Chapter 19: Cian Hall – Five Hundred Coins! Just Bear It!
Liu Hexiao immediately straightened up in his chair. He raised his eyes and glanced—
The osmanthus coconut milk thousand-layer cake was composed of approximately six layers, alternating pale yellow and white. The topmost pale yellow layer featured fine osmanthus petals, resembling a natural piece of amber. It shimmered translucently, exuding an air of elegance and refinement.
Liu Hexiao felt a flicker of interest, though his face remained impassive.
He half-closed his eyes, then looked toward Yihuan.
“No chopsticks. How do I eat this?”
Yihuan, as if performing a magic trick, produced a pair of chopsticks and handed them over.
Liu Hexiao added, “This prince is injured and can’t lift my arms.”
Yihuan’s expression visibly stiffened.
Liu Hexiao felt pleased. For some reason, he enjoyed seeing her annoyed yet powerless against him.
Yihuan said nothing but sighed inwardly. Then she reminded herself of the five hundred coins she’d earn from this—five hundred coins! She had to endure it.
Forcing a smile, she crouched slightly to meet Liu Hexiao’s level. Holding the chopsticks delicately, she picked up a piece of the cake and brought it to his lips, speaking in an overly sweet tone, “Your Highness, please enjoy.”
Liu Hexiao raised a brow and opened his mouth to accept it—
To his surprise, the previously liquid coconut milk and osmanthus syrup had solidified into a pleasantly springy texture after being frozen layer by layer.
The sweetness of the coconut milk combined with the floral aroma of the osmanthus, creating an intricate fusion of flavors. The layers blended harmoniously, and the subtle sweetness lingered on his palate, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
After chewing thoughtfully, Liu Hexiao didn’t immediately comment.
Yihuan hesitated before asking, “Your Highness, how does it taste?”
Liu Hexiao, speaking slowly, replied, “I didn’t taste anything.”
She blinked, puzzled. “Too bland, perhaps?”
He said, “Can’t you figure it out yourself? Feed me another piece.”
Yihuan: “…”
Without another word, she stuffed another slice into his mouth.
Finally satisfied, Liu Hexiao leaned back against the long chair, resting his elbow on the armrest and lazily observing Yihuan as she worked. Indulging in both a delicious treat and the presence of a charming cook, he looked completely at ease—
The sight was infuriating.
Yihuan finished feeding him the piece and straightened up, feeling her legs go numb.
She asked, “Your Highness, have you tasted it now? How is it?”
Liu Hexiao said nonchalantly, “Not bad… but why call it a ‘thousand-layer cake’? Clearly, it’s only six layers.”
He delighted in nitpicking, his gaze resting on Yihuan, waiting for her reaction with a hint of mischief.
Yihuan fought the urge to throttle him. After a mental battle, her resolve to earn her coins prevailed. Clenching her teeth, she said, “Fine. I’ll rename it the Osmanthus Coconut Milk Six-Layer Cake.”
Satisfied, Liu Hexiao gave a sly grin, shameless as ever.
Feigning a professional smile, Yihuan said, “Your Highness, since you find the dish acceptable, may I trouble someone to deliver it to the old madam? I’ll take my leave now.”
He raised a brow. “Why not deliver it yourself?”
She glanced at the sky innocently. “Didn’t you say it’s only for one hour a day? My time is up.”
Translation: pay more if you want me to stay.
Liu Hexiao scoffed. “Do I look like someone short on money?”
That was exactly what Yihuan had been waiting for. Her smile instantly brightened. “As you say, Your Highness!”
She quickly packed the remaining cake into a food container. “Your Highness, where might I find the old madam’s residence?”
Leaning back lazily, Liu Hexiao replied, “Forget it. I was going to visit Grandmother to pay my respects anyway. Follow me.”
“Of course!” Yihuan was overjoyed, calculating the day’s earnings in her head as she followed him eagerly.
Watching her beam, Liu Hexiao couldn’t help but curl his lips into a faint smile.
—
They arrived at Cian Hall.
Unlike Shuiyue courtyard, Cian Hall was filled with the scent of sandalwood, revealing the old madam’s devout Buddhist faith.
The old madam had just woken from an afternoon nap, her mood still somewhat groggy. Bai Li was helping her change clothes.
“Old Madam, the young master is here,” Bai Li informed her softly.
Still weary from her restless sleep, the old madam’s spirits seemed low. “Oh? Let him in.”
Bai Li hesitated. “The young master has brought… a young lady with him. Shall I let her in too?” Her tone carried a hint of curiosity, though she suppressed it as best she could.
Hearing that her grandson had brought a young lady, the old madam seemed intrigued. “Let them both in.”
Upon receiving permission, Liu Hexiao turned to Yihuan. “What are you waiting for? Do you plan to keep sunbathing?”
Startled, Yihuan hurried after him.
Inside the main hall of Cian Hall, Liu Hexiao knelt respectfully before the old madam, offering his formal greetings.
Watching his serious demeanor—a stark contrast to his usual aloofness—Yihuan couldn’t help but feel surprised.
Meanwhile, she stood quietly to the side, head bowed in deference.
“Grandmother,” Liu Hexiao began, “I heard your appetite hasn’t been good lately. So I found a cook for you. Today, she made osmanthus coconut milk thousand-layer cake for you to try.”
Yihuan internally rolled her eyes: Why not call it six-layer cake now?
The old madam, though not particularly hungry, didn’t want to dampen her grandson’s enthusiasm. “Bring it here,” she said.
Yihuan approached with a demure smile, first pouring a bowl of sour plum soup and then presenting the neatly cut cake on a tray. She offered a pair of chopsticks, speaking gently, “Please have the soup first, then the cake, Old Madam.”
The old madam glanced at the reddish soup and the diamond-shaped cake pieces, asking flatly, “Why drink the soup first?”
Yihuan explained, “The sour plum soup, made from hawthorn and plums, has an appetite-stimulating effect. Drinking it first enhances the flavors of what follows.”
The explanation piqued the old madam’s interest.
She hesitated briefly, then glanced at Liu Hexiao.
“Don’t worry, Grandmother,” Liu Hexiao reassured her. “I’ve tasted it myself. It’s wonderful.” His earnest tone and affectionate smile were a far cry from his usual careless attitude.
The old madam took a sip of the soup— Its temperature, carefully chosen to suit the season, was pleasantly cool without being icy. The refreshing tang instantly awakened her senses, sweeping away the lingering dullness of her nap.
Her eyes lit up. “It’s truly refreshing.”
Liu Hexiao beamed, “See? I wouldn’t lie to you, Grandmother.” He personally picked up a slice of cake and presented it. “Try this, too. It’s delicious.”
His gentle demeanor, combined with his sharp features, made him appear graceful and filial—a picture of elegance.
Even Yihuan found herself momentarily distracted. Is this really Liu Hexiao?
As the old madam slowly chewed the cake, the soft coconut layer blended perfectly with the springy osmanthus layer. The restrained sweetness allowed the natural fragrance of osmanthus to shine, leaving a delightful lingering taste.
Watching his grandmother’s expression relax, Liu Hexiao couldn’t resist turning to Yihuan with a smug wink.
Yihuan mentally rolled her eyes: Yep, still the same Liu Hexiao.
But the old madam, noticing their subtle exchange, shifted her attention to Yihuan. Her eyes scanned Yihuan from head to toe, pausing even on her shoes.
Sensing the scrutiny, Yihuan stood quietly, her head slightly lowered.
Finally, the old madam spoke in a measured tone, “Raise your head.”
—
Notes:
- Cian Hall (慈安堂): Likely named to signify “benevolent peace,” reflecting the old madam’s serene and devout lifestyle. It’s the courtyard where old madam lives.
- Osmanthus: A flower with symbolic meanings of love and happiness in Chinese culture. Its use in desserts reflects sophistication.
