Shen Yanshui was slightly stunned.
She gazed at the face so close to hers. It still wore that cool, distant expression, but there was a faint trace of irritation in his eyes—and something else… concern?
Something soft seemed to brush lightly against a hidden corner of her heart.
Taking advantage of the moment, she leaned into his arms, resting her head against his chest as she listened to his steady, powerful heartbeat. Tilting her face up slightly, she said in a soft voice, “Because only Your Highness indulges me like this.”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her.
Her usually fair little face had been flushed from the sun. Even after being made to suffer such deliberately cruel treatment, she could still smile so carefree and bright…
He raised a hand and gently stroked the silky strands of hair at the back of her head. Casting her a sidelong glance, he said coolly, “You’re really only brave enough to be fierce at home…”
Forget it. That was simply her nature. There was no need for her to change. He would just have to watch over her more carefully from now on.
Only… her rank as a zhaoxun was still somewhat low. No wonder people dared to look down on her.
Shen Yanshui had no idea that he was already thinking about how to raise her rank. Hearing the softening in his tone, she pushed against his chest and straightened up. Gazing at him with her beautiful, peach-blossom eyes, she made a few aggrieved little noises before muttering in an “extremely soft” voice, “It’s not as though I share a bed with anyone else…”
Besides, she was perfectly well-behaved, all right? Where had she been fierce?
Cui Yu: “…”
She only dared to throw her weight around in front of him.
A hint of complaint colored Shen Yanshui’s gaze as she looked at him. “Your Highness hasn’t come by in so long. The peaches and strawberries in my courtyard have just ripened these past few days, and they’re wonderfully sweet.” She blinked. “Would Your Highness like to try some?”
Her words reminded Cui Yu of the flavor of the grapes she had given him some time ago. His eyes shifted slightly, and he gave a faint hum.
Shen Yanshui immediately perked up. Seeing her excitement, Cui Yu rose and followed her toward the rear courtyard.
The courtyard was not large, but it had been arranged in neat and orderly fashion.
In one corner beside the wall, the strawberry plants were flourishing. Amid the lush green leaves, plump, bright-red berries hung low, their growth pleasing to the eye.
The two peach trees beside them were no less impressive, their branches laden with juicy peaches.
As Cui Yu’s gaze swept over the vibrant scene, he caught sight of Shen Yanshui already crouching down with a small bamboo basket in hand, personally picking strawberries.
She parted the leaves and gently pinched one of the ripe, crimson berries from its stem.
The fruit was perfectly shaped and brilliantly red, its tiny seeds clearly visible across the surface. She blew on it, did not bother washing it, and popped it straight into her mouth.
Her teeth closed gently around it, and its plentiful juice burst across her tongue.
She narrowed her eyes in contentment.
Then she picked an even larger, redder strawberry, rose to her feet, and smiled as she held it up to Cui Yu’s lips. “Your Highness, try this.”
Zheng Yuande, standing nearby, felt his eyelid twitch.
This… this thing hadn’t even been washed. How could it possibly be given to His Highness? What if it upset His Highness’s stomach?
He was just about to speak when he saw his master lower his head slightly and eat it straight from Shen Yanshui’s hand.
Ahem! Zheng Yuande immediately swallowed the words on his lips and silently lowered his head.
Cui Yu chewed slowly. The flesh was tender and delicate, its abundant juice spreading across his tongue. The sweet-and-sour flavor was perfectly balanced, melting into a crisp, refreshing herbal fragrance. It dispelled the summer heat and left his mouth refreshed.
He gave a slight nod. “The flavor is excellent.”
Shen Yanshui immediately became smug. Her brows lifted, and she planted one hand on her waist, her eyes and brows brimming with pride. “Of course it is. I tended these myself.”
Sunlight fell across her face, making her peach-blossom eyes sparkle. She looked vibrant and full of life.
Watching her, Cui Yu unconsciously raised a hand and gently pinched her soft, plump cheek.
Shen Yanshui froze, instinctively widening her eyes.
Chunping and the others hurriedly lowered their heads and held their breath, not daring to make the slightest sound.
Cui Yu realized what he had done as well. His fingertips paused ever so slightly. Then he gave a light cough, withdrew his hand, and resumed his usual calm, indifferent expression as though nothing had happened. He looked at the basket in her hand, then turned toward a nearby palace maid. “Give me one.”
Chunping immediately understood. He quickly presented the basket in his own hands with both hands, then retreated as fast as he could.
Shen Yanshui looked at Cui Yu with a broad smile and was just about to speak when she suddenly heard a familiar birdcall.
“Pretty lady! Pretty lady! I’m here! I’m here!”
Shen Yanshui looked up and saw a small, energetic bird flying toward her from a distance. Its body was emerald green like jade, with a spot of orange-red between its brows.
Little Jade fluttered its tiny wings straight toward Shen Yanshui and landed on her shoulder. It even rubbed its exceptionally smooth little head against her cheek with great familiarity.
Cui Yu watched its clingy behavior and narrowed his eyes slightly. His voice was mild and emotionless. “This bird certainly is familiar with you.”
No wonder he had felt that his surroundings had been much quieter these past few days. So it had been coming here.
“Gah?” Little Jade tilted its head and turned to look at him. Then it suddenly cried out at the top of its voice, “May Your Highness the Crown Prince be blessed with peace! May Your Highness the Crown Prince be blessed with peace!”
The sound was so loud that it seemed to assault one’s ears from every direction.
Cui Yu was giving himself a headache. Frowning out of habit, he said, “Be quiet.”
Shen Yanshui gave him a reproachful look. “Why are you being so fierce to it, Your Highness? Little Jade likes you. It’s greeting you.”
Cui Yu looked at the smile in her reproachful eyes and said nothing for a moment. He only suddenly felt that the noisy bird perched beside her, the one she treated as though it were precious, had become rather unpleasant to look at.
Shen Yanshui picked a fresh strawberry and fed it to Little Jade. The bird immediately lowered its head and began pecking at it furiously.
Cui Yu frowned. “Have your claws stopped working?”
Little Jade’s tiny body stiffened abruptly. Then it grabbed the fruit with one claw and flew off to a nearby peach tree.
Shen Yanshui looked up and saw the little creature with its claw embedded in the strawberry, eating with astonishing proficiency.
Thinking of how this little thing always waited for her to feed it personally, putting on the airs of a spoiled young lord, and would refuse to eat even when Chunping or Quanfu tried to feed it, she could not help laughing in exasperation.
“What a clever little rascal.”
At first, the little thing had secretly snuck over to steal the strawberries and peaches she grew. When she caught it, it had been extremely proud and stubborn.
Its brazen, self-righteous attitude could certainly be irritating, but its clever little appearance was rather endearing too.
Worried that it would ruin all the other fruit, she had reasoned with it at length. In the end, she began proactively feeding it a little of her special power whenever it came by each day. Only then did the little creature obediently stop tearing up her plants and causing trouble.
Cui Yu looked at her. “What were you about to say just now?”
“Hmm?” Hearing his voice, Shen Yanshui finally came back to herself. Remembering what she had wanted to say, she turned to him with a bright smile and blinked. “Your Highness, would you like to compete with me and see who can pick the tastier strawberries?”
Seeing how excited she was, Cui Yu did not dampen her spirits. The corners of his lips curved up slightly. “All right.”
The strawberry patch was not large. Although Cui Yu was somewhat unfamiliar with the task at first, he quickly got the hang of it.
Zheng Yuande, watching from the side, was practically itching to snatch the bamboo basket from his master’s hands. How could His Highness possibly be allowed to do such rough work himself?
His eyelids were practically twitching themselves numb, yet Lady Shen did not spare him so much as a glance.
The two of them soon filled their respective baskets. There were only a few of the first ripe fruits left.
Shen Yanshui handed the two baskets to Xia'an and Qiuru, taking special care to remind them, “Wash these two baskets separately. Don’t mix them up.”
The two maids smiled and acknowledged her instructions.
Cui Yu, who had overheard this from the side, could not help finding it amusing.
He withdrew his gaze and let it fall upon the peach tree nearby.
The fruit, which had still been unripe just a few days ago, was now completely mature.
Each peach was plump and round, its pointed tip flushed a deep red. They looked bursting with juice and temptingly sweet. His gaze lingered on them as though he had thought of something, then shifted sideways to her.
Shen Yanshui happened to catch his look. Her body gave an involuntary shiver, but she immediately felt that her reaction was rather cowardly. What was she afraid of?
It was not she who would be unable to withstand it.
She straightened her back and, pretending nothing was amiss, smiled lightly. “The peaches can… be eaten now, too. Your Highness, would you like to try one?”
Watching the changes in her expression, Cui Yu’s eyes darkened slightly.
“…Yes.”
When Shen Yanshui saw that his gaze had finally moved away from her, she unconsciously relaxed. She then looked at the fruit hanging from the branches and called Quanfu and Quanshou over. “Pick two baskets first.”
She could have the Crown Prince take some with him later, and she could also send a few to Sister Zhang.
Quanfu and Quanshou hurriedly acknowledged the order and went off to work.
Shen Yanshui merely reached out and picked a few of the peaches hanging lowest.
Not long afterward, the two of them returned to the main room of the eastern wing. The moment they entered, they were greeted by a coolness unlike anything they had felt before.
The weather had grown increasingly hot. Shen Yanshui, blessed with her special ability, had not felt much while they were in the rear courtyard, but she had noticed the thin sheen of sweat already gathered on the Crown Prince’s forehead.
With the sun growing hotter by the day, the palace had begun using ice some time ago. But Shen Yanshui was only a lowly ninth-rank Lady of the Eastern Palace, and her daily allowance consisted of just one piece of ice—enough to chill, at most, a few fruits or some milk tea.
Aside from the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the others in the Eastern Palace did not receive much ice either.
Once their allowance was used up, they either had to spend money to buy more or simply endure the heat.
Ice was a precious resource in summer.
Even high-ranking officials of the court could receive ice from the Emperor only during the hottest days of summer, and usually only once every five days. The allowance for the lesser offices was even smaller, to say nothing of an insignificant Lady Shen in the Eastern Palace.
Today, however, the Crown Prince was in her rooms. None of the servants below would dare neglect him, so the ice basin in her room was filled to the brim.
No wonder everyone fought for the Emperor’s favor. What they were competing for was not merely some vague, insubstantial affection from a man, but tangible, practical benefits.
Who did not want to live a more comfortable life?
After Shen Yanshui helped the Crown Prince wipe his face, wash his hands, and settle himself, Cui Yu suddenly asked, “Is the amount of ice you receive here usually enough?” He did not quite remember the allowance for a Lady of her rank.
Shen Yanshui looked somewhat surprised. Then she placed her freshly washed hands against his neck.
Cui Yu instinctively glanced around. Seeing that the palace maids and eunuchs had all retreated to a respectful distance, he allowed her this “improper” gesture.
After a moment, Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her and asked in an even tone, “Have you hugged enough?”
Shen Yanshui: “…”
Fine. Who told him he was the Crown Prince? If he said this counted as a hug, then a hug it was.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. Although the ice allowance here is not generous, I am not particularly afraid of the heat. On ordinary days, it is just enough to chill some food.” If it truly was not enough, she could always spend money to buy more.
Besides, she now enjoyed at least a little favor in the Eastern Palace. If she wanted to spend money on ice, it would not be difficult.
In fact, she suspected that after the Crown Prince left today, it would not be long before people began taking the initiative to send her ice.
Those who served in the palace had never been lacking in people with sharp eyes and ambitions for advancement.
Cui Yu said nothing more. He simply reached out and took her cool little hand, leading her toward the soft couch nearby. The moment they sat down, Chunping and Xia'an entered carrying freshly washed strawberries.
“Reporting to our masters, one small dish from each basket has been washed. The rest have been stored properly.”
Shen Yanshui smiled and nodded.
The two maids set down the dishes and withdrew to stand guard in the outer room.
Whenever His Highness was with their mistress these days, the servants attending them had been standing farther and farther away.
Shen Yanshui picked up a strawberry from the basket she had gathered herself and tasted it. Then she nudged the other dish toward him. “Your Highness, try them and see which dish is sweeter.”
Cui Yu followed her instructions and tasted one from each dish.
Shen Yanshui did the same. Then she raised her brows triumphantly. “Your Highness, the ones I picked? Aren’t they sweeter?”
Cui Yu lifted his eyes to her.
She had just bitten into a strawberry, and a trace of juice still clung to the corner of her lips. Her lips glistened with moisture, and beside the vivid red of the fruit, they appeared all the more delicate and full.
His eyes darkened.
“Mm,” he murmured.
Then, without warning, he reached out and caught her by the wrist. With a gentle tug, he drew her into his arms.
Before Shen Yanshui could react, he lowered his head and covered her lips with his own.
He gently took the half-eaten strawberry from between her lips.
Their breaths mingled, and the sweet juice spread between their lips and teeth.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes flew wide.
After a moment, Cui Yu pulled back slightly. His voice was low and husky, carrying a magnetic allure. “Mm… A-Yan’s are sweeter.”
Shen Yanshui froze for an instant. Then her face flushed crimson.
The blush spread from her cheeks to the roots of her ears and down her neck, as though rouge had been brushed over her skin. Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs, almost leaping from her chest.
Her long, thick lashes fluttered as she looked at the Crown Prince’s handsome, refined face. His brows and eyes remained as distant and snow-covered as faraway mountains, but the faint curve at the corners of his lips, along with the lingering amusement in his eyes, made her heart miss another beat.
The Crown Prince was becoming more and more skilled at this.
By the end, her lips were red from eating, and even the tip of her tongue felt numb.
She had no idea how long they had spent eating those few strawberries. She only remembered that when she finally climbed out of the Crown Prince’s arms, her legs felt weak.
If this continued, she was afraid she would be unable to resist pouncing on him and devouring him right then and there.
Cui Yu’s breathing was also somewhat uneven. As he looked at her peach-blossom face, her slightly swollen lips, and her pair of luminous, alluring eyes, she looked as though she had been thoroughly bullied. His gaze grew even deeper.
*
At the same time, in Kunning Palace.
The Empress reclined against a soft couch, a grape held delicately between her fingers as she examined it.
“Oh?” She raised her brows slightly and looked toward Aunt Qing, who was bowing as she delivered her report. “These grapes were tended by that Lady Shen herself?”
Aunt Qing replied with a smile, “In answer to Your Majesty, that is indeed what His Highness the Crown Prince said.”
“The Lotusheart Court is not very large, yet Lady Shen has arranged it in perfect order. Besides the grapes, she has also planted strawberries and peach trees. I hear she does it simply to pass the time when she has nothing else to occupy her.”
The Empress placed the grape in her mouth. Its sweet juice burst across her tongue, and she nodded faintly with a smile. “She is quite skilled with her hands. Who would have thought that a young lady from a prominent family would know how to tend fruits and vegetables?”
Aunt Qing studied the Empress’s expression, then quietly told her about what had happened in the rear garden.
After hearing this, the Empress merely furrowed her brows slightly. Her expression soon returned to normal, and she said nothing more than, “She is young and full of spirit. It is only natural that she should be a little rash.”
She set down the grapes in her hand, wiped her fingertips with a handkerchief, and said with a smile, “Since she tended to the plants herself, it would hardly be proper for me to take them without giving anything in return.”
Aunt Qing understood at once. “Your Majesty means…”
The Empress lifted her teacup. “Go to the storerooms and select some things to send her.”
*
At Lianxin Court, Shen Yanshui had only just recovered when Chunping hurried in to report, “Your Highness, my lady, Aunt Qing is here.”
Shen Yanshui froze. She glanced at the Crown Prince, then quickly rose to go out and receive her.
Hearing this, Cui Yu also set aside the book in his hands and rose with her.
Outside the courtyard gates, Aunt Qing stood smiling, with several young eunuchs carrying trays behind her.
Shen Yanshui hurried forward and curtsied. “This concubine pays her respects to Aunt Qing.”
Aunt Qing quickly stepped aside to avoid receiving the full courtesy and said with a smile, “Lady Shen, please don’t stand on ceremony. This servant is here by the Empress’s command to deliver some gifts to you.”
As she spoke, she gestured for the eunuchs behind her to step forward.
The trays were arranged one after another. There were several lengths of light, soft fabric suitable for summer wear, all in understated colors, thin and breathable; a set of delicately carved celadon-jade jewelry, elegant and refined; as well as several newly prepared heat-relief medicines and scented pellets from the palace. Everything was both tasteful and practical.
Shen Yanshui looked deeply grateful. “How could I possibly deserve such kindness from the Empress? This concubine thanks Her Majesty for her grace.”
*
Within less than half an hour, word of the Empress’s gifts to Lady Shen had spread throughout the rear courts of the Eastern Palace.
In Haitang Court, the teacup in Lady Wu’s hand struck the tea table with a loud clatter.
The palace maid serving beside her immediately held her breath, not daring to make a sound.
“She rewarded her again?” Lady Wu’s chest heaved with anger as she supported her belly. She felt thoroughly aggrieved. “Who knows what trick she used to win the Empress’s favor so completely!”
Fortunately, Shen Yanshui was not as blessed as she was. She had clearly enjoyed the Crown Prince’s favor the most, yet her belly had shown no sign of life at all. So what if she had received a reward from the Empress? Lady Wu had received one too!
Hmph! Just wait and see.
But the more she thought about it, the more irritated she became, and she could not help cursing a few times.
Qiaoyun knelt on the floor and cautiously urged her in a low voice, “Please calm down, my lady… His Highness is currently in Lianxin Court next door. If your words reach his ears…”
Lady Wu fell silent. The words at the tip of her tongue were forced back down, and she nearly choked on her own saliva. She immediately glared at Qiaoyun in displeasure.
Qiaoyun lowered her head, not daring to say another word.
*
In Tengluo Pavilion, Lady Song was listening to her attendants’ report when the embroidery hoop in her hands nearly caused her needlework to go awry.
“A reward from the Empress?” she said sourly, curling her lips. “Lady Shen certainly has plenty of tricks.”
The Crown Prince had not visited the rear courts for a long while. Who would have thought that Lady Wu, even while pregnant, would still refuse to settle down? She had tried to cause trouble for Lady Shen and failed, yet somehow ended up luring the Crown Prince away.
The bitterness in Lady Song’s heart grew even sharper.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up. She instructed the maid beside her, “Go. Have a set of clothing made for me that will be convenient for playing cuju.”
The maid stared blankly. “For playing cuju?”
But their mistress had never played cuju before…
*
At Xifang Hall, Matron Zhou watched the Crown Princess fall asleep after taking her pregnancy medicine. After hesitating for a while, she decided not to tell Her Highness for the time being.
The Crown Princess already harbored resentment because the Empress paid such close attention to the pregnancies of the Eastern Palace’s other consorts. If she heard this news, would she not inevitably become angry again, given her temperament?
Having made up her mind, Matron Zhou gave the palace servants another stern warning, telling them to mind their own conduct and keep their mouths shut. None of them was to gossip carelessly in front of the Crown Princess.
The palace maids answered meekly in acknowledgment.
At Zhuxiang Residence, Huixin, who served Lady Zhang, looked at her mistress, who had seemed distracted ever since hearing the news, and softly reminded her, “My lady, please be careful. You’ll prick your finger.”
Lady Zhang came back to herself and smiled at her. “Go and bring out that length of cloud silk the Empress rewarded me with before.”
After Huixin had someone retrieve it from the storeroom, she asked curiously, “Does my lady wish to have an outer robe made? The servants can do that for you. You mustn’t strain your eyes.”
When their mistresses embroidered little things, it was merely to pass the time when they were bored. How could they truly be allowed to make an entire garment themselves? If so, what use would there be for the servants attending them?
Lady Zhang smiled at her. “It isn’t for me. I want to make it for Sister Shen. This is a gesture of my own sincerity—how could I let you do it in my place? Go and fetch the measuring tape.”
Huixin stared at her. Seeing the determined look on her mistress’s face, she immediately felt a pang of sympathy. “Why has my lady decided to make clothing for Lady Shen? This was the cloud silk the Empress specially rewarded you with. It is such a rare and fine material. Wouldn’t it be a pity to give it away just like that?”
If she wanted to send something to Lady Shen, a handkerchief or scented sachet would have been more suitable. It would save the precious fabric as well.
Why make an entire garment?
Lady Zhang pressed her lips together and remained silent for a moment. It would be a lie to say she felt no envy or jealousy toward Sister Shen.
But after hearing that the Crown Prince had not visited the rear courts for a long time, and that the first place he had gone was Sister Shen’s residence, she had not felt surprised at all. Deep down, she had even been somewhat happy for her.
The Crown Prince was a man of extraordinary bearing and a noble of the imperial clan. It was fated that he would not favor only one woman.
She knew that her looks were, at best, merely above average, and that her personality was rather dull. It was probably difficult for her to win the Crown Prince’s favor.
In that case, she might as well find another path.
Although she envied Sister Shen for winning his favor, she genuinely wished to become friends with her as well. Sister Shen was kind-hearted and simple by nature. If Lady Zhang spent more time with her, she would naturally have more opportunities to see the Crown Prince too.
Familiarity counted for something. In any case, it would do her no harm.
Besides, if she wanted to befriend someone, she naturally had to show the proper degree of sincerity. One length of fine fabric was a small price to pay.
*
After sending Aunt Qing away, Shen Yanshui turned around and immediately caught sight of the glittering trays.
The Empress’s reward was almost too considerate. The fabrics were all in exceptionally elegant shades, light and soft to the touch—exactly the sort of material that would be most comfortable in summer.
Besides those, there were various gold, silver, and jade ornaments of different grades. Some were suitable for her own status and could be worn by her, while others were clearly intended for her to bestow upon the servants.
Her daily meals were provided according to the Crown Prince’s allowance, but whenever she wanted to eat something special or experiment with some new dish, she could not rely entirely on the Crown Prince.
She still had to give the people who worked for her a little incentive, which meant spending some silver from time to time.
The Crown Prince had already given her plenty of jewelry, and she certainly did not lack ornaments. But she could never have too much gold or silver.
Although the Empress’s gifts were not actual gold or silver, they carried far more prestige than ordinary money when given to servants.
They provided both substance and face.
Cui Yu watched her from the side. Seeing her looking so much like a little miser, the corners of his lips curved upward before he quickly schooled his expression and said flatly, “They’re only a few gifts. Are you really this happy?”
Shen Yanshui looked up at his words and said with perfect justification, “These were bestowed by Her Majesty the Empress. Besides…” She blinked at him. “I simply like such worldly treasures.”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her. A helpless smile flickered across his gaze, though his expression remained as calm as ever. He merely raised a hand and lightly flicked her forehead. “So vulgar.”
To speak so righteously about loving money—she was probably the only one who could do it.
Shen Yanshui covered her forehead and smiled at him even more brightly.
Chunping: “…”
Whenever her mistress spoke in front of His Highness, she could not help holding her breath on her behalf.
After they had laughed and teased each other enough, Shen Yanshui instructed, “Chunping, Quanfu, put all these things away and make an inventory before storing them in the warehouse.”
The two servants hurriedly acknowledged the order.
Once Shen Yanshui had arranged for the gifts to be stored, her gaze fell on the bamboo basket nearby. There were still quite a few peaches left from the ones they had just picked.
After thinking for a moment, she looked toward Dongyi. “Dongyi, take a few peaches to the kitchen and ask Chief Steward Tang to make two cups of peach-lemon tea?”
Dongyi answered crisply, “Yes,” then deftly selected several of the finest peaches, picked up the basket, and quickly left.
At her words, Cui Yu’s brows drew together slightly. “Lemons?”
Seeing the faint crease between his brows, Shen Yanshui pressed her lips together and smiled. “Your Highness, rest assured. Peach-lemon tea is sweet and tangy when you drink it—not sour at all.”
Cui Yu’s expression remained indifferent. “It’s not as though I’m afraid of sour food.” He was a grown man. What was a little tartness to him?
Hearing this, Shen Yanshui secretly curved her lips. “Indeed. His Highness is the honorable Crown Prince. How could you possibly be afraid of sourness?”
Cui Yu shot her a sidelong glance and said coolly, “Pick all the strawberries remaining in the garden, and gather a basket of peaches as well.”
Shen Yanshui did not ask why. She simply turned around and gave the order.
In any case, once this crop of strawberries was gone, the next would soon grow in. And with the peach trees nourished by her supernatural ability, they bore an unusually abundant amount of fruit. A basket or two was nothing to worry about.
*
In the Eastern Palace kitchen, Chief Steward Tang was sitting in a corner, drinking cold tea while squinting at his apprentices as they busied themselves.
A figure flashed past the doorway. He raised his eyes, and his face immediately broke into a broad smile. Rising to greet her, he said, “Oh, it’s Miss Dongyi!”
Dongyi entered with the basket and smiled. “Greetings, Chief Steward Tang.”
Chief Steward Tang’s gaze fell on the basket in her hand. Inside lay several pink, round peaches, each one plump and fresh-looking.
The smile on his face grew even warmer.
The news that the Empress had bestowed gifts upon Lady Shen had spread throughout the Eastern Palace long ago. The kitchen had the best sources of information, so how could they possibly not know?
Besides, although Lady Shen’s rank was not high, she had always been generous. Whenever she sent someone to the kitchen, the reward money was never lacking.
More importantly, Lady Shen was always coming up with new ideas.
The milk tea, egg tarts, and fried chicken pieces from the previous days—any one of them was novel and delicious. The taro paste and chewy pearls in the milk tea were especially suitable for someone his age: soft, springy, and flavorful.
The fried chicken pieces were even more remarkable. The meat was tender without being tough, and the juices had been sealed in perfectly. They were savory and full of flavor, without any unpleasant odor or greasiness. They were best eaten hot, when the outside was crisp and the inside tender. One bite-sized piece after another, the rich meaty aroma combined with a faint fragrance of oil, making them more addictive with every bite.
It was just that His Highness seemed particularly concerned with nourishment and health these days, so such heavily fried foods were not being sent over as often.
And then there was the peach-lemon tea Lady Shen had come up with a few days earlier.
Lemons were extremely sour. Although the palace kept them in stock, they were mostly eaten by pregnant consorts to relieve nausea and protect the pregnancy. Otherwise, lemon juice was used to remove odors from meat, cut through greasiness, or replace vinegar in cooking. Few people used it to make beverages.
People of this era mostly preferred sweet flavors. Who would willingly eat something sour?
There were also those translucent, delicious jelly pieces in the tea. It had taken a great deal of effort to adjust the recipe until Lady Shen was satisfied with the taste.
He asked with a cheerful smile, “Miss Dongyi, has Lady Shen come up with another new idea for you to instruct this servant about?”
Dongyi shook her head with a smile. “Not today. We simply need to trouble Chief Steward Tang to make two cups of peach-lemon tea as quickly as possible. His Highness and my mistress are waiting to drink it.”
The moment he heard that the tea was for the Crown Prince, Chief Steward Tang immediately became serious and nodded repeatedly. “Rest assured, Miss Dongyi. It will be ready at once.”
He turned toward the kitchen and called out, “Shouzhong! Shouyi!”
Two sixteen- or seventeen-year-old eunuchs immediately came running over, their faces full of eagerness. “Master.”
Shouzhong and Shouyi were Chief Steward Tang’s apprentices. Ever since they had learned how to make egg tarts from Lady Shen that day, they were frequently summoned to prepare these novel foods.
The two boys were nimble and clever, and by now they were thoroughly familiar with making peach-lemon tea.
“Hurry and make two cups of the peach-lemon tea Lady Shen had you prepare the other day. His Highness and Lady Shen are waiting to drink it,” Chief Steward Tang urged.
The moment they heard this, their eyes lit up. They quickly took the peaches from Miss Dongyi and got to work.
At a chopping board not far away, Fan Chuan, Deputy Steward Fan, was chopping meat with a kitchen knife. The blade struck the board with a loud clatter, each blow heavier than the last.
He glanced at the bustling scene around Shouzhong and Shouyi, then at Chief Steward Tang’s smug, toothy grin. His heart soured until he felt his teeth were about to crack.
Wasn’t it just because that old fellow had latched onto Lady Shen? What was there to be so pleased about?!
He was still one of the Crown Princess’s people!
Yet when he thought of how that old Tang fellow had appeared before His Highness several times in recent days, his anger only grew. The knife in his hand came down harder and harder.
Chief Steward Tang cast him a sidelong glance, smacked his lips, and could not be bothered to engage with him.
His gaze shifted to a middle-aged cook in the corner, who was bent over his work. He raised his voice and called, “Old Lin!”
The middle-aged cook lifted his head. He appeared to be in his forties or fifties and had an honest, simple face. He was Lin Mancang, who had only recently begun working in the Eastern Palace kitchen.
Chief Steward Tang reminded him, “His Highness will most likely dine at Lady Shen’s residence today. Lady Shen enjoys the dishes you make, so you should prepare in advance.”
At this, Lin Mancang quickly rose and replied, “Yes, Chief Steward Tang. Everything is ready.”
His voice was not loud, but it carried a note of seriousness. “The water chestnuts and young lotus roots that are in season, as well as several dishes Lady Shen asked for yesterday—the ingredients are all prepared.”
Chief Steward Tang nodded in satisfaction.
Lin Mancang had originally worked in the Imperial Kitchen. He possessed excellent culinary skills, but unfortunately, he did not know how to flatter or curry favor. After being pushed aside by the others, he could no longer remain there. Fortunately, he had formed a good relationship with that young fellow Zheng Yuande years ago, and with his help, he was recommended for a position in the Eastern Palace kitchen.
After tasting Lin Mancang’s cooking, Chief Steward Tang had felt that the man had a promising future, so he arranged for him to prepare meals for the Crown Princess.
Unfortunately, he had let his guard down, allowing that old Fan fellow to take advantage of the situation.
The dishes Old Lin presented had been prepared with seasonings the Crown Princess disliked most. Not only had he failed to win her favor, he had also been reprimanded in front of her, leaving Chief Steward Tang humiliated as well.
Fortunately, true gold fears no fire. Although he had failed to gain the Crown Princess’s approval, he had unexpectedly won Lady Shen’s favor instead. As a result, he had received several rewards from His Highness the Crown Prince and had now secured a place for himself in the Eastern Palace kitchen.
Lin Mancang was merely an honest, simple-minded man who devoted himself wholeheartedly to the kitchen and the cooking fires. He was not truly foolish, however, and felt deeply grateful to Lady Shen. Whenever Lady Shen gave him an order, he took it especially seriously.
“Clang!”
The chopping board beside them rang out once more.
As Fan Chuan chopped meat, he scolded the apprentice beside him, “You good-for-nothing! I told you to cut the tofu. What is this? It looks like a dog gnawed it! Are your eyes growing out of your backside?”
The young apprentice shrank his neck and did not dare make a sound.
Anyone with eyes could tell that Fan Chuan was criticizing someone without naming them.
Chief Steward Tang merely curled his lips in disdain and continued sipping his cold tea.
*
In Lianxin Court, Shen Yanshui was sitting close beside Cui Yu and chatting with him. When she saw Dongyi return carrying the food box, her eyes lit up at once.
She personally took the food box, opened the lid, and found two cups of peach lemonade nestled inside.
The tea was a pale amber, clear and sparkling, with a few thin slices of lemon floating on the surface. Beneath them, a layer of translucent konjac jelly could be seen, with a thick layer of neatly diced peaches scattered throughout. It looked cool and refreshing at a glance.
She pushed one cup toward Cui Yu and said with a bright smile, “Your Highness, hurry and try it.”
Then she picked up the other cup and took a sip herself.
The sweet tea, carrying a faint fruity fragrance, slid down her throat. Its coolness dispelled the summer heat at once, and she narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, feeling utterly pleased.
Seeing how happy she was, Cui Yu pressed his lips together and let out a soft laugh. He picked up his cup and took a shallow sip.
The tea was sweet and mellow, with the fragrance of peaches and the refreshing tartness of lemon. The sweetness struck just the right balance, tempering most of the sourness.
The oppressive heat of summer had brought a great deal of irritation, but in that moment, more than half of it vanished.
He gave a slight nod. “Not bad.”
Shen Yanshui’s eyes curved into crescents. “I’m glad Your Highness likes it.”
Cui Yu took another couple of sips. Suddenly, he felt his spoon brush against something soft. He lowered his head and scooped up a spoonful of the translucent substance.
It was crystal clear and trembled delicately on the spoon, looking remarkably enticing.
Clear as ice and smooth as jade, it melted the moment it entered his mouth. Paired with the diced peaches, it was even more delicious. The peaches had been soaked in the tea to just the right degree—soft but not mushy, retaining a slight springiness when bitten into. Their sweet juice burst across his teeth. They were better than any peach he had ever tasted.
“What is this?”
Shen Yanshui’s gaze fell on the translucent morsel in his spoon, and she explained with a smile, “That’s jelly made from lotus-root starch.”
Cui Yu paused slightly. “Jelly? Why is it called jelly?”
Shen Yanshui thought, Good question… It’s called jelly because it’s jelly. She only cared whether something tasted good, not whether its name sounded elegant.
“Why don’t you give it a name, Your Highness?” she suggested with a beaming smile.
Cui Yu gave a slight nod. “Since it is made from lotus-root starch and resembles crystal, let us call it… Crystal Lotus-Root Jelly. What do you think?” He turned his eyes toward her after speaking.
Shen Yanshui nodded solemnly. “The name Your Highness chose is truly lovely.” With that change, it sounded much grander.
In a good mood, Cui Yu turned his head and instructed Chunping, the palace maid who had just been serving Shen Yanshui, “Send someone to the kitchen to make two more cups.”
Upon hearing this, Chunping did not dare delay. She immediately called Quanshou to fetch some freshly picked peaches, then sent Dongyi to the kitchen.
Shen Yanshui was somewhat surprised. Although the Crown Prince enjoyed sweet foods, he was usually quite restrained. Unlike her, he paid considerable attention to his diet and generally preferred to eat in a way that preserved his health. She had never seen him ask for a second serving of an iced drink like this one, which could harm the spleen and stomach if consumed in excess.
Could it be that he particularly liked this peach lemonade with jelly?
Cui Yu did not say anything more. He simply drank from his cup at an unhurried pace. Then, suddenly, he raised his eyes toward her.
“Would you like to have a small kitchen set up separately in your residence?”
Shen Yanshui froze.
Then her eyes lit up, bright as stars that had suddenly appeared in the night sky.
She leaned toward him at once. If he had not still been holding his cup, she might nearly have pressed herself against him. Gazing at him with eager anticipation, she asked in a soft, sweet voice, “Is that really what Your Highness means?”
At present, in the inner residences of the Eastern Palace, the only women with private kitchens were the Crown Princess, Lady Wang, who had already given birth, and Lady Chu, who was pregnant. Yesterday, she had heard that a private kitchen had also been established in Lady Wu’s Haitang Court.
No one else had ever been granted such an exception. Could she really have a private kitchen set up in her own residence?
In an instant, countless delicacies appeared in her mind. Just thinking about them made her mouth water.
Heaven knew how much she longed to eat all the delicious foods from her former life!
She wanted teppany tofu, stinky tofu, jianbing, snail rice noodles, biscuits, milk tea, little cakes, spicy strips, spicy snacks, hot-and-sour rice noodles, fried chicken, French fries, grilled cold noodles, hot pot, barbecue, malatang…
She swallowed involuntarily.
Although she had been born into a respectable family in this life, and her stepmother had not treated her too harshly, as the daughter of a second wife in an earl’s household, she could not simply eat whatever she wanted.
Besides, there had been plenty of delicious foods outside the palace. Whenever she had the chance to leave the residence, she could satisfy her appetite. Even though she occasionally craved certain things, she could still endure it.
Now that she had entered the Eastern Palace, the palace kitchen could make those foods, but there were too many people watching, and it was not very convenient.
Furthermore, as a Crown Prince’s consort of the rank of Shaoxun, it would hardly be proper for her to keep running to the kitchen. Passing messages back and forth to adjust the flavors was troublesome, too; the results could easily differ from what she wanted and might attract unnecessary attention.
But if she could open a private kitchen in her own little residence…
Just imagining it filled her with excitement. She practically wanted to cling to the Crown Prince. She gave his arm a gentle shake and gazed up at him imploringly.
“As the Crown Prince, Your Highness must keep your word. You can’t go back on it.”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her. Her fair, luminous face was filled with anticipation, and her peach-blossom eyes sparkled as though she had just received the greatest news in the world.
The corners of his lips curved upward slightly.
When Shen Yanshui saw that he had not denied it, she was overcome with delight. She threw her arms around him and leaned forward to plant a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you in advance, Your Highness! You’re so good to me!”
She was far too happy. Like a cheerful little bird, she pecked him here and there on the face, kissing him without the slightest sense of order.
Cui Yu was both amused and helpless at being kissed so enthusiastically. He quickly set down the unfinished drink in his hand, wrapped an arm around her waist, and drew her into his embrace.
“That’s enough. What kind of behavior is this?” he murmured with a low laugh.
Shen Yanshui nestled into his arms, her brows arched and her eyes filled with delight.
Cui Yu lowered his head to look at her, then suddenly said, “You suffered a grievance in the garden today. Is there anything else you want?”
Shen Yanshui paused.
A grievance?
She blinked and thought for a long while before finally remembering that he meant the cuju match earlier that day.
She had already forgotten all about it. Besides, how could that count as a grievance to her? She had barely tired herself out. If anything, she had simply gotten some exercise and loosened up her legs.
She lifted her face and gazed at him with a beaming smile. “This concubine isn’t feeling aggrieved at all. I’m actually delighted today. His Highness has allowed me to have a small private kitchen of my own—I’m overjoyed.”
Cui Yu looked at her bright, sparkling eyes but said nothing.
Shen Yanshui rolled her eyes, then leaned a little closer, her voice growing even softer and sweeter. “However... if His Highness truly wishes to reward me with something else, could you assign one or two skilled cooks from the main kitchen?”
Cui Yu raised an eyebrow. “Whom do you want?”
Shen Yanshui immediately brightened. “Eunuch Lin Mancang, as well as Chief Steward Tang’s two apprentices, Shouzhong and Shouyi.” Then she grew a little self-conscious. “That is, if they’re willing to come...”
Her little establishment was small and offered little prospect for advancement. The main kitchen of the Eastern Palace, on the other hand, might provide them with a better future. If they were unwilling, she naturally did not want to force them to come.
She had interacted with Master Lin a few times. His culinary skills were excellent, and he knew how to prepare a great many kinds of dishes. His cooking suited her tastes perfectly. He simply wasn’t very good at socializing, devoting himself wholeheartedly to studying food. In a place like the main kitchen, he would inevitably be bullied if no one looked after him.
Chief Steward Tang was a decent man, but she had no idea whether Master Lin would be willing to come work for her.
As for Shouzhong and Shouyi, the two young eunuchs were quick and capable, learned rapidly, and were clever as well. She liked them very much.
Cui Yu’s tone remained indifferent. “The fact that you think highly of them is their good fortune.”
Shen Yanshui: “...”
All right, then. Trying to explain the thoughts of working people to the Crown Prince, who had been born into imperial nobility, was clearly like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
As they spoke, the two cups of peach lemonade that Cui Yu had requested were brought over by Dongyi.
Cui Yu glanced at them, then turned to Zheng Yuande. “Send these two cups of drink to Imperial Father and Mother respectively. Also, take a basket of strawberries and peaches to Imperial Father. If His Majesty and Her Majesty ask about them, tell them truthfully that they are a token of goodwill from Shen Yanshui and me.”
Shen Yanshui froze.
What?
He was deliberately mentioning her in front of the Emperor?
Zheng Yuande was stunned as well, but he did not dare delay. He hurriedly acknowledged the order.
His Highness was... planning to elevate Lady Shen’s standing.
Only after Eunuch Zheng personally led people away carrying the gifts did Shen Yanshui hesitantly say, “His Highness had Eunuch Zheng mention me... Isn’t my status a little inappropriate for that?”
She was merely a low-ranking lady of the Eastern Palace. If Her Majesty the Empress had not taken the initiative to send someone for the grapes this time, Shen Yanshui would not even have been qualified to offer them to Her Majesty herself.
Let alone to the Emperor.
Cui Yu rarely saw her looking so worried. He gently brushed his finger over the crease between her brows. “Don’t worry. His Majesty may not even ask about it.”
It would not be difficult to raise A-Yan’s rank.
However, one of the Eastern Palace’s consorts had recently become pregnant. If he promoted A-Yan without a clear reason at such a time, she would inevitably attract attention.
It might even leave her with a reputation for being spoiled and arrogant.
It would be better to first make sure she was known to Imperial Father and Mother. In the future, her promotion would then follow naturally.
