Chapter 11: Donuts – This Little Girl is Too Good at Business!

 

The white dough had grown larger than before, now plump and resting snugly in the basin, filling it to the brim.

 

Yihuan washed her hands and poked the risen dough with her finger. It no longer bounced back, which made her very satisfied.

 

Next, she sprinkled a thin layer of white flour onto the countertop. Then, using some strength, she pulled the risen dough out of the basin and placed it on the countertop to knead.

 

With rhythmic movements, she applied pressure with her wrist and the base of her thumb, molding the dough into a smooth, round shape. Then, she rolled the large dough into a long strip.

 

The long strip of dough lay obediently on the countertop. Yihuan took out a knife and began cutting the strip into smaller pieces of dough, each one destined to become a donut.

 

She covered the small dough pieces with a cloth, allowing them to undergo a second fermentation for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea (T/Note: approximately 15-20 minutes).

 

While waiting, Yihuan leaned by the window and looked outside.

 

By now, it was late. Many shops along Changming Street had already closed.

 

However, as the Northern Dynasty had no curfew, Tianshui Alley, located just a few steps away from Changming Street, was bustling with activity.

 

Yihuan’s shop was at the end of Changming Street. She gazed toward Tianshui Alley, where colorful lanterns illuminated the path, and men and women of all sorts lingered on the streets, creating an atmosphere of flirtation and intrigue.

 

Her gaze swept over the entrance of Tianshui Alley, and she recalled how she had almost been bumped into earlier. She instinctively reached into her pocket—the delicate jade whistle was still there.

 

Note: Jade whistles, often finely crafted, were sometimes given as tokens or used to summon someone discreetly in ancient China. 

 

She took out the whistle and examined it carefully, growing fonder of it the more she looked. Yihuan couldn’t understand how such a rare and exquisite object could be casually handed over to someone.

 

Carefully, she tucked the jade whistle away and went to check on the fermented dough.

 

Lifting the cloth, she found the dough perfectly risen. She picked up one of the round dough pieces, extended her slender finger, and poked it right in the center. After gently twirling her finger, a hole appeared in the middle, forming the prototype of a donut.

 

After shaping more than twenty donuts, she lit the stove and prepared for frying.

 

Donuts have a certain thickness, so controlling the heat was crucial. If the heat was too high, the outside would burn while the inside remained raw. If too low, the donuts would overcook and become tough.

 

Adjusting the flame to medium, she carefully placed the first donut into the hot oil.

 

The soft dough entered the oil with a satisfying “sizzle.” Yihuan waited for it to firm up slightly before using chopsticks to gently flip it over.

 

The once pale donut now revealed a slightly golden underside, emitting a distinct, appetizing aroma of fried dough.

 

After a few more rolls in the oil, the donut turned a uniform golden yellow. Yihuan quickly scooped it out and placed it on the side to drain the excess oil.

 

She had prepared a plate filled with powdered sugar. Once the donuts had cooled slightly, she laid them flat in the sugar, letting the sweet powder coat them thoroughly.

 

With the sugar coating complete, a donut was finished!

Yihuan repeated the process until all twenty-something donuts were done.

Standing up, she stretched her body, then looked at the neatly arranged golden donuts, her heart brimming with anticipation for the next day.

 

—

 

As spring turned to summer, the nights were pleasant, and sleep should have come easily. Yet, for some reason, Liu Hexiao couldn’t fall asleep.

 

After tossing and turning on his bed for an hour and a half, he was still wide awake.

 

Feeling frustrated, Liu Hexiao sat up abruptly.

 

His thoughts wandered, yet he couldn’t pinpoint what felt off about his entire being.

 

Sitting idly for a while, he finally stepped barefoot onto the floor. His jet-black hair cascaded like ink, and his eyes gleamed with a deep, somber light.

 

Dragging his feet, he slowly walked to the window and pushed it open.

 

Outside, the night was silent. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying away some of his irritation.

 

He gazed out at the stillness for a moment, then instinctively reached into his chest pocket to search for his jade whistle.

 

After rummaging for a while, he realized it was missing.

 

A surge of unease washed over him. “Cheng Lingwei!” he called out.

 

Cheng Lingwei, standing guard outside his door with his sword, immediately rushed over upon hearing the call.

 

“Your Highness, what happened?” he asked from outside the window.

 

Liu Hexiao’s expression darkened. “Have you seen my jade whistle?”

 

Cheng Lingwei paused, startled. “Do you mean… the jade whistle the eldest young master left to you?”

 

Liu Hexiao’s face grew even more grim. “What other whistle could I possibly mean?”

 

Shaking his head, Cheng Lingwei replied, “I haven’t seen it… When did you last have it?”

 

“Just a few days ago. I was sure I saw it then.”

 

Cheng Lingwei pondered briefly. “That whistle is intricately made and only slightly larger than a silver ingot. Could it have slipped out of your clothing?”

 

“I don’t know,” Liu Hexiao muttered, his irritation mounting. He had visited many places in the past two days while accompanying Yang Zhaozhi. Retracing his steps would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

 

Still, no matter how impossible, he couldn’t give up.

 

Peering out the window, he ordered, “Prepare the horses. We’re going to find it.”

 

Cheng Lingwei was taken aback. “Now? Your Highness, this is unwise! If the prince finds out you went out in the middle of the night for the whistle left by the eldest young master… he’ll be furious!”

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at him coldly. “So what? Isn’t he always angry?”

 

Cheng Lingwei faltered but tried again. “Most shops are closed now. Wouldn’t it be better to wait until morning?”

 

Although anxious, Liu Hexiao knew he was right. Pressing his lips together, he relented. “Wake me at dawn.”

 

With a sharp “slam,” he shut the window.

 

At first light of the morning, Yihuan rose from bed.

 

She lightly knocked on the door of the neighboring room to wake Ah-miao and Lin Yiran.

 

Lin Yiran, being young, wasn’t used to waking so early. He sat up groggily, his eyes still clouded with sleep.

 

Ah-miao hurriedly washed her face and then busied herself helping Lin Yiran get ready.

 

Yihuan, always quick with her tasks, had already packed the donuts into kraft paper bags she had prepared in advance.

 

All the donuts were neatly arranged in a large bamboo basket, which Ah-miao volunteered to carry.

 

The early morning streets were still a bit chilly, and there weren’t many people roaming. The three walked side by side, but Lin Yiran lagged behind, looking listless.

 

Yihuan squeezed his little hand. “Still sleepy?”

 

Lin Yiran nodded silently.

 

Yihuan pulled out a donut and handed it to him. “Eat something, and you won’t feel as tired.”

 

The sight of the donut perked him up a bit.

 

Holding the donut with his small hands, he took a big bite. The powdered sugar on the crispy golden crust melted in his mouth, instantly waking up his taste buds!

 

The donut had a deliciously rich flavor, with a hint of milkiness. It was soft yet chewy, and after one bite, he couldn’t wait for the next.

 

With his mouth full, Lin Yiran exclaimed, “Sister, it’s so good!”  Yihuan smiled, her eyes narrowing with joy.

 

Before they knew it, they had reached the entrance of Changming Street, near the East Market. The timing was perfect; they could meet workers heading to their jobs and students on their way to school.

 

Yihuan observed the area. Several breakfast stalls were already set up nearby, but most sold simple items like steamed buns, flatbreads, or boiled eggs—convenient but uninspired.

 

Finding an open spot at the street corner, Yihuan set down the bamboo basket.

 

She thought for a moment and said, “Ah-miao, take a donut and start eating it while selling.”

 

Ah-miao tilted her head in confusion. “Miss, why?”

 

Yihuan explained, “No one has seen donuts before. If you just shout about them, people might not come over. But if you eat one and look like you’re really enjoying it, it’ll attract attention.”

 

Hearing this, Ah-miao smiled confidently. “Miss, don’t worry. I look good eating anything!”

 

At that moment, three or four laborers were passing by.

 

Yihuan quickly held up a donut and called out loudly, “Freshly made donuts! Only two wens each! Big brothers, come and take a look!”

 

One of the men glanced curiously at Yihuan and seemed interested in the donuts. But before he could approach, another man grabbed his arm and said, “Donuts? Sounds like something for women. Not for us!”

 

With that, the curious man was dragged away.

 

Yihuan frowned slightly, recalling the plain vegetarian buns they ate yesterday. She realized her primary customers today were men laborers who needed hearty, affordable food.

 

Thinking quickly, she changed her pitch: “Freshly made donuts! Just one will keep you full all day and give you endless energy!”

 

Ah-miao stared at Yihuan in awe. “Miss, how are you suddenly reciting rhymes like a street vendor?”

 

But the strategy worked. Hearing the new pitch, an older man passing by turned to look.

 

Yihuan seized the opportunity and called out, “Uncle, would you like to try a donut? It’s delicious!”

 

The man hesitated. “What’s it made of?”

 

“Flour, coated with a layer of sugar,” Yihuan replied.

 

The man frowned. “Just flour? Then why is it two coins each?!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Good things are worth their price. You’ll understand once you try.”

 

She cut off a small piece with a knife and handed it to him. “Here, have a taste.”

 

The man reluctantly accepted the sample and put it in his mouth.

 

Having gone all night without eating, his stomach was empty. As soon as the sugar touched his tongue, it awakened his hunger. The fried dough was wonderfully fragrant and satisfyingly chewy, giving him a slight sense of fullness with just one bite.

 

It was far better than plain steamed buns!

 

Excitement lit up his face.

 

Meanwhile, Ah-miao, still munching on her donut, chimed in, “Uncle, why not buy one? It’s worth it!”

 

The man hesitated, clearly reluctant to spend the money.

 

Reading his thoughts, Ah-miao added, “You work so hard. Treating yourself to something tasty once in a while is only fair. One donut will brighten your whole day!”

 

The man finally gave in, handing over two coins. “Little girl, you’re too good at business!”

 

Yihuan accepted the money with a cheerful smile. “Thank you, Uncle! Come back anytime!”

 

Selling their first donut left the three of them a little giddy with excitement. Lin Yiran, however, had been shyly staying in the background.

 

Encouraging him, Yihuan said, “Yiran, why don’t you give it a try later? Let’s see if you can sell one donut today, okay?”

 

Lin Yiran nodded quietly. Though he was smart, he still felt a little embarrassed.

 

Yihuan patted his head with a smile and turned to continue selling.

 

When she raised her head, she spotted two men on horseback approaching.

 

The man leading the pair wore a crimson robe that shimmered like flowing fire. His gaze was sharp, and his demeanor cold.

 

Yihuan froze for a moment. Liu Hexiao?

 

As they rode past the street corner, Liu Hexiao’s tightly pressed lips relaxed slightly, and his eyes flicked toward Yihuan.

 

His expression shifted subtly.

 

It’s her again?!

 

****

Translator’s Note:- Donut: https://youtu.be/Umq-NNObBrs?si=eHMHpFHxyxZur9Pt

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