In the alley of Yinan Bridge, not everyone inside was…
The person she saw was none other than Yu Liuniang, whom she had encountered earlier that day.
Compared to Wei Yangyang, who had only caught a few fleeting glances of her during work, Lu Runrun certainly had a deeper impression. After all, they had spoken, and Yu Liuniang had even introduced herself.
Thus, Lu Runrun proactively helped Wei Yangyang clear her confusion. "She's a newcomer to the Four Departments and Six Bureaus. When I met her today, she was being stopped by the gatekeeper. These servants of wealthy families are as shrewd as ghosts. If you show the slightest weakness, they’ll notice and try to squeeze some profit out of you."
"Exactly!" Wei Yangyang was also indignant at the mention of this. She had encountered such situations before—not just with gatekeepers but also with kitchen stewards in wealthy households. Some were incredibly greedy. Even if they hadn’t lifted a finger throughout the entire banquet, they would still demand a share of the leftover expensive ingredients and even try to take a cut of the tips.
Wei Yangyang and her aunt both worked in the Tableware Department. Her aunt held a minor managerial position, and Wei Yangyang had seen the true faces of such people all too often. When it came to greed, they all wore a different mask.
Perhaps because they shared a common enemy, Wei Yangyang felt a slight sense of kinship toward Yu Liuniang, and her gaze grew noticeably friendlier.
However…
Wei Yangyang watched for a moment, then suddenly looked puzzled. "Why is she standing with the nuns?"
Lu Runrun had noticed it too, but during the day, Yu Liuniang had already mentioned that she lived in Lushi Alley. Apart from courtesans, the residents of Lushi Alley were mostly nuns. Moreover, after hearing Madam of the Oil and Candle Bureau mention Master Miaohui, Lu Runrun had already pieced things together, so she wasn’t particularly surprised now.
However, Lu Runrun wasn’t the type to gossip or speculate about others in private, so she remained silent.
The two had noticed Yu Liuniang, and naturally, Yu Liuniang had also spotted them.
Yu Liuniang’s features were somewhat plain, with a few small moles on her face, giving her a delicate and refined appearance. Even though she often kept her head down and couldn’t help but shrink her shoulders when meeting others, she wasn’t unpleasant to look at—just fragile and delicate.
When she saw Lu Runrun, a genuine smile involuntarily spread across her face. Perhaps being around familiar nuns made her less timid than she was outside.
Yu Liuniang seemed to say something to the leading nun—an elderly, slightly plump woman with a kind and gentle expression. The nun untied the worn, faded pouch from her waist, took out a few Wen coins, and pressed them into Yu Liuniang’s hand.
Yu Liuniang initially pushed them back, looking somewhat anxious, but the nun smiled kindly, patted her hand, and said something that made Yu Liuniang bite her lip and hesitantly accept the money.
Then, she walked toward Lu Runrun and Wei Yangyang.
Upon seeing them, Yu Liuniang appeared flustered. She lowered her head and offered a shy smile. "W-what a coincidence."
Having dealt with Yu Liuniang once before, Lu Runrun knew she was timid and introverted. For her to take the initiative to greet them was already a significant effort—likely requiring all her courage. Thus, Lu Runrun immediately took over the conversation, wearing a warm smile as she said amiably, "Indeed, I never expected to meet you here. What a coincidence! The young lady beside me, Wei Yangyang, also works in the Four Departments and Six Bureaus."
Yu Liuniang glanced up at Wei Yangyang, then quickly lowered her gaze again, offering a shy, faint smile. "Nice to meet you, Miss Wei."
Wei Yangyang was not as smooth-talking and sociable as Lu Runrun. Deep down, she carried a certain pride, and if someone’s family background, character, or appearance failed to meet her standards, her words would inevitably turn sharp. It was precisely because of this that she had only one close confidante—Lu Runrun.
The alley she lived in, Yinan Bridge, was not entirely impoverished, but neither were its residents truly wealthy. Most made their living in the bustling streets—porters, washerwomen, and vendors carrying baskets and hawking their wares along the lanes. The slightly better-off were merely servers in taverns, wine-pouring women, or artisans.
Wei Yangyang was young and had seen the world through her aunt’s connections. While others might have resigned themselves to life in Yinan Bridge Alley, she, with her lofty ambitions, had never liked anything about it.
Lu Runrun, however, perfectly matched her ideal of a friend.
Her ancestors had been officials, and though the family had declined somewhat, they still owned a grand residence in Guanghua Ward—a prime location just steps away from the Imperial Street, with Kaifeng Prefecture right across in Liren Ward. Moreover, Lu Runrun’s mother was Bianjing’s foremost professional female chef, frequenting wealthy households and receiving great respect.
Lu Runrun, in turn, admired Wei Yangyang. Though proud, Wei Yangyang was upright and straightforward—never scheming behind others’ backs, nor rigid in her ways. She was clever, quick-witted, and carried a touch of the boldness that came from her humble origins.
Compared to her kindness, that hint of pride could be understood as an ambitious drive to better herself.
Thus, after meeting, the two quickly became the closest of friends, looking out for each other.
Seeing Lu Runrun treat Yu Liuniang with such friendliness, and knowing that Yu Liuniang had just been harassed by the gatekeeper as a newcomer to the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, Wei Yangyang felt particularly well-disposed toward her. Her tone was gentler than usual, less dismissive.
“I’m the second child in my family, so you can call me Second Madam. Since you know Runrun, you’re my friend too. I work in the Tableware Department, and my aunt is a supervisor there. If that gatekeeper ever troubles you again, or if any host family dares to extort money or make things difficult, just send for me. I’ll have a proper talk with them.”
As she spoke, Wei Yangyang’s expression turned cold, as if ready for a fight.
Lu Runrun couldn’t help but laugh, teasing, “Don’t go tearing people apart now!”
Wei Yangyang shot her a glare. “Making up stories about me in front of others—am I some kind of street ruffian?”
Lu Runrun laughed and begged for forgiveness, promising to treat everyone to soup later.
Watching them bicker, Yu Liuniang’s lips curled into an unconscious smile. Though they traded barbs, their interaction was harmonious—the mark of true friendship. She longed to join in, even if just to watch, as it brightened her mood.
Summoning her courage, she offered a faint smile and stammered, “Th-thank you, Second Madam, First Madam.”
Noticing her nervousness, Lu Runrun chuckled. “Thanking us already? Second Madam hasn’t done anything yet! If you must thank someone, thank me—I’m the one actually paying for the soup!”
Hearing this, Wei Yangyang immediately rolled up her sleeves, pretending to tickle her.
And just like that, they were playfully squabbling again.
Yu Liuniang smiled softly but earnestly added, “You and Second Madam are both good people. I’m truly grateful to you both.”
After a while of playful banter and laughter, Lu Runrun soon led the two of them to a pushcart by the Bian River. The cart was shaded by an oiled umbrella, with many wooden tags tied to its edges, each inscribed with the names of drinks and their prices.
For example, Fragrant Orange Soup was ten wen per bowl.
This Fragrant Orange Soup wasn't literally made by boiling oranges into a broth. Instead, it was prepared by mixing a powdered blend into hot water.
At the mention of powder, one might assume it was cheap, but in fact, the process was far from simple. The oranges had to be pitted and chopped, then soaked overnight with white plum flesh, licorice root, and salt. Afterward, they were slowly dried over low heat before being pounded into a fine powder along with sandalwood.
At ten wen a bowl, it was already quite affordable.
In contrast, ordering a pot of Fragrant Orange Soup at a Zhengdian (Licensed Establishment) would merely involve chilling it and adding some fruit pulp or flower petals, yet the price would be several times higher.
With a grand wave of her hand, Lu Runrun ordered three bowls of Fragrant Orange Soup.
The Floating stall was run by an elderly woman with graying temples, but she was still neatly dressed. Though her hair was thinning, it was meticulously styled into a wrapped bun, adorned with silver eggplant-shaped earrings.
She smiled warmly and agreed, inviting them to sit and wait.
Lu Runrun and her companions took seats on the low bamboo stools nearby.
Since the powder was mixed with boiling water, the drink was prepared quickly, and they didn’t have to wait long.
When the bowls arrived, the porcelain radiated warmth. Lu Runrun blew on hers gently before taking a small sip. As it was made with hot water, the sourness was pronounced, but it was fragrant, with a lingering sweetness and the subtle aroma of sandalwood dancing on her palate.
Lu Runrun took several sips before pausing. Holding the bowl, she looked at the elderly vendor and praised generously, "Steaming hot and absolutely delicious—so fragrant!"
"As long as the young Madam enjoys it," the old woman replied, her eyes crinkling into a warm, kind smile.
Earlier, while exploring the Zhouqiao Night Market, Lu Runrun had indulged in quite a few strongly flavored snacks and was feeling thirsty. She drank quickly, and soon her bowl was empty.
Just as she was about to set the bowl down, a bamboo ladle suddenly appeared before her, pouring a clear liquid into her bowl.
Lu Runrun looked up to see the kind-faced old woman, who chuckled and said, "Freshly brewed Shuishui. A merchant from Xin'an sold it to me, claiming that bamboo leaves boiled in water create an exceptionally fragrant and delightful drink. Would you mind tasting it for me?"
Lu Runrun hurriedly thanked her.
She took a sip. The flavor was mildly sweet—nothing unusual, as licorice root boiled in water often is. What stood out was the refreshing bamboo fragrance, lighter than that of zongzi leaves but remarkably lingering, as if the scent of bamboo leaves enveloped her senses even after drinking.
The old woman’s gesture didn’t go unnoticed. Nearby customers caught sight of it, and some mischief-makers began to call out, "Why only let her taste it?"
"Exactly! We’re almost finished too!"
"Don’t just favor the young Madam!"
…
In truth, no one really cared about an extra half-bowl, but once someone spoke up, others joined in the clamor.
The old woman chuckled and tried to soothe them, ready to take small steps and ladle out half-bowls for everyone, regardless of profit. But Wei Yangyang couldn’t stand it any longer. She planted her hands on her hips and declared loudly, "What’s the matter? Are you so desperate to save a few wen that you’ll seize any advantage? Aren’t you ashamed?"
"What about the young Madam? She just prepared a feast for Deputy Commander Wu today—her palate is far beyond any of yours!"
Lu Runrun set down the bowl, took forty wen from her purse, and placed them on the table. She cast a cold glance around, silently mocking those who had stirred up trouble, before turning back to the old woman. Her expression softened into a smile as she said gently, "Thank you. This is for the beverage. It seems the merchant from Xin'an didn’t deceive you—the bamboo leaves brewed into keshui truly taste wonderful."
The old woman felt relieved and thanked her repeatedly, though she couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt. "It’s my fault for causing such a fuss. I can’t accept this money—I wanted you to try it as a gesture of thanks. If I take it, how could I continue selling beverages here in good conscience?"
"Please keep it," Lu Runrun insisted, pressing the copper coins back into the old woman’s hand. With a smile, she added, "If you truly wish to thank me, perhaps next time you see that merchant from Xin'an, you could keep an eye out for me. I’d like to buy some of those bamboo leaves from Xin'an as well."
The old woman eagerly agreed, promising to do so.
When they finished their scented orange soup and took their leave, Wei Yangyang couldn’t resist shooting a glare at the troublemakers.
Only after they had walked some distance did Wei Yangyang ask Lu Runrun, "Why do you want to buy those bamboo leaves? Your family isn’t in the scented beverage business. If you ask me, since your family isn’t short on money, why not open a proper shop?"
Author's Note:
Female Monk: As recorded in Zhuang Jiyu’s Chicken Rib Compilation from the Song Dynasty, "In the capital, monks are respectfully called ‘Great Masters,’ while nuns are referred to as ‘female monks.’" This was explained in a previous chapter, but I’m reiterating it here to avoid any confusion.
Boshi: A respectful term for attendants in tea or wine shops.
Qucao: Female servers who wear blue floral cloth towels around their waists, style their hair in high buns, and voluntarily pour wine or serve tea to customers in shops.
Floating Stall: A mobile stall without a fixed location.
Daniang: Not necessarily referring to an elderly person, but rather the eldest among siblings of the same generation.