Chapter Twenty-Two: The Little Princess of the Jiang Dynasty

Fengyi Palace.

"The little princess is in high spirits today—she even went to Qixia Palace to have breakfast with the two princes."

"With so much to handle, I too wish I could put aside these memorials and join His Majesty in having a meal with our Xiao Jiu."

King Jiang gently tapped the Queen's nose.

The affection between King Jiang and his queen was known throughout the land. The Jiang family, generation after generation, was famed for their devotion—each one faithfully bound to a single beloved for life.

"I've heard some palace servants say that Xiao Jiu befriended the legitimate daughter of the Shen family today and even brought her along to Qixia Palace?"

The queen raised her head, gazing at the red candle.

"It's true. But it seems the Shen family's daughter harbors feelings for the princes."

No wonder those closest to the queen were so perceptive—they could see through any intrigue at a glance.

"Wasn't Xiao Jiu previously indifferent toward Shen Yueru?"

In recent years, the Shen family had become a lurking worry in King Jiang's mind.

Of all the Shen family's children, the queen remembered Shen Yueru in particular—a talented and graceful young lady, sensible and refined. That was her impression of Shen Yueru. Yet, of late, it seemed even she had been blinded by ambition for power.

"If she loves my son, so be it. But if she dares lay a finger on Xiao Jiu, I'll see to it the Shen family vanishes from Jiang's realm."

Jiang Che and Jiang Ling: Are we adopted or something???

"Hongzhu, since you're by Xiao Jiu's side, look after her for me. You've served me for so many years—there's no one I trust more."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust. I will take good care of Princess Jiu!"

"Good. Let’s return to Tangli Hall."

Hongzhu nodded, bowed, and withdrew.

"My king, tell me—Xiao Jiu is already in her teens. Why has her gift not awakened yet? When she was born, there were omens of destiny. Even the Grand Diviner..."

King Jiang drew the queen into his arms.

"Don’t worry. The Grand Diviner's words are almost always right. I suspect it will happen soon."

"Yes."

The queen leaned on his shoulder, letting herself rest against him.

...

"Yueru, what’s this?"

"Would you like to try one?"

Shen Yueru held a plate of pastries, their delicate pink shapes dusted with a thin layer of sugar.

Jiang Jiu picked up one, took a small bite, savored it for a moment, then couldn't help but take a second bite, not even swallowing before exclaiming, "Yueru, what is this? It's delicious!"

"This is my own creation—Lotus Dew Cake. If you like it, whenever I have time to visit the palace, I’ll make it for you!"

"Mmm! Thank you, Yueru!"

After finishing the cake, Jiang Jiu licked her fingers, her stomach already yearning for another.

Shen Yueru smiled, picked up another, and handed it to Jiang Jiu.

"Hehe, Yueru, these are so good—I need to bring some for Father and my brothers to try. You don't mind, do you?"

Shen Yueru was delighted—the Lotus Dew Cake was her own little experiment, and the taste turned out well, so she’d brought some for Jiang Jiu to sample. If the princes and King and Queen Jiang could also taste it, wouldn't that be a perfect chance to show off her talent?

"Of course I don’t mind! Take them, and if there’s not enough, I’ll make more!"

Jiang Jiu paused for a moment, a smile curving her lips.

"Alright! That’s very kind of you, Yueru! I’ll take these to my brother first—wait, no. Xiao Li, go fetch my brothers and tell them there’s something delicious to try!..."

While Shen Yueru went off to make more cakes, Xiao Jianjian quickly piped up.

[Master, is it really that tasty? I want some too…]

"It is indeed a unique and delightful flavor. Shen Yueru truly lives up to her reputation in the capital—skillful, talented, and clever."

[But, Master, aren’t you going to deal with the Shen family? She pushed Jiang Jiu into the water before…]

"I read the stars last night—Shen Zhao is fated for prison."

"As for Shen Yueru, I am Lian. I have no right to forgive her on Jiang Jiu’s behalf for what she did."

Jiang Jiu nibbled on her Lotus Dew Cake.

"But she didn’t intend real harm—she merely hoped to win someone’s heart through a little self-staged drama. All of this is but a jest of fate. If she does no further wrong, I’ll find a way to punish her for her indirect role in Jiang Jiu’s death, and yet spare her from prison."

[Hmm… That’s not a bad idea. Shen Yueru doesn’t seem evil. Compared to Shen Miao before, I’d pick Shen Yueru every time!]

Jiang Jiu smiled without retort. Indeed, compared to Shen Miao, Shen Yueru was as clean as a blank sheet of paper.

A group of guards watched Jiang Jiu—smiling one moment, pursing her lips the next. Since waking up, the little princess had been acting strangely…

Qixia Palace was not far from Tangli Hall. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Jiang Ling’s voice sounded from behind.

"Xiao Jiu! What’s the treat? Let your second brother have a taste!"

Jiang Jiu beamed, waving to Jiang Ling, her fair arm exposed halfway, which left Jiang Ling completely smitten.

Indeed! Little sisters are the best—so adorable!

Jiang Che and Jiang Ling both crowded around the small table, eyeing the few remaining pieces of Lotus Dew Cake.

"What’s this?" Jiang Che asked.

"Lotus Dew Cake, handmade by Sister Yueru. It’s amazing!" she announced, her voice deliberately louder.

From afar, Shen Yueru, carrying a freshly made plate of cakes, felt her cheeks flush at Jiang Jiu’s unabashed praise, as if these cakes were her greatest achievement.

"I hope it suits your taste, Your Highnesses. Please try some?" she said, just a hint of nervousness in her tone.

Under the expectant gazes of Jiang Jiu and Shen Yueru, Jiang Ling was the first to take a piece and pop it in his mouth, cheeks puffed as he chewed. Slowly, his eyes lit up.

"Mmm—delicious! It’s smooth at first bite, then chewy, cool and refreshing, with the subtle fragrance of lotus! This absolutely belongs on the imperial menu!"

Jiang Ling’s praise was the highest there was—dishes accepted by the imperial kitchen had to be top-notch in appearance, taste, and aroma, and this Lotus Dew Cake fit the bill perfectly!

Jiang Che quickly took a piece as well. Sure enough—just as Jiang Ling described, smooth and tender, delightfully chewy, with an excellent texture.

"Miss Shen, your craftsmanship is remarkable. I’ll present this dish to Father and Mother. There’s a good chance it will be added to the imperial recipes. If so, I’ll ask you to share your method with the palace!"

Since befriending Jiang Jiu, Shen Yueru felt as though she’d found a patron.

"It would be my honor! If Their Highnesses enjoy it, I am truly grateful!"

Jiang Jiu, off to the side, kept her smile, her left eyebrow arching slightly.

"Then it’s settled," Jiang Che said, slapping Jiang Ling’s hand as he reached for another piece. "I’ll take this plate to Father and Mother. You’ve had enough."

Jiang Ling rubbed his hand, aggrieved.

Shen Yueru hurried to add, "I’ll make more for both Your Highnesses and the princess to snack on."

Only then did Jiang Ling give up, shooting a triumphant look at Jiang Che, who could only shake his head at his brother’s lack of self-control.

"By the way, Xiao Jiu, you’ve missed quite a few lessons. I heard from Father that he’s thinking of sending you back to school in a few days."

Jiang Jiu was shocked! Surely not! If she had to go to school, how would she find time to cultivate? Absolutely not!

Jiang Che continued, "But considering your temperament, you probably won’t last in class as before. Why not ask a tutor to teach you alone? What do you think?"

"Heh, heh… I don’t think much of it…"

"No! You must choose—one or the other!"

"…I choose option three…"

"There is no third option, unless you can persuade the Grand Diviner himself to teach you spiritual arts. Otherwise, it’s one or the other!"

"…"

Speechless…

One moment we’re talking about food, the next it’s my studies…

Absurd…