She Became A Downfall Noble Lady-Chapter 1054 - 1052: An Honored Guest of Distinguished Status

The emperor greatly disdained Duke An’s superficial demeanor. Although, once stepping out of the palace, he indeed did not have a place where he could consume without spending money, wasn’t there just one now?

With pride, the emperor said, "Since we don’t need silver, we should definitely have a good taste, to see if this renowned Pastry House lives up to its reputation."

Saying this, he looked over at several attendants nearby and instructed, "Quickly go arrange the largest, brightest, and most comfortable private room in your establishment. I’ll first see if it’s suitable; if not, we’ll change."

The attendants had previously come forward to attend to the young masters, but hearing this old gentleman’s tone, surprisingly greater than even the Old Duke, they couldn’t help but be stunned.

Behind them, the manager of the Pastry House trotted over, taking quick steps as he hurried forward, slightly panting, and continuously greeted, "Yes, yes, this way please, sir, this way. Our best private room is just available."

The manager bowed and gestured invitingly, while glaring at the two dazed attendants, silently cursing these unobservant youngsters. Both the Duke and the Young Duke came, can’t they sit in his best private room? They were still hesitating! Moreover, didn’t they see how imposing this elder was? Even when facing Duke An, his presence not only didn’t lessen but increased substantially.

The emperor was about to turn and follow the manager inside when he spotted Ye Yuan and Ah Xiu, who had just been arguing over "grandma" and "aunt," now holding hands affectionately.

Ye Yuan was currently standing beside Duke An, a small person, yet he stood with chest out and head up, full of confidence. Ah Xiu’s eyes were lively, glancing back and forth among the emperor and several guards beside him, her gaze extremely nimble.

Another youth and a boy of about ten were observed, recalling their earlier conversation, quite different from his own younger generation, seeming somehow warmly comforting.

The emperor withdrew his gaze, dropped a line before stepping forward, "Let’s go together. More people make dining lively." Then, full of pride, without sparing a glance, walked leisurely on his own.

Duke An sighed quietly, called his children, and followed the emperor.

The emperor’s position was indeed too high, sitting there, enjoying the power no one else ever had, yet he also lost the common familial affection and fun.

The group went to the third floor, and the manager, indeed not boasting, led them into a large street-facing private room.

Upon entering, there was a solid wooden floor, and further in, half the room was covered with a thick Western Regions carpet, on which were several low seats. On the uncovered wooden floor of the other half stood a set of table and chairs.

All the table and chairs, low seats were made of premium wood, with clear grain and refined carving. They didn’t seem old but shone brightly, likely due to burlap polishing, looking soft.

The room’s flower shelf and the multi-treasure cabinet were filled with pieces like famous porcelain, corals, wood sculptures, and more.

The curtains on the window corners used silk gauze and thick brocade, also exquisitely beautiful. Though it was mid-winter, with doors and windows shut, no direct sunlight could stream in, yet among the curtains, a faint shimmer of light could still be seen.

Most rare were the street-facing windows, each fitted with three pieces of glazed tiles, which brightened up the whole room considerably. Probably a heated dragon was lit, as there’s no brazier, yet it’s warm and cozy.

The manager bent, making way for the old gentleman, whose identity remained unknown yet invited inside the room.

But the emperor didn’t give the manager face, stepping in, surveying the luxurious room, then cast a sidelong glance at Duke An, remarking, "I never knew earning money could be this easy. Just a shop selling snacks and pastries, yet they can adorn such a lavish room; the profit from the pastry business must be substantial!"

The manager was drenched in sweat upon hearing this. Though knowing your status was high, did you have to speak so irresponsibly? Being rude to the Duke might be barely tolerable, but your words implied our Pastry House had management issues.

The manager wanted to explain but feared offending this unknown esteemed person. His hesitant heart was exceedingly troubled.

Qi Sanshun and Qi Jiaer also sensed the odd atmosphere, stood closely by Duke An, waiting for him to respond or instruct.

Duke An wasn’t tense like the others. In his view, the emperor’s sardonic remarks stemmed from envy and jealousy, trying to find fault in a perfect situation.

In business, if it doesn’t generate profit, can it still be called business? As long as legal and reasonable, the more silver earned, the more competent people are proven.

Historically, it’s said: things are treasured for their rarity. When items are rare and exquisite, naturally their prices rise, is there a need to say more?

Considering the emperor’s difficult life, Duke An didn’t fuss with him, cheerfully offered the emperor a seat on the plush and thick Western Regions carpet low seat.

"Great Master Huang, your taste is the most authoritative. You’ve come just in time to help us test the food and pastries here, to see if they are palatable. If you find them unappetizing, this Pastry House must be nothing but a facade."

The emperor felt somewhat satisfied with Duke An’s discernment, handed his heavy outerwear to an attendant, knelt upon the carpet cross-legged. As he lifted his eyes, the children all watched him, with curiosity and incomprehension rather than flattery, fear, or reverence, their gaze shifting between him and Duke An.

Such natural demeanor uplifted the emperor’s mood. "Come, come, sit together, why remain standing?" Then he cast a disdainful glance at Duke An, indicating a side low seat, "Elder Master Ye also, please sit."

Both the Pastry House’s manager and the two attendants were filled with internal turmoil, watching the esteemed Old Duke courteously thank before sitting behind a side small table at the elder’s signal.

Could you tell us your identity? We’ve never received such an egotistic and pretentious person at our Pastry House.

Qi Sanshun and Qi Jiaer were quietly wondering in their hearts while responding to Duke An’s gesture, formally presenting a ceremonial salute to the emperor, an obeisance, yet addressing him as previously: "Young master greets you, sir."

Following them, Ye Yuan and Ah Xiu also joined the commotion in their own salutes. Afterwards, each child took their seats, Ye Yuan and Ah Xiu were supported by two handmaids as they kneeled behind a low seat with decorum.

Duke An turned to the manager, "Bring your menu, and fetch an articulate attendant to introduce the dishes to the gentleman."

The emperor, previously provoked by Duke An, now just wanted to feast endlessly, make Duke An pay for his pleasure, having no patience left for any menu. He waved, "No need for introductions, bring a serving of every distinctive dish from your Pastry House."

The manager replied, "Yes," but cast his eyes toward Duke An.

Seeing Duke An slightly nod, the manager bowed and was about to retreat to make arrangements when the emperor merrily called to the already seated children, "And you, eat whatever you like, have whatever you fancy, we must enjoy ourselves thoroughly today."