Chapter 30: Peach Crystal Jelly

 

Madam Tian hesitated for a moment.

 

“Roughly five or six years,” she said after some thought. “After twenty… there aren’t many customers left.”

 

Men came to Qianjiao Pavilion seeking novelty. Once there were new girls, the old ones were quickly cast aside.

 

Take Lianqiao, for instance—she was once a top courtesan, with admirers lining up as far as the city gates. But in her prime, she hesitated between lofty and modest options, delaying for two or three years. By the time younger girls grew into their roles, Lianqiao was gradually replaced.

 

Now, at just twenty-five or twenty-six, she was already considered a “forgotten woman.”

 

Hearing this, Yihuan spoke solemnly. “Madam Tian, it takes five years to train someone, but you only get five years of use out of them. Don’t you think that’s a waste?”

 

Although Yihuan felt sympathy for the courtesans, she understood that Madam Tian was not a sentimental person. The only way to persuade her was through practicality and profit.

 

Madam Tian frowned slightly. “That is… indeed a dilemma.” She then turned to Yihuan and asked, “You seem to be implying something. What exactly are you trying to say?”

 

Yihuan smiled and said, “Please, take a look.”

 

She brought over one of the papaya stews and opened its lid.

 

The freshly steamed papaya with milk was still steaming, its rich aroma—a blend of milk and papaya—wafting straight into Madam Tian’s nose. Madam Tian froze for a moment. “What is this?”

 

“This is papaya stewed with fresh milk,” Yihuan explained. “It’s rich in protein and vitamins. Simply put, it can slow aging, making your skin look smoother and more delicate. A twenty-two-year-old could look as youthful as eighteen!”

 

Madam Tian scoffed. “How could something so miraculous exist?”

 

Yihuan chuckled. “Of course, eating it just once won’t do much, but long-term consumption is effective.”

 

Having studied nutrition while learning to make desserts, Yihuan had always been interested in the health benefits of food. She often prepared sweet soups for herself.

 

Seeing Madam Tian still skeptical, Yihuan pushed the papaya stew closer to her. “This one is on me, as a gesture of goodwill. May you stay youthful and beautiful forever.”

 

No woman could resist the promise of eternal beauty. Though still doubtful, Madam Tian quietly picked up a spoon. “Alright, I’ll give you some face!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Please enjoy.”

 

Madam Tian scooped up a spoonful of the milk. Compared to regular milk, this was much creamier. She brought it to her lips slowly.

 

The smooth milk slipped into her mouth effortlessly, its sweetness paired with the warm richness of the papaya. Together, the flavors dispelled the dryness in her throat.

 

After a long session of scolding and directing the girls during rehearsals, Madam Tian’s throat had been sore. This single spoonful instantly soothed her.

 

Moved but maintaining her cool demeanor, she scooped up one of the red dates in the stew. “What’s this nonsense? You even added red dates?”

 

“Red dates replenish blood and vitality,” Yihuan replied cheerfully. “Madam Tian will surely look radiant after eating them.”

 

Madam Tian’s lips curled slightly. “You really know how to flatter!”

 

She ate the red date anyway. It was so soft and tender that it practically melted in her mouth, releasing its subtle sweetness and a sense of nourishment.

 

By the time she finished half the papaya stew, Madam Tian was visibly more relaxed.

 

Leaning back slightly in her chair, she lazily twirled the spoon in the papaya boat. Its delicate presentation added to its appeal. As she ate, she glanced at the girls rehearsing on stage, and the previously tense and irritable afternoon seemed to gain a hint of indulgence.

 

Yihuan, seeing Madam Tian’s quiet enjoyment, smiled and asked, “Madam Tian, what do you think?”

 

Madam Tian paused and said, “The flavor… is acceptable. But how would I know if it works after just one serving?”

 

Yihuan lowered her voice. “Naturally, it requires regular consumption to see results. If Madam Tian likes it, I can include a complimentary serving of something delicious every time I deliver goods. Would that make you happy?”

 

Though pleased by the offer, Madam Tian maintained her composed demeanor. “If I want to eat, I can buy it myself. I don’t need you to play the good person!”

 

Yihuan replied warmly, “Madam Tian granting me the opportunity to do business here is already a huge favor. Offering you a little treat now and then is the least I can do.”

 

Unable to hold back a smile, Madam Tian remarked, “You sly girl, you have a sharp tongue.”

 

Yihuan grinned. “So, does that mean Madam Tian agrees?”

 

Feigning indifference, Madam Tian nodded slightly. Then, she waved to the girls on stage. “Ladies, take a break! Shengjing Dessert Shop has sent us some treats today. If you want to buy any, come and take a look.”

 

Yihuan immediately chimed in, “Today’s special is papaya stewed with fresh milk. One bowl is better than ten jars of face cream! Come and see for yourselves!”

 

Some of the girls, intrigued, approached the table to see the small papaya bowls. The novel presentation immediately caught their attention.

 

“Is this a sweet soup?” asked a girl dressed in white.

 

Yihuan replied, “You could say that.”

 

“How much is it per serving?”

 

“Ten coins per bowl,” Yihuan answered.

 

“Ten coins!?” The girls exchanged looks, their initial curiosity quickly waning.

 

Sensing their hesitation, Yihuan explained, “This is made with fresh milk, red dates, and premium-quality papayas. Everything is prepared with the finest ingredients.” She paused and added, “Besides, Madam Tian herself is an expert in beauty care—she just had a bowl earlier, didn’t you, Madam Tian?”

 

Caught off guard but unable to deny it, Madam Tian grudgingly muttered, “Mm… yes, it’s not bad.”

 

Just then, a girl in a yellow dress pushed her way to the front. It was Xinqiao, whom Yihuan had met the night before. She stared at Yihuan in surprise, looking her up and down. “It’s you! You’re… Master Xie? No, wait, you’re Lady Xie?!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “The one and only.”

 

Xinqiao looked astonished but, faced with delicious food, quickly let go of her curiosity about Yihuan’s gender. “So, this is the papaya stewed with fresh milk you mentioned last night? The one that’s supposed to be great for beauty and skin?”

 

“Yes. Would you like to try some?” Yihuan asked.

 

Xinqiao thought for a moment and then said, “Alright, I’ll take one.”

 

A nearby girl whispered, “Didn’t you hear? It’s ten coins per bowl. That’s enough to buy several flower hairpins!”

 

Xinqiao shrugged. “You don’t understand… She’s the chef for the heir, Liu Shizi. His pickiness about food is infamous. If she’s managed to earn his approval, she must have some serious skill.”

 

Yihuan smiled warmly. “Thank you for your trust, Miss Xinqiao.”

 

Taking the coins Xinqiao handed over, Yihuan served her a steaming bowl of papaya stew.

 

Xinqiao eagerly removed the lid, releasing a wave of milky and fruity aroma that immediately captivated everyone around her.

 

Handing her a spoon, Yihuan said, “Miss Xinqiao, try it and see if you like it.”

 

Xinqiao nodded, elegantly scooping a piece of papaya. The fruit was tender but not mushy, its sweetness perfectly complemented by the rich milk. The texture was soft and smooth—utterly delightful.

 

“This is amazing! Who knew papaya could taste this good?” Xinqiao exclaimed.

 

Yihuan smiled. “Now try the milk. You can drink the milk first, then finish the papaya boat.”

 

Following her advice, Xinqiao began eating the stew methodically, each bite savored. Around her, the other girls watched intently, unconsciously swallowing in sync with her.

 

As Xinqiao neared the end of her papaya bowl, another girl hesitantly spoke up. “I… I’ll take one too.”

 

Yihuan quickly handed her a serving with a bright smile. “Please enjoy, Miss.”

 

“Me too!”

 

“And me! Give me the biggest one you have!”

 

In just a few moments, the eight bowls Yihuan had brought were completely sold out.

 

The girls who arrived late looked disappointed.

 

“That’s it for today?”

 

“Why didn’t you bring more?!”

 

“Madam Tian, why didn’t you tell us earlier? Now everything’s gone!”

 

Some girls even pouted in annoyance.

 

Yihuan quickly stepped in to diffuse the tension. “Ladies, it’s true that we didn’t prepare enough today. How about this…”

 

She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a large sheet of folded xuan paper.

 

[Xuan paper: A high-quality paper traditionally used for Chinese calligraphy and painting]

 

Turning to Madam Tian with a sweet smile, she asked, “Madam Tian, may I borrow your brush and ink?”

 

By now, nothing Yihuan did surprised Madam Tian anymore. Sighing, she nodded.

 

As a male attendant brought over the writing tools, Yihuan thanked him with a quick smile.

 

Addressing the gathered girls, Yihuan announced, “We’re now accepting pre-orders for papaya stewed with fresh milk. If you’d like some tomorrow, just write your name here and leave a five-coin deposit.”

 

The girls exchanged glances, impressed by Yihuan’s ingenuity.

 

Noticing their expressions, Yihuan added, “Papaya stewed with fresh milk is best consumed every two to three days for optimal benefits. Overindulgence isn’t recommended. Those who’ve had it today might want to skip tomorrow and enjoy it the day after instead.”

 

This thoughtful advice earned her even more favor among the girls, who saw her as principled person rather than purely profit-driven.

 

At this moment, Xinqiao, wiping her mouth after finishing her bowl, asked, “If we can’t have this tomorrow, what else can we eat?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll bring some different desserts—delicious and weight-friendly. How does that sound?”

 

Since the girls were all dancers, maintaining their figures was crucial. They eagerly voiced their approval.

 

Madam Tian, however, looked displeased.

 

She frowned, thinking: Isn’t she just using my territory to make money without giving anything back?

 

But before Madam Tian could speak, Yihuan approached her with a polite bow. “Thank you for your support today, Madam Tian. Tomorrow, I’ll bring something special just for you.”

 

With a playful yet respectful smile, Yihuan added, “See you tomorrow!”

 

Caught off guard, Madam Tian’s stern face softened slightly, though she muttered, “Who needs your offerings?”

 

Yihuan didn’t mind and maintained her cheerful demeanor.

 

Just as Yihuan was about to leave the pavilion, Madam Tian suddenly called out, “Hey! I had the papaya stewed with milk today. Don’t forget to bring me something different tomorrow!”

 

Yihuan burst into laughter. “Of course, Madam Tian. I’ll make sure you’re not disappointed!”

 

—–

 

Linking arms with Ah-miao, Yihuan cheerfully returned to her dessert shop.

 

“Sixty-seven, sixty-eight, sixty-nine, seventy! We’re rich!” Ah-miao exclaimed as she sat at the counter, eagerly counting the day’s earnings from the papaya stewed with fresh milk.

 

Sitting across from her, Yihuan was also feeling jubilant. “Finally, our average sales per customer have gone up!”

 

But as she thought about the sizable portion of profits she would have to share with Liu Hexiao, her mood sank slightly.

 

Ah-miao nodded enthusiastically. “Miss, you’re amazing!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Ah-miao, it’ll be tough for you in the coming days. You’ll need to buy papayas daily.”

 

Papayas were heavy, and while Ah-miao was strong, carrying three or four at once could still be quite a task for most young women.

 

Ah-miao waved it off with a grin. “Don’t worry, Miss! I can handle these chores. But… what will you make next for the girls at Qianjiao Pavilion?”

 

Earlier that day, Yihuan had observed that most of the dancers were quite young, around fifteen to seventeen years old. At that age, many girls still held a touch of a youthful, romantic spirit.

 

Just then, Lin Yiran burst in, full of excitement. “Sister! Sister!”

 

He ran up to her, holding out a large, juicy peach as if it were a treasure. “Today’s honey peaches are so fragrant!”

 

In his small hands was a ripe peach, glistening as if freshly washed. His sleeves were rolled up high, revealing thin arms struggling slightly to carry the large fruit.

 

“For you, Sister!” Lin Yiran beamed, his round little face radiating joy.

 

Yihuan smiled gently. “Yiran, you’re so thoughtful! There’s nothing better than a honey peach in this weather…”

 

Suddenly struck by inspiration, she exclaimed, “I know! I’ll make peach crystal jelly!”

 

“What’s crystal jelly?” Lin Yiran asked, his curiosity piqued.

 

“You’ll see once I make it,” Yihuan said with a grin, taking the peach from him. “I’ll use this peach to make it for you. How about that?”

 

Clapping his hands in delight, Lin Yiran cried, “Yay!”

 

Yihuan picked up the large peach and quickly fetched a small knife.

 

The peach’s pink skin was soft and fuzzy. With practiced precision, Yihuan carefully peeled the peach, keeping the blade close to the fruit’s surface.

 

Her nimble fingers guided the knife so skillfully that the peach skin came off in one long, continuous spiral.

 

In the end, she was left with a smooth, pale peach glistening in her hand.

 

“Miss, you’re amazing!” Ah-miao exclaimed in awe. She marveled at how the peach peel remained unbroken. To think that the same young lady who once avoided household chores had now mastered so many skills!

 

She had asked Yihuan about this transformation before, but Yihuan only smiled without answering.

 

Lin Yiran picked up the long strand of peach peel, waving it gently as if it were a ribbon. “It didn’t even break! Sister, you’re incredible!”

 

Yihuan chuckled softly. “Peach skin has its uses—don’t ruin it!”

 

Hearing this, Lin Yiran quickly set the peel down.

 

Next, Yihuan sliced the peach open, carefully cutting the flesh into small pieces. She worked slowly, mindful of the peach’s juiciness, ensuring no liquid was wasted to preserve its flavor.

 

Meanwhile, she heated a pot of water on the stove.

 

Pouring a large bowl of water into the pot, she added the peach peels.

 

“Miss… are you boiling peach skin!?” Ah-miao asked, incredulous.

 

As Yihuan stirred the pot, she said, “That’s right. See how the water’s changing color?”

 

Ah-miao craned her neck to look. The clear boiling water had taken on a faint pink hue.

 

“Peach soup?” Ah-miao asked in disbelief.

 

“This water is for coloring,” Yihuan explained. “Since it’s peach crystal jelly, it should be pink!”

 

Once the peels had fully steeped, she strained them out, leaving only the fragrant pink liquid.

 

While the water was still hot, she added sugar and white gelatin powder.

 

The gelatin, an expensive ingredient, made Yihuan sigh. She has to negotiate for better prices from Qingmu Zhai, once her sales increased.

 

The sugar and gelatin dissolved completely, turning the pink liquid smooth and glossy.

 

She ladled the mixture into a large bowl filled with peach chunks.

 

The peach pieces floated to the surface, their pale pink color resembling delicate flower petals.

 

Finally, Yihuan brought out small wine glasses to use as molds, pouring the peach-filled liquid into each one.

 

Watching intently, Lin Yiran piped up, “Sister, let me help!”

 

Smiling, Yihuan handed him a spoon. “Here, Yiran.”

 

Lin Yiran eagerly scooped the liquid into the glasses, meticulously distributing the peach chunks. He added extra peach pieces to one glass, laughing mischievously as he worked.

 

—

 

When the moon was high, Yihuan returned after a quick dinner to check on the jellies.

 

They had been cooling on the first floor of the dessert shop, where the temperature was lower than in the kitchen, allowing them to set faster.

 

She picked up a wine glass and gave it a gentle shake. The jelly inside had solidified perfectly.

 

Delighted, Yihuan carefully slid a thin bamboo skewer along the edge of the glass, using just the right amount of force to lift the jelly out.

 

It plopped neatly into a clean porcelain bowl, glistening and translucent. Encased within the jelly were soft peach chunks, their pink hue so inviting it was hard to resist taking a bite.

 

At that moment, Lin Yiran came running over. His wide eyes fixed on the bowl of jellies, and he swallowed audibly.

 

“Wash your hands, then help yourself,” Yihuan said with a smile.

 

Lin Yiran obediently went to wash his hands.

 

Meanwhile, Yihuan continued carefully removing the rest of the jellies from their molds. But one of the jellies hadn’t set properly. Upon inspection, she realized that too much peach had been added, and not enough liquid to bind it, causing the jelly to fall apart.

 

 

It was a small regret.

 

Just then, Lin Yiran returned with freshly washed hands.

 

When he saw the broken jelly, his little face fell as he rushed over.

 

“My jelly! Why is it all ruined!?” the six-year-old exclaimed, his eyes turning red with distress.

 

Yihuan quickly reassured him, “It’s alright, Yiran. The other jellies you made came out perfectly!”

 

But Lin Yiran’s eyes brimmed with tears as he whispered, “But… this one was for Sister. I put extra peach in it just for you…”

 

His voice cracked, and he started to sob quietly.

 

Yihuan froze.

 

Suddenly, she remembered how often Lin Yiran had been saying recently, “The best things are for Sister…” 

 

At first, she had thought nothing of it, assuming he was just a sweet child who enjoyed sharing.

 

But now, seeing his tears, she realized he truly wanted to save the best for her.

 

Her chest tightened with emotion, and her heart softened. She said gently, “Yiran, I understand your thoughtfulness. Even though the jelly didn’t set, the peach is still there! Let me taste it.”

 

With that, she poured the broken peach jelly into her mouth.

 

The peach pieces, softened by the gelatin syrup, still retained a hint of their natural sweetness.

 

“This is the best jelly I’ve ever had,” Yihuan said warmly, smiling at him. “Thank you, Yiran, for always thinking of me.”

 

She reached out to wipe the tears from his eyes. “Boys don’t cry so easily. Don’t be sad, alright?”

 

Lin Yiran brightened up and nodded. “Okay!” His chubby little hand grabbed her arm, and he declared proudly, “I’m a man, and I’ll protect Sister! I won’t cry anymore!”

 

Yihuan smiled indulgently. “Good, good! Yiran is the bravest!”

 

Deep inside, something shifted in her heart.

 

In her previous life, Yihuan had little connection to her family. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she drifted between various relatives, where survival meant being observant and cautious.

 

At sixteen, she left her relatives’ homes and, by chance, became the apprentice of a renowned pastry chef.

 

Her master often said, “If life is bitter, bring some sweetness to it.”

 

These words resonated with her, and she developed a love for crafting desserts.

 

In both her past and current life, she had learned to rely on herself. Everything she had, she earned on her own.

 

Yet now, looking at the little boy before her, her calm heart rippled slightly.

 

What had begun as an obligation—caring for Lin Yiran because she had taken over his sister’s body—had transformed. Over time, she had truly come to see him as her younger brother, and she was determined to pave a bright future for him.

 

Squatting down to his eye level, she said gently, “Yiran, don’t worry. Sister will protect you too. Our days will only get better.”

 

Lin Yiran looked up, meeting her gaze. The siblings shared a smile.

 

This tender scene did not go unnoticed.

 

Standing at the dessert shop’s doorway, a figure dressed in scarlet watched silently. His handsome face gleamed like jade under the moonlight, his presence exuding charm.

 

The man’s peach-blossom eyes curved slightly in amusement as he lightly cleared his throat. “Is anyone here? Have you stopped doing business?”

 

Yihuan startled, quickly standing and glancing towards the door. There stood Liu Hexiao, looking utterly nonchalant, as if he owned the place.

 

“Your Highness, why are you here at this hour?” Yihuan asked, startled.

 

“Why not? Am I not allowed to come now?” Liu Hexiao retorted lazily.

 

Without waiting for a reply, he sauntered inside and sat on a long bench, exuding a mix of arrogance and ease.

 

Behind him stood Cheng Lingwei, as stiff as a bamboo pole.

 

Unsure of Liu Hexiao’s purpose, Yihuan approached Cheng Lingwei and whispered, “Brother Cheng, what’s going on with the shizi?”

 

Cheng Lingwei sighed. Even he didn’t know why Liu Hexiao had insisted on going out for a stroll so late. Their walk had unexpectedly led them to Changming Street.

 

All day, Cheng Lingwei had been trying to dissuade Liu Hexiao from venturing to Tianshui Alley again. After all, the prince had already scolded him earlier for his so-called “sinfulness,” though the accusations of gambling and womanizing were baseless.

 

Oddly enough, Liu Hexiao had stopped in front of Shengjing Dessert Shop instead. Relieved, Cheng Lingwei had no choice but to follow him inside.

 

Cheng Lingwei shook his head at Yihuan, indicating he was as clueless as she was.

 

Liu Hexiao extended his hand slightly, his empty palm suggesting that something was missing.

 

Yihuan’s heart sank.  Could it be… he’s here to claim his share of the profits? 

 

Liu Hexiao’s teasing smile confirmed her suspicion.

 

Suppressing a sigh, Yihuan reluctantly retrieved her money pouch. Under his watchful gaze, she poured out the copper coins.

 

“One, two, three…” she counted, heart aching as she separated out his 40% share.

 

By the time she reached ten coins, Liu Hexiao’s patience wore thin.

 

“Xie Yihuan! What exactly are you doing?!” he snapped.

 

*****

 

Translators Note:-  Peach Crystal Jelly :