After transmigrating into the body of a widow, I became the richest man in the capital.

Chapter 128 The Princess Consort Tries to Steal the Soy Sauce Recipe
Su Xiaoxiao could tell from the old woman's appearance that she was the kind of woman who was wise and righteous, and after scolding her son, she sincerely apologized to both Qian Musheng and Su Xiaoxiao.

Is this matter resolved? Su Xiaoxiao and Qian Musheng walked out of the private room, and Manager Wang wiped the sweat from his face.

"Young Master Qian, that really scared me to death. I thought that man wouldn't let it go, and that it would ruin the reputation of our Eight Immortals Restaurant. This guy doesn't look like someone to mess with..."

Manager Wang was right; this guy is indeed not someone to mess with. If things get out of hand, the other customers will find out, and it will be difficult to handle.

I thought that was the end of it, but the old woman said she had something to discuss with Qian Musheng.

After Qian Musheng entered the private room, the old woman spoke to him for a few minutes. Then, Qian Musheng came out of the private room with a frown and called Su Xiaoxiao in again.

All the other maids and servants in the private room left, leaving only the old woman.

At this moment, the old woman coughed softly and said to Su Xiaoxiao, "Please sit down."

Su Xiaoxiao didn't stand on ceremony and sat down in the chair in front of the old woman without any hesitation.

"My son may have offended you earlier, please forgive him, young lady. I still don't know your honorable name."

Su Xiaoxiao politely introduced herself, "Oh, so you're Miss Su."

"Let me introduce myself. I am Princess Liu, the mother of Prince Gong."

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoxiao was surprised to learn that the old woman was actually a princess. So, was the man from earlier Prince Gong?
“That’s my godson. To be honest, Prince Gong is really busy with his affairs and didn’t come back for the ancestral worship this time. My godson wanted to make a good impression at my birthday banquet, which is why he was being a bit difficult for you. But I’ve already reprimanded him.”

"Oh, it's alright, the misunderstanding is cleared up."

Su Xiaoxiao smiled calmly.

She knew that this seemingly kind old woman had called her into the house not just to apologize.

"The kitchen just made us another batch of Four Happiness Meatballs. After taking a bite, I felt that this Four Happiness Meatballs was so much better than any I had before. It wasn't salty at all and didn't taste bitter. It was only because my family was ignorant that we made such a mistake."

Su Xiaoxiao hurriedly explained, "Actually, that's because the new soy sauce abandons the traditional soy sauce's use of meat as a basic ingredient and is brewed using pure natural soybeans. This avoids the problem of traditional soy sauce having a short shelf life and easily burning food, which can affect people's health. Eating burnt food can easily lead to cancer."

Su Xiaoxiao's explanation went a bit too far, leaving the princess in front of her stunned. Su Xiaoxiao quickly stopped herself.

"Since you find it delicious, please come and visit our Baxianlou restaurant often."

After Su Xiaoxiao finished speaking, she prepared to leave, but the old princess stopped her.

"Mr. Su, don't leave yet, I have something to discuss with you."

The old princess changed the subject, her tone seemingly carrying an unquestionable, even slightly commanding, quality.

Su Xiaoxiao could understand this. After all, the woman was Prince Gong's mother, so it was understandable that she would speak to her like this if she wanted to maintain a certain air. "I have a favor to ask. I would like you to sell this new soy sauce house to us. We will definitely give you a good price."

Su Xiaoxiao was stunned. She hadn't expected the old princess to have such intentions. Seeing her attitude, Su Xiaoxiao felt that she didn't even have a way to refuse.

"I cannot do that, Your Highness. I have already sold the soy sauce recipe to Young Master Qian of the Eight Immortals Restaurant. It would be inappropriate for me to go back on my word and sell the recipe to you again, would it?"

Upon hearing this, the old princess felt that Su Xiaoxiao's way of speaking to her was simply outrageous.

Her face darkened. "Mr. Su, as I just said, I'm prepared to spend a large sum of money to buy this formula, and I didn't force you to. But your direct refusal without even considering it is a bit disrespectful to me, a princess."

In the old princess's eyes, Su Xiaoxiao was just an ordinary rural woman. She had spoken to her nicely, but the woman not only didn't appreciate it, but also rejected her directly in a tone that left no room for argument. It was simply outrageous.

The implication was that even if they directly robbed it, so what? Not to mention that a higher-ranking official can crush someone, the difference in status was so vast, did Su Xiaoxiao not know who she was talking to?

Speaking of this, Su Xiaoxiao actually hated the feudal system with its huge class distinctions. Why should you, as a princess, be able to bully the weak and take away other people's things?

Su Xiaoxiao knew that what she was doing was indeed somewhat insubordinate. She was from the lowest rung of society, and she really couldn't afford to offend the high and mighty princess. The princess could crush her with a flick of her finger.

Thinking of this, Su Xiaoxiao softened her tone.

“Your Highness, since you are a princess of such high status, you should understand the importance of respecting other people’s choices. There is a first-come, first-served principle in everything. Since I have already agreed to Qian Musheng’s request, I cannot go back on my word. Even if it is just a verbal agreement, I must keep my word, right? I’m sorry, Your Highness, I can’t help you with this matter.”

Since things had come to this point, Su Xiaoxiao felt there was no need to stay in the room any longer. She gave the old princess a deep bow, then turned and left the private room.

Regardless of whether the old princess behind her was furious, Su Xiaoxiao thought to herself, I don't care about your oppressive hierarchical system or your suffocatingly complicated etiquette, I'm not afraid of you.

Su Xiaoxiao went outside and saw Qian Musheng standing there. Qian Musheng looked like he was watching a show, but the old princess quickly summoned him inside.

Su Xiaoxiao didn't listen outside the private room. There were many of the princess's people outside the private room. After Su Xiaoxiao walked out of the private room, a breeze blew by, and she seemed to calm down a bit.

She's a princess! Will doing this cause Qian Musheng any trouble? It seems I'm still too young and don't think things through before acting.

Su Xiaoxiao felt a little regretful.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the old princess walked out of the private room with her head held high. Behind her was Qian Musheng, who bowed slightly and made a "please" gesture. The old princess walked up to Su Xiaoxiao and glanced at her.

The old princess didn't say much, but left with her entourage.

Su Xiaoxiao looked at Qian Musheng's expression and couldn't figure it out. Did Qian Musheng agree to give the soy sauce recipe to the old princess?
"how?"

Su Xiaoxiao asked Qian Musheng.

(End of this chapter)