Chapter 16: No Need to Beg Him – It’s Infuriating to Watch

 

 

Yihuan was quite surprised and paused for a moment.

 

She then smiled faintly. “Sure… but I charge by the hour. Five hundred coins per hour. May I ask if the Young Master can accept this?”

 

In her heart, Yihuan had no desire to serve this so-called influential figure, but she couldn’t reject him outright. Hearing this, Manager Luo felt a jolt of panic, thinking to himself, This Yihuan is really bold. 

 

Liu Hexiao chuckled lightly and leisurely opened his folding fan, waving it lazily.

 

His eyes, deep and piercing, locked onto hers. “Young Lady, don’t you think this is a bit unfair?”

 

Yihuan raised her delicate brows. “What does the Young Master mean?”

 

Liu Hexiao, with a faint, unreadable smile but a cold tone, replied, “General Yang Zhaozhi asked for your secret recipe, and you offered it generously. Yet, when it comes to my request, your price skyrockets. I’d like to ask—what logic is this?”

 

Yihuan paused briefly, inwardly thinking: The only logic here is my mood!

 

But she dared not say that aloud. Offending this prominent figure might not only harm her but could also implicate Manager Luo.

 

Manager Luo, sensing the tense atmosphere, hastily interjected, “Haha… Young Master, please don’t take it seriously. Miss Yihuan is new to this city and may not yet understand the customs…”

 

“Be quiet.”

 

Liu Hexiao’s curt command silenced Manager Luo immediately.

 

He raised his chin slightly, a hint of arrogance in his posture. “So? Speak. Is it that you think I, Liu Hexiao, am inferior to him?”

 

The fan in Liu Hexiao’s hand paused as his expression turned icy.

 

Yihuan pressed her lips together in silence. Manager Luo, drenched in cold sweat, thought to himself: Today, Miss Yihuan might have thoroughly offended Liu Hexiao. How will she manage in the future!? 

 

Yang Zhaozhi furrowed his brow as he observed Liu Hexiao. Knowing this was simply a moment of boredom manifesting in nitpicking rather than genuine dissatisfaction, he decided to intervene.

 

Before Yang Zhaozhi could speak, Yihuan calmly addressed Liu Hexiao. “Young Master.”

 

She lifted her head, meeting Liu Hexiao’s gaze directly. Her limpid eyes held no fear, only calm confidence.

 

Her tone was steady, and her smile did not waver. “Because it’s not the recipe that’s valuable, but me.”

 

Liu Hexiao was momentarily taken aback, raising his brows in intrigue.

 

Yihuan elaborated, “If the Young Master desires the recipe for sour plum soup, I am also willing to offer it freely. But if you wish me to personally come to your residence and prepare it, that requires my effort. As a person with a refined palate, you surely understand that the same ingredients and methods can yield vastly different results depending on the cook’s skill. Therefore, my charge is not favoritism but fair trade.”

 

Liu Hexiao closed his fan with a snap and lightly tapped it against his palm. His cold demeanor melted into a laugh. “Fair trade, you say? What an argument!”

 

His gaze remained playful as he studied Yihuan. Initially, his intention was merely to corner her and see her flustered reaction. Unexpectedly, she had deftly turned the situation around. Although his plan didn’t succeed, encountering such a match was rather entertaining.

 

Seeing Liu Hexiao’s laughter, Manager Luo, who didn’t fully understand the situation, also began laughing nervously.

 

Yang Zhaozhi cast an exasperated glance at the Manager and shook his head.

 

Liu Hexiao finally declared, “Name your price, and I will agree. Tomorrow, I’ll send someone to fetch you.”

 

Yihuan maintained her composed expression, though inwardly relieved. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Many thanks, Young Master.”

 

As they left the private room, Manager Luo felt the sweat-soaked fabric clinging to his back. Clicking his tongue, he remarked, “Miss Yihuan, what just happened was like walking on the edge of a blade.”

 

Yihuan raised her brows. “Was it that serious?”

 

Pulling her aside, Manager Luo whispered, “You don’t know. When Liu Hexiao loses his temper, he doesn’t even recognize kin. Just the other day at Qianjiao Pavilion, because the courtesan Miss Hongyu entertained someone else, he threw that man out of the second-floor window!”

 

Yihuan frowned slightly. She glanced back at the private room, attempting to reconcile the image of the elegant, lazy nobleman with the tale of him causing a ruckus over a courtesan.

 

Manager Luo added, “But now you’ve gained an opportunity to enter the royal mansion. That’s a rare chance! Make the most of it!”

 

Yihuan, puzzled, asked, “Make the most of what?”

 

Leaning closer, Manager Luo lowered his voice further. “I’ve seen many people in my time. Let me tell you—Liu Hexiao seems interested in you. If you win his favor, he might bring you into the royal mansion as a concubine. Then, why bother with this dessert shop? You’d live a life of luxury every day!”

 

Yihuan was rendered speechless. The absurdity of the idea made her head spin, though she didn’t bother arguing with him.

 

Manager Luo, emboldened, continued, “When that time comes, don’t forget to help my business thrive.”

 

Without missing a beat, Yihuan replied flatly, “Alright, I’ll invest in you then.”

 

Saying this, she left with the remaining sour plum soup as if he hadn’t spoken.

 

—

 

At this time, night had fully fallen. As Yihuan crossed the street and approached her own shop, she noticed a square table placed in front of the neighboring ironworks shop.

 

Around the table sat a group of men eating simple meals. Each one was muscular, with bronzed skin—clearly laborers accustomed to heavy work.

 

It appeared that, due to the sweltering heat inside the ironworks, they had taken advantage of the lull in customer traffic to move their table outside for dinner.

 

One of them was Lu Shi, whom Yihuan had encountered before.

 

Lu Shi, seeing Yihuan glance in their direction, quickly offered her a polite smile.

 

Ever since witnessing the street administration head, Director Wang show her favor, Lu Shi had refrained from any further bullying or hostility.

 

Yihuan gave him a small nod of acknowledgment and casually glanced at the dishes on their table.

 

The group of four had massive bowls filled with rice, but there was only one meat dish and two vegetable sides for them to share.

 

Business doesn’t seem to be going well for them, Yihuan thought.

 

She paused for a moment, then walked toward them.

 

Lu Shi immediately set down his bowl and stood up. “Miss Yihuan, is there something you need?”

 

Yihuan smiled warmly at the group. “It’s said that neighbors are closer than distant relatives. I noticed how stifling the heat from the forge must be, so I thought I’d bring some sour plum soup for you all to cool down.”

 

The three other men, who had been quietly eating, looked up in surprise. Then, somewhat bashfully, they chuckled.

 

Lu Shi, equally caught off guard, scratched the back of his head and said, “Well… thank you, Miss Yihuan.”

 

The group consisted of Lu Shi, who was the second eldest, along with Huang Lao San (the third), Xiao Si (the fourth), and Xiao Wu (the youngest).

 

Huang Lao San, who had a somewhat gentler demeanor and appeared to be in his early twenties, stood up and said courteously, “Thank you for your generosity, Miss. We graciously accept.”

 

Xiao Si and Xiao Wu also smiled sheepishly.

 

Yihuan waved off their gratitude. “It’s nothing. Think of it as a small gesture between neighbors.”

 

With that, she set down the jar of sour plum soup and returned to her shop.

 

—

 

Back at the table, the group exchanged glances. Xiao Si, who had small, shrewd eyes that always seemed to size people up, leaned toward Lu Shi.

 

“Second Brother, didn’t you say the neighbor was a tigress? She seems pretty kind to me!”

 

Xiao Wu chimed in hesitantly, “Yeah… and she’s quite pretty…”

 

As he spoke, Xiao Wu eagerly opened the jar. A wave of sweet and sour aroma wafted out, instantly invigorating the group.

 

Lu Shi, feeling slightly self-conscious, muttered, “Well… she was quite fierce when she argued with Manager Luo that day. But then again, if someone occupied your shop for years without paying rent, wouldn’t you be mad too?”

 

Xiao Si turned his squinty eyes to Huang Lao San and asked teasingly, “Third Brother, you’re the only one of us who’s been to school. What do you think of this new neighbor?”

 

Huang Lao San, keeping his usual composed demeanor, responded after a moment of thought, “She’s not simple.”

 

Xiao Si looked puzzled, but before he could ask further, Xiao Wu had already poured the sour plum soup into their cups.

 

“Let’s give it a try!”

 

The group each raised a cup and took a sip. The cool, refreshing taste washed over them instantly. The blend of sweet and sour flavors spread through their bodies, easing the exhaustion of a day’s work.

 

The drink was an immediate hit, particularly for men like them who spent long hours in front of a forge.

 

“This is incredible!” Huang Lao San declared as he stared at his empty cup.

 

The others quickly refilled their cups, and before long, the entire jar was emptied.

 

—

 

Back at the shop, Ah-miao had just heard from Yihuan about the arrangement to visit the prince’s residence and couldn’t hide her astonishment.

 

“Miss, what did that Young Master Liu say? Could he have some other motives?”

 

Seeing Ah-miao’s worried expression, Yihuan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Judging by his attitude, he’s definitely more interested in the sour plum soup than in me. Don’t worry so much.”

 

Ah-miao said, “Miss, have you forgotten? Although Young Master Liu is the legitimate son of Prince Liu, he is worlds apart from General Liu.”

 

Yi Huan recalled from the original owner’s memories that although Prince Liu bore a different surname from the imperial family, his power was unparalleled. Compared to other royal princes, he had earned the Emperor’s trust to a far greater extent.

 

Prince Liu had three sons. Liu Hehao and Liu Hexiao were real brothers, born to the main wife, while the third son, Liu Heran, was born to a concubine.

 

From a young age, Liu Hehao was groomed as Shizi, with Prince Liu devoting immense effort to cultivating his talents.

 

At sixteen, he made his debut on the battlefield, and by nineteen, he commanded an army of 100,000 to defeat the Donghu, earning praises in a single battle. He became the youngest general of the Northern Court, celebrated as unmatched in fame and glory.

 

Thinking of this, Yi Huan asked, “Have you ever seen Liu Hehao?”

 

Ah-miao blushed slightly. “Once, when Prince Liu came to our Prime Minister’s residence for a meeting, he brought General Liu along.” Her voice took on a shy tone. “General Liu is simply a paragon among men. He has sharp brows and star-like eyes, standing tall and handsome. Even when addressing servants, he is courteous and gentle… anyone who meets him can’t help but feel admiration.”

 

Yi Huan teased, “Do you like him?”

 

Ah-miao’s face grew hot. “Miss, what are you saying!”

 

Yi Huan casually remarked, “Didn’t you say he’s good-looking… even more so than Liu Hexiao?”

 

Ah-miao thought for a moment before replying, “In terms of appearance… Young Master Liu might indeed surpass him. But he’s too difficult to serve!” She quickly returned to the main point. “Miss, you must never let Young Master Liu take an interest in you. I hear he frequents brothels and often gets into fights. Despite being nearly twenty, he hasn’t taken on any court duties. Compared to General Liu, it’s like comparing heaven and earth! Every girl in Shengjing dreams of marrying General Liu, but no one wants to marry Young Master Liu.”

 

Yi Huan chuckled, “You seem to know a lot!” Then, with some curiosity, she asked, “If General Liu is so outstanding, why is the position of heir given to Liu Hexiao?”

 

Ah-miao replied, “Miss, don’t you remember? Four years ago, General Liu led a campaign against the Donghu, but he was trapped in Liaozhou City… and never returned. They say even the heavens are jealous of great talent. It’s truly tragic.”

 

Yi Huan was momentarily stunned. “That… is indeed a great loss.”

 

Ah-miao sighed. “Yes, it is. That’s why the second son of the Liu family inherited the title. But I hear Prince Liu is deeply disappointed in him.”

 

Yi Huan nodded silently, thinking to herself: Once I reach the prince’s Mansion, I must be careful.

 

—

 

Night deepened, and unrest consumed the Prince Qi’s Mansion.

 

Inside the ancestral hall, a man in a brocade robe embroidered with hidden dragon patterns held a rattan cane. His expression was cold as he looked at Liu Hexiao.

 

Liu Hexiao knelt on the ground, his upper body bare, with several bloody welts on his back.

 

Though his posture was straight, his face was full of disdain, stoking further fury.

 

“You idle away your days, and now you’ve taken to brawling in brothels! What exactly did Zhang Luan do to you?” Liu Yin also known as Prince Qi scolded.

 

Liu Hexiao raised his head lazily, not even sparing a glance at him. “Nothing. Just felt like hitting him.”

 

His dismissive attitude made Liu Yin’s lips tremble with anger. “You!”

 

Unable to suppress his rage, Liu Yin shouted, “You rebellious son, do you even realize your mistake?”

 

“No,” Liu Hexiao replied stubbornly, spitting out the word.

 

“Fine! Then I’ll beat the realization into you!” Prince Liu’s fury surged as he raised the cane and struck again.

 

The blow made Liu Hexiao’s body flinch slightly. He furrowed his brow but said nothing.

 

The cane, now stained with blood, mirrored the wounds on Liu Hexiao’s back. The sharp sound of the strikes echoed far beyond the hall, audible to those outside.

 

Outside, Cheng Lingwei paced anxiously. Every strike of the cane seemed to hit his own heart.

 

The servants nearby whispered to each other.

 

“Prince Liu’s illustrious reputation has been tarnished by such a wayward heir…”

 

“Indeed. Last time, he bullied the son of Grand Secretary Zhang. Now he’s fought over a woman, pushing Zhang’s son off the second floor of Qianjiao Pavilion, leaving him seriously injured…”

 

“The whole of Shengjing is talking about it. Grand Secretary Zhang even confronted the Prince over this…”

 

“He deserves punishment for this. The Young Master went too far!”

 

Cheng Lingwei turned sharply, glaring at them. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

 

The servants fell silent in fear.

 

Cheng Lingwei, seething, growled, “It’s gossipers like you twisting the truth that make three rumors seem like a tiger, deepening the Prince’s misunderstanding of the Young Master!”

 

Unable to hold back any longer, Cheng Lingwei stormed into the ancestral hall.

 

Falling to his knees, he pleaded, “My lord! Please stop punishing the Young Master. It was Zhang Luan who spoke out of turn…”

 

Liu Hexiao, suppressing his pain, interrupted, “Shut up. Get out.”

 

Liu Yin’s brows furrowed. “Who allowed you in here? A mere guard dares to stop me? Are you tired of living?”

 

Cheng Lingwei clenched his teeth, summoning his courage. “It was Zhang Luan who insulted the eldest young master! The Young Master couldn’t tolerate it, so he lashed out. Please, my lord, show some mercy.”

 

Liu Yin’s anger wavered as he glanced at Liu Hexiao, whose expression remained indifferent, as if entirely disconnected from the situation.

 

Cheng Lingwei pressed on, “My lord, while the Young Master may have been impulsive, his intentions were to defend his brother, not to cause trouble. I beg you to reconsider.”

 

The pain on Liu Hexiao’s back burned like fire. He forced himself to speak. “Cheng Lingwei, don’t bother pleading him.”

 

Liu Yin, whose resolve had momentarily softened, was reignited with fury. “What do you mean by that?”

 

Liu Hexiao raised his eyes, smiling coldly. “Do you think begging you works? Back then, I knelt before you for an entire day and night, pleading for you to save my elder brother. And what happened?”