Chapter 21: Coconut Milk Cubes

 

Yihuan wore a pink embroidered ruqun (traditional Chinese attire with a jacket and long skirt), standing gracefully in the hall. Her jet-black hair was styled into a flowing cloud bun, exposing her fair forehead, giving her an air of poise and elegance.

 

Note: The ruqun and flowing cloud bun reflect the Tang or Song dynasty aesthetic, associated with modesty and refinement in women. Hair and clothing styles in historical Chinese culture often symbolized a person’s rank, virtues, or marital status. 

 

Her radiant smile and dazzling teeth added charm to her every glance, making her beauty captivating.

 

Liu Hexiao’s eyes lit up, and the corner of his mouth curved ever so slightly.

 

The old madam observed her carefully, nodding in approval. “She does carry a bit of a noblewoman’s air.” Turning to Liu Hexiao, she asked, “Ah-xiao, what do you think?”

 

Liu Hexiao slowly replied, “Wearing a dragon robe doesn’t make one a crown prince.”

 

Note: This phrase implies that appearance alone doesn’t change one’s inner qualities or station in life. It’s a common idiom in Chinese, often used sarcastically. 

 

Inwardly, Yihuan scoffed, A dog’s mouth can’t produce ivory.

 

Note: This idiom conveys the idea that it’s impossible to get a decent remark from someone uncultured or rude. 

 

Outwardly, she maintained a shy smile. “Shizi is correct.”

 

Nearby, Bai Li—who had hoped to ruin Yihuan’s chances of entering the prince’s mansion and embarrass her—now felt her silver teeth nearly crack from grinding them. Seeing Yihuan’s delicate beauty only fueled her resentment.

 

Feeling uneasy under Bai Li’s intense gaze, Yihuan said, “I’ve already caused inconvenience for too long today. I shall take my leave now.”

 

The old madam nodded. “Yes… it’s getting late. You may go.”

 

Yihuan smiled faintly, her eyes sweeping past Liu Hexiao without pausing for even a moment, and turned to leave.

 

Liu Hexiao stretched his body lazily and said, “Grandmother, I’ll take my leave as well.”

 

—–

 

“Thank you, Yihuan.” A languid male voice sounded.

 

Yihuan froze momentarily and reluctantly turned back. “Shizi?”

 

Liu Hexiao drawled, “Leaving already?”

 

Yihuan asked, “Does Shizi have any further orders?”

 

Liu Hexiao cleared his throat lightly. “The two hours aren’t up yet… Besides, I’m not full.”

 

Yihuan: “…”

 

Note: The “two hours” refer to a promised duration of service or time expected of her stay..

 

Looking self-assured, Liu Hexiao stared at Yihuan. Sighing internally, she said, “Shizi… what would you like to eat?”

 

After a moment of thought, Liu Hexiao replied, “Surprise me.”

 

With no choice, Yihuan followed him back to the Shuiyue Courtyard (“Water Moon Residence”).

 

—

 

In the small kitchen of Shuiyue Courtyard, there were still some leftover ingredients.

 

Yihuan thought for a moment and asked, “Shizi… do you like the taste of coconut milk?”

 

Liu Hexiao replied nonchalantly, “It’s acceptable…” He paused, then raised an eyebrow. “What else can you make with it?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Oh, lots of things! Coconut milk pudding, coconut jelly…”

 

“Wait!” Liu Hexiao interrupted her. “Coconut milk pudding sounds… rather cute. Let’s go with that.”

 

Yihuan was momentarily stunned but then broke into a radiant smile. “Alright!”

 

Her bright smile caught Liu Hexiao off guard for a moment. He quickly touched his nose and said, “Hurry up and get started.”

 

With that, he left the kitchen without looking back.

 

—

 

Feeling somewhat resigned but oddly motivated, Yihuan set to work. After all, as she thought to herself, she was becoming quite the well-paid chef for royalty.

 

She gathered the leftover coconut milk and fresh milk from when she’d previously made osmanthus coconut milk thousand-layer cake. Together, they were just enough to make a plate of coconut milk pudding.

 

Yihuan pulled out gelatin sheets she’d brought herself and soaked them in cool water until they softened.

 

While the gelatin soaked, Yihuan lit a fire under a small pot, adding sugar, milk, coconut milk, and an essential ingredient—condensed milk. Without condensed milk, the pudding would lack a certain richness that made it truly satisfying.

 

She stirred the mixture gently with a spoon, the milky surface smooth and comforting, releasing a sweet aroma as it heated.

 

When tiny bubbles formed around the edges, Yihuan quickly removed the pot from the heat—careful not to let the temperature exceed 80°C, which would ruin the texture. She then added the softened gelatin sheets, stirring until they melted completely.

 

Pouring the mixture into a square mold, she set it to chill in the ice cellar for half an hour.

 

As the pudding set, Yihuan wandered out of the kitchen, feeling a bit bored. Liu Hexiao was nowhere to be seen, and the courtyard was empty.

 

Strolling under a blooming osmanthus tree, she leaned against its trunk, enjoying the peaceful sunshine and the tree’s fragrant blooms. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

 

When Liu Hexiao returned, he saw Yihuan dozing beneath the tree. Her hair fell gracefully, her features delicate and tranquil. For a moment, he felt reluctant to wake her.

 

As he watched, Yihuan suddenly shifted in her sleep—her body tilting, head about to hit the ground.

 

Instinctively, Liu Hexiao reached out, catching her cheek in his palm.

 

The unexpected warmth startled Yihuan awake. She blinked, disoriented. “Shizi?”

 

Liu Hexiao, flustered, withdrew his hand as if burned. A faint flush crossed his face before he masked it with a stern expression. “I asked you to make food, and you fell asleep!?”

 

Yihuan quickly grasped the situation and explained, “I wasn’t slacking off… I was waiting for the coconut pudding to chill.”

 

Her cheeks, too, seemed flushed, still warm from the brief contact.

 

Liu Hexiao coughed lightly. “Well, check if it’s ready… Do you plan to starve me?”

 

Yihuan hurried back to the kitchen and opened the ice cellar.

 

The pudding had set perfectly, forming a large block that she carefully unmolded and sliced into small squares.

 

Liu Hexiao wandered in curiously. “Is it done?”

 

Yihuan said, “Just one final step.”

 

She poured shredded coconut into a bowl and gently rolled each pudding square through it, giving the soft, smooth cubes a fluffy “coat.”

 

Placing the finished pudding on a plate, she presented it to Liu Hexiao. “Shizi, please enjoy.”

 

By this time, the sun had already set, and dusk was beginning to settle over the courtyard.

 

Without a word, Liu Hexiao nodded, maintaining his usual indifferent expression. He picked up a piece of coconut milk pudding and placed it in his mouth.

 

The fluffy texture of the shredded coconut was delightfully fresh, melting slightly in his mouth. Beneath the coconut, the pudding was wonderfully bouncy, soft, and chewy. Its sweetness was balanced by the distinct, refreshing fragrance of coconut milk, making it neither too rich nor overwhelming.

 

While he was inwardly satisfied, Liu Hexiao commented aloud, “It’s just passable.”

 

Yihuan didn’t seem to mind and smiled lightly. “Shizi… may I leave now?”

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at her. “How will you get back?”

 

Yihuan was momentarily taken aback. How else would I get back? Walk, of course. Unless I could summon a carriage out of thin air!

 

She replied, “As a commoner, I will naturally walk home.”

 

Liu Hexiao smirked mischievously. “How about this? If you beg me, I’ll arrange for a carriage to take you.”

 

Without hesitation, Yihuan beamed and said, “I beg you! Many thanks, Shizi!” Her ingratiating smile was so exaggerated it bordered on mockery.

 

Liu Hexiao: “…” He pouted slightly. “How boring!”

 

—

 

The carriage from the Prince Qi’s mansion sped through the streets of Changming with astonishing efficiency.

 

As the breeze lifted the curtain slightly, revealing a glimpse of the luxurious interior, the older sister selling buns at the street corner gawked in disbelief. When the carriage passed, she hurried to the nearby noodle stall.

 

“Old Third! That fancy carriage just now—wasn’t that girl who rented your shop sitting inside? I wonder which noble young master she’s gotten close to, being sent back so late in such style!” She winked conspiratorially.

 

The noodle vendor, Yu Laosan, was startled. “That can’t be right!”

 

Turning back to glance at the retreating carriage, its silhouette now indistinct, he shook his head. “Impossible. Miss Yihuan is clever and capable. I don’t think she’d stoop to becoming some wealthy family’s concubine.”

 

The bun vendor snorted. “Hmph, who wouldn’t want to rise in the world?!” She rolled her eyes and walked away, disappointed.

 

Yu Laosan hesitated, his thoughts drifting. Yihuan was indeed beautiful and remarkably resourceful. If she truly wanted to enter a prominent household, it wasn’t out of the question.

 

Lately, seeing how she had earned so much silver from renting his shop, a pang of envy crept into his heart. Perhaps if she married into wealthy family, he might have a chance to take over her business.

 

—

 

The carriage came to a halt at the far end of Changming Street.

 

Before it even stopped fully, Yihuan jumped out eagerly.

 

Liu Hexiao followed behind, smiling as he asked, “So, how was my carriage? Pretty fast, wasn’t it?”

 

Yihuan shot him a subtle glare. Fast? I nearly threw up!

 

Liu Hexiao chuckled, reaching into his robe and pulling out a silver ingot. “Here, your payment.”

 

Still annoyed, Yihuan replied coldly, “That’s too much, Shizi. I don’t have change. Could you give me smaller coins instead?”

 

Liu Hexiao noticed her sour expression and said, “Fine. If you don’t have change, consider it a month’s wages in advance.”

 

Yihuan: “…”

 

An entire month!? Does that mean I have to keep serving him for another month!?

 

Seeing the hefty silver ingot, Ah-miao’s eyes widened in astonishment. She quickly piped up, “Thank you, Shizi!”

 

Liu Hexiao smirked. “Look at your maid—she knows how to show gratitude.”

 

Yihuan reluctantly accepted the silver, giving a perfunctory bow. “Shizi, take care. I won’t see you out!”

 

Turning away, she stormed into the house, leaving behind an exasperated but strangely amused figure.

 

Unbothered, Liu Hexiao called out, “I’ll come to pick you up next time!”

 

He then gracefully climbed into the carriage and rode off, a faint smile playing on his lips.

 

—

 

Unbeknownst to anyone, two heads peeked out from the neighboring blacksmith’s shop.

 

Xiao Wu, tall and lanky, whispered, “I didn’t expect Miss Yihuan to have a suitor… That man looks important—he scared me half to death.”

 

Xiao Si scoffed. “A suitor? Didn’t you see that he gave her silver? And look at her wearing silk clothes now… She might be in that kind of relationship!”

 

Note: “That kind of relationship” implies becoming a mistress or concubine. 

 

Xiao Wu, being younger, asked naively, “What kind of relationship?”

 

Xiao Si rolled his eyes. “It’s too complicated to explain! Just know it’s not a good one! And she had the nerve to threaten us earlier!”

 

With that, Xiao Si flung his hand dismissively and went back inside.

 

Xiao Wu was somewhat puzzled, only thinking that if Miss Yihuan ever got married, he wouldn’t be able to drink her sour plum soup anymore. This thought left him feeling a bit lost and melancholic.

 

Only after seeing Liu Hexiao leave did Ah-miao feel at ease and head upstairs.

 

But upon reaching the second floor, she saw Yihuan violently kneading and pounding a ball of dough. She seemed to have boundless energy, as though she wouldn’t stop until the dough was utterly defeated.

 

Ah-miao found it odd and asked, “Miss, what’s wrong with you?”

 

Yihuan gritted her teeth and said through clenched jaws, “I! Am! Fine!”

 

Even Lin Yiran was startled by her behavior. He asked indignantly, “Sister, did that Shizi bully you?”

 

Yihuan didn’t want them to worry, so she said, “I’m really fine. I just want to finish preparing the food we’ll sell tomorrow morning… Besides, the shop’s renovations are almost done. We can finally get ready to open for business.”

 

Once the shop opened, she would never have to serve that inexplicably difficult Shizi at the prince’s mansion again!

 

Ah-miao nodded and asked, “Miss, what are you making now?”

 

Finally, after kneading the dough to her satisfaction, Yihuan felt her mood improve slightly. She raised a hand to wipe the thin layer of sweat on her forehead and said, “I’m making croissant rolls.”

 

Translator’s Note:-  Thank you dear Iza for the ko-fi. Upcoming 4 chapters are sponsored by Iza!!

Coconut Milk Pudding:- https://youtu.be/7MDPIIoZWzc?si=p5LmJu5wzE7xGmGJ