Upon reaching town, Jiang Zhou became serious.

Having seen the tea house’s layout, he had a preliminary idea in mind. However, lacking details about the kitchen, he needed to consult Xuchang.

Deciding to build the kitchen in the backyard, the stove would be in the innermost part, and the chimney would lead outside. There would be a space for cutting and stacking vegetables in the middle. Waiters outside would take orders and hand them directly to the cook, facilitating quick service once dishes were ready, avoiding obstacles and inconveniences.

The stove aligned with this area, while the dishwashing and chicken-handling section would be separated from the outside. A clean river outside the back door provided an ideal spot for washing pots and pans.

Jiang Zhou intended to modify the table structure for practical use. The bottom table couldn’t be utilized as it was needed for the heat. A groove in the middle and an embedded charcoal space underneath would be necessary.

After some thought, Jiang Zhou made a suggestion: “Adding charcoal from the bottom might risk burning the guests if it leaks. It’s better to add the charcoal from the top; it’s more convenient.”

Lu Dalang nodded, saying, “I have already found the table. Someone will send the drawings over later.”

As for the remaining tables, since they were updated half a year ago, they didn’t look too old now. They discussed and prepared to find a home to sell them to, ensuring they go to people who could make good use of them.

The hall was divided into two sides, with five private rooms upstairs. The middle one was still empty. Jiang Zhou plans to add two more rows of tables, making a total of sixteen tables in four rows below, sufficient for turnover.

Additionally, the plaque outside needed changing. After discussions between Jiang Zhou and Lu Dalang, they decided on ‘Lu Jiang Tower’.

After these decisions, the focus shifted to signing the deed, and the decoration would follow later on.

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Meanwhile, the renovation of Jiang Zhou’s house progressed quickly.

Led by Liu Erlang, the skilled team worked efficiently. They completed the tasks and awaited Jiang Zhou to pack up the furniture and move in.

Being the first two-story building in Xiaohe Village, constructed from stone and sand, it attracted attention during its initial construction. As the buildings progressed on, curiosity grew, and people continued to watch.

The two floors stood impressively high, visible even from the small riverbank and passing ships. Many were eager to see the style Jiang Zhou’s family would bring.

Furniture ordered from Jiaojia Wood Shop had arrived. After Liu Erlang finished laying the second-floor floor, the goods were received and placed inside.

In the room upstairs, Jiang Zhou was meticulously laying down fluffy blankets on the floor. They had collected furs from Liu Sanlang and sewed them at home. While the patterns weren’t particularly beautiful, the blankets were soft, making it comfortable for Xiao Yi’s his skin to play and roll around.

On the day the house was completed, Jiang Zhou opened the door and invited the villagers over for a custom called a house greeting. Whenever a new house was built, people would walk around to make it more festive, especially in the kitchen, where they would go in to watch the heat and ensure there would be no leakage in the future.

Jiang Zhou had already made cakes, candies, and distributed them door-to-door, including red eggs as Xiao Yi was also brought home.

Wen Yuanxing and his wife followed for the house greeting. After everyone left, Jiang Zhou cooked a meal in the new house to treat his relatives and friends.

.

While he was busy cooking, Li Yue pulled Wen Yan aside for a conversation.

Observing Jiang Zhou’s busy figure inside, she asked quietly, “He doesn’t plan to have another child?”

Wen Yan was stunned for a moment: “What do you mean, mom?”

Li Yue nudged him with her elbow: “You don’t want another child!”

Wen Yan blushed instantly: “What are you talking about! How old is Xiao Yi…we haven’t considered this.”

Li Yue sighed with a bit of regret: “Honestly, I still wish you could have a girl or a brother for Xiao Yi. I just thought it might be difficult for shuanger to give birth, so I didn’t say anything.”

Wen Yan murmured: “Why did you suddenly think of this?”

Li Yue snorted coldly: “Isn’t it your good aunt. She mentioned about her cousin-in-law who had three children. She keeps complaining about you only have a child after three years.”

Li Wan actually talked a bit more but Li Yue too embarrassed to say ugly words in front of her child. As a shuanger, it was hard to give birth and Wen Yan might only have one child. Li Yue was a little worried too.

He frowned: “Whatever she said, it’s up to us whether we want another child. Why does she care about this?”

Wen Yan remained resolute. He despised Li Wan’s gossip. What was the point? Speaking badly of others was truly disgusting.

Observing Li Yue’s worried expression, he paused, saying, “You don’t have to worry so much. Zhou-ge and I have already discussed whether we want to expand our family. Besides, Xiao Yi is still young. If there is new baby now, he might not be happy and feeling that the younger one has taken away his favor.”

Almost as if agreeing with him, Xiao Yi said “Ah” twice. Wen Yan hugged him and coaxed, “One is enough; don’t add another now. It’s a hassle.”

Jiang Zhou poked his head out from inside, asking, “What’s the trouble?”

“It’s okay, carry on with your work,” Wen Yan smiled, adding, “Tie your clothes tightly; the oil might splash, and it’s hard to wash.”

Jiang Zhou blinked and raised his hands, showing he had no clean hands.

Wen Yan was momentarily stunned, handed Xiao Yi to Li Yue, and stood up to tie Jiang Zhou’s clothes.

.

Concerned that Wen Yan might feel uncomfortable with Li Yue watching, Jiang Zhou purposely stepped back a bit. As he wore the belt from the back, Wen Yan had to go from the front to the back to tie it, putting them in a hugging position.

Jiang Zhou raised his hands, lowering his head to watch Wen Yan tie his belt, expecting a charming atmosphere. However, Wen Yan frowned, saying, “Why do you seem a little… these days?”

“A little what?”

Wen Yan gestured and blinked, “It seems… a little fat…? The waist is a bit thick.”

“???”

Jiang Zhou had black lines all over his head.

Seeing the frustrated expression on his face, Wen Yan burst into laughter, “I suddenly remembered you said that about me before.”

When Wen Yan was pregnant with their first child, Jiang Zhou, half-asleep, touched his waist and expressed surprise at his weight gain, even examining his waist and abdomen carefully and concluding that Wen Yan was getting fat.

Thinking about it now, Wen Yan felt Jiang Zhou was probably clueless at that time.

The two exchanged glances, finding a narrow smile in each other’s eyes.

Just as Wen Yan was about to speak, someone rushed in from outside with a panicked look on his face, exclaiming, “Oh no, no no!”

Jiang Zhou glanced at him and asked, “What’s wrong? Why the rush?”

The man, still in a hurry, attempted to pull Jiang Zhou away, stating, “An imperial envoy has arrived at the government office, and he specifically wants to see you!”

Jiang Zhou and Wen Yan looked at each other, both wearing a perplexed expression.

“Imperial envoy? Why would they want to see me?”