical discounts when people ask,” Lu Ling said, making a note of the prices.
“And the meals—are they similarly discounted?” he asked.
“No, that wouldn’t do. It’s a small-scale business; food prices are modest. We only give ten percent off for the promotion.”
Shu Rui continued, “I also consulted Madam Yang and hired two runners with flags to go through the streets, letting everyone know a new inn has opened and inviting customers.”
Lu Ling said, “Some places even hire lion dancers and acrobats to attract a crowd.”
“I looked into it,” Shu Rui said. “Hiring a lion dance or acrobat troupe is expensive, costing hundreds of coins for one performance. It’s really just for show. Few people actually watch the acts, and our budget is tight, so we won’t do that.”
Lu Ling fell silent for a moment, then asked, “If we don’t hire them, shall I perform with my sword?”
Shu Rui blinked. “You’ll do it?”
Lu Ling looked at him calmly. “What’s the big deal? I’ve done it before. Zhong Dayang even asked me today; he wants to show off some fire-breathing tricks, since it’s a crowd.”
Shu Rui couldn’t help laughing, then said, “Alright, we’ll set up a small stage at the entrance. If someone can help, why not?”
The next morning, before sunrise, Shu Rui woke early and prepared breakfast. After eating, he and Lu Ling began the morning’s preparations. Lu Ling killed chickens while fishermen delivered fresh seafood, which they cleaned and filleted together.
By around mid-morning, the street was bustling with vendors and shoppers. Shu Rui opened the inn. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged, today’s menu displayed outside, and two bright red lanterns hung high, complementing the red silk over the sign, giving the place a festive air.
To draw attention, Shu Rui placed a plate of pastries and fruits outside. As the auspicious hour approached, he struck a gong and announced loudly:
“Honored neighbors and friends, please spare a moment. Today, our humble inn opens. We have prepared simple refreshments, and invite you to witness the occasion!”
His voice rang clear. After months of small-scale trade, Shu Rui was no longer nervous announcing his goods. Two large gongs struck in succession, carrying the sound down the main street. Curious passersby gathered quickly.
“What’s opening here?”
“I remember this was a wine shop. Are they reopening?”
“They’ve renovated. Now it’s an inn—you can eat and stay here.”
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Shu Rui and Lu Ling offered a brief ritual to the God of Wealth before unveiling the sign.
“Qing, are you brave enough to light the firecrackers?” Shu Rui asked.
“I’ll do it! I love fireworks!” Qing said.
Zhong Dayang arrived just in time, looking sharp and well-dressed. Qing handed him the fuse stick to light the firecrackers safely. Yang Chunhua, smiling, gathered some of her guests to watch the spectacle.
The firecrackers went off with a crackling roar. The red silk dropped, revealing the sign: Ten-Mile Street Inn. The crowd clapped and cheered.
“Look at the calligraphy on the sign!”
“Must be Master Ning from the Western City…”
Qing handed out the pastries to the spectators. Shu Rui scattered some coins, calling out, “Thanks to everyone for coming! Please visit our inn for small meals and drinks. For the first seven days, enjoy special promotions. Even if you can’t stay now, please spread the word!”
The coins delighted the crowd, who scrambled to pick them up. Even those not initially present rushed over. Two street runners with pears in their mouths helped spread the word further.
Later, Lu Ling leapt onto a small stage under the elm tree and began a sword performance. Startled at first, the crowd quickly became enthralled. His precise movements, combined with his strong physique and striking features, drew cheers and applause.
Yang Chunhua and Qing watched, marveling.
“If only I had sent A Xing to martial arts training earlier,” Yang Chunhua said. “Back when his father was alive, I should have. Seeing Lu brother wield a sword like this, I’d definitely have sent him to a school.”
Qing chuckled softly. “It’s not too late now.”
“That boy,” Yang Chunhua said, “struggles just with his studies. Martial arts would tire him out completely.”
They teased Shu Rui, noticing how captivated he was. Shu Rui laughed and said, “Happiness is best shared. I’m not the type to hoard a good show for myself.”
Yang Chunhua whispered in Shu Rui’s ear, “He’d look even better performing shirtless, don’t you think?”
Qing blushed bright red, and even Shu Rui felt his face warm. “You’re incorrigible! Don’t scare him, Qing!”
Just as they were talking, BANG—Zhong Dayang leapt onto the stage with a flaming torch in hand. At the moment Lu Ling stepped down, he gave a sharp yell, and Zhong Dayang blew a stream of fire from the torch. Instantly, a dragon of flames shot into the air.
“Excellent!”
The three who had been chatting were startled, their hearts jumping in shock. Once they recovered, they patted their chests and laughed heartily.
The performance ended, but the crowd remained eager, and Shu Rui took the opportunity to call people into the inn for a meal.
“Today we have roasted lamb, fresh and bouncy fish ball soup, five-spice pork buns, and oven-roasted chicken! Everyone, please step inside and enjoy!”
“Is that all you have?”
Shu Rui replied, “The variety may be small, but the flavors are excellent. And to celebrate our new opening, all dishes are ten percent off. Come taste something fresh and affordable!”
By noon, some guests couldn’t resist and entered the inn. Qing, seeing Shu Rui showing off, followed suit, inviting others inside. Slowly, people began to order, and Shu Rui hurried to the kitchen to cook. When Lady Liu heard the firecrackers, she slipped in through the back door.
“Quite lively, isn’t it?” she asked.
Shu Rui nodded. “Lu Ling and Brother Zhong performed well, drew a crowd, and with all the shouting, we got a few people to step inside.”
Lady Liu smiled behind her hand, regretting she couldn’t watch from outside.
Because the dishes were prepped early, Shu Rui could serve them as orders came in. The food didn’t come instantly, but no one waited long.
“Lu Ling, the small clams are ready. Dish them onto small plates and send one to each table in the main hall,” Shu Rui instructed.
“Right away.”
The guests at that table had initially paid little attention to the simple boiled clams, but free samples never go unappreciated. As they tasted them, they found the clams perfectly cleaned, fresh, and without a trace of sand. One after another, they devoured them all.
“These clams are well-prepared! Could we have another plate?” one man asked Qing.
Qing, inexperienced in polite customer service, hesitated, but soon another table requested more. In a short while, two tables had polished off all the small clams. Not giving them was also risky—locals knew seafood wasn’t expensive, and stinginess would hurt the inn’s reputation.
Shu Rui smiled and offered, “I’m glad you enjoy the taste. The small plate is just a sample. If you like it, a few coins will get you a proper portion, and I’ll throw in a small plate of sauce for free.”
The man generously tossed a few coins onto the table, and Qing went to fetch the clams again. Luckily, Lady Liu stayed in the kitchen to help keep watch over the prepped dishes; otherwise, Shu Rui would have been hard-pressed to manage.
The guests finished the small plates and eagerly awaited the main dishes. When the roasted lamb arrived, the aroma filled the hall. One bite, and it was tender and juicy, perfectly cooked, with rich spices.
“Wine, shopkeeper! Bring me a serving of lamb wine!”
Lu Ling quickly poured and served.
“Young man, the fish balls are perfectly bouncy, and the oven-roasted chicken smells divine. But I came alone—if I ordered more, it’d go to waste. Shall we share a table?” an older man suggested.
“By all means,” Shu Rui said. “Better than drinking alone—come, join me.”
The guests who arrived hungry left with full bellies. Outside, curious passersby asked, “How’s the food at the new inn?”
A customer, belching in satisfaction, gave a thumbs-up. “Excellent! The roasted lamb is well-prepared. And with the opening discount, just thirty coins a plate—great value!”