Chapter 35: Medicinal Cuisine

After the heavy rain, Shengjing appeared renewed, its streets and alleys glistening with a fresh vibrancy.

Yihuan stood alone at the intersection of Changming Street, a little unsure of herself.

Whenever she visited the Prince Qi’s Mansion in the past, a carriage was always sent to pick her up, and sitting inside, she never paid much attention to the direction.

Now, faced with the task of walking there on her own, she found herself at a loss.

While she hesitated, the sound of approaching hooves echoed behind her. Turning around, she saw an ornate carriage rolling slowly down Changming Street.

Yihuan quickly stepped aside.

To her surprise, as the carriage drew closer, a corner of the window was pushed open from inside.

“Miss Yihuan?” came a tentative voice from within.

Yihuan looked up, surprised. “Young Master Cao?”

It was none other than Cao Shixun, the son of the Minister of War.

They had met briefly before at Qianjiao Pavilion when Liu Hexiao had come to Yihuan’s rescue, and Cao Shixun had been present alongside He Ye.

Judging by his carriage’s direction, Cao Shixun was clearly leaving Tianshui Alley. Yihuan gussed he must have stayed there last night due to the heavy rain… though, truthfully, rain or no rain, it wasn’t unlikely he’d stay. After all, Miss Ziyan was his close confidante.

“Where are you headed, Miss Yihuan?” Cao Shixun asked courteously.

Yihuan offered a polite smile. “I… I’m planning to visit Prince Qi’s Mansion.”

Cao Shixun blinked in surprise. “You’re going to see Ah-xiao?”

After a brief pause, Yihuan nodded. “Shizi isn’t feeling well, so I’m bringing him some food… fulfilling my duties as his personal chef.”

Her words, though meant to explain, sounded a bit awkward, even to herself, and a slight blush crept onto her cheeks.

Cao Shixun nodded thoughtfully. “Since Ah-xiao is unwell, I should check on him too. If you don’t mind, Miss Yihuan, why don’t you ride with me? We can go together.”

Yihuan hesitated briefly, finding the idea somewhat improper.

But with no better way to get to the Prince Qi’s Mansion—and no guarantee she could arrive before nightfall if she tried finding her way alone—she finally agreed.

“Thank you, Young Master Cao,” she said with a small nod.

The spacious interior of the carriage was comfortably designed. Cao Shixun sat in the primary seat, his demeanor relaxed despite a faint flush at the corners of his eyes—a clear sign that his hangover had yet to fully subside.

He offered to pour tea for Yihuan with a polite smile.

Yihuan quickly took the teapot from him. “There’s no need, Young Master Cao. I can pour it myself. Thank you.”

Cao Shixun smiled faintly and sat back in his seat. “Are you always this polite around Ah-xiao too?”

Yihuan looked up. “What do you mean?”

“Are you always this courteous?” he clarified, his tone warm.

Yihuan chuckled softly. “Knowing one’s place is important. As someone of humble birth, I dare not act presumptuously before the Shizi.”

Her words were flawless, neither overstepping nor inviting further inquiry.

Cao Shixun studied her for a moment before remarking, “But it seems Ah-xiao doesn’t see you as just anyone.”

Yihuan paused briefly, then smiled. “Young Master Cao, you flatter me. The Shizi merely appreciates my cooking and indulges me with a few meals. Nothing more.”

Cao Shixun didn’t press the matter, though he chuckled lightly. “Is that so?”

Her expression remained firm. “Yes.”

His laugh softened as he said, “Then I must speak up for Ah-xiao—it feels like he’s been slighted.”

Yihuan: “…”

To shift the conversation, she took a sip of tea and commented, “This tea is excellent—it tastes exactly like the one we had at Qianjiao Pavilion.”

Cao Shixun paused. “It’s from Ziyan.”

At the mention of Ziyan, his expression grew quiet.

Though they could share the nights, they could never walk side by side in the daylight.

Yihuan remarked casually, “Miss Ziyan often visits my dessert shop. We’ve met a few times.”

Cao Shixun adjusted his expression and replied, “She mentioned that your drinks are exceptional. At Qianjiao Pavilion, they’re always in high demand. She greatly admires your skills.”

Yihuan smiled modestly. “Miss Ziyan is too kind. It’s just a livelihood, nothing special.”

After a brief silence, Cao Shixun asked, “Miss Yihuan… have you ever spoken with Ziyan?”

Yihuan hesitated briefly. “We’ve chatted a few times… why?”

A shadow of melancholy passed across Cao Shixun’s face. “I feel that Ziyan has been distant with me lately.”

Yihuan tilted her head in confusion. “Why would that be?”

Cao Shixun forced a smile. “I suppose… it’s because my family is arranging a marriage for me.”

Yihuan paused. The relationship between Cao Shixun and Ziyan seemed to be more than the usual relation between a customer and a courtesan.

From what she’d observed, Ziyan clearly harbored feelings for Cao Shixun. And from the way he spoke of her, it didn’t seem like he was indifferent to her either.

Yihuan regarded him calmly. “So, what does Young Master Cao plan to do?”

Cao Shixun sighed bitterly. “I honestly don’t know.”

He had been wrestling with this inner turmoil for some time, and finding Yihuan—a person who appeared to care about Ziyan—he couldn’t help but continue confiding.

“Ziyan and I have discussed this before. I offered to redeem her freedom, buy her a home, and visit her whenever I could.”

Yihuan raised her eyes slightly. “And she refused?”

This was a fate most courtesans would envy.

“That’s right.” Cao Shixun nodded. “When I asked her why, she wouldn’t say. She only told me, ‘If you miss me, come see me at Qianjiao Pavilion.’”

His voice softened as he murmured, “But I’m about to marry. If my family keeps me on a tight leash… I won’t be able to see her often. I can’t live without Ziyan.”

Yihuan asked quietly, “Have you ever thought about taking Ziyan away from here entirely?”

Cao Shixun froze, stunned into silence.

Ziyan had been under his protection at Qianjiao Pavilion for two years. But even with the depth of their bond, what could he do? As the son of the Minister of War, his arranged bride came from a prominent family. Any scandal—such as dallying with a courtesan after marriage—would undoubtedly earn the ire of his in-laws.

Though he deeply cared for Ziyan, he dared not defy his family.

Seeing the turmoil on his face, Yihuan simply smiled and said no more.

*****

The carriage soon arrived at Prince Qi’s Mansion.

The mansion stood imposing as ever. Guards lined the entrance, and the massive red gates loomed high with the weight of authority. Even from a distance, the sight carried an air of austere grandeur.

After stepping down from the carriage with Cao Shixun, Yihuan glanced at the gates in silence for a moment.

Finally, she hesitated before saying, “Young Master Cao, could I trouble you to deliver this food to the young master on my behalf?”

Cao Shixun raised a brow. “Miss Yihuan, you’re already at the gate. Why not take it in yourself?”

Yihuan forced a faint smile. “I just remembered there’s something urgent I need to handle back at the shop…”

Before he could reply, she shoved the food box into his hands, murmured her thanks, and turned to leave.

“Miss Yihuan! Wait—don’t go!” Cao Shixun called after her.

But Yihuan had already run off. Puzzled, Cao Shixun could do nothing but carry the food box inside.

*****

Shuiyue Courtyard

Liu Hexiao lounged on the couch, wrapped in a light quilt, half-reclining in a daze.

Though his fever had yet to subside, the sound of approaching footsteps stirred him awake. His eyelashes fluttered faintly as he opened his eyes.

“Your Highness, Young Master Cao has come to see you,” Cheng Lingwei announced.

Liu Hexiao, still groggy, mumbled, “Why is he here? Let him in.”

Cao Shixun entered the room carrying the food box. Upon seeing Liu Hexiao’s pale complexion, he asked, “Your fever hasn’t broken yet?”

Liu Hexiao, lethargic, asked, “How did you even know I was sick?”

Cao Shixun chuckled lightly. “Miss Yihuan told me. I thought I’d stop by to check on you.”

Liu Hexiao blinked in surprise. “She told you that?”

His gaze immediately darted toward the door, faint anticipation flickering in his expression.

Cao Shixun smirked knowingly. “Don’t bother looking—she didn’t come in. Miss Yihuan left.”

Liu Hexiao frowned. “What do you mean?”

Cao Shixun explained, “I ran into her at the Changming Street intersection. She said she wanted to check on you, so I brought her along. But when we got here, she refused to come inside.”

Liu Hexiao’s expression darkened. “Why didn’t she come in?”

His face grew stormy in an instant. “Did you bully her on the way!?”

Cao Shixun, taken aback, protested his innocence. “I wouldn’t dare lay a hand on your precious little chef! She’s the one who wanted to leave!”

Liu Hexiao, unsatisfied, pressed on. “Then why didn’t you stop her?”

If she had stayed, his recovery day wouldn’t feel so dull.

Cao Shixun, exasperated, exclaimed, “How was I supposed to know she’d run off so quickly!? Women are unpredictable!”

At the mention of fickleness, his thoughts turned bitterly to Ziyan, and a wave of frustration welled up within him.

Liu Hexiao, noting his expressions, decided not to pursue the matter further.

Resuming his reserved pose, he muttered, “There’s nothing wrong with me. You’ve seen me now, so you can leave.”

Cao Shixun rolled his eyes. “What’s this? Just because the lady didn’t come, you’re kicking me out?”

With a puff, he lifted the food box and gave it a little shake. “At least I brought you something Miss Yihuan made. If nothing else, I deserve credit for that!”

Liu Hexiao’s mood visibly improved. A grin spread across his face. “You should’ve said that earlier. Hand it over.”

Shaking his head in exasperation, Cao Shixun passed him the box.

Liu Hexiao eagerly opened the lid, revealing an array of neatly arranged red pastries.

The sunlight streaming in through the afternoon window highlighted the hawthorn jelly, their surface smooth and lustrous. It was impossible to tell what they were made of.

Liu Hexiao’s lips curled slightly. “That little fox… at least she has a bit of a conscience.”

Cao Shixun, standing nearby, rolled his eyes. “I say, Liu Shizi, could you stop grinning to yourself like an idiot?”

Liu Hexiao shot him a glare. “What would you know?”

With that, he picked up a piece of hawthorn jelly. Cool to the touch, the bright red, translucent dessert sat temptingly between his fingers, practically begging to be eaten.

He took a small bite, savoring its sweet and tangy flavor. The hawthorn jelly was refreshingly sour, smooth yet springy, a perfect appetite stimulant that didn’t stick to his teeth.

Having eaten nothing all day, Liu Hexiao found that the hawthorn jelly awakened his palate, dispelling the lingering bitterness in his mouth.

His eyes curved in satisfaction as he finished off the piece in no time.

Seeing his contented expression, Cao Shixun hesitated before speaking. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you…”

He glanced at Liu Hexiao. “This Yihuan girl—she’s beautiful and clever, but in the end, her status is too low. She’ll never be accepted into the prince’s household.”

Liu Hexiao met his gaze, his tone cool. “I’m not you.”

Cao Shixun stiffened. “Liu Hexiao, are you even my friend? Must you always be so sarcastic?”

His face darkened, and he stared at Liu Hexiao, visibly annoyed.

Liu Hexiao set aside his teasing smile and returned the look. “Shixun, you’ve been entangled (together) with Ziyan for ages. Why are you still letting these things trouble you?”

Cao Shixun flinched. “How did you know…”

Liu Hexiao spoke lazily. “Your face gives everything away.”

Cao Shixun: “…You don’t understand my struggles.”

Liu Hexiao placed the food box down and leaned back. “What I don’t understand is this: if you truly like her, why not cast everything aside and be with her? And if you don’t like her enough to do that, why not let her go? Is it that hard?”

Pain flickered in Cao Shixun’s eyes. “It’s not that simple. Can love alone sustain a relationship? Don’t family reputation, parental expectations, and my future matter?”

Liu Hexiao stared at him. “The fact that you can even say that means you’ve already prioritized your family, parents, and future over Ziyan. You’ve made your choice. So why are you upset? She’s the one who should be crying, not you.”

Liu Hexiao’s blunt words left Cao Shixun red-faced.

Muttering, Cao Shixun tried to defend himself. “If I abandon my family, how would I protect her? You’re used to living in privilege; you don’t understand how hard life is for ordinary people.”

Liu Hexiao responded with measured calm. “Let me ask you this: if you choose your family, parents, and future, will your life definitely be happy and smooth? Can anyone guarantee that? And if you choose Ziyan, does that mean your future is doomed? Have you even tried to fight for it?”

Cao Shixun froze, his face paling.

He had indeed chosen his family and future over Ziyan. But even after making that choice, he couldn’t let her go. He wanted to keep her by his side, treating her as an extension of himself.

Perhaps he was just selfish—wanting it all, he had taken the easier path.

Seeing Cao Shixun’s gloomy expression, Liu Hexiao’s tone softened. “Shixun, life rarely gives us everything we want. To have even one thing you truly desire is already a blessing.”

Cao Shixun pressed his lips tightly together, his face clouded with guilt and denial.

Liu Hexiao sighed. “Think it through carefully. So that you don’t regret it later.”

Cao Shixun stood in a daze before silently walking out.

Concerned, Liu Hexiao called out, “Cheng Lingwei, escort Young Master Cao home.”

Cheng Lingwei quickly moved to support Cao Shixun.

Watching his friend’s departing figure, Liu Hexiao felt a pang of melancholy himself.

He looked back at the bright red, glossy hawthorn jelly in the food box, lost in thought.

*****

Meanwhile, Yihuan quickened her pace as she left Prince Qi’s Mansion.

She couldn’t explain why, but an inexplicable sense of unease had taken root in her heart.

Would he mock me for meddling?

After a moment’s thought, she shook her head. He doesn’t seem that bad.

Then… would he be happy?

But what did it matter if he was happy?

As these strange thoughts crowded her mind, Yihuan felt restless and annoyed.

It was precisely this feeling that had driven her to avoid seeing Liu Hexiao altogether.

I should just keep my distance from him, she told herself firmly.

Lost in thought, she wandered farther and farther from the mansion, eventually finding herself in the East Market.

The East Market, unlike the West Market, was located near the imperial city, surrounded by the residences of officials and wealthy families.

The streets here were wide and well-maintained, bustling with activity. In modern terms, it was akin to prime real estate in the city’s inner ring.

The market boasted grand storefronts and luxurious facades, housing everything from restaurants and teahouses to silk shops, cosmetics, and antique treasures. The constant flow of people made it a hub of vibrant commerce.

It was Yihuan’s first visit to the East Market.

She had an idea. Since I’m here, why not explore a bit? I might even find a business opportunity.

With that thought, she wandered into a silk shop on a whim.

The shop was called Qiluo Pavilion, and judging by its size, it ranked among the top three silk shops on the street.

As Yihuan stepped into Qiluo Pavilion, her eyes were greeted by a dazzling array of silks and ready-made garments, each more exquisite than the last.

Unlike most young ladies, who would become mesmerized by the luxurious fabrics and fine tailoring in such a store, Yihuan silently observed the other customers instead.

A shop assistant approached her with enthusiasm. “Miss, are you here to purchase fabric?”

He gave her a quick once-over. Though her attire was plain, her radiant complexion and refined demeanor suggested she wasn’t from an ordinary household.

Yihuan offered a small smile. “What are the most popular fabrics these days?”

The shop assistant’s grin widened. “We have plenty! This way, please!”

Nodding, Yihuan followed him to the display area.

The shelves were lined with rolls of fabric, and several young ladies were already selecting materials. Yihuan noticed that almost every customer was accompanied by a maid—clearly, these were women from wealthy households.

Most of them had come in pairs or small groups, likely with close friends, adding a lively air to the shop.

As she observed the scene, her thoughts began to wander.

The shop assistant pointed to a bolt of pink silk and said, “This one is very popular among young ladies. It’s soft as a peach blossom and utterly charming when worn.”

Yihuan glanced at the fabric and asked, “How much is it per bolt?”

“Two taels of silver,” the assistant replied promptly.

After a moment of consideration, she continued, “And how many bolts of this do you sell in a day?”

The assistant hesitated briefly before regaining his composure. “Why, just earlier, we sold three bolts! On a typical day, we sell at least seven or eight.”

Yihuan nodded thoughtfully.

The assistant, however, grew suspicious. Is she a competitor trying to gather information?

Sensing his wariness, Yihuan feigned dissatisfaction. “If so many people are buying this, won’t I risk wearing the same thing as everyone else?”

The assistant broke into a cold sweat, abandoning his earlier suspicions. This lady is particular about exclusivity!

He quickly pointed to another fabric, a rich crimson silk. “Then may I recommend this floating-glimmer silk? Under sunlight, it shimmers like water. Worn by a lady like you, it would surely make you the center of attention!”

Yihuan wasn’t particularly interested in buying fabric, but the description caught her attention. She reached out to touch the material.

It was soft and smooth, with an understated sheen that shifted subtly depending on the angle. Elegant and tasteful, it was a fabric that she couldn’t help but admire.

The assistant, sensing her interest, added, “This color is perfect for someone with your fair complexion. It’s a vibrancy that only someone like you could pull off.”

Hearing this mention of fair skin and crimson attire, Yihuan’s mind conjured an image of someone vividly—someone always clad in red, radiating an aura like a blazing fire wherever he went.

Startled, she realized she was thinking of Liu Hexiao.

Annoyed at herself, she pushed the crimson silk aside. “Show me something else.”

The assistant, unsure what he had said wrong, quickly led her to other selections.

Yihuan lingered in the shop for a good half-hour, intentionally dragging her visit to observe how the store operated.

Located in the centre of the East Market, Qiluo Pavilion was a prime location, about a 15 minutes walk from the main street entrance. On hot days, ladies arriving at the store would likely feel thirsty, creating potential demand for drinks.

Additionally, the shop sold both fabric and ready-made clothing.

If a customer fancied a particular fabric, the assistants would guide them to see examples of clothing made from it. Should the customer be interested, they could even try on the garments in the fitting rooms.

Considering how complex traditional clothing was to put on, trying out just two outfits could easily take the 30 – 40 minutes time.

When two or more people came shopping together, the idle companion would often grow impatient, potentially cutting the trip short and affecting the store’s sales.

Yihuan realized that if customers could be enticed to stay longer, the store’s turnover might improve.

The more she thought about it, the clearer the opportunity seemed.

“Miss, what exactly are you looking for?”

The assistant, exhausted from all the showing and explaining, looked as though he might collapse. “You’ve looked at every fabric we have in the store!”

Yihuan paused and smiled sheepishly. “Just pick one for me… whichever you think is best.”

Best? The assistant smirked inwardly. They’re all the best!

Still, delighted to make a sale, he cheerfully fetched a bolt of fabric for her.

When it came time to pay, Yihuan realized he had chosen the crimson silk.

“Why this one?” she asked, surprised.

The assistant, now a little annoyed, replied, “Miss, you said ‘whichever.’ And you’ve spent the most time admiring this one.”

Yihuan sighed. “…Fine. I’ll take it.”

After paying for the fabric, she left Qiluo Pavilion, carrying the bolt of crimson silk.

*****

Not far from the silk shop, Yihuan arrived at Cunzi Hall, a renowned pharmacy in the East Market. Known for its expertise in women’s and children’s health, its reputation was unmatched.

The store was bustling with people queuing up for prescriptions, though the consultation area was noticeably empty.

Standing at the entrance, Yihuan glanced curiously inside. To her surprise, she spotted a familiar figure.

It was Madam Wang, accompanied by her maid Yusi.

The maid was carrying two large bundles of herbs, and the two were chatting happily as they walked out.

When Madam Wang and Yusi saw Yihuan, they froze for a moment before smiling warmly.

“Miss Yihuan?” Madam Wang greeted her.

Yihuan returned the smile. “Madam Wang, what brings you out today?”

Since Madam Wang often came to her dessert shop, the two had grown quite familiar. Yihuan knew how busy Madam Wang was managing her large household, so it was rare for her to have time to go out.

Madam Wang spoke kindly. “I came to the pharmacy to pick up some herbs. The doctor said my issues with internal cold and dampness have improved significantly. I think it’s thanks to your ginger milk pudding! I was just thinking about you, and here you are!”

Yusi chimed in with a grin. “The madam was just saying she planned to visit your shop later. We’re so lucky to run into you here!”

Yihuan smiled. “I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better, Madam Wang.”

She recalled that Madam Wang had no children and was working hard to restore her health. Yihuan genuinely wished her success.

The three exchanged a few more pleasantries before preparing to part ways.

Just then, an elderly man walked in.

He was in his fifties, with white-streaked hair and a stern, no-nonsense demeanor.

It was Dr. Yu, the renowned physician of Cunzi Hall.

Madam Wang greeted him quickly. “Dr. Yu! I heard you weren’t in today.”

Dr. Yu nodded slightly. “Your condition is improving. Just follow the new prescription.”

His tone was curt and emotionless, but Madam Wang didn’t seem to mind. She thanked him politely.

Yihuan found their interaction intriguing. Madam Wang treated Dr. Yu with great respect.

Yusi leaned in and whispered, “Dr. Yu is strange, but he’s said to be a former imperial physician. They say he’s an expert in medicinal cuisine!”

 

Translator’s Note:- Thank you dear readers. Enjoy your Weekend!!