Chapter 1136: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (11)

“Not only that, the Princess Consort also exchanged ideas with the head chefs of the restaurant. After that, their cooking skills visibly improved. There are signature dishes as well as simple dishes.”

“It's reasonable,” Shangguan Jing said. Recalling the small dishes Tang Guo prepared, he admitted they were all delicious. “We've always thought that the more expensive the ingredients, the better, and that the more signature dishes there are, the better. Yet we neglected one thing—the majority of people coming and going are ordinary commoners. Who would be willing to spend several months' worth of earnings just for one meal?”

“Your Highness speaks wisely.”

Shangguan Jing noticed several small stalls set up beside the restaurant. Judging by their appearance, the vendors seemed to be employees of the restaurant.

He recognized them because they all wore identical uniforms that looked particularly clean and neat. They also wore hats. After a moment's thought, he immediately understood why.

It was to prevent hair from falling into the food and affecting the customers' appetites.

“What are these for?”

He looked at the flatbreads and rice porridge arranged on the stalls.

“The Princess Consort said that busy people wouldn't always have time to sit down properly for a meal. So she suggested setting up stalls outside to sell flatbreads and hot porridge. Passersby can simply buy a piece of bread and a bowl of warm porridge, finish them in a few bites, and continue on their way. Convenient and efficient.”

Shangguan Jing nodded.

Wherever a restaurant stood, unless two parties were enemies, people generally avoided opening another one too close by. Especially since anyone with a bit of influence knew these establishments belonged to Prince Jing. Who would dare open a competing restaurant beside his?

And there were usually no permanent street vendors in this area.

Indeed, using this method to increase profits was quite clever.

Afterward, Shangguan Jing secretly followed behind Tang Guo and inspected most of the shops under his name.

By the end, he had fallen silent.

Eventually, he chuckled softly.

“No wonder so many families in the capital wanted to marry her into their household. She truly has her merits.”

The attendants following behind him silently grumbled.

Merits?

She was clearly extraordinary.

Anyone with decent information channels knew how capable the Princess Consort was. Countless people envied their prince. They all said that the Emperor had treated Prince Jing exceptionally well by granting him such a wonderful wife.

Many noble matrons beat their chests with regret, lamenting why they hadn't gone to Minister Tang's residence earlier to arrange a marriage proposal. Otherwise, such a perfect daughter-in-law would have belonged to their family.

Just look at Prince Jing's Manor now.

Under her management, everything was running flawlessly.

“This prince wishes to enter the palace to visit Imperial Brother.”

In truth, he wanted to see Tang Jiao.

For the past six months, he had restrained himself from seeing her too often. Even when he occasionally visited Shangguan Yi and saw Tang Jiao at his side, he dared not reveal anything unusual for fear of arousing suspicion.

He had to lower his imperial brother's guard before carrying out the next stage of his plan and successfully bringing Tang Jiao back to Prince Jing's Manor.

As for that capable eldest daughter of the Tang family—

No matter how remarkable she was, she still wasn't the woman he cherished.

Someone as intelligent as her was actually better suited for life in the imperial palace.

Host, Shangguan Jing has gone to the palace. He's probably going to see your younger sister.

That guy really is shameless.

Tang Guo was currently resting inside an antique shop. Hearing the system's words, she didn't react in the slightest.

“I'll take these… and these as well.”

“I've long heard that Southern Shu's craftsmanship is refined and elegant. Seeing it today, the rumors are indeed true.”

Upstart.

That was the first thought that entered the system's mind.

And definitely not someone from Southern Shu.

Most likely some wealthy young master from another country who had come traveling—or perhaps a merchant.

“Shopkeeper, do you purchase jade?”