Chapter 34: Gathering Around the Stove

Chapter 34: Gathering Around the Stove

Rong Bi was in the Han Palace at this moment, looking at her four attendants who were as fresh as watercress. Their names - Qingdou, Bihua, Cuijiu, and Lǜcong - revealed that the prince had seen her drawing of a vegetable garden. Though she still worried about the turmoil at the medicinal food shop, she knew that with the prince, princess, and a prince there, nothing major could go wrong. At worst, they could simply open another shop.

Having grown up in the palace, Rong Bi didn't possess much and thus wasn't overly concerned with gains and losses. She had an adaptable nature. Although the medicinal food shop was her idea, it wouldn't have been possible without Princess Yi Yang's support. Now that she was back in the palace, her priority was to satisfy her empty stomach. She asked, "What ingredients do we have today?"

Cai Fan rushed in and replied, "Eunuch Tang said it's cold outside, so he sent a small lamb, ox tail, two pig forelegs, a chicken, a fish, tofu, fine noodles, along with various bean sauces, sesame paste, fermented tofu, chive flowers, pickled garlic, chili oil, shrimp paste, and vegetarian dishes like pumpkin, radish, winter melon, sprouts, Chinese cabbage, and pea shoots. There are also pickled mustard greens, dried bamboo shoots, and dried mushrooms. The lamb broth is already simmering. If Your Highness wishes to eat, it can be prepared immediately."

Rong Bi made her decision. "Let's have a hotpot. You all join in as well. Go invite Yan Xin and Commander Shen to come in and help cook so nothing goes to waste."

The four attendants' faces lit up with joy, and they eagerly offered their assistance. To their surprise, the usually cold and distant Crown Prince Rong Bi had entered the kitchen himself, instructing Cai Fan on how to prepare the ingredients, boil the soup base, and mix the sauces.

The whole chicken was rubbed with yellow azuki bean powder and ginger, then steamed. The pig's foreleg was braised, the ox tail simmered in a brown sauce, and the mutton was sliced paper-thin, ready to be cooked alongside fish sashimi in the pot.

A creamy white sheep broth bubbled vigorously in the gleaming copper pot, while the sauces were expertly prepared. Rong Bi took her seat at the head of the table and invited them again, "Sit down and join us for the meal."

Yan Xin and Commander Shen entered from outside and sat down first. The four attendants and Cai Fan cautiously gathered around but refrained from sitting just yet. Instead, they held their chopsticks with napkins, ready to serve the hot meat. Seeing their nervousness, Rong Bi suggested, "Tell me where you're from and about any special, unforgettable dishes from your hometown."

The four maidservants were too timid to speak, but Cai Fan had received personal guidance from Rong Bi in cooking, so he felt more at ease. He quickly said, "My family is from Haidong Prefecture, and we're quite poor. Since I was young, my favorite dish has always been shredded pork with mustard greens noodles." He pointed at the plate of sliced mustard greens beside him. "This is top-notch red mustard greens. When we were kids, we didn't have such high-quality ones; they were much more broken up. The good ones were sold. Only on birthdays or festivals would my mother take some out, chop them up, and stir-fry them with pork strips. The pork needs to be marinated with water and egg white first to make it extra tender. Then, when cooked with the mustard greens, the broth is perfect for the noodles. When I left home... my mother made me a bowl."

His eyes reddened as he recalled that time. It wasn't a special occasion, yet his mother suddenly made him shredded pork with mustard greens noodles, even stir-frying the mustard greens with oil, unlike before when she would simply cook them in the soup without any oil. She also put an egg in the noodles. He had foolishly rejoiced secretly, thinking that none of his siblings got this privilege, only him. He didn't know back then that it was because they had already arranged for him to enter the palace, and his mother was worried about the upcoming surgery he would undergo, unsure if he could survive it.

Rong Bi remembered the night before she entered the palace, when her mother had placed boiled tea eggs in her bundle, and she felt a pang of sadness. Taking a silver leaf, she passed it to him. "Well spoken, I'll reward you."

Cai Fan was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to thank her. "Thank you, Your Highness!"

With Cai Fan's successful start and reward, the four maidservants gained courage. Qing Dou smiled and said, "The prince named me Qing Dou, and coincidentally, I'm from Nan Suzhou. Since I was young, my favorite food has been boiled soybeans, seasoned with spices and left to marinate overnight. They're fragrant and great for accompanying meals."

Biyu, seeing Qing Dou's flattering smile, quickly followed. "My family also lives near the sea, and my favorite dish is stir-fried hair crab with rice cakes. The hair crabs are cut in half, dusted with flour, and pan-fried with scallions and ginger. Then, they're simmered with roasted rice cakes. The taste is divine."

Cuicui spoke up next. "My family is poor, but we can only afford salty meat vegetable rice during the New Year. The salty meat is steamed with rice first, mixed with lard and cabbage, then covered and simmered until a crispy bottom forms. It's incredibly aromatic."

Lvcong, not as articulate, thought for a moment before saying, "My family is also poor, and I've only tasted good food since coming to the palace. One dish that comes to mind is meat dumplings... In the palace, I love the summer dish of mung bean soup with purple basil. It's cooked until the beans turn into a paste, then chilled with ice cubes and sugar. It's very refreshing."

Yan Xin chuckled. "Maybe you're feeling warm from the charcoal fire and thinking of mung bean soup? I'm from southern Guangdong and have always loved steamed chicken with taro. The chicken juices and oil drip onto the steaming taro, making it soft and flavorful. Oh, it's been years since I last had such a delicacy. What about Commander Shen?"

Shen Anlin, being the nephew of the late Empress, naturally came from an affluent background. He thought for a moment before responding, "As for my favorite dishes... I'd say meat dumplings, though they're quite troublesome to make, but they're indeed delicious. Chicken flower is also nice."

Cai Fan clicked his tongue in admiration. "Minister Shen truly comes from an esteemed family. These two dishes may seem simple, but they require much effort to prepare."

Green Bean eagerly asked, "Eunuch Cai, could you tell us what these dishes are and why they're so laborious?"

Cai Fan replied, "Meat swallow is similar to fresh meat dumplings, but the difference lies in the wrapper. It's made by pounding a superior blend of fresh meat, glutinous rice flour, and sweet potato starch thousands of times until it's as thin as a cicada's wing. Then, it's used to wrap the meat filling. In refined households, fish meat is often added to the stuffing for an even richer taste. The finished dish is incredibly tender and delicious; it's not something commoners can enjoy easily.

"As for Chicken Bean Curd Flower, it's prepared with superior chicken broth simmered over gentle heat for at least eight hours. Pork and chicken mince are swirled into the clear broth, while the chicken is minced repeatedly until it turns into a paste mixed with mung bean starch. The mixture is then slowly added to the broth, resulting in a soft and delicate Chicken Bean Curd Flower. Topped with sauce, it looks plain yet elegant. This dish is said to be 'not eating beans but tasting them, not seeing chicken but savoring its flavor.' In scholarly terms, it's simplicity at its finest."

The group was moved by the description, and the atmosphere at the table became lively and cheerful. Everyone shared stories about various dishes, all excited about the prospect of trying them with the finest ingredients and hot soup base in the palace. The meal filled everyone with joy and satisfaction, their faces glowing with smiles and color.

Especially the four attendants, who had long heard about the Crown Prince's fastidiousness and cleanliness. They were given to him by the emperor while he was confined, and each of them was on edge, knowing that this was not an enviable assignment. Being sent here was akin to being exiled, and given the prince's punishment, his mood would surely be sour. As gifts from the emperor, chosen by the Empress, they feared he might take out his anger on them. For the nobles, the death of one or two palace maids was no big deal.

To their surprise, the Crown Prince did not vent his anger on them. Not only did he give them names, but he also shared his dinner with them in a harmonious atmosphere. In the palace, the master's temperament was crucial to a servant's well-being. Although they were confined, attending to only one master meant less work. With a considerate master, life could be much easier! Though confined, they were already restricted to the inner palace, with strict rules preventing them from wandering freely. Now, being able to serve their master quietly in this palace, their anxiety slowly subsided.

Rong Bi finished his meal quickly and instructed Cai Fan, "Remember all the dishes we discussed tonight. Tomorrow, let's start preparing them one by one for everyone to taste."

The attendants hurriedly thanked the Crown Prince for his generosity. Rong Bi nodded, rose, and put on a cloak before strolling in the sheltered arcade outside to aid digestion. Yan Xin accompanied him. After admiring the snowy scenery, Rong Bi returned to his study, picked up a book on agriculture, and pondered the vegetable cultivation plan in the cave. He then instructed Yan Xin, "Tomorrow, find me books on medicinal cuisine recipes."

Yan Xin agreed, assuming the Crown Prince's interest was piqued by the food discussion. He suggested, "Shall I inquire at the Imperial Medical Institute for some medicinal cuisine formulas?"

Rong Bi expressed her satisfaction, "That would be ideal."

=====

Within the Heavenly Unity Pavilion, Yuan Zixu, freshly invigorated from his dual cultivation session and having consumed an elixir, was brimming with vitality, his cheeks rosy. He leisurely executed a set of martial arts movements while listening to a eunuch's report by his side. Finishing his routine, he laughed, saying, "Not bad at all. My son has always been proud and fastidious; suddenly asking him to favor a maid would indeed put him in a spot. Sharing a hot pot meal is a conciliatory gesture on his part, it seems that after being confined for so long, he has made some progress in understanding compromise."

He was in high spirits, feeling that his proud and disobedient son had finally shown some humility. Of course, there was still a hint of youthful stubbornness, but that only made this act of submission all the more precious. If the Crown Prince were to truly humble himself after just a few days in confinement, lavishing favor on those maidservants, showing adaptability and flexibility, then he would instead harbor deep apprehension and disdain.

Now, his apparent submission, yet stubborn retention of his pride, unexpectedly brought him a sense of pleasure. He felt that he had finally regained control over this son who would one day take his place. Once, he had been filled with hope for him; he was the prince he loved most and upon whom he placed the heaviest burdens of succession. The Crown Prince matured day by day, his appearance captivating, his demeanor graceful, winning the admiration of court officials. In contrast, the emperor felt like the setting sun, his failing health a reminder of his waning power.

He took the handkerchief offered by the Taoist nuns nearby, wiped his sweat, and then inquired, "Ensure that the Imperial Medical Academy divulges no secrets. The Crown Prince has requested the recipes for medicinal dishes; provide them in full detail."

Li Dongfu nodded with a smile and then asked, "Your Majesty, what would you like for lunch?"

Yuan Zixu chuckled. "It's cold, and the court sessions have been suspended. With the dullness of the year-end, I'll also enjoy a hot pot and some warmed yellow wine. My crown prince truly knows how to indulge and win people's hearts. By having these lively hot pot gatherings, the servants feel that their lives are more bearable, and they'll remain loyal to him."

Li Dongfu sighed inwardly, thinking about how the crown prince was walking on thin ice with a unpredictable sovereign. He had heard confidential reports that the crown prince hadn't favored those maidens, and he assumed the emperor would be displeased. Surprisingly, not only did the emperor not get angry, but he seemed to appreciate the gesture.

From this, it was clear that despite imprisoning the crown prince, there were no signs of his position being revoked. No wonder Empress Luo was worried and summoned the second prince to the palace early in the morning.

Unbeknownst to Rong Bi, her unintentional actions had once again saved the crown prince from a crisis. She received the medicinal diet book from Yan Xin and the recipe from the Imperial Hospital as if they were priceless treasures. The Imperial Hospital's recipe was the most comprehensive, listing not only the ingredients but also specifying the quantity and function of each herb, clearly indicating the principal, ministerial, assistant, and envoy roles of the medicines. It was a precious formula difficult to find outside the palace walls.

Even Yan Xin admitted, "The Imperial Hospital is renowned for its treatments and knowledge of the Taishang Square Formula. Thus, this medicinal cuisine recipe is truly precious. I've heard that the Emperor has instructed that the Prince's needs must not be neglected in any part of the palace. Knowing it was for the Prince, the Chief Physician of the Imperial Hospital personally sought me out to deliver it."

Rong Bi understood that the Emperor was conveying that although the Prince was being punished, only the Emperor had the right to do so. If anyone else mistreated the Prince, it would be a grave offense against the imperial authority.

This attitude was crucial to her life in the Cold Palace. To ensure her continued comfortable existence and prevent any sudden accusations against her regarding the Prince's health, she carefully prepared a medicinal dessert according to the recipe and ordered it to be presented to the Emperor.

Yuan Zixu looked at the neatly arranged, exquisite pastries on the plate, surprised. Li Dongfu explained, "We've already consulted the Imperial Hospital. They identified it as Baizhen Cake, made with ingredients like rehmannia, white adzuki beans, lotus seed, Job's tears, Chinese yam, polygonatum, codonopsis, and ginseng, all highly beneficial for health. The Prince made it himself, and everyone watched as he tasted it. When it was sent over, the food taster also tried it and found no issues."

Yuan Zixu chuckled. "The Prince is filial. However, I am currently taking elixirs, so it wouldn't be suitable for me. Bestow them upon your people instead."

Li Dongfu promptly received the cakes, bowing in gratitude. Yet, he knew that despite the Emperor's apparent pleasure, there remained a deep distrust of the young Prince in his heart.

Unperturbed by these matters, Rong Bi focused on maintaining the image of a loyal and filial son for the Prince. She cherished each medicinal cuisine recipe, committing them to memory and personally testing them with Cai Fan and her maidens. These activities occupied most of her days, along with her enjoyment of agricultural books. Time flew by, and before she knew it, the spring break had ended, and the court resumed its regular sessions.

After a month-long Lunar New Year celebration, there was a backlog of official duties. Yuan Zixu spent an entire day discussing politics but still had numerous matters unresolved. The cabinet ministers eagerly awaited the Emperor's decisions, so after dinner, Yuan Zixu, who would normally retreat for meditation, was compelled to continue reviewing the unfinished memorials.

Prince Yuan Jun was intelligent and had been assisting in governance since the age of twelve. Since Yuan Zixu had the Prince's help, he had previously found managing these affairs rather effortless. Now, with the Prince confined, and it being the start of the year with numerous tasks to attend to, Yuan Zixu, being of advanced age, felt somewhat strained.

After going through several memorials, he felt disheartened and turned to Li Dongfu, who was attending to him. He asked, "How has the Prince been lately?"

Li Dongfu was taken aback. He wasn't sure if the Emperor wanted to hear good or bad news about the Crown Prince. However, in his haste, he didn't dare to speculate on the Emperor's intentions and replied honestly, "The Crown Prince is doing very well. During the winter months, he spends his days preparing medicinal dishes for Your Majesty himself and devotes the rest of his time to reading. The court physician examined him the other day and reported that the Crown Prince is in excellent health, with robust vitality. His recent period of quiet rest has calmed his mind, allowing him to sleep soundly at night. He's even gained some weight, indicating his physical well-being."

Yuan Zixu recalled the daily reports of the Crown Prince engaging in various culinary experiments, creating new dishes for his enjoyment, living a leisurely and healthy life. Looking at Li Dongfu, who had also benefited from the Crown Prince's medicinal dishes and now appeared particularly radiant, a malicious thought crossed his mind, "As a son, he hides away in comfort, focusing on his health! Yet, he leaves his father, the Emperor, to labor day and night! How unfilial!"

Startled by Yuan Zixu's outburst, Li Dongfu quickly bowed deeply, silently criticizing the situation in his heart. It was the Emperor himself who had ordered the confinement of the Crown Prince. Now, with the busy state affairs, the Emperor found fault in the Crown Prince's seclusion. Did the Emperor expect the imprisoned prince to enjoy his captivity?

Yuan Zixu sneered coldly, "Fetch someone to send all these documents to the Han Palace. Let the Crown Prince review and approve them!"