Kowtow and Apologize

When Li Yanhao really ordered a fully vegetarian banquet, not a single meat dish, Su Shimao panicked and hurriedly said, "Your Lordship, perhaps you should order some meat dishes as well?"

Before Li Yanhao could respond, Madam Zhao quickly interjected to Su Shimao, "Shimao, His Lordship said he wants vegetarian dishes, so let him have vegetarian dishes!"

Su Shimao glared at his clueless mother, shaking with anger. He thought to himself, is this really the time to save money? This is our only chance to curry favor with royalty, and all she can think about is pinching pennies!

Grandpa Su also felt stingy about the money and disliked Su Shimao acting grand when he didn't earn a cent. He said to Su Shimao, "Shimao, His Lordship is showing compassion for the common folk. That's a blessing for us. You should say less."

With both his grandfather and mother speaking up, Su Shimao couldn't protest any further, lest Li Yanhao think he was disrespectful to his elders and lacking in filial piety. So he could only sit down in frustration, his face dark as iron.

Once the dishes were ordered, Fragrant Pavilion served the food at lightning speed, and soon the table was full.

The all-vegetarian banquet at Fragrant Pavilion was nothing like the vegetarian fare at Su Li's vegetarian restaurant. Here, it was truly all vegetables—greens and radishes galore. Though the cooking was delicious, it still tasted like nothing but veggies, unlike the faux-meat dishes at the vegetarian restaurant.

Su Li, Li Yanhao, and Governor Yao were all used to feasting on meat at home, so this table full of vegetables was just right for cleansing their palates—a refreshing change.

But for the Su family, who ate wild greens and radishes every day at home, coming to Fragrant Pavilion for more radishes—even if they tasted better—was hardly exciting.

After a few rounds of drinks, Governor Yao spoke up: "You two families are really one—blood is thicker than water. There were some misunderstandings recently, but today, face to face, let's clear the air. Once the knot is untied, we'll go back to being one harmonious family."

Su Li smiled and said, "Governor Yao is right."

Governor Yao said, "Madam Su, you are broad-minded and admirable! To be honest, I was misled by Su Meixiang’s slander and believed your land had bad feng shui, so I wanted to demolish it. I was considering the people of Qingmiao City, which led to our previous conflict. I hope you can understand."

Su Li laughed, "Governor Yao serves the country and the people, I admire you. Besides, it was a petty person stirring up trouble and deceiving you. Li Yanhao and I both understand clearly."

Su Meixiang lowered her head, poking at the vegetables in her bowl, seething with hatred. She knew she would be the scapegoat, all the blame would fall on her.

Su Meixiang cursed internally, 'That shameless Su Li, using her beauty to climb up to Li Yanhao, truly disgraceful!'

Governor Yao glanced at Su Meixiang, his face darkening. He said coldly, "Su Meixiang, you have caused so much trouble, you should kneel and apologize to Madam Su!"

Su Meixiang gripped her chopsticks tightly, her face pale. She didn't move, stubbornly refusing to kneel.

Governor Yao slammed his chopsticks down on the table, his voice thunderous: "Kneel! Apologize!"

Su Meixiang trembled all over, her eyes filled with resentment, but she didn't dare defy Governor Yao. She slid off her seat and knelt before Su Li, her voice trembling: "Madam Su, I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Su Li looked at her coldly, not saying a word.

Governor Yao said, "Madam Su, do you accept her apology?"

Su Li replied calmly, "Governor Yao, since she has admitted her mistake, I accept her apology. Let bygones be bygones."