Chapter 54: “Memories – You Must Know How to Cook Delicious Food!”

Liu Hexiao curled his lips into a smile and finally released his hold.

Yihuan let out a subtle breath of relief, her cheeks tinged with shyness as she quietly poured the juice from the mortar.

The vibrant yellow mango blended seamlessly with the creamy milk and refreshing coconut milk, resembling a rich mango smoothie. Its fragrance was sweetly enticing, both inside and out.

Yihuan rinsed the cooked sago in cool water, making the pearls plump and slightly chewy—the perfect addition to the mango sago dessert.

She then diced the remaining mango and began peeling a bright orange fruit.

Liu Hexiao observed with curiosity. “What’s that?”

“Pomelo,” Yihuan replied softly.

In reality, it was grapefruit, but the locals habitually referred to it as “ju you”. This fruit had a tangy-sweet flavor and was particularly evocative of summer.

Liu Hexiao watched as her nimble fingers deftly peeled the grapefruit, revealing plump, translucent, orange-red pulp. She carefully chopped the fruit into small pieces and set it aside.

Next, Yihuan brought out a large bowl with a deep rim. She began layering ingredients: first a base of mango cubes, followed by the pomelo pieces, and then a generous spoonful of sago pearls.

Liu Hexiao looked on curiously as she filled the bowl to the brim. Yihuan then ladled a spoonful of the mango smoothie over the layers.

The liquid cascaded down, displacing some of the ingredients playfully while others remained at the bottom.

Yihuan sighed inwardly. If only I had glass bowls, the beautiful layers of colors in the mango sago would be visible—it would look stunning!

Seeing her lost in thought while gazing at the bowl, Liu Hexiao asked, “Is it done?”

Yihuan smiled faintly. “Yes… Do you want to try some?”

Liu Hexiao furrowed his brow slightly. “My right hand is injured—it’s not very convenient.”

He gave her a hopeful look, his expression full of expectation.

Yihuan scooped a small portion into a separate bowl and set it down on the table, smirking. “You managed to wash over a hundred bowls, but you can’t lift this one? Eat it or don’t—it’s up to you.”

Liu Hexiao froze, feeling slightly defeated. “You sly little fox, showing your true colors now?”

Weren’t you all sweet and obedient before? Why not keep up the act?

Yihuan shot him a feisty glare, her tone mock-stern. “Are you going to eat or not?”

Resigned, Liu Hexiao muttered, “Fine, I’ll eat!”

He picked up the bowl and took a small sip.

The first taste was of silky milk, creamy and tender, accented by the mango’s natural sweetness.

“Hmm…” Liu Hexiao hummed in delight, taking a larger sip. This time, the slippery, chewy sago pearls danced across his tongue, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

As he chewed, bits of mango cubes and pomelo pulp emerged—sweet with just the right touch of tanginess. The balance of flavors was perfect; refreshing but not cloying.

“This…” Liu Hexiao stared at the mango sago in awe. “I never would’ve thought that mixing fruit and milk could taste this good.”

Yihuan replied with a smile, “Mango sago is especially suited for summer. If chilled, it would be even better.”

Liu Hexiao nodded thoughtfully. “It’s perfect for the season. However, with the fruit chunks, it’s not ideal for takeout in bamboo cups.”

Yihuan agreed. “True, serving it with a spoon would be convenient.”

Liu Hexiao asked, “Have you considered which type of customers might enjoy this dessert the most?”

Yihuan replied, “Mango sago appeals to all ages—I don’t think it has a specific target audience.”

Liu Hexiao chuckled. “Not quite. With all its unique ingredients and textures, it’s best suited for slow, mindful enjoyment. In the capital, the ones who most appreciate delicate desserts like this are the self-proclaimed ‘refined’ ladies from noble households.”

Yihuan blinked in surprise. “How do you know that?”

Liu Hexiao continued, “These highborn ladies often gather for small soirees or poetic parties. They’ve grown tired of the same offerings from the Four Divisions and Six Kitchens. Introducing a treat like mango sago would surely captivate them…”

Mid-sentence, he noticed Yihuan staring at him with a peculiar expression.

“What’s wrong?” Liu Hexiao asked, feeling uneasy. He nervously touched his face. Do I have something stuck to it?

Yihuan remarked, “I’m wondering… How do you know so much about these noble ladies? Are you well-acquainted with them?”

Liu Hexiao’s face stiffened. Hastily, he waved his hands. “No, no, not at all! I… I was just guessing!”

Yihuan arched a brow. “Guessing? And yet you want me to cater to them based on your unreliable assumptions?”

Liu Hexiao: “…”

At that moment, he wanted to punch himself.

Yihuan gave him a pointed glare before heading downstairs.

Left alone in the kitchen, Liu Hexiao stood there with his mango sago, which suddenly didn’t taste quite as good.

“Hey… Why are you mad all of a sudden?” He chased after her. “I really don’t know them well…”

Downstairs in the main hall, Yihuan was speaking with a customer—a cheerful young maid who seemed quite familiar with her.

“Miss Yihuan, thanks to your ginger milk pudding, my mistress’s cold constitution has improved greatly!” The maid, Yu Si, smiled warmly, her expression radiant.

Yihuan returned the smile. “I’m glad to hear that Madam Wang liked it. Are you here to pick up more ginger pudding for her today?”

Yu Si shook her head, a subtle smile forming on her lips. “My mistress won’t be having ginger pudding for a while.”

Yihuan was puzzled. “Why not?”

Yu Si’s face lit up with joy. “Because my mistress is expecting a baby.”

Surprised and delighted, Yihuan exclaimed, “Really? When did this happen?”

“Just a few days ago. She’s two months along now. At first, she couldn’t believe it herself, but after consulting Dr. Yu from the Chengji Hall several times, she finally accepted the happy news. She nearly cried from joy!”

Yihuan shared in her happiness. “That’s wonderful news. Since she’s expecting, it’s best to avoid overly stimulating foods like ginger pudding. A balanced diet with caution is key.”

Yu Si nodded earnestly. “Exactly… But now that she’s with child, she’s been craving your cakes. That’s why she sent me here to buy some.”

Yihuan smiled gently. “That’s fine, but don’t let her indulge too much in sweets. Overly sugary foods might make her feel uncomfortable.”

Yu Si beamed. “You’re so thoughtful, Miss Yihuan!”

Yihuan added thoughtfully, “Perhaps you could prepare some sour plum soup from the Jinxiu Restaurant across the street. If she feels any nausea, it might help ease it.”

Yu Si’s eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful advice! I’ll go there after this.”

While packaging a cake for her, Yihuan added, “This cake is a gift from me to congratulate Madam Wang on her pregnancy.”

Yu Si smiled with gratitude but handed over a piece of silver. “On the contrary, this is from my mistress as a token of thanks to you. Dr. Yu mentioned that the ginger milk pudding helped warm her body and dispel dampness. Combined with his treatments, it worked wonders in curing her long-standing condition.”

Yihuan nodded thoughtfully. Could ginger milk pudding really help with infertility? That’s amazing…

After Yu Si left, Yihuan sat behind the counter, resting her face on her hands as she mulled over the matter. Before she realized it, night had fallen.

Under the quiet veil of night, the capital slumbered peacefully.

In a small courtyard, a shadowy figure landed gracefully, soundless as the wind.

“You’re here?” Liu Hexiao’s voice drawled lazily from the veranda where he stood.

“Greetings, my lord.” It was Cheng Lingwei.

Liu Hexiao nodded slightly and asked, “How did it go with what I asked you to handle?”

Cheng Lingwei spoke in a low tone, “The news of your fallout with the prince has already reached the palace. The noble consort is aware.”

Liu Hexiao smirked. “If my elder sister knows, then he surely knows as well.”

Cheng Lingwei nodded. “The people in Yuling Palace… aren’t clean.”

Liu Hexiao’s expression darkened. “Don’t alarm them yet. Let’s see what they’re up to first. If they dare harm my elder sister, deal with them.”

“Yes!”

“What about the contacts in Qinnan?”

Cheng Lingwei replied, “We haven’t been able to reach them yet. General Yang is currently leading troops on a campaign to suppress bandits and hasn’t returned.”

Liu Hexiao’s expression grew more serious. “Find a way to get in touch as soon as possible. He has many spies—ensure their movements remain discreet.”

“I will remember, my lord.” Cheng Lingwei hesitated before adding, “But… do you really not plan to return to the manor? Ever since your fallout with the prince, the old madam has been so upset that she’s barely eating…”

Liu Hexiao was silent for a moment. “It’s better if I don’t go back.” After a pause, he added, “Keep an eye on the household, especially my grandmother’s health.”

Cheng Lingwei left, leaving Liu Hexiao standing alone in the veranda for a long time.

The moonlight bathed the courtyard in silver, reminiscent of a night long ago in Binzhou.

Back then, Liu Hehao had yet to part ways with him. Together, they carried wine and rode their horses up a mountain, to the place closest to the moon.

Liu Hehao sat on the grass, taking a deep swig from his flask. “Ah-Xiao, wouldn’t it be wonderful if life could always be this carefree and unrestrained?”

Liu Hexiao raised an eyebrow with a smile. “What’s so hard about that? If you like it, we can live like this every day.”

Liu Hehao chuckled but shook his head. “How could that be? The world is still unstable. Now is the time for us to serve the nation.”

Liu Hexiao glanced at him. “Big Brother, can’t you set these things aside for just one day? Take a proper rest, will you?” He teased with a grin, “You should get married sooner rather than later. That way, someone will keep an eye on you so you won’t work yourself to death.”

Liu Hehao shot him a mock glare. “You cheeky brat, daring to lecture your elder brother now?”

With an earnest smile, Liu Hexiao’s youthful face already carried hints of his future elegance. “Who’s lecturing you? I’m looking out for you!”

Liu Hehao burst into laughter. “Alright, alright, I’ll thank you for your wisdom. But let me tell you, compared to me, you’re the one who should hurry and settle down. Haven’t you noticed how the niece of the concubine is always hovering around you?”

Liu Hexiao wrinkled his nose in distaste. “Who wants to marry that crybaby? She drives me crazy.”

The thought of that girl gave him an instant headache.

Liu Hehao laughed and asked, “So, what kind of girl does our Ah-Xiao like? Let me guess… A beautiful one? Gentle-natured?”

Rolling his eyes, Liu Hexiao dismissed him. “Neither!”

Now even more intrigued, Liu Hehao pressed, “Then what kind of girl?”

Liu Hexiao huffed lightly. “At the very least, she has to know how to cook delicious food…”

Translator’s Note:- So sorry for the late update something came up! But don’t worry I will be uploading 4 chapters at once enjoy!!