August 14th, the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival. The city streets were bustling with crowds, shouts rising and falling in succession.
“Candied hawthorns~ Crispy and sweet candied hawthorns~~ Two coins per stick~ Three coins for two sticks~”
“Come take a look, freshly baked mooncakes from Liao’s Pastry Shop, crispy and flaky mooncakes~”
Lianxin looked helplessly at the young lady who had lifted the curtain halfway, half her head peeking outside: “Miss, we can buy some after returning to the mansion.”
“Can’t we buy them now? What if they’re sold out when we come back later?” Liu Qingwu withdrew her head to look at Lianxin, clasping her hands together and widening her round eyes, “Dear Lianxin, let’s buy them now. We can put them in the carriage, I promise I won’t eat them right away.”
When her young lady spoke like this, what else could she do? Lianxin stopped the carriage driver, while Cuiguo swiftly got off the carriage. Before long, she returned carrying numerous packages.
As the curtain was lifted, the sweet aroma of pastries wafted through the air.
“It’s Chestnut Cake!” Liu Qingwu exclaimed upon smelling the familiar scent, “Cuiguo, you really understand me.”
Cuiguo grinned. Chestnut Cake was her young lady’s favorite pastry. While buying mooncakes earlier, the chestnut cakes had just come out of the oven – steaming hot and fragrant – so she had taken the initiative to buy some.
“Quick, give me one to taste!”
Before the words finished, Lianxin swiftly intercepted the offered pastry beside her. Liu Qingwu’s outstretched hand froze mid-air.
“Miss, Baixiang Restaurant is just ahead. We agreed you wouldn’t eat now.”
Liu Qingwu regretfully withdrew her hand. This was the downside of arranging a meal on Gourmet Street – it was too close.
“Welcome, honored guests!” The waiter waiting at Baixiang Restaurant’s entrance enthusiastically called out as customers approached.
Before anyone could speak, Lianxin stepped forward and announced the room number: “Heavenly Room Number Three.”
“Right away! This way please.”
“Knock knock knock—” Outside the private room, the waiter stood respectfully by the door. The Heavenly Rooms were reserved for nobles and officials, so caution was always wise.
“Enter.” A cool voice sounded.
Pushing the door open, they were greeted by a handsome man with an upright posture, his emerald brocade robe enhancing his dignified appearance.
“Third Sister greets brother-in-law.” Liu Qingwu bowed in courtesy.
Jiang Yueheng’s expression remained neutral, though his tone was gentle: “Third Sister, please take a seat.”
Liu Qingwu sat down accordingly, thinking to herself: He’s quite handsome, but what a pity – he’s expressionless.
“Let’s order first. Third Sister, you may choose.”
“Thank you, brother-in-law. I won’t stand on ceremony then.” Liu Qingwu didn’t hesitate, rattling off several dish names in one breath. Since she rarely got to go out, she naturally wanted to order more. “Dongpo Pork, Dry-fried Eel Shreds, Braised Pork Ribs, Ants Climbing Trees, Meatball Soup, and a stir-fried seasonal vegetable. Oh, and add your signature Crispy Duck too.”
The waiter noted down the order and left.
“Li Yong, you may leave as well.” The calm male voice spoke again. A figure emerged from the corner of the room, and only then did Liu Qingwu notice there was someone else present. Dismissing people now clearly indicated the upcoming conversation wasn’t meant for other ears.
“Lianxin, Cuiguo, you may go downstairs and order some food too.”
The two maids withdrew as instructed, closing the door behind them.
Alone in the private room, the atmosphere instantly chilled to freezing point. Liu Qingwu’s lips twitched slightly as she lifted her teacup, pretending to be thirsty while taking occasional sips.
“I heard Third Sister has agreed to marry into the Hou Manor.” Jiang Yueheng subtly observed the young lady before him – fair-faced with large, darting eyes that clearly revealed an active mind.
As the person across finally spoke, Liu Qingwu took the opportunity to set down her teacup. The tea was nearly finished, and she couldn’t drink more – she needed to save room in her stomach for the delicious food to come.
“Yes, it is Third Sister’s fortune to marry into the Hou Manor.”
“Both my father and mother are easy to get along with, so you needn’t worry. My mother manages the household affairs in the manor, so you won’t need to handle internal matters. The only concern is my young son, who is frail and often ill. I hope Third Sister will provide careful care after entering the manor.” Jiang Yueheng looked directly at the young lady and frankly stated the purpose of today’s meeting.
How bluntly put. Liu Qingwu couldn’t help but complain inwardly. Still, he wasn’t wrong – the main reason for marrying her was to care for the child. Taking someone’s money meant doing their work. She didn’t shy away either, meeting his gaze directly: “Brother-in-law needn’t worry. Since I’ve agreed, I will certainly fulfill my duties.”
Jiang Yueheng watched the young girl staring straight at him, his eyes deepening: “Since we’ve reached an agreement, shall we start by changing how we address each other?”
“Ah?” Liu Qingwu looked bewildered.
“Since we’re about to marry, there’s no need to call me brother-in-law, is there?”
If not brother-in-law, then what? Liu Qingwu looked at him with questioning eyes.
Jiang Yueheng gazed at the still somewhat youthful-faced girl. In a few days, she would become his wife.
“Jiang Yueheng, courtesy name Huaijin, twenty-four years old, currently serving as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.”
Considering her young age, he took the initiative to close the distance: “How about Third Sister calls me Huaijin?”
Huaijin? Suddenly being so intimate felt quite uncomfortable. Liu Qingwu took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself, and uttered those two words: “Huaijin. My name is Liu Qingwu, sixteen years old. The elders in my family call me Wu Jie’er.”
“Very well, Third Sister.” Jiang Yueheng’s brows relaxed, deep light flickering in his eyes, making one want to lose themselves in them.
Her heartbeat seemed to skip a beat. Liu Qingwu felt puzzled – this person had been expressionless since entering, and now his sudden relaxation made her somewhat unaccustomed?
Dishes began arriving one after another, and both stopped talking – or rather, Liu Qingwu unilaterally stopped the conversation.
Jiang Yueheng watched as the person across immediately fixed her eyes on the dishes once they were served, feeling somewhat amused.
“Since the food is here, let’s begin eating.”
As soon as the words fell, Liu Qingwu reached her chopsticks toward the dry-fried eel strips on the table. The eel was spicy and refreshing, wonderfully chewy, filling the mouth with fragrance upon chewing, whetting one’s appetite immensely.
Next came a piece of braised pork ribs. The ribs were cooked until tender and flavorful, the thick sauce glistening temptingly. With one bite, the meat fell cleanly from the bone, filling the mouth with savory flavor. The potatoes among the side dishes had absorbed the sauce fully, offering a soft, fluffy texture that provided another delightful sensation.
Once Liu Qingwu started eating, she somewhat forgot everything around her. Bite after bite, her face filled with expressions of enjoyment, completely immersed in the world of delicious food.
Watching the scene before him, Jiang Yueheng quietly ceased conversation, following suit by picking up some food and slowly bringing it to his mouth. Seeing her expression of enjoyment, the usually indifferent meal seemed to become more flavorful.
The two finished their lunch in silence. Liu Qingwu put down her chopsticks with a satisfied expression—even after so long without eating here, the flavors remained just as wonderful. Feeling quite full, she noticed her waistband had grown noticeably tighter and instinctively sucked in her stomach.
Seeing the person across from her set down her chopsticks, Jiang Yueheng promptly did the same. Watching her eat today, he had unconsciously consumed more than usual. Not wanting to end the meal prematurely, he had continued eating alongside her.