Shen Yanshui cleared her throat. “Throw those little undergarments away.”
Xia’an paused for a moment before answering, “Yes, my lady.” Secretly, she felt it was a pity. Her mistress’s intimate garments were all made from the finest fabrics—and they were brand-new, too.
Shen Yanshui withdrew her gaze and looked into the bronze mirror.
The woman reflected within had cheeks like peach blossoms. A languid, seductive charm lingered in her shifting eyes, while her face glowed with a healthy flush.
She studied herself from side to side, growing more pleased the longer she looked. Unable to help herself, she smiled, her eyes curving sweetly.
Watching her mistress’s expression, Chunping could not help smiling as well. “My lady looks especially radiant today.”
In high spirits, Shen Yanshui rose and went to the main room for breakfast.
The small table had already been laden with dishes.
A bowl of green-stem rice porridge had been cooked until soft and creamy, with a few goji berries scattered on top—a nourishing sight indeed.
There were frosted jade-honey cakes, white and pillowy, sweet with every bite; rich goose-fat cream cheese, set to a delicate wobble and topped with honeyed cherries, the red and white complementing each other beautifully.
A plate of tender cucumber and radish sprouts, dressed with sesame oil and vinegar, was crisp and appetizing.
There was also something Shen Yanshui had never seen before: small square cakes, golden-yellow and lightly crisp on the outside, yet soft and tender within, still steaming hot.
“What is this?” Shen Yanshui asked, pointing at the dish.
Chunping smiled. “In reply to my lady, this is Chef Lin’s specialty, called ‘Golden-Silver Griddle Cakes.’ It is made by mixing eggs, flour, shrimp paste, and diced fresh bamboo shoots into a batter, then slowly frying it over a low flame.”
“Chef Lin said this dish takes a great deal of work and must be eaten fresh from the pan. She began preparing it before dawn today, hoping only that my lady would give it a taste.”
Shen Yanshui picked up a piece and placed it in her mouth.
The outside was faintly crisp, while the inside was tender and soft. The sweetness of the shrimp, the crunch of bamboo shoots, and the fragrance of egg melded together, hot and delicious as they melted over her tongue.
She narrowed her eyes. “Delicious.”
Chunping breathed a quiet sigh of relief and smiled as she served her more food.
Shen Yanshui ate nearly everything on the table before finally setting down her chopsticks in satisfaction. Not wishing to waste what remained, she had Chunping and the others divide it among themselves.
As the sun climbed higher, heat rolled in from outside, and the cicadas cried louder and louder.
Shen Yanshui reclined on the couch beside the window, too languid to move.
Xia’an sat nearby, fanning her with a steady hand. A cool breeze drifted over her as the wind chimes tinkled. Qiuru knelt beside the couch, kneading her legs with just the right amount of pressure. Dongyi held a small dish of peach flesh cut into bite-sized pieces, spearing them with a silver pick and feeding them to her now and then.
Quanfu sat on a small stool by the footrest, holding a storybook in his hands and reading aloud in a lively, expressive voice.
Shen Yanshui listened with great interest, occasionally opening her mouth to accept a piece of peach from Dongyi. She was so content that her eyes had narrowed into pleased slits.
Before she knew it, noon had arrived. Just as Shen Yanshui was beginning to feel drowsy, a chorus of greetings suddenly rose from the doorway.
“Your servants greet His Highness the Crown Prince—”
Shen Yanshui froze for a moment, then hurriedly rose to her feet.
Cui Yu had already lifted the curtain and stepped inside.
It was the height of noon, with the sun blazing fiercely outside. Having walked all the way over in the heat, fine beads of sweat glistened at his temples, and his russet, gold-woven robe was faintly warm from the sun.
Shen Yanshui hurried forward to greet him, dipping into a graceful curtsy with a bright smile. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Cui Yu raised a hand to help her up, his gaze settling on her.
Since she had not gone out, she wore only a hibiscus-pink bandeau beneath a sheer, jade-colored gauze robe, paired with moon-white silk trousers.
Cui Yu’s eyes darkened slightly. He made a dismissive gesture.
Understanding at once, Zheng Yuande promptly led the attendants away.
The curtain fell, leaving only the two of them in the room.
Just as Shen Yanshui was about to ask someone to bring water, her waist was suddenly seized. She stumbled forward and landed securely in his arms.
Sitting on his lap, she had not even had time to react before a wave of warmth washed over her.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
It was a little hot—and she was a little displeased.
No matter how clean the Crown Prince was, he had been out walking all day. He must have sweated a little. It did not smell bad, but his sweat had rubbed all over her!
Her lovely hibiscus-pink bandeau had been thoroughly rumpled beyond saving... and was even slightly crooked.
That was what she thought, and her expression did little to conceal it.
Cui Yu paused. A trace of awkwardness surfaced on his cool, handsome face.
He did not know what had come over him just then... Only afterward did he realize that what he had done had been rather... improper. Even somewhat... frivolous.
And yet...
“You dare dislike me?” he asked, casting her a sidelong glance. His voice was mild, making it impossible to tell whether he was pleased or angry.
But Shen Yanshui had already come to understand his temperament. Her courage had gradually grown.
She looked at him with a face full of grievance. “Your Highness, look at this. These are new clothes—I only just put them on, and you’ve already wrinkled them. I don’t even have enough clothes to change into.”
His gaze flickered. He coughed lightly into his fist, then his expression returned to its usual calm indifference. “It is only a few lengths of fabric. Is that worth being so stingy over?”
Shen Yanshui gave a soft huff. “I am being thrifty.”
Cui Yu did not argue with her and called for water.
Outside, Zheng Yuande answered at once.
Before anyone could enter, Cui Yu lowered his eyes and reached out to adjust the soft curves before him, setting them back in place.
“...” Shen Yanshui looked down at her bandeau, then at his hand, before lifting her eyes to him.
Cui Yu looked utterly calm and composed, allowing her to stare.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
Oh no. Who had taught the Crown Prince this? How had his skin become so much thicker?
The curtain was lifted, and Chunping and Xia'an entered one after another carrying a bronze basin. The water inside was neither too hot nor too cold, and a cloth rested along the basin’s rim.
Shen Yanshui rose from his lap and walked over to the basin.
Just as Chunping was about to hand her the cloth, she saw her mistress pick it up herself, dip it in the water, wring it dry, and begin wiping herself down.
First she wiped her neck, then she slightly lifted the edge of her bandeau and wiped beneath it...
“My lady?” Chunping froze for a moment. She and Xia'an exchanged a swift look, then both could not help stealing a glance at the Crown Prince.
Cui Yu sat on the daybed, his expression placid and unreadable.
Chunping’s heart skipped a beat. Looking again at her mistress, who seemed completely unaware, she could only grow increasingly uneasy.
Why was her mistress washing herself first instead of attending to His Highness?
She hurriedly shot Xia'an a meaningful look, signaling for her to fetch a clean handkerchief and some water.
Xia'an understood and was just about to turn away when Cui Yu strode over and picked up the handkerchief Shen Yanshui had just used.
Shen Yanshui froze.
Holding the handkerchief to his face, Cui Yu wiped himself down at an unhurried pace.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
Chunping and Xia'an immediately lowered their heads, not daring to look.
A faint blush rose to Shen Yanshui’s cheeks. She quickly took the handkerchief from his face, rubbed it clean in the basin, soaked it again, and wrung it dry.
Only then did she lift it to carefully wipe the sweat from his brow and neck.
Cui Yu looked down at her, a trace of amusement surfacing in his eyes.
As Shen Yanshui wiped him down, she suddenly realized just how heavily the Crown Prince was dressed today.
His dark-red court robes, woven with gold thread, lay in layer upon layer. The collar was buttoned tightly, the sash cinched firmly around his waist, and even most of his neck was covered.
The sun outside was blazing. He had worn all that from the palace and walked the entire way here. No wonder he was hot.
She could not help muttering, “Why are court robes so thick...?”
Cui Yu gave a quiet hum. “Court dress is governed by regulations. However hot it is, one must wear it.”
After wiping away his sweat, Shen Yanshui handed the cloth to Chunping, then turned to help him out of his clothes.
Cui Yu obligingly spread his arms.
Shen Yanshui untied his sash, removed his outer robe, then undid his inner garment, leaving him in only a moon-white undershirt. She then took a light, casual robe from the wardrobe and helped him into it.
Her movements were brisk and seamless. Compared with her initial awkward fumbling, she had now become thoroughly practiced at the task.
Cui Yu let her arrange him as she pleased, his expression relaxed.
Once he had changed, the two sat down again on the couch.
Chunping quietly withdrew with the others. The curtains fell, leaving only the two of them in the room once more.
Cui Yu suddenly said, “Where is the drawing you made yesterday? Bring it for me to see.”
Shen Yanshui paused, then understood that he meant the portrait.
After finishing it yesterday, she had not had the chance to show it to him properly before he had interrupted her.
She cleared her throat and called out, “Chunping, bring me my sketchbook.”
Chunping answered from outside. Before long, she brought in the sketchbook, then quietly withdrew again.
Cui Yu took it and opened it.
He flipped straight past the earlier drawing of that noisy, foolish bird.
He stopped only when he reached the newest page.
After studying it for a moment, Cui Yu gave a slight nod. “Passable.”
It shared something in common with the little sketches she usually drew, though it was also somewhat different.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes immediately lit up. She had seen the Crown Prince’s paintings before. To receive even a “passable” from him surely meant that her work was genuinely rather good, did it not?
Cui Yu’s gaze remained on the sketchbook, and he did not close it at once.
Instead, his eyes settled on the metal rings running down its center.
The rings were small and slender, binding the pages together while allowing them to turn freely. They were far more flexible than an ordinary bound volume.
He reached out and flicked one of the rings. “Why did you bind the book with these?”
He had noticed them the night before, but yesterday... he had not had the chance to ask.
Following his gaze, Shen Yanshui smiled at once. “Does Your Highness mean this loose-leaf binding?”
She took the portfolio, lightly flicked open the metal rings with her fingers, removed the page that belonged to the Crown Prince from the middle, slipped it back in, and closed the rings again.
“This way, you can take out whichever page you want, whenever you want. You can also rearrange the order as you please. It’s far more convenient than binding everything permanently.”
Cui Yu’s gaze shifted slightly as he watched her movements.
He took the portfolio from her and examined it over and over, opening and closing the metal rings and tugging gently at the pages.
“Did you have the Eastern Palace Workshop make this?”
Shen Yanshui nodded. “Some days ago, I gave the design drawings to the Eastern Palace Workshop and asked them to make it.”
Cui Yu fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “I would like to present this booklet to Father Emperor.”
Shen Yanshui was taken aback.
Pointing to the loose-leaf pages, Cui Yu spoke slowly. “Court affairs are complicated, and many case files need to be added to and supplemented at any time. The booklets currently in use are all bound. Whenever new material must be inserted, one either has to copy the entire volume anew or tuck in loose sheets. Over time, they become a chaotic mess, making it extremely troublesome to reconcile accounts and verify figures.”
He turned over the loose-leaf pages again, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes.
“But with this kind of loose-leaf binding, pages can be added, removed, and replaced at any time. They can be reordered by date or category. It would save a great deal of copying and also prevent loose pages from being lost.”
Shen Yanshui listened attentively. She had only meant to make things more convenient; she had not expected it could be used in such a way.
Seeing her faintly astonished expression, Cui Yu’s lips curved into a small smile. “A-Yan is clever indeed.”
“Your Highness flatters me. I merely learned this method elsewhere.” Shen Yanshui felt a little embarrassed by his praise. After all, she had not invented the idea herself.
The sketchbooks she had used in the past had all been loose-leaf notebooks like this. It was not difficult to make, so when she had it commissioned, she simply gave those instructions.
Seeing her rare display of modesty, Cui Yu could not help looking at her twice, visibly surprised. “Since when did A-Yan become so modest?”
The smile on Shen Yanshui’s face froze at once. She raised her clear, peach-blossom eyes and glared at him.
What kind of thing was that to say? When had she ever not been modest?
She was simply stating facts every time, wasn’t she? Had he never heard that excessive modesty was pride?
Cui Yu could not help raising a hand to his forehead and laughing after receiving her glare. Even after his laughter subsided, he reached out and pinched her puffed-up cheek.
“Where is yesterday’s inventory ledger? Bring it for me to look over again.” As he spoke, the smile on his face was impossible to conceal.
Shen Yanshui gave a soft huff and had Chunping fetch it.
Cui Yu took it and opened it, his gaze once again sweeping over the neat, straight-lined grids, the clearly categorized entries, the little drawings at the start of each line, and the receipt-and-signature column at the end.
His eyes rested on those grids for a moment.
“Did you come up with these grids as well?”
Shen Yanshui said, “I thought recording things by category like this would make them clearer.” Fine, then. She had kept claiming that she had learned these things elsewhere, but if someone ever pressed her for details, it would only become troublesome. It was easier to simply say she had devised them herself.
Cui Yu flipped through several more pages, then suddenly closed the ledger and looked up at her. “I will present this ledger, along with the loose-leaf binding, to Father Emperor.”
Naturally, Shen Yanshui had no objection.
“Zheng Yuande,” Cui Yu called.
Zheng Yuande immediately hurried into the room, head bowed and not daring to look around too much. “This servant is here.”
“Call someone from the Imperial Workshops.”
Zheng Yuande had no idea why His Highness had suddenly thought of the Imperial Workshops, but he didn’t dare delay. He went out at once to pass on the order.
Seeing this, Shen Yanshui changed into a more presentable set of everyday formal clothes.
Before long, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Workshops arrived. He entered the room cautiously, then knelt and paid his respects. “This servant greets His Highness the Crown Prince. Greetings to Lady Shen.”
Cui Yu waved a hand, signaling for him to rise, then handed him the booklet.
“Have your people make several more of these loose-leaf booklets, as Lady Shen instructed. For one kind, ordinary paper will do. Make the other more refined—I intend to present it to Father Emperor.”
The eunuch in charge was startled, then nodded repeatedly. “Your Highness, this item is not difficult to make. We can have it ready for you tomorrow.”
Cui Yu inclined his head and raised a hand, dismissing him.
* * *
The next day, just after Cui Yu finished the morning court session, three loose-leaf booklets were delivered to him. At the moment, he was in Lianxin Court.
Shen Yanshui picked up one of them to examine it. It was far more exquisite than the one she had made. The cover was fashioned from fine jade-colored brocade, and the metal rings had been coated with a thin layer of silver. Even the paper was the finest Chengxintang paper—smooth and delicate, with every sheet cut perfectly straight.
As expected of something meant for the emperor.
Hers was an ordinary, plain little booklet, simple and unassuming. The one in her hands, however, looked luxurious at a glance.
Cui Yu opened one of the booklets, removed a page, then put it back in place. After turning the rings a few times, he nodded with satisfaction.
“Zheng Yuande.”
“This servant is here.”
Cui Yu handed him the three loose-leaf booklets. “Take these.”
Zheng Yuande hurriedly accepted them with both hands and held them respectfully against his chest.
Cui Yu then picked up the inventory register Shen Yanshui had made for the storeroom the day before. “I’m taking this one.”
“Huh?” Shen Yanshui froze. He was taking hers?
“Your Highness isn’t having them make a new table?” Taking hers directly didn’t seem quite right.
Cui Yu turned to look at her, his words carrying a hint of significance. “There’s no need. The one you made is very good.”
Shen Yanshui said, “But there are also… drawings I made in that booklet.” A storeroom register belonging to a woman might look somewhat improper to present to the emperor.
She herself didn’t mind. The pages merely listed the things the Crown Prince and the Empress had bestowed upon her.
It was just that this was going to be presented to Emperor Pingkang. The table itself was the most important part. If they replaced the contents with something else—for example, matters related to governance—the effect would surely be better.
Cui Yu glanced at her, one brow lifting slightly. “Your drawing skills are passable. There’s no need to hide them from anyone.”
Shen Yanshui: “...Even if they’re ugly, I’m not afraid. If anyone asks, I’ll simply say the Crown Prince taught me.”
He was actually teasing her. Did he really think she wouldn’t make him infamous throughout the fields of education and painting?
Cui Yu, who somehow understood the meaning in her gaze, gave a light cough. “...Let’s go.”
A-Yan’s courage really had been growing by the day.
Following behind him while carefully cradling the booklets, Zheng Yuande watched the scene and suddenly felt that His Highness had looked rather like a certain censor in the court who was rumored to be thoroughly henpecked...
Bah, bah, bah!
The moment Zheng Yuande realized how rebellious his thoughts were, he hurriedly spat several times in his heart.
His Highness the Crown Prince was wise and valiant. How could he possibly be afraid of his wife? Much less when Lady Shen was only a zhaoxun.
He must have been seeing things just now. That was the only reason such a treasonous and absurd thought had crossed his mind.
*
After seeing the Crown Prince off, Shen Yanshui returned to her courtyard and stretched out on a reclining chair beneath the shady grape arbor.
The sun was not too harsh today. There were plenty of clouds, and a breeze was blowing. It was wonderfully pleasant.
Yet after lying there for only a little while, she wanted something to eat, even though she had only recently finished breakfast.
Resting her chin in her hand, a dish suddenly popped into her mind: spicy-sour noodles.
A tangy, fiery broth; smooth, slippery noodles; crisp fried soybeans; and a generous scattering of cilantro...
Her mouth was practically watering.
“Chunping.” Shen Yanshui's eyes lit up as she turned her head and called out. “Fetch Eunuch Lin for me.”
Chunping answered and left. Before long, Lin Mancang came jogging in and bowed. “What are your orders, Mistress?”
“Eunuch Lin, I want some spicy-sour chilled jelly noodles.” Great Yong did not yet have sweet potatoes, so proper sweet-potato noodles were out of the question. She would have to make do with noodles made from something else.
Lin Mancang agreed with a smile. “That will be easy. Please wait a little while, Mistress. This servant will prepare it at once.”
Shen Yanshui nodded, then added, “Sprinkle some fried soybeans and peanuts over it too. Add scallions and cilantro, and use plenty of vinegar.”
Lin Mancang hurriedly agreed. None of those requests would be difficult. Just as he was about to withdraw, Shen Yanshui suddenly stopped him.
“Wait.”
Lin Mancang promptly turned back. “Do you have another order, Mistress?”
Instead of replying at once, Shen Yanshui had Dongyi summon Shouzhong and Shouyi as well.
When the two heard that their mistress had called for them, they immediately put aside their work and hurried over. After greeting her, they heard her say, “I want to eat spicy strips and spicy sheets. See whether you can make them.”
Making spicy strips and sheets was not difficult. The hard part was getting the seasoning right.
“Spicy strips and spicy sheets?” Shouzhong and Shouyi were momentarily baffled. They exchanged a glance, and when neither recognized the names, they knew this was likely another one of their mistress's new ideas. They immediately focused and listened with the utmost attention.
Shen Yanshui sat up straighter. “They are made from wheat gluten. Boil the gluten, take it out and let it cool, then cut it into thin strips and fry them in oil. Fry them in hot oil until they are lightly golden and firm, with a pleasantly chewy texture.”
“The most important thing is to make chili oil. Heat the oil, then fry Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices until fragrant. Strain out the spices, let the oil cool slightly, then pour it over chili flakes and mix well to make red chili oil...”
“Spicy sheets are much the same. Cut tofu skin into thin strips or flat pieces...”
All three listened with great care. Having heard their mistress's exceptionally detailed recipe, Shouzhong felt that he could make it.
Only...
With seasonings like chili oil and aromatic spices, the slightest difference could produce an entirely different result. There was no guarantee he could recreate the flavor his mistress liked.
But Lady Shen was not difficult to serve. Even if he failed the first time, he would not need to worry about being punished. If he tried a few more times... he should be able to get it right.
Lin Mancang did not speak immediately. In his view, since his mistress had specifically summoned Shouzhong and Shouyi, it was clear that she wanted the two of them to make it.
Shouzhong replied respectfully, “In answer to Your Grace, this servant has never made spicy strips or spicy sheets before. But after hearing Your Grace describe them, this servant is willing to give it a try. It is only that my skills are limited, and I fear I will need much guidance from Chef Lin.”
Shouyi, standing beside him, nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Lin Mancang did not demur. With a cheerful smile, he readily accepted. Whatever their mistress wished to eat, it was only right for those serving beneath her to work together to make it and ensure her satisfaction.
Besides, he was interested in trying his hand at any food he had never made before.
Seeing this, Shen Yanshui nodded in satisfaction. “Work it out among yourselves. Experiment with the flavors and make several varieties for me to try.”
The three bowed. “This servant will see to it at once.”
After they withdrew, Shen Yanshui found herself too restless with craving to sit still.
“Chunping, wash me a peach.”
Chunping answered and left. Before long, she returned carrying a plate of washed peaches, each one rosy-white, plump, and glistening with moisture.
Shen Yanshui picked one up and took a bite. It was crisp and sweet, its juice filling her mouth.
Leaning against the daybed, she ate her peach while lost in thought.
After finishing the first, she picked up another.
Halfway through the second peach, a thought suddenly struck her. Summer had arrived. Shouldn't she plant some watermelons?
Watermelons...
She narrowed her eyes and thought back. She had eaten watermelons in this era before. Their rinds were thick, their seeds plentiful, and they were only moderately sweet. They were nowhere near as delicious as the ones she had eaten in her previous life.
But... she had her ability now!
What was there to fear about watermelons that were not sweet or tasty enough?
She abruptly sat up straight. “Chunping.”
Chunping hurried forward. “What are your orders, Mistress?”
Shen Yanshui was about to tell her to find some watermelon seeds, but the words caught in her throat.
The backyard of Lotus Heart Courtyard was not large. The half behind the eastern wing had already been planted full with crops: peach trees, strawberries, and some cumin, known here as Anxi fennel.
The cumin was already ripe, and lately she had been secretly collecting its seeds.
As for why she had to collect them in secret... cumin was an annual. Under normal circumstances, once it matured, the entire plant had to be cut down and dried before its seeds could be threshed out and stored for planting the following spring.
But Shen Yanshui had only planted a small patch. Although the Crown Prince had later given her more seeds, he had probably meant them merely as something for her to grow for amusement.
And even if she wanted to plant more, Lotus Heart Courtyard simply did not have enough land.
That little bit of cumin would likely be used up after only a few meals. She had no intention of going an entire year without it afterward.
She had even asked the East Palace's head gardener. Since Anxi fennel looked so ordinary, no one paid it much attention. The palace barely cultivated it at all; only a small amount was kept in reserve because it was something offered in tribute by a small western state.
So she could only rely on the little supply she had herself.
To keep anyone from noticing that she was using her ability to stimulate the plants' growth and harvest additional seeds, she could only do it in secret.
The land in the backyard on her side of the eastern wing was already full. As for the other half, which adjoined Attendant Lin's western wing, she could hardly take over that land as well, could she?
The more Shen Yanshui thought about it, the more dejected she became.
There was no more land.
With a sigh, she lay back down on the reclining chair, sighing again and again.
Xia’an watched from the side, utterly baffled. “What’s wrong, my lady?”
Shen Yanshui listlessly waved a hand. “I want to grow melons, but there’s no land left.”
In truth, according to the proper layout, the rear courtyard should have belonged to the main residence of Lotus Heart Court.
Just as in the other courtyards, those who occupied the main residence were all Ladies of Good Virtue or Ladies of Good Grace; even the lowest-ranked among them were Attendants of Splendor.
Women of lower rank, such as Instructresses and Court Attendants, could only reside in the east or west wings.
Yet Lotus Heart Court housed only Shen Yanshui and Lady Liu.
The main residence had remained vacant. Since Shen Yanshui’s rank was higher, no one would have anything to say if she used the rear courtyard to grow things.
Xia’an blinked, then smiled. “My lady, isn’t there still half the rear courtyard standing empty? Why trouble yourself over it?”
Considering how dearly His Highness the Crown Prince favored her mistress, it was only a little patch of courtyard land. Who would be so blind as to gossip about it?
If Xia’an had her way, her mistress was far too low-key. She showed none of the airs of a Crown Prince’s favored concubine. In front of His Highness, she could be astonishingly bold, yet at all other times she was especially well-behaved and mindful of her place.
Just look at Lady Wu next door. It was obvious His Highness held no special affection for her, yet merely because she carried an imperial heir, she was already holding her tail high enough to reach the heavens. When she walked, she practically wished she could scuttle sideways like a crab.
Shen Yanshui could not help muttering to herself: …Wouldn’t that make me sound like one of those petty villains or cannon-fodder antagonists in a melodramatic story—some favored imperial consort who throws her weight around?
Still, empty land was wasted land. Later, she would send Lady Liu some food and have a friendly word with her about it.
*
Chongzheng Hall
The sun blazed fiercely outside, but a coolness lingered within the hall.
Minister of Revenue Li Duan stood respectfully before the throne, holding a thick stack of files in both hands, his back slightly bent as he reported on the progress of compiling this summer’s tax revenues from Jiangnan.
“...Your Majesty, the registers submitted by the various prefectures in Jiangnan are rather disordered,” he said, choosing his words with care, his tone deferential and cautious. “Some are compiled by county, some by township. Some have newly reclaimed fields mixed together with mature farmland, while others have even reversed the figures for grain paid in kind and grain converted into monetary payment. This minister is incompetent; we will need another seven or eight days to verify the final totals.”
As Emperor Pingkang listened, his brows drew tightly together. He set his teacup down on the imperial desk with a heavy thud.
Minister Li immediately lowered his head in respectful silence, not daring to say another word. Over the past two years, His Majesty’s temper had become increasingly unpredictable...
Thinking of the muddled, poorly organized reports the Ministry of Revenue had submitted in previous years, Emperor Pingkang felt only irritation.
When he was younger, he could still settle down and review them carefully. But now, he had long since lost that patience. Whenever he saw the court’s complicated columns of figures and entries, his head would begin to spin, and his expression grew ever darker.
It made him realize all too clearly that his energy was gradually failing.
Seeing his father’s face abruptly darken, the Sixth Prince’s thoughts turned. He suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute, and said, “Father Emperor, your son begs leave to offer a word.”
Emperor Pingkang said coldly, “Speak.”
Cui Jin, the Sixth Prince, said, “Though I have not trained in the Ministry of Revenue, I know a little of its affairs. The account books submitted from the various regions are chaotic, owing to nothing more than inconsistent formats and muddled entries. When the Ministry compiles them all, confusion is unavoidable.”
“If the Ministry of Revenue were to issue a standardized template from the top down, requiring every prefecture and county to prepare their accounts accordingly and submit them next year, it might spare us the labor of copying and comparing them as we did last year. The annual consolidation and auditing would also become much clearer.”
As Emperor Pingkang listened, some of the anger in his eyes subsided. He turned to the Minister of Revenue at his side. “What does Minister Li think?”
Minister Li hastily replied, “Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is entirely correct. Standardizing formats and regulating the preparation of account books is indeed something we in the Ministry have considered before.”
He paused, shame coloring his expression. “It is only... far easier said than done.”
“Different regions have different customs. Some prefectures and counties are accustomed to their old methods and are unwilling to change. Others find the new format too cumbersome. Even when the templates are distributed, those below may refuse to follow them, paying lip service while doing otherwise...”
The Ministry of Revenue had already considered such a measure. Yet making every province, prefecture, county, and township adopt it was no simple matter.
One could hardly dismiss or demote an official merely because he had done his work conscientiously but had failed to record it using the Ministry’s prescribed format.
If Minister Li made an issue of such a trivial matter, he would never survive in official circles. Who did not have former teachers, classmates, fellow disciples, or old friends? It would only bring him trouble from all sides.
Emperor Pingkang’s brow furrowed once more.
The Sixth Prince knit his brows, about to say something else, when a eunuch’s announcement sounded from outside the hall—
“Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience.”
Emperor Pingkang raised his eyes. “Let the Crown Prince enter.”
Cui Yu strode into the hall. He glanced briefly at the Sixth Prince, then withdrew his gaze and said in an even voice, “This son greets Father Emperor.”
“Rise.” Emperor Pingkang rubbed his brow and looked at Cui Yu. “Why has the Crown Prince come?”
Cui Yu stepped forward, took several volumes from Zheng Yuande’s hands, and presented them with both hands.
“Father Emperor, I have come today to submit several record books for Your Majesty’s inspection.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng stepped forward to receive them and respectfully presented them to Emperor Pingkang.
The Emperor took them and casually opened the first volume. It was precisely Shen Yanshui’s register for warehouse management.
His gaze swept over the neat, straight-lined grids and the clearly categorized entries. As he read on, his expression shifted slightly.
Seeing the change in his father’s expression, the Sixth Prince could not help but glance at the Crown Prince. What sort of records were these, that the Crown Prince had personally brought them before the Emperor?
Could they be... account books? His heart tightened for an instant.
After turning through several pages, Emperor Pingkang suddenly looked up at the Crown Prince. “This...”
Cui Yu said, “Father Emperor, please look. Every incoming and outgoing item is recorded in the table: who handled it, when it entered or left the warehouse, and the signatures involved... Should one need to audit the accounts... everything is visible at a glance.”
At the Crown Prince’s words, Minister Li’s ears practically perked up. Curious about this “table” the Crown Prince had mentioned, he could not resist leaning forward.
After flipping through a few more pages, Emperor Pingkang handed the volume out. Chief Eunuch Cheng understood at once, received it respectfully, and passed it to Minister Li.
Minister Li hurriedly accepted it with due deference and immediately began to examine it.
Emperor Pingkang then picked up the second volume.
It was a blank notebook made of slightly thick paper, with a jade-colored brocade cover and silver binding rings. There was nothing inside.
Emperor Pingkang paused, then opened it. Blank. He flipped through it again. Still blank.
He raised his eyes to look at the Crown Prince.
Cui Yu stepped forward, opened the loose-leaf notebook in his hand, parted the silver rings, removed a sheet from the middle, then put it back, closed the rings again, and shut the notebook.
“Father Emperor, this volume is bound with metal rings. Pages can be removed, reinserted, or rearranged at any time.”
Emperor Pingkang lowered his head and fiddled with the rings himself. He pulled out one page and put it back, then took out another.
His eyes lit up once more.
Li Duan, standing to one side, was itching to get his hands on it, yet did not dare speak.
In the end, he could not restrain himself. He shifted half a step to the right and bowed to the Crown Prince. “Your Highness, might this minister be permitted to examine the notebook in your hand?”
The Sixth Prince looked over as well.
“Of course. Minister Li, please.” Cui Yu handed him the loose-leaf notebook.
Minister Li hurriedly offered his thanks.
The Sixth Prince stood nearby, watching in silence for a long while.
Having just finished examining the table, Minister Li was already greatly stirred. Now, cradling the loose-leaf notebook in his hands, he turned it over and over several times, then worked the rings himself. His fingers trembled with excitement. “Wonderful—wonderful! Your Majesty, no one has ever thought of a loose-leaf volume like this before. It would be of immense use in government affairs!”
Holding the two notebooks, his gaze nearly clung to them. “If the tax records collected from every region were all kept in this format, why would the Ministry of Revenue need to spend days copying them out every year? Why expend such vast manpower and effort checking and reconciling them?!”
The Sixth Prince suddenly said with a smile, “Minister Li, might you let me take a look at the notebooks as well?”
Minister Li handed both notebooks to the Sixth Prince, then immediately turned back and launched into an impassioned discussion with His Majesty about the uses of the notebooks and the tables.
As the Sixth Prince flipped through the loose-leaf notebook in his hands, his gaze abruptly fell upon a line of tiny writing on the inside of its cover—Lotus Heart Courtyard · Shen Yanshui.
He lifted a brow, looked up at the Crown Prince, and a faint smile curved his lips.
“This notebook of Yours, Crown Prince…” His tone was mild, as though he were merely asking in passing. “If I am not mistaken, it is used for the storeroom of a woman’s quarters? I had not expected Your Highness to be such a considerate and tender-hearted man.”
He had been given such an ingenious thing, and yet his first thought had been to give it to a woman in his inner residence?
Though he did not say it outright, everyone present was intelligent enough to understand.
The moment he finished speaking, Minister Li’s voice came to an abrupt halt. He quickly lowered his eyes, not daring to say another word.
In truth, he had noticed long ago that the ledger of tables was intended for a woman’s use. It recorded hairpins, jewelry, fabrics, rouge, and powder, and even contained many little drawings.
But since it was something the Crown Prince had presented, he had not dared make any unnecessary remarks.
For a moment, the hall fell silent.
Emperor Pingkang’s expression changed slightly.
Cui Yu cast him a careless glance, a chill passing through his eyes. Then, his face calm, he stepped forward and bowed. “Father Emperor, it is not that your son did not wish to present these items to you sooner. Rather, neither the loose-leaf notebook nor the tables were created by your son.”
Emperor Pingkang raised his brows. “Oh?”
Cui Yu said, “Both were devised by Lady Shen—the Shen Zhaoxun whom Father Emperor bestowed upon your son.”
“By chance, yesterday, I noticed the booklet Lady Shen uses. It is quite ingenious, so I had the Crown Prince's workshop produce several new copies overnight and brought them today for Your Majesty's inspection.”
Emperor Pingkang's expression softened considerably. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. “Lady Shen?” He thought for a moment. “I remember now. She was also responsible for that novel drink two days ago.”
The Sixth Prince's brow tightened almost imperceptibly.
Cui Yu lowered his gaze. “Yes. Your Majesty has a discerning eye. Lady Shen is indeed rather clever in her daily life.”
The gloom in Emperor Pingkang's mood lifted somewhat, and a smile appeared on his face. Granting the Shen family's daughter to the Crown Prince now seemed to have been the right decision.
Not only was she quick-witted, but she had also made the Crown Prince noticeably more filial of late.
Once his smile faded, he looked toward the Sixth Prince and Li Duan, his expression returning to its customary authority.
“Minister Li has seen these loose-leaf booklets and tables as well. Move quickly and put them to practical use. They must be implemented.”
Minister Li bowed. “This minister obeys Your Majesty's decree!”
Emperor Pingkang waved a hand. “Very well. You may all withdraw.”
At his words, the Sixth Prince and Minister Li both bowed and withdrew.
Cui Yu, however, did not move. With lowered eyes and cupped hands, he said, “Father Emperor, both the loose-leaf booklets and the tables were devised by Lady Shen. Since entering the Eastern Palace, she has conducted herself properly, shown filial respect and reverence, and attended to this son with utmost diligence. This son wishes to elevate Lady Shen's rank.”
Emperor Pingkang frowned instinctively. Lady Shen had only been in the Eastern Palace for a few months, and she had not yet borne children to continue the imperial line. Was it not too soon to raise her status?
And yet...
He looked at the loose-leaf booklet and tables in his hand, then recalled the drink Lady Shen had presented earlier. She had, after all, been personally bestowed upon the Crown Prince by him. The Crown Prince's regard for Lady Shen was also a sign of respect for him, her emperor and father-in-law.
Emperor Pingkang smiled. “Since she has rendered merit, I naturally reward and punish fairly. Granted. Have the Ministry of Rites draft an edict elevating her to Chenghui.”
*
At Begonia Court, Lady Wu reclined on a cushioned couch while Qiaoyun massaged her legs.
The sun outside had risen high, and she was beginning to feel drowsy when a fragrant scent suddenly drifted in.
Her nose twitched, and she opened her eyes.
What was that wonderful smell?
The aroma was rich and sharp, carrying the toasted fragrance of hot oil and the spicy bite of chili peppers. It was forceful, invading her nostrils.
Lady Wu could not help swallowing.
“What smells so good?”
Qiaoyun glanced outside and answered softly, “My lady, it seems to be coming from Lotus Heart Court next door...”
“Lotus Heart Court?” Lady Wu frowned. “That Lady Shen again? It has only been a few days, yet she keeps inventing new ways to make a fuss, as though she is afraid no one knows she has her own little kitchen!”
Qiaoyun lowered her head, not daring to respond.
Lady Wu cursed a few more times, but the scent only grew stronger. As she breathed it in, her mouth began to water again, and the irritation in her heart flared hotter.
Who knew what delicious thing she was making, for it to smell so tempting? And she had not even sent some over for them to taste. How utterly tactless and thoughtless!
Qiaoyun secretly glanced at her mistress's expression and sighed inwardly.
Ever since their mistress entered the Eastern Palace, she had held her head high, certain that with her family background and beauty, the Crown Prince would sooner or later look upon her with favor.
Yet after all this time, His Highness had only visited Begonia Court once, shortly after her arrival. Meanwhile, next door, Lady Shen had been granted her own private kitchen at the Crown Prince's personal command. Who in the Eastern Palace could fail to see the favor she enjoyed?
Only their mistress, perhaps because she had been pampered and doted on since childhood and had never suffered much grievance, believed that carrying an imperial heir gave her the right to compete with that woman.
Qiaoyun thought these things to herself, but dared not voice them. She could only lower her head and pretend she had heard nothing.
Lady Wu could not help cursing a few times. As Qiaoyun listened to her insult Lady Shen's looks, she could not help feeling rather speechless...
Fortunately, Lady Lu and Lady Sun, who lived in the courtyard, were not the sort to gossip. Otherwise...
Just as she was thinking this, a burst of harsh squawking came from outside.
The cries were loud and piercing, with an indescribably grating quality to them. Lady Wu's brows immediately drew together.
"Ugly freak! Ugly freak!"
"Stupid thing! Stupid thing!"
Lady Wu froze for a moment. Then she shot to her feet, her face turning ashen.
That damned bird!
She strode to the doorway in a few quick steps, lifted the curtain, and looked outside.
On the begonia tree in the courtyard stood a bright green parrot, perched proudly on a branch with its head cocked at her.
Its little black bead-like eyes darted about, and its beak opened and closed as it squawked with growing enthusiasm.
Lady Wu trembled with rage. Pointing at the bird, her lips quivered and her face flushed scarlet.
It had been this very bird that had relieved itself on her head, making her lose face before the Crown Prince!
And now it dared to come back?
More brazen and hateful than ever...
"Someone, drive that damned bird away!"
Several palace maids and eunuchs hurried forward, waving their arms as if to shoo it away. Yet not one of them dared lay a hand on it.
This was the Crown Prince's beloved pet. Who would dare touch even a single feather?
Little Jade stood on the branch, watching the people below point and gesture at her. Far from being frightened, she only squawked more loudly.
She hopped about on the branch as she cried, her wings flapping wildly, smug as could be.
Lady Wu's chest heaved sharply with anger. She pointed at the bird, but could not force out a word.
Seeing that her mistress looked unwell, Qiaoyun hurried forward and said softly, "My lady, the sun is strong outside, and you are with child. Please go inside and rest. As for that bird... if we ignore it, it will grow bored and fly away on its own."
Lady Wu glared fiercely at the bird. After a long moment, she finally drew a deep breath, turned, and prepared to return indoors. Out of sight, out of mind.
As she walked away, she continued cursing bitterly. It was impossible to tell whether she was cursing a person or the bird.
"Strutting around all day, showing off without the slightest restraint! Relying on His Highness's favor, it has forgotten what it is!"
The words had barely left her mouth when there came a flutter of wings behind her.
Little Jade took flight and circled above her head, squawking as she flew, "Who are you calling stupid? Who are you calling stupid?"
Lady Wu was so startled by it that she clutched her head and shrieked, “Ah! Get it away from me! Quick!”
Several eunuchs hurried forward, waving their arms, but Little Jade was nimble. Now high, now low, it refused to leave.
“Caw, caw, caw! Ugly freak! Ugly freak!”
Lady Wu fled wildly around the courtyard with the bird on her heels. The hairpins and ornaments in her hair had been knocked askew, her locks were falling loose, and she was a complete mess.
“Someone! Help! Someone!” she screamed, her voice breaking into a shrill pitch.
For a moment, the courtyard was in total chaos. Cries of alarm, shouts of pursuit, and the bird’s squawking all blended into one uproar.
*
At Lianxin Court, Shen Yanshui had just finished a bowl of cold spicy-and-sour jelly noodles and was reclining on a chaise, resting, when a commotion suddenly broke out next door.
She listened closely. Amid the panicked cries, she could faintly make out... Little Jade’s voice?
“Caw, caw, caw! Idiot!”
The round fan in Shen Yanshui’s hand nearly fell to the ground. She sprang upright and listened more intently.
The disturbance next door grew louder and louder. Screams, curses, and the beating of wings merged into a confused din.
Shen Yanshui could not sit still any longer. She rose and headed outside.
Chunping hurried after her. “My lady?”
“Let’s see what’s happening next door.” Shen Yanshui was already through the courtyard gate as she spoke.
The gate to Haitang Court stood half open. The moment Shen Yanshui entered, she saw that the courtyard was in complete disarray.
Little Jade was circling above Lady Wu’s head, squawking as it flew. Its little beak never stopped moving, and the insults it spat out were different every time.
Lady Wu was dodging in every direction as the bird chased her. Her hairpins were crooked, her clothes rumpled, her hair loose around her face. She looked utterly terrified and thoroughly disheveled.
Several palace maids and eunuchs stood around her, making gestures to drive the bird away, but none dared actually touch it. They only waved their arms for show.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
That foolish bird. Lady Wu was pregnant. If she tripped, fell, or was frightened into some mishap, it would be no small matter.
Taking a deep breath, Shen Yanshui called out, “Little Jade!”
Little Jade came to an abrupt halt in midair, flapped its wings, and spun around.
Its little black-bean eyes looked down, then immediately lit up.
“Pretty lady! Pretty lady!”
It cried out happily, folded its wings, and flew straight toward Shen Yanshui. Landing steadily on her shoulder, it rubbed its head against her cheek.
“Pretty lady! Pretty lady! Miss you! Miss you!”
Shen Yanshui: “...”
She could feel two pairs of eyes beside her practically shooting flames. Looking at the tactless fool of a bird on her shoulder, her face darkened despite herself.
That foolish bird...
Lady Wu stood where she was, bedraggled from head to toe. Her face went from green to red, then from red back to green.
She watched the bird that had just been chasing her around and insulting her now nuzzle Shen Yanshui’s cheek affectionately, its cries dripping with flattery.
Then she looked at Shen Yanshui, neatly dressed and standing there with perfect composure, while that damned bird perched obediently on her shoulder.
The sight sent a rush of hot blood straight to Lady Wu’s head.
Rage, humiliation, and jealousy surged through her all at once, burning so fiercely that her vision darkened.
She could do nothing to the crown prince’s beloved pet, but did that mean she could not deal with a mere Zhaoxun like you?
“Lady Shen, you’ve got some nerve!” Lady Wu’s face flushed crimson as she pointed at Shen Yanshui, her voice shrill. “You actually had His Highness the Crown Prince’s bird play a trick on me!”
Shen Yanshui: “...???” What was wrong with her? Hadn’t she just helped her out of a difficult situation?
“Lady Wu misunderstands. I only came over after hearing the commotion here...”
Lady Wu sneered, not allowing her to finish. “The moment you called, it obediently flew over. And you still dare claim you didn’t order it?”
Shen Yanshui frowned. “Lady Wu, that bird is His Highness’s beloved pet. How could I possibly command it?” Ahem. Though she could command it, she certainly wasn’t foolish enough to admit it.
“Stop trying to argue your way out of this,” Lady Wu snapped, refusing to listen. “You were trying to harm me. You were trying to harm the imperial heir!”
“Guards, seize this vicious woman!”
She refused to believe that a mere Lady Shen could carry more weight than the imperial child in her womb.
Today, she would put Shen Yanshui in her place.
The palace maids and eunuchs of Haitang Court exchanged uneasy looks. For the moment, none dared move. Someone quietly slipped away to fetch Nanny Ling.
Lady Wu grew furious. “What are you afraid of? She is nothing more than a lowly Lady Shen. Do you dare defy my orders?”
...
Inside the east wing, a maid looked at her mistress and asked softly, “My lady, shouldn’t you go and persuade Lady Wu? If she is allowed to go on like this, she will surely come to no good once Nanny Ling or His Highness the Crown Prince arrives.”
Lady Lu watched the scene outside through a narrow gap in the window and said quietly, “There is no need.”
Lady Wu outranked her and was still unbearably arrogant. Unless she was allowed to stir up enough trouble to incur His Highness’s displeasure, how could the child in her womb ever become an opportunity for Lady Lu?
“Help me remove my hair ornaments first...”
Shen Yanshui looked at Lady Wu, who continued to shriek and make a scene before her. She found the woman even more grating than Little Jade, and could not help frowning. Was that head of hers merely for decoration?
The last time, Shen Yanshui had been too lazy to argue with her out of consideration for her pregnancy. Had that somehow given Lady Wu the wrong impression?
Then today, she would have to show her the bearing of the Crown Prince’s favored consort.
Otherwise, Lady Wu would truly take her for a soft persimmon, ready to be squeezed whenever she pleased.
