Chapter 36: Peach Gum and Lotus Seeds

Medicinal cuisine!?

Yihuan took mental note of this revelation and offered Dr. Yu a polite smile, hoping to make an impression.

However, Dr. Yu acted as though he hadn’t seen her, showing no reaction at all.

Madam Wang stepped in with a smile. “Dr. Yu, this is Miss Yihuan. The last time you mentioned my cold constitution had improved, it was thanks to her ginger milk pudding that I felt much better.”

At this, Dr. Yu finally glanced at Yihuan.

Yihuan immediately bowed. “It’s an honor to meet you, Dr. Yu.”

“Mm,” Dr. Yu responded indifferently.

Madam Wang opened her mouth to ask something more, but Dr. Yu, already showing signs of impatience, said curtly, “I have other matters to attend to.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, his robes billowing dramatically.

Madam Wang’s expression froze momentarily.

Yusi, the maid, frowned. “Madam, Dr. Yu is really difficult to deal with!”

Madam Wang sighed, her tone resigned. “What choice do I have? Dr. Yu’s medical skills are unparalleled. No one else’s treatments have worked for me.”

Yusi grumbled, “Even so, does he have to be so rude? Every time we queue for an hour, and he barely says a few words!”

Madam Wang’s brows knitted slightly. It was true—Dr. Yu never showed a pleasant face during their appointments.

Curious, Yihuan asked, “Has Dr. Yu always been like this?”

Madam Wang nodded. “Yes. Dr. Yu used to be an imperial physician. For some unknown reason, he resigned and left the palace. This pharmacy belongs to his nephew, and he comes here a few times a month to see patients. Whenever he does, the place is packed.”

Yusi added, “Today isn’t even his consultation day. He must have come for something else.”

Madam Wang sighed. “Let it go. Dr. Yu may have a temper, but he’s devoted to healing and has no family of his own. Life isn’t easy for him, either.”

Yihuan pondered this and asked, “When does Dr. Yu usually come to Cunzi Hall?”

Madam Wang replied, “The 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th of each month.”

Yihuan nodded, mentally noting the schedule.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yihuan took her leave.

Walking leisurely along the bustling streets of the East Market, Yihuan’s thoughts drifted back to her dessert shop.

A gentle breeze lifted her bangs, and her pink embroidered blouse complemented her graceful figure. Holding the bolt of crimson silk, she naturally attracted many curious glances.

But Yihuan paid no attention to the stares, her mind fully occupied with her plans for the future.

The shop’s business with Qianjiao Pavilion had stabilized. Currently, about two-thirds of the pavilion’s courtesans had tried her desserts, and the daily reorder rate exceeded 70%, far surpassing her expectations.

However, she knew she couldn’t scale her business by relying solely on Qianjiao Pavilion.

Qianjiao Pavilion was influential within Tianshui Alley, and its courtesans’ endorsement gave her shop a reputation boost. But to grow further, she needed to win over the other brothels on the street.

Unfortunately, the brothels were in constant competition and rarely interacted with one another. Establishing a broader presence for her dessert shop seemed an uphill battle.

Lost in thought, Yihuan soon found herself back on Changming Street.

*****

“Miss!”

Yihuan looked up at the familiar voice and saw Ah-miao returning from Tianshui Alley, holding an empty food box.

Smiling warmly, she walked over. “How was today?”

Ah-miao’s face lit up. “The pearl milk tea sold exceptionally well today! The girls were fascinated by the pearls and kept asking what they were made of. When I said they were made of rice flour, they didn’t believe me!”

She animatedly gestured with her hands like a child, her excitement infectious.

Yihuan nodded, walking with Ah-miao into the dessert shop.

“Ah-miao, what kind of girls were buying the pearl milk tea?” Yihuan asked softly.

Ah-miao thought for a moment before replying, “There was a mix of girls, but I noticed a few didn’t buy any. They stood aside, watching, but held back in the end.”

Yihuan’s interest piqued. “Do you know why?”

Ah-miao chuckled. “I asked around later and found out that those girls, like Miss Hongyu, are vying for the flower queen title. They’ve been practicing their performances day and night and don’t dare eat anything that might weigh them down—let alone drink pearl milk tea.”

She paused to sip some water before continuing, “They want to look as light as a feather while dancing, so they’re being extra cautious with their diets.”

Yihuan nodded and said, “That’s understandable.” After a pause, she asked, “Then, Miss Hongyu—was she satisfied with the peach gum and lotus seeds dessert I made?”

Ah-miao replied, “I couldn’t know… When I delivered it to her room, the door was tightly shut. She just told me to leave it at the door, so I didn’t go in.”

Yihuan pondered for a moment before asking, “Ah-miao, do you know why they want to become the flower queen?”

Ah-miao was momentarily stunned, blurting out, “Isn’t it for… status in Qianjiao Pavilion!?”

After all, she had noticed that only the flower queen could live in the best rooms, enjoy the greatest freedom, and have the finest clothes and food in Qianjiao Pavilion.

Yihuan looked up at her and asked, “What else?”

Ah-miao tilted her head, thinking, “Hmm… for men’s favor? To make their names known far and wide?”

Recently, having interacted with many courtesans, Ah-miao had found that some took pride in attracting customers and did not feel ashamed of it at all.

Yihuan chuckled lightly and said, “I thought the same at first. But today, I met someone whose words made me realize what’s truly important for courtesans.”

Ah-miao’s curiosity was piqued, and she widened her eyes, asking, “What is it?”

“A sense of belonging.”

These simple two words struck at the heart of the matter, resonating deeply.

Yihuan explained, “I know a young man who is deeply fond of a courtesan in Qianjiao Pavilion. He comes from a prominent family, is the legitimate eldest son, and is highly valued.”

She took a small sip of tea and continued, “But the best he can offer that courtesan is the position of a concubine or, at most, a secondary wife.”

Ah-miao listened intently, her expression contemplative.

Yihuan continued, “For these women, entering a brothel often means they’ll never have the chance to marry as a proper wife—not even into a modest family. The unlucky ones, like Lianqiao, waste their youth in Qianjiao Pavilion. If the brothel keeper is unkind, they might even be thrown out.

“The lucky ones might meet a customer willing to buy their freedom and provide a place for them to settle. That’s their best outcome.”

She leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her point. “Since they’re destined to be concubines or secondary wife, why not aim higher? In the world of brothels, courtesans and their customers are ranked. Only by becoming more outstanding can they attract wealthier customers. And flower queens always serve nobles or influential figures, making it more likely to secure a better future.”

Ah-miao sighed deeply, her tone laced with pity. “That’s so unfortunate.”

Yihuan nodded. “It is. However, if a courtesan has enough wealth of her own, she can still change her fate. So, becoming the flower queen isn’t the only way to alter their destiny.”

Ah-miao frowned and asked, “But the better the courtesan, the more tightly the brothel holds onto her. How could they ever save up enough money for themselves?”

Yihuan’s lips curled into a faint smile. “That’s where our opportunity lies.”

Ah-miao blinked, clearly confused. “What opportunity?”

Yihuan replied, “An opportunity to collaborate with them.”

*****

At Qianjiao Pavilion

“Miss, just a little more… Does it hurt?” Huan’er crouched low, using the strength of both arms to press down on Hongyu.

Hongyu’s legs were spread into a full split, flat against the ground. Her posture was elegant, but her face revealed intense pain.

“I… I can hold on a little longer.” Fine beads of sweat appeared on Hongyu’s pale forehead.

Huan’er looked at her worriedly and said, “Miss, why don’t you take a break?”

Hongyu’s face hardened with determination. “No! The Feiyan Dance is incredibly difficult. It requires great flexibility in the waist and legs. If I don’t keep pushing myself, I won’t be able to outperform others.”

Huan’er hesitated, concern written all over her face. “But, miss, your health…”

Hongyu’s expression changed immediately. “What about my health? I’m perfectly fine!” Her trembling legs resembled taut strings ready to snap. Biting her lip, she continued, “Did you forget what I told you?”

Huan’er hesitated, her heart heavy, but eventually said, “I remember…”

“Then stop talking and press harder!”

Reluctantly, Huan’er steeled herself and applied more force.

Hongyu’s face turned as pale as paper, but she stubbornly endured, clenching her teeth to suppress any sound of pain.

Just then, the door to the room swung open.

Madam Tian waddled in, her plump figure swaying. Seeing Hongyu practicing so diligently, she broke into a wide grin. “Hongyu, my dear girl, you’re far more ambitious than those idlers outside!”

With the madam’s arrival, Huan’er instinctively eased up.

Hongyu’s body softened, and she struggled to stand. “Thank you for your praise, Madam. Is there something you need?”

Madam Tian’s sly eyes twinkled, and she grinned. “It’s only a month until the flower queen competition. I came to ask if you’re planning to participate.”

Despite her pale face, Hongyu maintained a composed smile. “Of course.”

Madam Tian smiled back but thought to herself, Hongyu is beautiful, but her looks are too bold. She doesn’t quite fit the preferences of noblemen and officials. Someone like Yunming, with her cold elegance and aloof charm, is far better at capturing their interest.

Of course, Madam Tian would never voice such thoughts.

The Qianjiao Pavilion hosted this event with a clear purpose: to encourage the girls to encourage their customers to lavishly spend money voting for them. The one with the most votes would ultimately claim the prestigious title of Flower Queen.

This competition was a win-win. The Qianjiao Pavilion would reap massive profits, while the Flower Queen herself would receive a generous commission.

Beyond financial rewards, the Flower Queen enjoyed numerous privileges—priority in all matters for the next cycle, and the honor of parading through Tianshui Alley in a flower carriage, allowing countless onlookers to marvel at her beauty and elevated status. What girl wouldn’t aspire to such glory?

Madam Tian glanced at Hongyu, offering some words of encouragement. “You must put in your best effort. Competing for the Flower Queen title is no trivial matter—there’s no room for negligence.”

Hongyu respectfully replied, “Yes, thank you, Madam.”

Her expression, however, appeared strained, as if she wasn’t feeling well.

Madam Tian, ever perceptive, narrowed her eyes. “You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?”

Hongyu forced a quick smile. “No… Thank you for your concern, Madam. I may have overexerted myself while practicing.”

Madam Tian nodded thoughtfully. Hongyu currently had a few significant customers, and though Zhang Luan—the most prominent of them—hadn’t visited recently, Hongyu’s charm and skill ensured her clients were always satisfied. It was undeniable—she had talent.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

With that, Madam Tian rose slowly and left the room.

The maid Huan’er quickly closed the door behind her.

Suddenly, Hongyu gasped sharply, clutching a handkerchief to her mouth.

Alarmed, Huan’er rushed over. “Miss?”

Hongyu frowned, her face pale as paper.

When she removed the handkerchief, it was stained with bright red blood.

Both Hongyu and Huan’er froze in shock.

“Miss… you’re coughing up blood! Please, stop practicing! Your health is far more important!”

Tears welled in Huan’er’s eyes. Though Hongyu was strong-willed, she had always treated her well. Seeing Hongyu’s health decline day by day filled her with deep worry.

Hongyu exhaled slowly, her tone faint. “Does it even matter whether I take care of myself or not?”

Who knew how much time she had left? There were still things she needed to do.

Huan’er sighed, realizing there was no convincing her. “At least rest for a while, Miss… Oh, right! The dessert soup from the Shengjing Dessert Shop arrived earlier. You haven’t tried it yet.”

The mention of the soup reminded Hongyu that her throat was bitter, and her mouth felt unpleasant. After rinsing her mouth, she said, “Bring it here.”

The lid of the small soup bowl was lifted, releasing a warm aroma of lotus.

Hongyu paused slightly, surprised by how soothing the scent was.

She examined the dessert soup. Its translucent amber hue resembled the jelly desserts other girls often bought, yet as she scooped a spoonful, its unique texture became clear.

The peach gum, after being simmered, had taken on a smooth, jelly-like quality, gleaming brightly and enticingly.

Hongyu had never tried anything from the Shengjing Dessert Shop. Watching the other girls rave about it had piqued her curiosity.

She gently parted her lips and sipped from the spoon.

The peach gum slid into her mouth, felt warm and tender. It required no chewing—she pressed it lightly, and it crumbled like jelly.

The red sugar’s sweet and slightly sandy flavor gradually spread, it was warm and comforting. It was sweet without being overwhelming.

After just one sip, much of the bitterness in her mouth faded.

Surprised, Hongyu murmured, “I thought medicinal dishes like this would taste awful. I didn’t expect it to be this delicious.”

Standing nearby, Huan’er suggested, “Miss, why not eat some lotus seeds? They say lotus seeds reduce heat, strengthen the kidneys, and calm the heart—they’re good for your health.”

Hongyu nodded.

She scooped up a lotus seed and slowly brought it to her mouth.

The seed had been simmered to a tender perfection. A light bite caused it to yield, releasing a subtle, refreshing sweetness.

Hongyu chewed thoughtfully, pleased. “These lotus seeds aren’t bitter at all.”

As she picked up another seed, she noticed a small hole in the center. The bitter cores had been removed.

Hongyu blinked in surprise. “I didn’t expect the Shengjing Dessert Shop to be so meticulous.”

Her view of Yihuan, the shop’s owner, had never been favorable. Yihuan had complicated ties to Liu Hexiao and was a shrewd businesswoman praised by many. Hongyu had always felt that such people were dangerous and could easily outmaneuver others.

But tasting the care put into this dessert soup softened her opinion somewhat.

After finishing the soup, Hongyu felt a brief reprieve from her exhaustion. Rising, she said resolutely, “Huan’er, let’s resume practicing.”

*****

As evening fell, the sky was painted with brilliant hues of red.

Meanwhile, the master of Shuiyue Courtyard remained deep in slumber.

A full day had passed, yet Liu Hexiao’s fever still hadn’t subsided, leaving everyone deeply concerned.

From the corridor outside came a low, angry voice:“The Shizi is ill. Why wasn’t this reported earlier? If anything happens, can you bear the consequences?”

An elderly woman, her face tense with worry, leaned heavily on a dragon-headed cane as she trudged forward.

Walking beside her was a young maiden, clinging closely to her, her face lit with an ingratiating smile. “Please don’t be angry, Old Madam. The young master kept it from you out of concern for your health. He didn’t want you to worry.”

This was Lu Wei, the niece of Secondary Consort Lu. She often visited the Prince Qi’s Mansion to see her aunt and happened to overhear the servants discussing Liu Hexiao’s fever.

Trailing behind was Cheng Lingwei, his head bowed as he endured the scolding silently.

The Old Madam, anxious about Liu Hexiao’s condition, grew more frustrated as the corridor’s design—unsuitable for sedan chairs—slowed her progress.

“Why is the shizi ill? You all went to the Princess Consort’s memorial yesterday, didn’t you?”

Cheng Lingwei hesitated before responding, “After the memorial, the shizi went out alone… Perhaps he caught a cold in the rain, and that’s why he fell ill.”

Lu Wei blinked and asked curiously, “Where exactly did the shizi go to get caught in the rain?”