Cutting in Line for a Meal
The subordinate thought for a moment and said, "The most famous place in Qingmiao City is Xiangmanlou."
Prince Ling waved his hand, "Xiangmanlou's dishes are good, but we've been eating there for days. Is there anything fresher or more novel?"
Just then, a passing student with a bundle on his back smiled and interjected, "If we're talking about the most famous and innovative restaurant, it has to be our Shilipo's 'Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant!'"
"Oh!? Vegetarian restaurant?" Prince Ling shook his head disdainfully, "What's so special about a vegetarian restaurant? It's just some greens and radishes. Only you scholars, who are picky about vegetarian food, would go for tasteless vegetarian dishes."
The student gave a look that said, "See, you just don't know!" and shook his finger, "You must be from out of town, no wonder you don't know! Our Shilipo's Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant makes vegetarian dishes unlike anywhere else! Elsewhere, vegetarian restaurants are just as you said, radishes and greens, no matter how well cooked, they taste the same. But at our Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant, the owner’s skillful hands can make vegetables taste like meat, with color, aroma, and flavor all perfect—better than real meat! Our Wutong Academy's teachers and students all highly praise Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant's vegetarian dishes!"
Prince Ling's eyes lit up, "Oh, really? They can make vegetables taste like meat? Are you serious?"
"Of course it's true! If you don't believe me, just ask anyone. Everyone knows!" The student cupped his hands to Prince Ling, "I’m in a hurry, so I’ll leave now. If you want to go to Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant, just go straight ahead. It’s in the best spot on Shilipo Street."
The student finished speaking and left.
Prince Ling stroked his chin. Having eaten all kinds of delicacies since childhood, he had never seen vegetables made to taste like meat, let alone better than meat.
"If it’s really that amazing, I must try it myself!" Prince Ling decided and immediately headed in the direction the student had indicated, towards the legendary Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant.
Before reaching the vegetarian restaurant’s entrance, he saw a long queue outside. Those in line first got a number ticket at the door, then returned to the queue to sit, with the restaurant providing stoves and plum wine. People sat outside drinking and chatting while waiting, making the queue quite elegant, showing the owner’s meticulous care.
Prince Ling noticed that those queuing included wealthy young masters from Wutong Academy and some elderly scholars with white hair, many of whom were famous contemporary experts, all waiting in line to eat here!
Seeing so many great scholars willing to brave the cold and queue, Prince Ling wondered just how delicious the vegetarian dishes must be.
Prince Ling suddenly became very interested and strode to the entrance.
The attendant, seeing Prince Ling's luxurious all-black fox fur cape, recognized him as a wealthy guest and smiled broadly, holding a number ticket with both hands: "Sir, sorry, the restaurant is full. If you want to wait for a seat, please take this number and queue until your number is called."
Prince Ling stared at the number ticket and immediately frowned. He was a royal prince—how dare this vegetarian restaurant make him queue?
Prince Ling got angry, and a fierce aura immediately radiated from him. Ignoring the attendant, he stepped inside.
The attendant panicked, worried that if one person cut the line, others would follow and cause chaos. He hurried after Prince Ling, smiling and saying, "Sir, you have to queue!"
"Hmph, get lost!" Prince Ling shouted fiercely, scaring the attendant so much his legs almost gave out. Prince Ling strode in boldly, shooed away a table that was about to be seated, and plopped down. "Bring me your signature dishes—only the best!"