Chapter 130: Have You Had Chicken Today?

The Shāng family’s sweeping reforms continued relentlessly for a whole month. During this time, apart from occasionally visiting the shop to oversee the renovation, Gǒu Yè stayed home diligently preparing for the imperial examination.

Xuānyuán Chángfēng often came and went, gradually becoming Gǒu Yè’s first friend since arriving in the capital. Through this new friendship, Gǒu Yè gained a deeper understanding of the city and the examination system.

During this period, Gǒu Yè composed two new poems, which were delivered to the palace by the eunuch Báigōnggōng. How the emperor regarded them remained unknown, as Gǒu Yè had yet to be summoned again.

The greatest joy for the family was when Dàlì finally arrived with his mother and Xiǎodié from the village. Seeing Dàlì’s simple, earnest expression filled Gǒu Yè with indescribable happiness.

“I’ve waited so long for you all! You’ve finally arrived,” Gǒu Yè exclaimed, embracing Dàlì warmly. Yúnniáng gently took Xiǎodié’s hand and, feeling the child’s travel-worn, slightly pale face, was both saddened and delighted.

“Bǐngjīn, Bǐngyín, quickly help the matriarch to her room to rest. Lái Fú, find a doctor at once; the journey must have taken a toll. We need to see if anything is wrong,” Gǒu Yè instructed.

Before he finished, Dàlì hurriedly expressed his gratitude. “Master, I’m so glad to see you! If not for Xiǎodié’s literacy, I wouldn’t have known how to find you in this vast capital. Oh my, this place is enormous! We’ve all longed for you day and night. But Master, you’re not the only one who came—I brought someone along whom I’m sure will make you especially happy. He’s right outside the door.”

At this, Yúnniáng suddenly tensed, pausing to observe. When the newcomer stepped inside, she finally exhaled in relief, just as Gǒu Yè shouted excitedly, “Hahaha, my old friend Gù Shēn! What brings you here?”

Without hesitation, he rushed forward and embraced Gù Shēn tightly. Gù Shēn struggled to push him away, “Let go! They say men and women should keep proper distance. Even so, you’ve grown bold! Living in such a large courtyard now—you’re almost rivaling my own home.”

Gǒu Yè’s face beamed with joy, the excitement impossible to hide. Though he enjoyed chatting with Xuānyuán Chángfēng, the warmth of this brother, who had weathered storms alongside him, was unmatched. Gù Shēn was like family to him.

“What brings you here suddenly? Did your father know you ran off? Tell me—did you get some girl pregnant while I was away and then sneak out because you couldn’t face responsibility?” Gǒu Yè teased.

“Nonsense! Why can’t you hope for good things about me? I begged my father for a long time before he finally agreed to let me come find you. He wanted me to gain experience. He gave me strict warnings—I’m telling you, I’m not running away. This time, I plan to stay with you for at least a month. You’ve got a place for me to stay, right?” Gù Shēn laughed heartily, his face bright with happiness. To him, Gǒu Yè was truly a cherished friend.

“What nonsense! Of course, no problem. Stay as long as you want. I’ll take care of you!” Gǒu Yè joked.

“Get lost!” Gù Shēn retorted.

After exchanging greetings with everyone, Gǒu Yè introduced Gù Shēn to Xuānyuán Chángfēng. “Chángfēng, this is my dearest friend, the son of the Duke of Jīngguó, Gù Shēn.”

Then turning to Gù Shēn, he said, “This is no ordinary man—he is the most talented gentleman in the capital, Master Xuānyuán Chángfēng.”

Xuānyuán Chángfēng gently nudged Gǒu Yè and quickly replied, “I’m Xuānyuán Chángfēng. It’s enough to call me Chángfēng. Don’t believe a word my friend says—it’s all a misunderstanding, a big misunderstanding.”

That evening, Gǒu Yè hosted a grand banquet at home. It was the happiest day since his arrival in the capital. Seeing so many familiar faces felt like returning home to Tǔmén Village. The gathering was filled with laughter and joy. Over drinks, Gǒu Yè recounted all that had happened since arriving in the capital to Gù Shēn.

Through Dàlì, he also learned of the village’s current state. Since the downfall of Qín Huī, commerce had prospered greatly, and many had earned considerable silver. Cái Shēng was still in the village; he had taken on an apprentice to nurture, hoping that one day this pupil could take over. Then, the apprentice would come to seek Gǒu Yè in the capital. Hearing this made Gǒu Yè deeply happy—prosperity for the village was his greatest wish, and Cái Shēng was close to his heart. After all, the boy had been with him so long. After all, Lái Fú was somewhat better than him.

“Who is this apprentice Cái Shēng took?” Yúnniáng asked curiously.

“Brother Lǐ Zhì. Cái Shēng said you care about him the most.” Dàlì replied.

Gǒu Yè nodded with satisfaction. Indeed, Cái Shēng was thoughtful. Then he looked at Gù Shēn and said, “Don’t drink too much tonight. Tomorrow morning you’ll come with me to the shop opening, alright?”

Gù Shēn agreed repeatedly but had already downed several drinks.

The next day, the group, slightly unsteady, stood before the new shop. A single firecracker exploded, jolting them awake.

In front of the shop, a crowd had gathered, drawn by curiosity. Compared to when Gǒu Yè ran his ice food stall, this scene was far livelier. People looked up and around at the signboard, which bore two large characters: “Chomp a Chicken,” with a smaller line underneath reading, “Have You Eaten Chicken Today?” The most distinctive feature was a portrait of an old man with a smiling face beside the sign. Though simple, the image left a deep impression.

This image was a special creation of Gǒu Yè’s, borrowed from his own era. He had placed an American gentleman’s likeness there but had asked Xuānyuán Chángfēng to adapt the style to fit the current era by dressing the figure in traditional clothing familiar to the locals.

After opening, customers poured in. Someone called out for a waiter, but none appeared. The shop manager behind the counter beckoned, and a young man came forward. The patrons, unused to such an establishment, looked puzzled.

It was only after the manager patiently explained the shop’s consumption model—an explanation Gǒu Yè had trained him to deliver—that everyone understood.

Everything was so novel. Customers began entering the shop with curiosity. When the first person tasted the hamburger wrapped in oiled paper, his face lit up with excitement.

“Heavens! This is so delicious! I’ve never tasted anything so wonderful. You must try it—truly a delight from the heavens!”

Gǒu Yè watched him with a sly smile, thinking if this man were in the modern world, he’d surely win an Oscar.

Gù Shēn noticed the mischievous look and asked, “Who is he?”

Gǒu Yè leaned close to Gù Shēn’s ear and whispered, “A stooge!”