Chapter 29: Papaya Stewed with Fresh Milk

 

Xinqiao froze for a moment. She quickly glanced at Liu Hexiao but didn’t dare joke with him.

 

“Thank you, Young Master Xie… Who doesn’t know that Liu Shizi never needs company from the ladies when he visits the Qianjiao Pavilion? Even the courtesans can’t catch his eye!”

 

Yihuan listened and looked at Liu Hexiao thoughtfully.

 

Liu Hexiao, visibly impatient, shot her a glare and suddenly grabbed a large ladle, dumping something into her bowl.

 

With a stiff expression, Liu Hexiao said, “Stop babbling and just eat.”

 

Looking down, Yihuan noticed her bowl now held steaming rice, vibrant in color and quite intriguing.

 

Curious, Yihuan asked, “What’s this?”

 

Liu Hexiao replied, “Mandarin Duck Fried Rice.”

 

Yihuan was stunned for a moment but then broke into a smile. “So this is the Mandarin Duck Fried Rice you mentioned?”

 

Liu Hexiao nodded silently.

 

Nearby, He Ye looked on in amazement and immediately pushed his empty bowl forward, pretending to plead. “Your Highness, I’d like some too~”

 

Liu Hexiao retorted, “Scram.”

 

He Ye awkwardly withdrew his hand.

 

Yihuan found his reaction amusing. Then, she carefully examined the fried rice before her.

 

One side of the dish was fried with green peas and corn, while the other was fried with diced chicken and carrots.

 

So Liu Hexiao’s so-called Mandarin Duck Fried Rice was just two kinds of fried rice on the same plate!

 

Yihuan was slightly surprised and suddenly felt that this supposed “rogue prince” wasn’t so hard to please after all.

 

She scooped up a spoonful and took a bite. The green peas were firm yet tender, releasing a bit of juice when bitten. The carrots were fresh and slightly sweet, and the rice was perfectly textured. It tasted quite good.

 

 

[ T/N:- Mandarin Duck Fried Rice is also known as Yin-Yang Fried Rice]

 

Still, no matter how good it was, it was just fried rice—nothing particularly remarkable.

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at her. “Does it taste good?”

 

Yihuan paused briefly, then smiled. “Not bad… Do you like fried rice that much, Your Highness?”

 

Before Liu Hexiao could answer, He Ye chimed in. “Indeed! Wherever A’Xiao goes, his staple food has to be fried rice… and he’s never grown tired of it over the years.”

 

Cao Shixun added, “What do you know? He’s searching for a taste from his memories…”

 

Liu Hexiao’s face stiffened slightly. “Is there nothing here to stop you all from gossiping?”

 

Cao Shixun chuckled and changed the subject. “Fine, fine! Let’s eat!”

 

Yihuan also fell silent and resumed eating.

 

She noticed Xinqiao was still drinking, so she asked, “Miss Xinqiao, do you drink alcohol every day?”

 

Xinqiao smiled. “Of course. The guests enjoy drinking, so naturally, we accompany them.”

 

At Qianjiao Pavilion, drinks were a major source of revenue. If a lady encouraged customers to drink more, she could earn significant rewards.

 

Yihuan continued, “Doesn’t it hurt your stomach to drink so much?”

 

Xinqiao hesitated for a moment. “Occasionally, but Ziyan suffers the most…”

 

Hearing this, Yihuan looked at Ziyan, seated beside Cao Shixun. She appeared gentle and demure, her eyes curving like crescent moons as she smiled softly.

 

“I do have chronic stomach pain,” Ziyan said in a delicate voice. “It’s a condition I’ve had for many years.”

 

Cao Shixun gave her a sympathetic look. “From now on, when I’m here, you don’t have to drink.”

 

Ziyan smiled warmly. “Thank you, Young Master Cao.”

 

Observing their interaction, Yihuan thought it could easily be mistaken for the affection of a married couple.

 

After pondering for a moment, Yihuan asked, “If there were a drink that could protect your stomach and make drinking more comfortable, would you ladies consider buying it?”

 

Ziyan replied, “If it’s reasonably priced, I would.”

 

Cao Shixun interjected, “I’ll buy it—enough for three years at once.”

 

Ziyan chuckled softly.

 

Xinqiao asked, “Does it taste bad? What kind of drink is it?” She imagined it must be like traditional medicine—effective but bitter.

 

Yihuan answered, “It doesn’t taste bad… in fact, it’s delicious. It’s called yogurt.”

 

Drinking yogurt before consuming alcohol can be beneficial because it forms a protective layer on the stomach lining, reducing the damage caused by alcohol and even alleviating its effects slightly.

 

Xinqiao eagerly asked, “Where can we buy this?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “At the end of Changming Street, there’s a shop called Shengjing Dessert Shop. They have it there.”

 

Liu Hexiao gave her an intrigued glance. This little fox had just managed to plug her own shop!

 

Ziyan, curious, asked, “How do you know about this?”

 

Yihuan blushed slightly and admitted, “Because I’m the owner of the dessert shop…”

 

Ziyan and Xinqiao exchanged surprised glances. “Owner?!”

 

Yihuan nodded. “That’s right. My shop just opened recently. To be honest, I came here tonight to learn about the ladies dining preferences.”

 

Liu Hexiao raised an eyebrow. “So you really came just to chat?”

 

Yihuan feigned innocence. “Of course! When have I ever lied to you, Your Highness?”

 

Though, truthfully, she had lied several times before…

 

Liu Hexiao gave a small nod. Meanwhile, Xinqiao curiously asked, “What else is good to eat at your shop?”

 

Ziyan smiled. “Talking about food again? Have you forgotten you’re supposed to perform the ‘Flying Swallow Dance’ later?”

 

Xinqiao immediately deflated. “Fine… I won’t eat anything then. Don’t want Madam Tian scolding me.”

 

Yihuan quickly reassured her. “Not all foods make you gain weight. As long as you control the oil and sugar, it’s fine.”

 

After speaking with Lianqiao, Yihuan had pinpointed the ladies concerns. As expected, Xinqiao’s eyes lit up. “Really? What’s suitable for us to eat?”

 

Since her shop didn’t offer many drinks yet, Yihuan improvised from memory. “For example, stewed papaya with fresh milk…”

 

Papaya wasn’t common in ancient times and was referred to as fan papaya (foreign papaya).

 

Xinqiao’s eyes widened. “Papaya can be eaten cooked?!”

 

Yihuan nodded and explained, “Of course! Papaya stewed with milk is rich in nutrients and has antioxidant properties—what I mean is, it can slow aging. With regular consumption, your skin can become fairer and more delicate. From a doctor’s perspective, papaya and milk have a sweet taste and enter the lung meridian, nourishing the lungs and providing a soothing effect. Besides, this dish is smooth and silky, mildly sweet, and incredibly delicious.”

 

She continued with enthusiasm, “In summer, you could try making peach gum and lotus seed soup. The peach gum is soft and translucent, and the lotus seeds, once the bitter cores are removed, become slightly sweet after cooking. This combination improves skin elasticity and radiance—you wouldn’t even need rouge anymore!”

 

“And in autumn, you could prepare longan and red date tea. Remove the cores from the longans and cook them with red dates. The unique sweetness of the dates blends with the fresh aroma of the longans, creating a fragrant, warm drink that fills your stomach with comfort.”

 

Her descriptions were so vivid that Xinqiao and Ziyan listened intently, with Xinqiao even swallowing softly, barely noticeable.

 

He Ye and Cao Shixun exchanged a glance. How did it feel like they had become the ones tagging along now?

 

Noticing their keen interest, Yihuan stopped herself deliberately and said, “All of these will be available at Shengjing Dessert Shop soon. I hope you ladies will visit.”

 

Xinqiao eagerly nodded. “I want to try them all!”

 

He Ye and Cao Shixun were utterly dumbfounded. Weren’t they here to spend money on the ladies? How did this little chef end up making the ladies spend money on her instead? In the end, wouldn’t their money still be the one footing the bill?

 

Liu Hexiao almost burst out laughing. This little fox never missed a chance to do business!

 

Ziyan, intrigued but worried, said, “Xinqiao… but Madam Tian won’t let us go out…”

 

In the Qianjiao Pavilion, only the most popular courtesans were occasionally allowed outside.

 

Yihuan pondered, “If I can deliver the food to you, would that work?”

 

Ziyan frowned slightly. “Anything brought in from outside, even if we buy it ourselves, has to be inspected by Madam Tian. If she’s displeased, she’ll just confiscate it outright.”

 

Xinqiao sighed. “That’s true…”

 

The two sighed wistfully. Though they longed for freedom, they were bound by the rules of the Qianjiao Pavilion.

 

After thinking for a moment, Yihuan said confidently, “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out.”

 

—

 

The group drank a few more cups of wine before leaving the private room.

 

As they exited Qianjiao Pavilion, Yihuan walked silently, lost in thought.

 

She was now certain the ladies at Qianjiao Pavilion had a demand for her beverages. The challenge was how to deliver them—Madam Tian’s approval would be critical. Unfortunately, tonight’s events had likely irritated her.

 

Though Madam Tian had shown deference to Liu Hexiao and refrained from creating trouble, Yihuan doubted she’d be welcoming to her, let alone allow her to do business in the pavilion.

 

Yihuan stopped in her tracks and turned to Liu Hexiao. “Your Highness…”

 

Liu Hexiao lazily turned back. “What is it?”

 

Her wide eyes were full of expectation—or rather, admiration.

 

Liu Hexiao froze slightly, sensing impending trouble. “What scheme are you up to now?”

 

Yihuan replied, “Your Highness… I’d like to ask for your help. Could you speak to Madam Tian on my behalf and allow me to sell food at Qianjiao Pavilion?”

 

Liu Hexiao stared at her. So that’s her brilliant idea? Asking me for help?

 

Raising an eyebrow, he replied, “No.”

 

Yihuan wasn’t discouraged. “Why not?”

 

Liu Hexiao set down his wine cup. “Why ? That’s my question. Why should I help you?”

 

After a moment of thought, Yihuan came up with a thunderously absurd reason. “Because… Your Highness is kind.”

 

He Ye nearly spit out his drink. “K-Kind?!”

 

Yihuan nodded earnestly, her thick-skinned determination unyielding. “With one word from you, my little shop could thrive, and the ladies of Qianjiao Pavilion could enjoy delicious food. Why wouldn’t you want to help?”

 

Liu Hexiao, still stone-faced, replied, “So you’re all happy. What’s in it for me?”

 

Realizing his potential as a business partner, Yihuan reconsidered. “If Your Highness helps me secure Qianjiao Pavilion, I’ll give you 30% of the profits from this business. Of course, I know you don’t care about small sums like that…”

 

Unexpectedly, Liu Hexiao’s lips curled into a smile. “No, I do care. But 30% isn’t enough—I want 70%.”

 

Yihuan froze.

 

After a moment’s hesitation, she countered, “40%!”

 

Liu Hexiao shook his head. “60%.”

 

Determined not to lose out, Yihuan bit the bullet. “40%—plus I’ll cook something delicious for you every day!”

 

Liu Hexiao grinned. “Deal.”

 

He didn’t care much about the money, but watching her grit her teeth was highly entertaining.

 

—

 

Back at her dessert shop, Yihuan was so excited she couldn’t sleep.

 

Tossing and turning in bed, she finally gave in—taking out her abacus.

 

With roughly 50 courtesans at Qianjiao Pavilion, if each spent three coins daily, that’d be 150 coins a day. Subtracting costs, she could net 80 coins per day.

 

In a month, that was 24 taels of silver—a profit greater than most officials!

 

[T/N :- According to my research 1 tael of silver = 1000 wens or coins, but the according to the calculation, I think the author used 1 tael of silver = 100 wens or coins for easier calculation. ]

 

Yihuan chuckled aloud at the thought.

 

But then, remembering she had to give Liu Hexiao 40%, she felt a pang of regret.

 

Still, Qianjiao Pavilion was just the start. If things went well there, the entire Tianshui Alley could become her customer base!

 

With this thought, Yihuan rekindled her hope and drifted into sleep full of anticipation, unaware of the hour.

 

—

 

The Next Morning

 

“Miss! Miss!” Ah-miao’s gentle knocking woke her.

 

Yihuan stirred from her dreams and asked groggily, “What time is it?”

 

Ah-miao replied, “Miss, it’s already the hour of Si!” (approximately 9-11 a.m.)

 

Yihuan jumped out of bed and saw that the sun was indeed high in the sky.

 

As she dressed, she asked, “What about the papayas I asked you to buy? How are they?”

 

Ah-miao reassured her, “Don’t worry, Miss. They’ve already been brought back, fresh and plump!”

 

—

 

In the Kitchen, Yihuan hurriedly washed up and headed to the small kitchen.

 

A neat row of large, fresh papayas lay on the cutting board, firm and golden, waiting for her inspection.

 

After examining them, she noticed some were deep yellow and fully ripe, while others still had a hint of green. She set aside the unripe ones, deciding to work with the ripe ones first.

 

“Sister,” Lin Yiran called out from the doorway, curiosity written on his face. “What are you doing?”

 

Yihuan smiled warmly. “I’m making papaya stewed with fresh milk! Do you like papayas, Yiran?”

 

Lin Yiran shook his head. “I’ve never had papaya before.”

 

Yihuan took one of the ripe papayas and sliced it cleanly in half, transforming it into two small papaya bowls.

 

Using a spoon, she gently scooped out the seeds and handed one of the hollowed halves to Lin Yiran. “Here, use a spoon to eat it.”

 

Lin Yiran looked surprised. At the Prime Minister’s residence, fruits were always cut into small pieces by maids, and he had never eaten anything straight from its shell before.

 

He hesitantly took it. “Thank you, Sister.”

 

Sitting at the kitchen doorway, he started eating spoonful by spoonful.

 

The fresh, sweet flavor of the papaya filled his mouth, and Lin Yiran’s eyes crinkled with delight.

 

“Sister, this is so good!” Lin Yiran exclaimed.

 

Yihuan chuckled. “You can eat watermelon this way too. Scoop it out with a spoon. The center is always the sweetest.”

 

Lin Yiran’s eyes widened in wonder. “Why is the center the sweetest?”

 

Yihuan explained, “It has to do with how watermelons grow. The center is where the seeds are, and the seed cavity has the most sugar-transporting channels. That’s why the center is like a sugar hub, making it the sweetest part.”

 

Though Lin Yiran didn’t fully understand, he grinned widely and said, “Next time, I’ll save the sweetest part of the watermelon for you, Sister!”

 

Yihuan was momentarily stunned, and her heart softened at the sight of his sparkling eyes.

 

She walked over, gently ruffled his hair, and said, “Thank you, Yiran… but Sister doesn’t need it. You eat the sweetest part yourself.”

 

In that moment, Yihuan felt a surge of emotion. She had to find a good academy for her younger brother, to ensure he had a bright future. And if the day ever came when she saw their father and elder brother again, she could fulfill the trust they had placed in her.

 

—

 

Standing up, Yihuan got back to work on her dish.

 

She took another papaya and sliced off the top third, then used a small spoon to skillfully remove the seeds. The hollowed-out papaya looked like a perfect little boat.

 

Pressing gently on the flesh, she found the ripeness ideal—neither under-ripe, which would make it stiff, nor overripe, which could give it a fermented taste.

 

Next, she washed some red dates, sliced them open with a rolling knife technique to remove the pits, and placed them inside the papaya boat.

 

She retrieved some soaked silver ear fungus from water. It had bloomed into a fluffy, flower-like shape, almost as if waiting to be picked.

 

Tearing the silver ear into small pieces, she added them to the papaya boat as well. Now it was nearly full.

 

Then, she poured fresh milk into the papaya and added a single lump of rock sugar to keep it low-fat—perfect for the ladies who were wary of gaining weight.

 

Finally, she placed the papaya in a steamer, covering it with the sliced-off papaya top to form a lid, and began steaming it over low heat.

 

In less than 15 minutes, the papaya stew was ready.

 

The steamed papaya had softened significantly, its golden hue now radiant and beautiful.

 

Lifting the lid, Yihuan found that the silver ear had partially dissolved into the milk. The creamy white milk contrasted perfectly with the vivid red dates and the golden papaya, making for an exquisite presentation.

 

The warm aroma of milk and papaya wafted into the air, tempting even Yihuan to taste it first!

 

 

Packing the papaya stews carefully into food boxes, Yihuan said to Ah-miao, “Let’s go to Qianjiao Pavilion!”

 

Each carrying a large food box, they made their way to the pavilion’s entrance.

 

It was just past noon, around the time the courtesans were rehearsing their performances.

 

As soon as they arrived, the gatekeeper stopped them.

 

“No women guests allowed!” The young man was firm and didn’t bother with politeness.

 

Yihuan smiled. “I’m not a guest. I’m a supplier.”

 

The gatekeeper blinked in surprise. “Supplier?”

 

“Yes,” Yihuan replied. “Tell Madam Tian that Shengjing Dessert Shop is here with a delivery. She’ll understand.”

 

Skeptical but unwilling to ignore the possibility, the gatekeeper went inside. A short while later, Madam Tian herself emerged, swaying her hips.

 

Still bitter over being scolded by Liu Hexiao the previous night, she was doubly annoyed upon hearing he had ordered her to allow this “Shengjing Dessert Shop” entry.

 

“Oh, I was wondering who it was. Turns out it’s that little… gentleman from yesterday. Or should I say lady? Such a mystery!” Her words were dripping with sarcasm.

 

Yihuan unfazed smiled and said, “Yesterday, I sneaked into Qianjiao Pavilion and caused trouble for Madam Tian—that was my mistake. Didn’t you almost detain me as well? So, in a way, we’re even now. I have no intention of offending you, Madam Tian, and I hope you won’t hold it against someone as junior as me. Is that alright?”

 

Madam Tian was momentarily taken aback. The girls around her usually spoke in roundabout ways, trying to curry favor, but it was rare to meet someone as straightforward and candid as Yihuan. Originally intending to make things difficult for her, Madam Tian now hesitated. Yihuan’s forthrightness left little room for her to push further without seeming petty. Besides, this girl seemed to have a genuine connection with Liu Hexiao, someone she dared not offend too much.

 

Madam Tian softened her tone, saying, “What brings you here today, young lady?”

 

Yihuan smiled and gestured to the food box in her hand. “I’ve come to deliver something nice for Madam Tian.”

 

Madam Tian looked at the box with a skeptical frown. “And what exactly is this?”

 

Seeing that Madam Tian responded better to gentleness than force, Yihuan softened her voice. “We’ve carried it all the way here—how about we talk it over inside?”

 

Madam Tian snorted but nodded. “Come on in, then.”

 

“Thank you, Madam Tian!” Yihuan, always quick to seize an opening, pulled Ah-miao along and entered Qianjiao Pavilion.

 

The pavilion looked very different during the day compared to the bustling nightlife.

 

The main hall was mostly empty, occupied only by young women rehearsing their dances, occasionally discussing movements or making adjustments.

 

From the backyard came the sound of string instruments accompanied by the clear, melodic voices of girls singing. It almost felt like a school for young ladies.

 

Madam Tian pointed to a table in the corner. “Sit there.”

 

Obediently, Yihuan took a seat, opened the food box, and said, “Madam Tian, this is papaya stewed with fresh milk, prepared by Shengjing Dessert Shop. It’s especially suitable for the girls here. I’ve come today to ask for your permission to let them try it.”

 

Madam Tian glanced at the food box. Inside were four large papayas, still emitting faint wisps of steam.

 

She showed no interest and said coldly, “That won’t be necessary. I only agreed to let you into Qianjiao Pavilion because of the Shizi’s orders. I never promised to let you do business here.”

 

Yihuan smiled calmly. “While I’m here to do business, I’m also here to help Madam Tian.”

 

Madam Tian raised an eyebrow in confusion, but before she could respond, Yihuan shifted the topic. “Madam Tian, I’ve heard that Qianjiao Pavilion is the largest brothel in Tianshui Alley. I didn’t understand why before, but now I do.”

 

Madam Tian’s curiosity piqued. “Oh? And why is that?”

 

Yihuan replied, “Because Madam Tian’s training methods are outstanding. Your girls stand out, which naturally sets you apart from the rest.”

 

On her way here, Yihuan had noticed that most brothels were closed, and in the few that were open, the girls inside were idly playing cards. Only in Qianjiao Pavilion were the girls diligently rehearsing for the evening’s performances.

 

Madam Tian’s pride swelled as she heard this. “I used to train under the court’s etiquette matrons, so I have my unique methods. Any girl under my care could easily become the proper wife of a small household.”

 

It was no secret that Madam Tian had connections to the palace in the past, and her training methods were meticulous and effective.

 

Yihuan nodded in agreement but then asked, “Madam Tian, may I ask how long it takes to cultivate an exceptional girl?”

 

Madam Tian fanned herself and replied, “Most girls come to us around the age of ten. It takes at least four to five years for them to truly mature.”

 

Hearing this, Yihuan felt a pang of sympathy but suppressed her discomfort. She continued, “It takes four to five years to train them… but how long is a girl’s prime period?”

 

*****

 

Translators Note:- Papaya Stewed With Fresh Milk :-