CHAPTER 46: A CLASH AT TIANQIN RESTAURANT

Many noble families in the capital made a point of hiring its chefs for their banquets, even at a high price.

In just two years, the place had gained an unmatched reputation, becoming one of beirong’s most celebrated establishments.

When the server at the door saw how richly dressed Rong Tieshan and his companions were, he didn’t dare be careless. He immediately led them upstairs to a private room by the window.

Yue Mingxuan looked around with genuine interest.

The owner of the restaurant clearly had taste, the room was decorated with elegant paintings, potted plants, and calligraphy scrolls.

Once everyone was seated, Rong Tieshan cleared his throat slightly and said, "Fifth Prince, the Hundred Blossoms Delight here at Tianqin is a famous signature dish. You should try it."

The waiter froze for a second, then gave a troubled smile. "Honored guest, I’m afraid that dish requires advance reservation."

He looked a bit embarrassed as he continued, "This morning, another customer came in and bought all the signature dishes for the day. So... none of them are available now."

In front of Yue Mingxuan, Rong Tieshan’s face darkened, he clearly feels embarrassed and his tone turned sharp. "Just tell them I’m here. I think the shopkeeper will know what to do."

"Yes, yes, of course!" The waiter realizing the man before him was likely from the beirong royal family, he hurried off like a gust of wind to inform the shopkeeper downstairs. Before long, the shopkeeper himself appeared in the elegant room.

"Your Highness, your visit brings great honor to our humble shop!" the shopkeeper said politely while bowing his head respectfully to everyone around the table.

"You are one of our valued patrons," the shopkeeper continued carefully. "But as you know, the ingredients for our signature dishes are limited each day. This morning, a customer offered a large sum of money to reserve all of them. I am deeply sorry. Of course, the other dishes are also excellent, please allow me to treat this meal as a gesture of apology. I hope Your Highness will continue to favor our restaurant in the future."

Hearing this, Rong Tieshan could not press further, though his face remained tense. Yet before he could respond, Rong Yuelin suddenly jumped to her feet with anger flashing in her eyes.

She had already been upset after being scolded earlier and seeing Yue Mingxuan sitting calmly beside them only made her mood worse.

Now, even a mere restaurant dared to refuse her, so her royal arrogance flared up instantly.

"Go and call the person who reserved those dishes!" she snapped while glaring at the shopkeeper. "The entire Beirong Kingdom belongs to my father and mother. I don’t believe anyone would dare fight us for food!"

The shopkeeper didn’t dare argue and quickly bowed his way out.

Although Rong Tieshan clearly displeased with her behavior, he said nothing this time. Losing face in front of Yue Mingxuan made him too frustrated to intervene, though a faint trace of irritation flickered in his eyes.

Xie Lianhua noticed that look and thought it was because Rong Tieshan felt humiliated.

She quickly siding with him and added sweetly, "This really is too much. Everyone in beirong knows who Prince Rong is. For a small restaurant to act so arrogantly in front of the royal family, they clearly don’t know their place."

Yue Mingxuan, however, didn’t care about these petty dramas at all.

In his previous life, there had been plenty of fancy restaurants that required reservations.

With his background and connections, he never had to make one himself, but he always believed that rules existed for a reason even royalty should respect them.

Back then, even the British royal family had to follow social order and in his eyes, this "royalty" here was nothing special.

Just then, the door creaked open and the shopkeeper returned, this time with another man behind him.

When Yue Mingxuan turned his head, he froze slightly.

The newcomer was none other than Shang Qinghua.

Rong Tieshan was momentarily stunned too before standing up to bow politely. "So it’s the Fourth Prince, Shang Qinghua. I was wondering who could afford to reserve an entire day’s worth of Tianqin Restaurant’s signature dishes."

Shang Qinghua smiled faintly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room and naturally landing on Yue Mingxuan.

"Ah, the shopkeeper asked if I could give up my reservation for some esteemed guests. I didn’t expect the guests to be you," he said calmly, his tone neither warm nor cold.

Yue Mingxuan shrank slightly into the corner when he felt Shang Qinghua’s gaze fall on him.

Ever since arriving in this world, every time he ran into Shang Qinghua, something unpleasant always happened.

Either trouble, danger, or some ridiculous twist of fate.

The memory of that chaotic scene at the brothel flashed before his mind and heat crept up his face thank goodness for the thick layer of rouge hiding it.

Shang Qinghua glanced at the uneasy Yue Mingxuan, then he lifted his robe elegantly and took a seat nearby.

"It seems fate keeps bringing us together," he said casually. "Since we’ve met like this, may I join Prince Rong for a meal?"

Rong Tieshan smiled politely. "Prince Shang, you jest. It’s we who should be grateful to share your table and your signature dishes."

Rong Yuelin who had just been fuming moments ago instantly changed her tone. Her voice turned soft and sweet, like honey dripping from her lips.

"Fourth Prince, you’re teasing us," she said shyly.

Shang Qinghua who is famous across four kingdoms for his elegance and charm had left countless women enamored.

Rong Yuelin was clearly no exception.

Listening to her sugary voice, Yue Mingxuan wished he could bury his head even deeper.

So this was what people meant by "a beautiful man brings trouble."

Still, at least the pretty face across the table had completely distracted Rong Yuelin, which meant Yue Mingxuan could finally enjoy some peace and stay invisible for a while.