Chapter Eleven
Early on the twenty-third, Zhang Gui hurriedly arrived at the manor again.
"Second Young Miss, the laborers and boatmen from the canal guild have been frequenting the tea shop these past two days, and now there’s an additional group coming in the evenings." Zhang Gui took out the qilin token Bailin had given him. "Should we seek Prince Wei’s assistance in this matter?"
If it truly was Bailin who had instructed Liu Heipi to trouble the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, then was this Liu Heipi’s way of extending goodwill? Cui Lanyin replied, "Let’s not act yet. I’ll inquire with Prince Wei when I go to pay my respects to him."
Zhang Gui relaxed. "Second Young Miss, the new pastries we introduced have been well-received. Many who bought them at the docks have sent servants back for more—some even purchasing ten boxes at once. They say our pastries are better than Fuxiangzhai’s, staying fresh for days without losing flavor. Some even asked when we’ll open a shop in the city."
"Opening a small tea shop already requires connections, let alone a pastry shop in the city. You’ve already found out who owns Fuxiangzhai—how dare we encroach on their business?"
"But isn’t it different now? Don’t we have Prince Wei’s support—"
"Stop right there. The Cui family isn’t the Yao family. We must use that favor wisely, not overstep our bounds out of greed."
"My apologies for overreaching." Zhang Gui quickly dismissed the thought, took a recipe for two side dishes from Sangzhi, and hurried back to the tea shop.
The main branch of the Cui family had few members, and Cui Sheng kept no concubines or maidservants, so fewer servants were needed. Back when Lady Tan was alive, many servants had been let go, leaving only the loyal and discreet ones. The main branch treated them well without withholding wages, so none ever leaked household affairs. Even with just a wall separating them, the second branch had no idea Cui Sheng personally cooked dishes and pastries.
The servants maintained this unspoken understanding, never mentioning it. Zhang Gui was no exception—though he knew the tea shop’s popular dishes and pastries were Cui Sheng’s creations, he never breathed a word.
Two days later, Cui Sheng’s latest culinary experiment earned unanimous praise from the family. With new clothes ready, it was time to visit Prince Wei.
Lately, Prince Wei had drawn much attention. Information about him required no effort to gather—anyone on the street could tell you.
The Emperor had assigned four elder princes to oversee ministries. While the others diligently worked from dawn till dusk, Prince Wei was different. He only attended the Ministry of War in the mornings, returning to his residence by noon and never stepping out again.
Even at the ministry, he often dozed off. When his opinion was needed, he’d tap his fingers, and one of the four qilin attendants by his side would voice his approval or rejection.
Though termed "oversight," it was merely observation—even Prince Duan couldn’t override the ministers’ decisions.
Despite Prince Wei’s apparent laziness, the Emperor tolerated it, and Prince Duan even defended him, saying, "Second Brother is indifferent to worldly affairs." Observers took this as a sign that both the Emperor and Prince Duan preferred him this way.
Thus, if Prince Duan ascended the throne, Prince Wei would undoubtedly rank above the other princes. His deliberate inaction wasn’t a disadvantage—in fact, it elevated him past Prince Ping to become the third most eligible bachelor after Prince Duan and the Li family’s eldest son.
Prince Duan’s consort would undoubtedly be a Li daughter, so families once vying for Prince Ping’s hand now turned their attention to Prince Wei.
Rumors spread that Prince Wei’s maternal relatives, the Yao family, had purchased a grand residence in Yingcheng, where the second and third branches had already settled. Those with even tenuous ties to the Yao family began paying visits.
Knowing Prince Wei stayed in his residence afternoons, Cui Lanyin avoided his rest day and set out on the twenty-fifth after lunch and a short nap.
Under an overcast sky, she wore a honey-colored dress with a newly tailored lilac waistcoat, resembling a blooming flower bud—pleasing to the eye.
During the carriage ride, the conversation turned to the Yao family’s upcoming housewarming banquet. "Young Miss, Prince Wei wouldn’t marry a Yao daughter, would he?" Aiye asked. "Prince Duan is set to marry a Li daughter, after all."
"Unlikely. Prince Wei is of a senior generation—the Yao daughters are his grand-nieces."
Aiye patted her chest in relief. "Good. Otherwise, I’d be sick with frustration."
"What, can’t stand the thought of Aunt Yao gloating?"
"If the Yao family rises further, wouldn’t she look down on our family even more?"
"Marrying within the same generation is one thing, but..." Cui Lanyin drawled, "the imperial family doesn’t always follow such rules. There have been cases of nieces marrying their uncles."
"What?" Aiye’s face fell. "If Prince Wei marries a cousin of Miss Seven of the Yao Family, then—"
Cui Lanyin chuckled, unable to keep up the act. "I forgot to tell you—that was the previous dynasty. Our imperial family values propriety. There’s never been a marriage across generations."
"Young Miss!"
Familiarity bred ease. This time, Geng Dayou parked the carriage at the alley’s entrance.
Just as he was about to help Cui Lanyin alight, a guard from the prince’s residence jogged over. "Is this the carriage of the Second Young Miss of the Cui family’s main branch, from the Earl of Wu’an’s household?" One visit was enough for the guards to remember.
"Yes. Our Second Young Miss has come to pay respects to His Highness," Geng Dayou replied with a bow.
"Then please bring the carriage into the alley."
After acknowledging, Geng Dayou guided the carriage to the main gate as instructed. The guards asked Cui Lanyin to wait inside while they sent word.
Soon, Qinglin, still in his blue robe, came out to greet her. Cui Lanyin quickly stepped down with Aiye’s support.
Qinglin sidestepped her curtsy and instructed the guards, "From now on, escort Second Young Miss Cui inside to wait."
The guards assented in unison before he took the food box from Aiye and led the way.
Just past the side gate, they encountered the steward, who warmly greeted her. "Second Young Miss, we’ve just received fragrant pears from Hami this morning. I hope you’ll find them to your liking later."
Had she become a familiar face after just one visit? No longer made to wait outside, even the steward addressed her as "Second Young Miss" without formality.
After exchanging pleasantries, Cui Lanyin asked Qinglin with a smile, "Is His Highness in good spirits today?"
Qinglin paused before understanding her implication. "His Highness has received you both times you’ve come. Unless occupied with important matters, he’ll likely continue to do so. If we lacked such discernment, we wouldn’t remain in his service. The steward is no different." After a beat, he added, "Though today, His Highness hasn’t dozed off."
So he’s in a good mood, then, Cui Lanyin mused silently.
This time, Aiye wasn’t left waiting in the corridor. Qinglin had a young eunuch escort her to the tea room—truly a change.
Following Qinglin into the study, Cui Lanyin saw Prince Wei engrossed in a book. It was her first time seeing him awake, and she almost didn’t recognize him.
"Your niece pays respects to Uncle."
After a precise flick of his finger, Cui Lanyin thanked him for the seat and settled into the same chair as before.
Qinglin found hosting her refreshingly effortless. He placed the food box on a side table, and Cui Lanyin unpacked it, arranging two dishes on the low table by the couch. An appetizing aroma filled the air, and Qinglin discreetly swallowed, recalling the delicious pastries from last time.
Just as she finished, attendants brought in tea and refreshments, including a plate of crisp green pears—a variety Cui Lanyin had never tasted.
With a soft clink, Cui Lanyin looked up to see Prince Wei had set down his book at some point—was he waiting for her to serve the food?
"His Highness hasn’t eaten since noon," Qinglin felt compelled to explain.
Cui Lanyin picked up a silver skewer and speared a piece of jerky-like delicacy, offering it to him. "This is grilled meat jerky developed from an ancient recipe. Would Uncle care to try it?"
Prince Wei accepted it, chewed twice, swallowed, then gave a quiet "Hmm."
"Uncle finds it tasty too, doesn’t he?" Cui Lanyin smiled, her eyes curving like crescents, as she reached for another dish. "This is a milk-bread bun, roasted to perfection. It pairs wonderfully with the jerky. Shall I make one for you?"
"Proceed," Prince Wei replied.
After wiping her hands with a damp cloth, Cui Lanyin took the pre-sliced bun and deftly stuffed it with jerky using silver chopsticks, adjusting the amount to her own preference. She then wrapped it in a clean napkin and handed it to him.
Prince Wei devoured two stuffed buns in quick succession, each gone in three bites.
Without tea to wash it down, Cui Lanyin couldn’t help but feel it must be uncomfortably dry for him. Noticing the lukewarm tea set aside by the attendant, she had an idea. "Could you brew a stronger pot of tea with boiling water?" she asked the attendant.
The attendant glanced at Qinglin for approval, but Qinglin waved a hand. "No need to look at me. Just follow the Second Young Lady’s instructions."
The attendant bowed and soon returned with a steaming cup of strong tea.
Cui Lanyin placed it before Prince Wei, wrinkling her nose playfully. "I’ve always loved scalding, robust tea, but my family keeps a close eye on me due to my health, so I rarely get to indulge. Tepid tea just isn’t the same."
Qinglin and the attendant nearly gaped in disbelief as Prince Wei, who was known to dislike tea, picked up the cup and began alternating bites of the stuffed bun with sips, clearly enjoying it.
So it wasn’t that Prince Wei disliked tea—he simply preferred it piping hot and strong.
The attendant dared a glance at Qinglin, puzzled as to how he and the others could have missed this.
Qinglin, however, felt unjustly accused. Over the years, they’d mostly accompanied the prince on campaigns, enduring harsh conditions as a matter of course. With His Highness being a man of few words and the rest of them rough-and-tumble soldiers, who would have thought to consider such nuances?
Suddenly, the chamberlain appeared at the door to announce, "Your Highness, the Yao Family has sent an invitation, requesting the honor of your presence at their housewarming banquet."
Cui Lanyin glanced over. Apart from Empress Dowager Chen’s birthday celebrations, Prince Wei had never attended any private gatherings—only the Yao Family commanded such respect.
