Chapter 15: Sour Plum Soup – Could You Sell Me the Recipe for Sour Plum Soup?

 

Liu Hexiao gazed at the food for a long moment.

 

His mood was already foul, leaving him with little appetite. But the unfamiliar appearance of this treat intrigued him. Slowly, he reached out and gently broke off a piece.

 

The golden-brown crust crumbled slightly under his fingers, revealing a fluffy white interior. As he moved, the fine sugar dusting trembled and slid off in tiny sprinkles.

 

Hesitating, he tasted it.

 

The outer crust was sweet yet chewy, while the inside offered a perfectly soft texture—not as spongy as a steamed bun but uniquely satisfying.

 

The sugary sweetness brought a subtle sense of comfort. Chewing, he found himself taking another bite, and soon the donut had transformed into a half-moon.

 

The combined effect of flour and sugar worked its magic, soothing an unspeakable void within him.

Liu Hexiao eyed the treat in surprise, finding a rare sense of contentment.

 

After finishing the donut, he felt a bit better and stood to open his door.

 

Cheng Lingyun, standing guard outside, looked shocked. “Your Highness?!”

 

He had not expected Liu Hexiao to recover so quickly. Typically, His Highness would sulk in isolation for an entire day.

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at him. “Where’s your brother?”

 

Cheng Lingyun replied, “He’s gone to eat. I can call him back…”

 

Liu Hexiao waved it off. “No need. Let him finish his meal.” After a pause, he added, “How has the old lady’s health been lately?”

 

Cheng Lingyun’s expression softened. “Miss Bai Li sent word earlier—she’s been feeling a bit better but still lacks appetite.”

 

Liu Hexiao frowned. “Tell the cooks to put in more effort. If Grandmother still isn’t eating, they shouldn’t bother eating either.”

 

Cheng Lingyun bowed. “Understood.”

 

———

 

“Miss, am I kneading the dough correctly?” Ah-miao rolled up her sleeves and stood by the table, working the dough in her hands, kneading it over and over.

 

Yihuan glanced at her and smiled. “Not bad, keep going.”

 

Ah-miao nodded and continued kneading diligently.

 

Meanwhile, Lin Yiran sneaked a glance at Ah-miao, thinking the soft and white dough looked like it would be fun to mold into figurines…

 

Yihuan cleared her throat lightly and said, “Focus on your studies.”

 

Lin Yiran quickly withdrew his gaze and refocused on the book in his hands. Since he was almost old enough to attend school, Yihuan had bought a few books for him, hoping to cultivate his learning habits in advance.

 

Still, Lin Yiran was a little distracted. He glanced at the drawing Yihuan was working on and asked, “Sister, what are you making?”

 

Yihuan replied, “I’m designing the signboard for our shop.”

 

“The signboard?” Ah-miao heard and came over to look as well.

 

On the paper under Yihuan’s hand was a neatly drawn wooden frame, in the center of which were large characters reading “Shengjing Dessert Shop.”

 

Ah-miao smiled and said, “So, our shop will be called ‘Shengjing Dessert Shop’?”

 

Yihuan nodded. “What do you think?”

 

Without hesitation, Ah-miao said, “It’s great!”

 

Lin Yiran hesitated and asked, “Sister, what’s a dessert?”

 

Yihuan thought for a moment and replied, “Desserts are a broad category, including food and beverages. They aren’t always sweet but refer to indulgent treats for relaxation and enjoyment.” She added, “Even in ancient times, as recorded in the Book of Songs, lines such as ‘On the second day, carve the ice; on the third day, store it in the cold cellar,’ show that people were already trying to create treats to enjoy.”

 

Lin Yiran asked curiously, “Then will we only sell donuts?”

 

Yihuan shook her head. “Of course not. We’ll start with morning treats, using donuts to introduce ourselves to the market and earn customer’s acceptance. Then we’ll gradually introduce new products.”

 

The donuts had been selling increasingly well lately. At first, only about twenty were sold each day, but as returning customers brought along new ones, daily sales reached over fifty. Now, Yihuan could no longer manage on her own and had started teaching Ah-miao how to make them.

 

As they chatted, they saw the manager of the Jinxiu Restaurant, Manager Luo, approaching. Before he even arrived, his hearty laughter rang out. “Miss Yihuan! I’ve been looking for you!”

 

Yihuan looked up with a gentle smile. “Manager Luo, what brings you here?”

 

Scratching his head awkwardly, Manager Luo said, “Miss Yihuan, the coffee has sold out again… Could you provide more?”

 

Previously, Jinxiu Restaurant mainly did lunch and dinner business. But thanks to the hand-brewed coffee’s uniqueness, customers began coming even in the afternoons, often ordering snacks to go with their coffee, which further boosted their sales.

 

Yihuan smiled faintly. “No.”

 

Manager Luo froze. “Why not? Doesn’t all the profit from the coffee go to you? Why turn down business?”

 

Yihuan replied calmly, “It’s not about refusing business; it’s about the return on investment being too low.”

 

Manager Luo was puzzled. “Return on investment?”

 

Patiently, Yihuan explained, “It takes 10 to 15 minutes to hand-brew one coffee. While the unit price is high, the process is labor-intensive, and demand for coffee is limited. It’s just a way to attract customers, not a sustainable mainstay.”

 

Every time she delivered coffee, Yihuan would inform the customers that it came from the dessert shop across the street. This approach was meant to build anticipation for her shop’s opening.

 

Now that the desired effect had been achieved, she planned to scale back.

 

Manager Luo was still confused. “Didn’t you say you’d sell desserts here for three months? It’s only been half a month. What’s your next step?”

 

Yihuan didn’t answer directly but instead asked, “Manager Luo, what are the most popular dishes at Jinxiu Restaurant?”

 

Manager Luo paused. “Um… roast chicken? Roast duck?” He focused mainly on managing the shop, paying little attention to kitchen trends.

 

Yihuan shook her head. “Spicy chicken, spicy beef, and braised fish.”

 

Manager Luo was surprised. “How do you know that?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “I gave one of your servers a donut, and he told me…”

 

Manager Luo: “…”

 

Yihuan continued, “But that’s not the point. Manager Luo, successful partnerships are based on mutual benefit. While coffee sells well, only a few can appreciate its price and taste. Next, I plan to introduce a popular beverage to pair with your dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.”

 

Manager Luo perked up. “What is it?”

 

“Sour plum soup,” Yihuan answered.

 

Manager Luo had never heard of such a drink and asked, “Sour plum soup? Is it also a beverage?”

 

Yihuan nodded. “Yes, it’s a sour and sweet drink that becomes very refreshing when chilled. I’ve observed that most of your customers love spicy food, but they often leave their dishes unfinished. Perhaps the spiciness becomes overwhelming, causing discomfort in their stomachs. If you offer a chilled and refreshing drink alongside, it will enhance their experience after eating spicy food. This can also speed up their dining pace and increase table turnover rates.”

 

Manager Luo’s eyes widened in surprise. “You mean, with the drink, they can eat more spicy dishes and even faster!?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Exactly.”

 

A realization dawned upon Manager Luo, and he said, “That would be wonderful! When will the Sour plum soup be ready? Let’s try it as soon as possible! In the future, I’ll have to rely on Miss Yihuan for more guidance…”

 

Ever since the hand-brewed coffee had attracted numerous customers to his establishment, he no longer underestimated Lin Yihuan.

 

Yihuan curved her lips into a smile. “You flatter me.” After a pause, she said, “Why don’t we try it tonight during dinner hours? I’ll bring the Sour plum soup over for a tasting.”

 

Manager Luo left thoroughly satisfied.

 

Yihuan stood up, patted Lin Yiran’s shoulder, and said, “Keep reading diligently. Sister will go prepare a delicious Sour plum soup for you.”

 

Lin Yiran nodded eagerly. “Alright!”

 

Ah-miao asked, “Miss, do you need my help?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “No need, you continue practicing making donuts.” With that, she lifted her skirt and went upstairs to the small kitchen.

 

In fact, before Manager Luo arrived, she had already started soaking the smoked black plums. After an hour, much of the sulfuric odor had dissipated, and the plum flesh had slightly softened.

 

In addition to black plums, the recipe required dried tangerine peel, hawthorn, licorice, mulberries, and hibiscus flowers for color. Osmanthus flowers and rock sugar were used for flavoring.

 

She poured all the ingredients into an earthen pot. The colorful mix of ingredients looked vibrant together, creating a lively scene. As she added water, the ingredients swirled around merrily, bringing a sense of joy to the heart.

 

She lit the fire calmly, and soon, the water in the pot began to boil. After simmering for a while, the liquid in the pot started to turn red. She then added rock sugar and a handful of osmanthus flowers.

 

The light yellow osmanthus flowers floated on the ruby-red liquid, exuding an elegant aesthetic. After a moment, they blended completely into the Sour plum soup.

 

The juice became redder and richer, resembling fine wine as it boiled away. Yihuan scooped a ladleful, gently blew on it, and took a sip.

 

She squinted her eyes in satisfaction, then extinguished the fire.

 

Looking outside the window, she noticed it was already getting late. She served a bowl of Sour plum soup each to Ah-miao and Lin Yiran before carrying the rest across the street to the Jinxiu Restaurant.

 

Manager Luo, upon seeing her arrival, rushed to greet her. “Miss Yihuan, is the Sour plum soup ready?”

 

“It is,” she replied. “Let’s try it out today—20 wen per pot.”

 

Manager Luo nodded. “I’ll follow your lead.”

 

Yihuan then asked, “Does your restaurant have ice?”

 

“Yes, yes!” Manager Luo quickly called a tea-serving maid to escort Yihuan to the ice cellar for some ice.

 

By this time, the lanterns were lit, and the dinner rush was at its peak.

 

Manager Luo and the waiters stood at the door, welcoming and seeing off waves of customers.

 

Manager Luo, with his sharp eyes, suddenly spotted two figures walking along Changming Street—weren’t they Liu Shizi and General Yang?

 

He hurried forward, beaming with a wide smile. “Your humble servant greets the young lord and the general. Have you two had dinner yet? Today, we have a new product—Sour plum soup. If you have time, we’d love for you to sample it!”

 

Last time, when Liu Hexiao drank a cup of coffee, it caused quite a trend with many people rushing to imitate it. Now with a new drink being introduced, how could Manager Luo let this opportunity slip away?

 

Liu Hexiao’s expression was indifferent. “No time.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi, however, seemed somewhat intrigued. “Is it bitter again?”

 

Manager Luo smiled slightly. “Of course not. The taste is…” Suddenly realizing he hadn’t tried it himself, he could only make something up. “Truly unforgettable!”

 

Yang Zhaozhi stopped in his tracks and said, “Ah-xiao.”

 

Liu Hexiao turned to look at him.

 

Raising his thick eyebrows, Yang Zhaozhi suggested, “Why not try the Sour plum soup? We haven’t decided what to eat anyway.”

 

Liu Hexiao responded with a casual “Mm” and followed Yang Zhaozhi into the Jinxiu Restaurant, looking utterly uninterested.

 

Manager Luo ushered them into the finest private room, bowing slightly. “Please, come inside.”

 

After the two sat down, draping their robes elegantly, Manager Luo poured them tea and left to arrange the dishes.

 

Yang Zhaozhi glanced at Liu Hexiao, who seemed silent and sullen.

 

Yang Zhaozhi remarked, “What’s this? I’m leaving tomorrow, and today you don’t even want to talk to me?”

 

Liu Hexiao replied coolly, “What’s there to talk about?”

 

Yang Zhaozhi chuckled. “Upset?”

 

Liu Hexiao gave him a sideways glance. “Why would I be upset? Whether you leave or stay has nothing to do with me.”

 

Taking a sip of tea, Yang Zhaozhi said, “Ah-xiao… I’m heading back to the capital to report my duties. I’ve been here long enough. There are military matters in Qiannan that need my attention, and my father hopes for my early return.”

 

“I know,” Liu Hexiao said curtly, then added after a pause, “I’m not upset.”

 

The two had always been close friends. Four years ago, when Yang Zhaozhi went with his father to gaurd Qiannan, he could only return to the capital once a year.

 

Yang Zhaozhi said, “That’s good…” Then, raising his eyes to look at him, he asked, “What are your plans for the future?”

 

Liu Hexiao laughed lightly. “What plans could I have? I’ll just continue being the idle son of a noble family, indulging in fleeting pleasures and causing trouble.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi frowned. “Don’t speak of yourself that way.”

 

Liu Hexiao sneered. “I’m not the one saying it… but I don’t mind.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi pressed, “You’ve come of age. Are you still not planning to take office? At your age, your brother was already leading troops in battle.”

 

Liu Hexiao’s expression faltered. His older brother had always been an extraordinary person, a cut above the rest… Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that he was taken too soon.

 

After a moment of silence, Liu Hexiao said, “My brother and I are different. Stay well in Qiannan; there’s no need to worry about me.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi sighed softly, knowing his words wouldn’t get through.

 

Just as the atmosphere grew heavy, a waiter entered the private room with their dishes, and Manager Luo eagerly followed.

 

With a beaming smile, Manager Luo held up a porcelain jug and announced, “This is our newly brewed Sour plum soup—cold, refreshing, and sweet-and-sour. Please give it a try.”

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at him coolly, then at the porcelain jug. The liquid being poured was a semi-translucent deep crimson. As the vibrant red Sour plum soup flowed into the white porcelain cups, the contrast was striking—brilliant yet tinged with a hint of mystery. Following Yihuan’s instructions, Manager Luo added a small piece of ice to each cup.

 

Yang Zhaozhi asked, “Why add ice?”

 

Manager Luo explained, “Chilled Sour plum soup is even better for cooling down. Paired with these spicy dishes, it’ll make your dining experience even more pleasant.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi nodded slightly and picked up a cup of Sour plum soup. “Ah-xiao.”

 

Liu Hexiao also lifted his cup in response, then brought it to his lips and drank it in one go.

 

A cool, sweet, and refreshing sensation instantly surged through them!

 

Liu Hexiao’s eyes widened unconsciously. The sour plum soup swirled in his mouth, washing away the blandness and leaving behind a faint tangy taste.

 

Before he could react, he swallowed it in one gulp, leaving no trace behind, yet still wanting more.

 

Liu Hexiao paused for a moment, slightly surprised, and looked at Yang Zhaozhi.”What do you think?”

 

Yang Zhao, already halfway through his cup, wore an expression of amazement.”It’s incredibly refreshing!”

 

The two hadn’t even started eating yet, but they had already gone through half a pot of sour plum soup.

 

Manager Luo, watching from the side, couldn’t hide his surprise.

Is this sour plum soup really that delicious? He made a mental note to try it himself later.

 

Yang Zhaozhi asked,”Manager, what did you put in this sour plum soup to make it so flavorful?”

 

They had been walking outside for quite some time and were tired. These two cups of sour plum soup had quenched their thirst and cooled their overheated bodies perfectly.

 

Manager Luo opened his mouth to answer but faltered. “Please wait a moment, gentlemen,” he said.

 

In no time, he summoned Yihuan into the room. Nowadays, Manager Luo regarded Yihuan as a VIP. When introducing her, his demeanor was more solemn.”My lords, this sour plum soup was prepared by Miss Yihuan herself. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her directly.”

 

Liu Hexiao raised his gaze to Yihuan. “Revel in life’s triumphs to the fullest”—her name had a certain charm to it.

 

Her eyebrows were delicately arched like a painting, her black hair framing her crimson lips. She was strikingly beautiful yet dressed in plain, coarse clothing. This made him frown slightly. Such a face, wasted on such attire.

 

Yang Zhaozhi, on the other hand, found her somewhat familiar. “Weren’t you the one who made coffee last time?” he asked.

 

Yihuan curtseyed slightly. “Indeed, your highness.”

 

After a moment’s hesitation, Yang Zhaozhi asked, “This sour plum soup recipe—might you consider selling it to me?”

 

Yihuan looked at him in surprise.

 

Liu Hexiao, also taken aback, asked, “Why would you need it?”

 

Yang Zhaozhi explained, “You may not know this, but Guizhou’s summers are blisteringly hot, and many soldiers in the army suffer from heatstroke. I think this sour plum soup, being so refreshing and thirst-quenching, could help the soldiers endure the heat if we prepare some for them.”

 

He turned to Yihuan and added, “Of course, if it involves a secret cooking technique, I understand if you’d rather not share.”

 

In this era, chefs closely guarded their recipes, which were often their livelihoods. It was rare for such secrets to be shared freely.

 

Yihuan smiled lightly. “It’s just a small trick, nothing worth buying. If the General needs it, I’ll write down the recipe for you—just please don’t spread it widely.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi was stunned.

“You mean… you’re willing to give it to me as a gift?”

 

Yihuan’s smile deepened. Her crescent-shaped eyes glimmered like the moon.

“The soldiers stationed in Guizhou endure great hardships. If I can do even a little to ease their burden, it would be my honor.”

 

Yang Zhaozhi broke into a broad smile, stood up, and cupped his hands in respect. “Miss Yihuan, your generosity is admirable.”

 

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

 

Liu Hexiao, sitting to the side, cleared his throat softly. “This sour plum soup—would it be suitable for the elderly?”

 

Yihuan considered this for a moment. “It would be quite suitable. Sour plum soup has the benefits of stimulating appetite and aiding digestion, which can help improve the appetite of older adults. However, I would advise against adding ice.”

 

Liu Hexiao nodded thoughtfully, then looked up at her again. His lips curled into a faint smile.

“Why don’t you come to my mansion and make sour plum soup for us there?”

 

—

 

Translators Note :- Sour Plum Soup video:-