Since the invention of the shaved ice created by Ye Jinyun, life in Yingquan Palace had become much easier for everyone. That summer, they all looked forward every afternoon to a bowl of icy, refreshing fruit shaved ice.
On this day, after their midday nap, Ye Jinyun and the others once again gathered at the cool retreat they had set up, chatting while eating shaved ice.
Qing’er walked over and whispered in her ear that a maid from Ye Jinyong’s palace had come with a message—Ye Jinyong wanted to discuss something with her and asked her to come over.
Although Ye Jinyun was puzzled as to why her younger sister suddenly wanted to see her, she still prepared to go. After all, Ye Jinyong was not only her sister, but also her elder brother’s biological sister. Even though the two of them had never gotten along since childhood, she still had to consider her brother’s position.
After informing Lin Qingtang and the others that she had something to attend to, she stood up and left with Qing’er and Yin Zhu. Yin Zhu was an experienced palace servant, so she naturally acted as their guide—otherwise, Ye Jinyun would surely get lost wandering through the palace on her own.
Holding a parasol, they walked along the long corridor for a while. Even with Ye Jinyun’s tolerance for heat, she still broke into a slight sweat.
The more she thought about Ye Jinyong urgently summoning her despite the blazing sun, the more speechless she felt. It was clear that after only a few months in the palace, her younger sister hadn’t improved at all—still acting without thinking.
After walking a bit longer and turning several corners, they finally arrived at Yufu Palace, where Ye Jinyong lived. She resided in the side hall, the Yilan Hall, while another concubine also lived in Yufu Palace—Consort Bai, the daughter of the Prime Minister’s household, Bai Ruoli.
At the entrance, the maid who had previously delivered the message was already waiting. Seeing Ye Jinyun arrive with her attendants and confirming no one else was around, she quickly led the three of them inside.
Inside the hall, Ye Jinyong was seated comfortably, eating grapes peeled by her maid. Two palace maids stood on either side, fanning her gently.
“Tsk, she certainly knows how to enjoy herself,” Ye Jinyun thought sarcastically. “Since she’s living so comfortably, why was she in such a hurry to call me over? Just to show off how well she’s being served?”
Seeing her second sister arrive, Ye Jinyong invited her to sit and had fruit and flower tea served. Then she dismissed most of the attendants, leaving only Qing’er and her personal maid Xianglan in the hall—both were from the Ye household, so there was no need for secrecy.
“Second sister, how have things been in the palace lately? Are the attendants serving you well?” Ye Jinyong asked casually.
Ye Jinyun couldn’t help but roll her eyes inwardly. If you have something to say, just say it—there’s no way you called me here just to drink tea and make small talk.
Still, she smiled and replied calmly, “They serve me adequately, but they can’t compare to the maids in your palace. Yours are all so capable and attentive.”
After a pause, she decided not to waste any more time on polite nonsense and asked directly, “So, what exactly did you call me here for today? The message made it sound urgent.”
Seeing that Ye Jinyun had asked directly, Ye Jinyong also stopped pretending.
“I invited Second Sister here because I want your help thinking of a way to get His Majesty to notice me. It’s already been several months since we entered the palace, and I still haven’t even seen the Emperor. I’m getting quite anxious.”
Ye Jinyun rolled her eyes again. As expected—nothing good ever comes from this.
She was also speechless at how foolish Ye Jinyong was. She truly never thought things through. If she wanted favor, she was actually asking someone who was not only her rival but also not on good terms with her for advice—did she not worry she might be tricked?
But then she thought again and sighed inwardly. Forget it. For the sake of her elder brother, she might as well give her a proper suggestion. It was better than letting her continue being foolish and used by others.
So she pretended to be troubled, resting her chin on her hand for a long moment before slowly speaking:
“I do have an idea you could try, but I can’t guarantee success. Do you want to hear it?”
Hearing that there was a plan, Ye Jinyong immediately became excited.
“Really? Second Sister, quickly tell me!”
Ye Jinyun did not refuse and told her that a new palace maid in her courtyard knew how to make a summer cooling drink called shaved ice. It was extremely refreshing, and she had already tried it. If Ye Jinyong could present this shaved ice to the Emperor, allowing him to taste something cool and refreshing in the heat of summer, he would surely take notice of her.
Ye Jinyong’s eyes lit up.
“I knew asking Second Sister was the right choice! Who is that maid? Can you call her over to help me make it?”
Ye Jinyun waved her hand. “No need for that trouble. Qing’er has already learned how to make it as well. She can teach Xianglan directly.”
In truth, she had simply invented that maid out of thin air—where would she go to find one?
Ye Jinyong immediately ordered Qing’er to take Xianglan away to learn how to make the shaved ice.
The two sisters then stayed in the hall, drinking tea and engaging in half-hearted, superficial conversation while waiting for news.
About half an hour later, Xianglan returned carrying two bowls of shaved ice she had just made herself and presented them for the two ladies to taste.
Ye Jinyun took a bowl and immediately noticed it was different from what Qing’er usually made. It only contained ice shavings, watermelon juice, and fruit pulp—missing the honey and crushed almonds.
She glanced at Qing’er, who subtly blinked at her, and she immediately understood what had happened. The girl must have taught Xianglan this simplified version.
She took a bite. While not as delicious as the version with honey and almonds, it was still quite good—refreshing and cool, with the natural sweetness of watermelon. The addition of grapes and lychee also gave it a summery flavor.
Ye Jinyong also tasted it, her eyes narrowing in delight.
“It’s really refreshing and sweet—perfect for beating the heat. If presented to His Majesty, he will surely like it.”
She finished the entire bowl happily and gratefully thanked Ye Jinyun.
Ye Jinyun exchanged a few polite words before excusing herself, saying it was getting late.
Since she had gotten what she wanted, Ye Jinyong did not try to keep her. She called for the maid who had brought them in to escort the three of them out.