Chapter 12: Jade Whistle – Liu Hexiao, What Are You Doing!?
However, Liu Hexiao’s gaze lingered only for a moment before he rode past on horseback, kicking up a cloud of dust.
“Cough, cough…” Ah-miao, standing at the street corner, couldn’t stop coughing. “This Liu Shizi is so annoying!”
Yihuan glanced at her. “Be careful—words can bring trouble.”
Ah-miao froze, then quickly shut her mouth obediently.
At that moment, an auntie approached them, smiling as she asked Lin Yiran, “Little one, what are you selling here?”
Lin Yiran, with his fair and chubby cheeks, already looked adorably clever. He had the kind of face that made anyone instantly like him.
Startled, Lin Yiran hesitated for a moment before timidly replying, “D-donuts.”
“Hehehe… And how much are they?” the auntie asked in a coaxing tone.
Lin Yiran glanced at Yihuan, who gave him an encouraging look. Gaining a bit of confidence, he answered softly, “Two wens each.” After a pause, he added, “They’re really tasty…”
The auntie, seemingly pleased, said, “You’re about the same age as my grandson—so cute!”
Yihuan smiled and chimed in, “That’s such a coincidence! Auntie, would you like to try a donut? Kids love them!”
The auntie glanced at the donuts and nodded. “Alright, give me two!”
Ah-miao, overjoyed, wrapped two donuts in kraft paper and handed them to the auntie. Seeing how clean and convenient the packaging was, the auntie felt even more favorably about it.
Yihuan said, “Auntie, please come again!”
Lin Yiran, quick-witted as ever, added, “You’re welcome to visit us anytime…”
The auntie left with a beaming smile, praising Lin Yiran for being so polite and sensible.
Yihuan turned to Lin Yiran with a grin. “Yiran, you sold your first donut! Amazing!”
Ah-miao clapped enthusiastically, and Lin Yiran, feeling a bit shy, scratched his head and smiled. His earlier nervousness eased.
Yihuan thought to herself, With Yiran’s adorable and earnest demeanor, he’s practically a magnet for middle-aged and elderly women. Success is guaranteed with every pitch!
Soon, an elderly woman approached their stall. Yihuan leaned over and whispered, “Yiran, another customer.”
Lin Yiran looked up and summoned his courage to step forward. “Grandma!”
The old woman, startled by the greeting, turned to him. “What is it, child?”
Lin Yiran flashed a big smile. “Our donuts are delicious, Grandma. Why don’t you buy one?”
The old woman, intrigued to see such a young child selling things, glanced at Yihuan, standing nearby, and guessed that she was his older sister.
Both siblings were strikingly handsome and elegant, making the old woman wonder how they’d ended up selling goods on the street.
Feeling a pang of sympathy, the old woman asked, “You’re so young—why are you out here selling things? Where are your parents?”
Lin Yiran’s expression dimmed slightly at the question, and Yihuan answered, “Our parents are no longer with us. We rely on ourselves to make a living now.”
The old woman sighed sadly. “Poor children… Alright, Grandma will buy a donut.”
Ah-miao quickly and gratefully handed her the donut, while Yihuan expressed her thanks sincerely.
Yihuan couldn’t help but feel a little helpless. She realized that these working-class customers were hesitant to try new foods because their limited money left no room for risky purchases. If a meal wasn’t satisfying, it could ruin their entire day.
She thought to herself, Selling breakfast is only a temporary strategy to build capital. The real goal is to open a proper dessert shop and raise the average transaction value.
While she mulled over her plans, Ah-miao continued calling out to customers.
Suddenly, a group of laborers, led by a familiar voice, approached their stall.
“This is the place!”
The men were dark-skinned and roughly dressed, their expressions neutral as they walked toward the stall.
Ah-miao grew nervous. “What… what do you want?”
Yihuan stepped forward to block her and said to one of the men, “Uncle, you’re back again?”
It turned out to be the first man who had bought a donut earlier. He chuckled and said, “I tried your donut just now, and it was really good, so I brought my brothers to buy some.”
Delighted, Yihuan replied, “Thank you, Uncle! How many would everyone like?”
“I’ll take one!”
“Give me two!”
“I’ll have one as well!”
As Yihuan collected the money, Ah-miao quickly wrapped the donuts and handed them out. The workers appreciated the convenient paper wrapping, as it meant they didn’t have to wash their dirty hands before eating.
One burly man took a big bite and exclaimed, “This is even better than sugar pancakes! The foreman wasn’t wrong to recommend it!”
The foreman beamed with pride. “Of course! This young lady is talented. I’ll be back next time!”
Yihuan smiled. “Thank you, Uncle! If your group wants more, you can pre-order, and I’ll have them ready. You only need to send one person to pick them up.”
The foreman nodded approvingly. “That’s a great idea.”
Their presence created a buzz around the stall, attracting more onlookers who began asking about the donuts.
Ah-miao was ecstatic. “Miss, we’re so lucky to have run into a foreman! And he brought his whole group!”
Yihuan chuckled. “Customers come in different types. The picky ones often care deeply about their food and are willing to spend thoughtfully. If they’re satisfied, they not only come back but also bring others to show off their good taste.”
Ah-miao nodded, enlightened. “No wonder, Miss! That’s why you offered samples and were so polite—you figured he was that kind of customer?”
Yihuan replied, “I suspected it. But we should treat all customers equally, whether they’re easygoing or difficult. It’s our responsibility to do our best.”
After all, we’re broke! Yihuan thought wryly. Customers are like gods—or rather, Jade Emperors.
As business picked up, more people filled the streets, and the stall became increasingly busy.
Meanwhile, Liu Hexiao sat in the main hall of the Qianjiao Pavilion, his face dark. The tea on the table had gone cold, untouched.
Madam Tian, the proprietress of the pavilion, stood nervously to the side, not daring to breathe too loudly.
She had been sleeping soundly that morning when a maid woke her with alarming news: the little ancestor from the Prince Qi’s Mansion had arrived.
Rushing to greet him, she found that Liu Hexiao had only said one thing: “My jade whistle is missing. Send people to look for it. Turn the place upside down if you have to.”
Madam Tian had no choice but to mobilize all her staff to search while she personally waited on him.
Replacing the cold tea with fresh, she forced a smile and said, “Liu Shizi… we’ve searched everywhere, but the whistle hasn’t been found. Could it have been left somewhere else?”
Her voice grew softer with each word, fully expecting to be scolded.
Liu Hexiao didn’t even look up. “I don’t know.”
Madam Tian internally sighed. If even you don’t know, how am I supposed to figure it out?
At that moment, a servant entered and reported, “Liu Shizi, we’ve searched all the private rooms you were in before, but there’s no sign of a jade whistle…”
Liu Hexiao frowned and turned to Madam Tian. “Could someone have taken it?”
Madam Tian shuddered. “Impossible! Who would dare steal something from you, Liu Shizi?”
Liu Hexiao cast her a cold glance. “What’s so impossible? Didn’t that girl you introduced the other day have the nerve to act brazenly?”
Madam Tian’s face stiffened.
She suddenly recalled the incident from a few days prior…
The Qianjiao Pavilion had recently recruited a young woman named Hongyu.
Hongyu was beautiful and ambitious, eager to become the Pavilion’s top courtesan. A few days ago, when Liu Hexiao and a group of young nobles came to dine, she had seized the opportunity to serve them personally.
Dressed provocatively, she sashayed toward Liu Hexiao, her partially exposed bosom deliberately catching his attention as she poured him wine.
But Liu Hexiao ignored her. Not giving up, Hongyu boldly sat herself down on his lap, stunning everyone present. Known for never calling on courtesans, Liu Hexiao was visibly displeased. However, Hongyu assumed her beauty would make her an exception and brazenly slid her hand into his robes.
Just as the group began to doubt Liu Hexiao’s virtuous reputation, he let out a faint smile.
Wrapping one arm around her, he picked up the wine pot with the other and poured its contents all over her face.
“Get lost.”
Mortified, Hongyu fled the room in tears.
Back in the present, Madam Tian hastily defended, “Liu Shizi, though Hongyu was out of line, I can assure you she wouldn’t dare steal from you. Even if she had a hundred lives, she wouldn’t risk them like that!”
Liu Hexiao narrowed his eyes. “We’ll see. Bring her here, and I’ll ask her myself.”
Madam Tian hesitated. “But… but Hongyu is currently serving a guest…” She pleaded, “How about we wait until the guests leave, and I’ll ask her on your behalf ? If it’s found, I will definitely send someone to the Shizi’s residence to deliver it and severely punish Hongyu!”
Seeing her reluctance, Cheng Lingwei, standing nearby, interjected coldly, “Do you think the Prince Qi’s household is a place anyone can barge into?”
If they allow someone from this Pavilion to send something to the prince’s estate and somehow Prince Qi hears about it, then surely there will be chaos.
Madam Tian flinched, her face paling. “I… I…”
Liu Hexiao stood up abruptly. “Where is she?”
Madam Tian stammered, “She’s… she’s serving a guest in one of the upstairs rooms.”
She stopped halfway, realizing she’d just given away too much. If Liu Hexiao stormed into the room and found certain people, it could lead to disaster.
Liu Hexiao’s tone grew colder. “Take me there.”
Panicked, Madam Tian blocked his path. “You can’t, Liu Shizi! This Pavilion still has to conduct business. Disturbing the guests would ruin our reputation!”
Liu Hexiao smirked icily. “Madam Tian, either you take me to Hongyu, or I’ll search every room myself. Your choice.”
Sweat poured down Madam Tian’s face as she clutched her handkerchief tightly, twisting it in her hands. After a brief moment of internal debate, she relented. “Fine. I’ll take you. But please, don’t act rashly…”
Liu Hexiao shot her a frosty glance, and Madam Tian immediately silenced herself, leading him upstairs with small, cautious steps.
—
It was still early, and most of the pavilion’s overnight guests were still asleep. Madam Tian deliberately softened her footsteps as she guided them to the second floor.
Stopping at the innermost private room, she gestured nervously. “Liu Shizi, this is it.”
They reached the door. Madam Tian hesitated again, stealing a glance at Liu Hexiao, whose expression radiated impatience. Her heart sank, and she timidly knocked. “Hongyu… Hongyu…”
Her voice was barely above a whisper, as she didn’t want to disturb other guests.
“Hongyu!” she called louder, but there was still no response from inside.
Liu Hexiao’s mouth tightened into a thin line. “Step aside.”
“No, no, Liu Shizi, you can’t—” Madam Tian began, but before she could finish, a gruff male voice barked from within: “Who’s making such a racket this early in the morning? Do you want to die?!”
Liu Hexiao’s eyes darkened, and without hesitation, he kicked the door open with a loud bang.
Madam Tian gasped. “Liu Shizi!”
Cheng Lingwei moved quickly, stepping between her and the door. “Madam Tian, perhaps it’s best if you don’t go inside. It might be too much for your nerves.”
—
Inside the room, chaos reigned.
Clothing and belts were strewn across the floor, shoes lay haphazardly about, and the bed canopy was half-drawn.
A startled shriek pierced the air.
A woman, entirely unclothed, screamed, “Ahhh!” She scrambled to cover herself with a blanket, frantically shaking the man beside her. “Young Master Zhang! Someone’s here!”
The man, clearly annoyed, sat up, muttering curses. “Which bastard dares barge into my room?! Are you tired of living?!”
Throwing back the canopy, he glared toward the intruders—only to freeze in place.
Standing tall and imposing, draped in a crimson robe that shimmered like fire, was Liu Hexiao. His long eyebrows arched sharply, and his deep, piercing eyes looked down with utter disdain.
The young master paled. “Liu… Liu Hexiao?!”
Liu Hexiao smirked faintly. “Zhang Luan. You’re still alive?”
Zhang Luan’s face turned ashen. “Liu Hexiao, what madness are you up to this time?”
Ignoring him, Liu Hexiao turned to Hongyu, who was cowering under the covers.
Coldly, he asked, “Did you take anything from me the last time you poured wine for me?”
Hongyu was stunned. She vaguely recalled fumbling in his robes during their brief encounter, but she hadn’t taken anything. Terrified, she stammered, “N-no, I didn’t take anything… I wouldn’t dare…”
“Then,” Liu Hexiao continued, “did you see a jade whistle around the private rooms that day? It’s about the size of a silver ingot, entirely translucent, and not something ordinary.”
Hongyu shook her head. “I… I don’t know… Please forgive me, young master.”
Seeing her genuine confusion, Liu Hexiao’s expression grew colder. “Forget it.”
He turned to leave, but Zhang Luan, apparently emboldened by the sight of Liu Hexiao retreating, sneered, “A jade whistle? Could it be that precious thing left by Liu Hehao?”
Liu Hexiao’s body stiffened.
Cheng Lingwei, standing nearby, noticed the visible change in Liu Hexiao’s expression. His heart sank. Zhang Luan doesn’t know what he’s provoking…
Smirking, Zhang Luan continued, “I see. Since he’s gone, you must be clinging to that whistle to console yourself, huh? Something to cry over, perhaps?”
Liu Hexiao turned back slowly, his icy gaze locking onto Zhang Luan.
Seeing the look in his eyes, Zhang Luan faltered, sensing he might have gone too far.
With a dangerous curve of his lips, Liu Hexiao said in a low, menacing tone, “Forgotten already, Zhang Luan? The last time you insulted me, you ended up parading through the streets with your pants down.”
Zhang Luan turned pale as a sheet.
Liu Hexiao took a step toward the bed.
Terrified, Zhang Luan stuttered, “W-what are you doing?! Liu Hexiao, my father is the Imperial Tawei—ahhhh!”
*****
T/Note :-“Liu Shizi” refers to Liu Hexiao being the designated Shizi to a noble family or a high-ranking household, specifically the Prince Qi’s residence. It indicates that he is the primary successor or the person expected to inherit the title, wealth, or responsibilities of the family.
“Imperial Tawei” (太尉, Tàiwèi) is a historical title in ancient China, often associated with a high-ranking official who served as the chief military officer or the head of the imperial military administration. This position was one of the “Three Excellencies” during various Chinese dynasties, which also included the Chancellor and the Minister of Personnel. The title had significant power, typically overseeing military affairs and often serving as a counselor to the emperor.
