Chapter 75: The Gift of Tofu Pudding

Chapter 75: The Gift of Tofu Pudding

Selecting the beans, then soak them.

She was familiar with these tasks from her days at the country estate, knowing well the procedures involved. Spring Moon assisted her in the kitchen of the Marquis's residence, and as the mistress and servant toiled away, word spread throughout the household that the second young lady intended to make tofu the next day.

Supported by Lady Kang, Nursemaid Yun made her way to the kitchen personally to verify the task at hand. Upon hearing that she indeed intended to make tofu, Lady Kang offered to have servants assist her. She declined, for she was well aware of how meticulous Gongye Chu could be – that man. It was likely he had informants placed even within the Marquis's residence.

He specified that she do it herself, which meant it couldn't be delegated to a servant.

Madam Shen also hurried over, offering to lend a hand personally when she heard that servants were not needed; however, she too was politely declined. The two women, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, insisted on staying and repeatedly attempted to help, but were consistently discouraged by her.

Fortunately, the workload wasn't excessive, and together with Chunyue, it took them no more than an hour and a half to sort the beans and soak them.

After completing these tasks, she casually informed her grandmother and mother. Gongye Chu had expressed his desire to enjoy the bean curd she made herself, so she would have to rise before dawn to grind the beans for it.

When Kang Shi returned home, she shared her thoughts with Nurse Yun. "Back then, you said that if anyone in the Eastern Capital City dared to marry Er Niang, it would be the Grand Marshal. I was so startled that my heart pounded for half a day. Yet, who would have thought your prediction would come true? Do you really think Er Niang and the Grand Marshal can make it work?"

Nurse Yun couldn't have known; that remark had been an impulsive comment on her part. However, when the old madam asked such questions, it was not because she believed in the prophetic power of Nurse Yun's words. It was simply a means to find solace in her heart.

"In my humble opinion, it's certainly achievable. Our Second Miss is so strikingly beautiful; few young ladies in the Eastern Capital City can compare. Moreover, the Grand Commander is no ordinary man. For him to express his interest so openly, he must have his heart set on our Second Miss. The fact that he insists on eating tofu pudding made by her personally suggests his intentions are genuine."

Madam Kang nodded in agreement. "You're right. The Grand Commander isn't someone easily swayed by others. If he truly intended to oppose His Majesty, he wouldn't engage in empty pleasantries."

"Indeed." Nurse Yun massaged her shoulders. "Madam, don't forget about the fortune we drew at Pu'en Temple."

Madam Kang immediately chanted several 'Amitabha' and clutched her rosary beads. Concerned, she asked Nurse Yun if there was enough charcoal for the pavilion by the water and if the room would be cold at night.

"Madam, rest assured. Everything is taken care of for Second Miss," replied Nurse Yun, confident in her own arrangements.

Lady Kang sighed. "A bride-to-be is always treated as a precious guest in the family. Not to mention Second Sister... I know she's a kind-hearted person. Whoever treats her well will surely receive her gratitude in return."

"Madam, please rest assured. From what this servant has observed, Young Miss Two and Eldest Young Master have always had a fine rapport. In the future, she will surely support and assist her maternal family."

Madame Kang dotes on Pei Yuanxi, but in her heart, the one she values most is undoubtedly Pei Ji.

Of this, Pei Yuanxi was well aware.

As the sole male heir of the Marquis household, Pei Ji was, without surprise, destined to be the next head of the house. She knew that both her grandmother and father placed great importance on her elder brother, but for her father, loving her didn't contradict his favor towards her brother.

Pei Ji was an introverted person, and recently, his demeanor had become even more composed.

The Eastern Capital Academy was filled with aristocratic children, so even if he tried to avoid it, he knew about his sister's affairs. Some envied him, while others were jealous, but he kept all these emotions in his heart.

As their father had said, they should support each other as siblings.

Marquis Xuanping summoned Pei Yuanxi to the study in the front courtyard. He still didn't inquire about her experiences in the palace or her relationship with Gongye Chu. Instead, he brought up another matter: the request to appoint Pei Ji as the heir apparent.

Pei Ji was a concubine-born son. Even though everyone believed for years that he would be the next Marquis Xuanping, his position as heir had not been officially requested.

Upon hearing his father mention this, he instinctively looked at Pei Yuanxi.

Pei Yuanxi smiled and said, "Brother is Father's only son. The request to appoint an heir is bound to happen sooner or later. I believe it's better to do it now rather than later, to prevent anyone from harboring unrealistic hopes."

Like Aunt Qiu, who clearly had such intentions.

Gratitude and joy shone in Pei Ji's eyes as he met Pei Yuanxi's gaze.

The reason Marquis Xuanping had delayed naming an heir all these years was due to his concern for Shen. Although the doctors had said that Shen might not bear any more children, there were no absolutes in life. He was also afraid of potential turmoil within the household if something unexpected happened.

"I've spoken to your mother as well, and she shares the same sentiment."

With that settled, he resolved to request an audience with the emperor as soon as possible.

Just like before, he personally escorted his daughter back to the pavilion. When they were alone, he hesitated for a moment before asking about her intention to make tofu pudding.

"Father rises before dawn to attend court, not even taking a sip of water or a grain of rice. I thought that if you had a bowl of warm tofu pudding after your session, it would warm you up."

Marquis Xuanping was overjoyed, secretly thinking that his Yuanxi was still the caring one. He ignored his wife's claim that the tofu pudding was meant for the Grand Marshal, firmly believing that his daughter was thinking of him, her father.

Excited from the night before, he mentioned the matter to General Hong in the darkness on their way to court. His tone brimmed with pride, making General Hong envious and vow to have his own daughter grind tofu pudding for him when he returned home.

Exiting the court session, he hurried ahead of all the other officials.

He rushed out of Jinhua Gate, and upon seeing his daughter waiting by the carriage, his heart ached with affection. As he received the warm tofu pudding, he couldn't help but show off in front of his colleagues.

The tofu pudding was salty, topped with chili oil, crushed peanuts, and other condiments. With one bite, its spicy and tender texture made General Hong's mouth water, causing him to swallow repeatedly in envy.

When Gongye Chu emerged, he witnessed the contented expression on Marquis Xuanping's face.

Pei Yuanxi approached with the food tray, meeting the knowing or astonished gazes of the court officials as she presented it before him. "Your Excellency has worked tirelessly for our country. This is bean curd I made myself, as a token of appreciation."

General Hong winked and nodded at Marquis Xuanping. "When girls grow up, they can't be kept at home. You thought she was showing filial piety, but your beloved actually has her sights set on the Grand Marshal."

Marquis Xuanping shot him a look that clearly said 'be quiet,' his expression turning somewhat grim.

Over there, Pei Yuanxi's arm holding the food tray began to ache. The man in his formal court attire exuded an aura of dominance, his sharp eyebrows and piercing gaze revealing a chilling coldness. His tightly pursed lips were like a blade, conveying a hint of disdain amidst his aloofness.

She really wanted to slap the tofu from the tray onto his face. What was going through this stubborn man's mind? Didn't he ask her to deliver it? Who was he trying to show his unpleasant expression to?

However, she could not bear to part with it, for the creation of the bean curd was not solely her achievement. Recalling the nights when her son would come to help her grind the soybeans, the young boy with his unruly short hair, yawning while asking questions with the curiosity of a child. His astonished expression as he watched the soy milk transform into bean curd was comical and endearing, and the adorable look on his face after savoring the bean curd made one's heart soften.

Well, for the sake of our son, I shall let it slide.

Her gentle gaze and the fleeting tender smile on her face were perceived by others as a sign of heartfelt affection. The maiden with rosy lips and a fair complexion, enveloped in a peach-hued cloak lined with white fox fur, appeared all the more radiant and enchanting with her sparkling eyes and captivating smile.

The ministers all thought to themselves that it was no wonder the Pei family's daughter, with her captivating beauty, dared to provoke the cold and detached Grand Admiral. It was said that even heroes found it difficult to resist the charm of a beautiful woman, and from this display, it seemed that the Grand Admiral was merely an ordinary man in this regard.

While such thoughts might cross their minds, no one actually dared to treat Gongye Chu as an ordinary man.

A quarter of an hour later, he finally took the food container, his tone distant as he said, "You put effort into this."

Effort? Her ass!

Who had requested this?

She returned to her father's side with a cold, expressionless face, ignoring the curious gazes. The father and daughter tacitly understood each other as they rode back home in their respective carriage and horse.

On the other side, Gongye Chu sat in his palanquin, gazing down at the food container in his hands. It was a common style seen among noble families, adorned with intricate patterns of auspicious birds and flowers. Its ordinariness emphasized its earthly charm.

The tofu pudding must have been kept warm by a stove, for she could still sense the heat through the container. He lifted the lid with his slender fingers, revealing a jade-white porcelain bowl filled with tofu pudding that resembled solidified cream, as white as the snow yet to melt on the roof of Tai Ling Palace.

In Eastern Capital City, people preferred savory dishes, so tofu pudding was usually salty, served with a rich, spicy sauce for the authentic taste. To the locals, this plain, white tofu pudding would appear utterly unappetizing.

He hesitated for a moment before taking a small bite.

It was overly sweet.

Sweet to the point of bitterness.

He ate with utmost concentration, his appearance exuding an indescribable charm. Before long, the bowl of sweet bean curd was licked clean. This bowl of sugary bean curd seemed to hold memories from his childhood.

His tall and majestic father, his gentle and refined mother. His early memories consisted not only of the intense moments spent with his father on the training field, but also the tranquility when his mother watched him eat.

Mother hailed from the south, imbued with the delicacy distinctive to southern women. She often cooked herself, and the dishes in Dongshan Mansion were different from the robust and hearty fare of City Meng at the border - always so intricate and refined.

He remembered that the bean curd he drank as a child was always sweet.

The sweetness was just right, not as overpowering as what he had now. It had been many years since he tasted such sweetness, and he had forgotten that extreme sweetness could also evoke bitterness.

News of the pre-departure gift of bean curd quickly spread through the palace. When Hong Baozhu saw Pei Yuanxi, her teeth gritted in envy. General Hong, envious of Marquis Xuanping's sweet treat, demanded that his daughter grind bean curd for herself.

As the sole daughter of General Hong, this task naturally fell upon Hong Baozhu.

Fixing her gaze on Pei Yuanxi, her initially clenched-teeth expression gradually transformed into one of resentment. Upon seeing that the other party pretended not to notice, her resentment dissipated swiftly, replaced by a mix of excitement and curiosity.

"Little Sister Yuanxi, do you really like the Supreme Commander?"

Pei Yuanxi wanted to reply that she didn't, but it wouldn't make sense. After publicly presenting bean curd just moments ago, how could she immediately say she disliked him?

Neither nodding nor shaking her head.

Hong Baozhu's enthusiasm grew. "I knew I didn't misjudge you. You're bold and daring. Your courage really impresses me. That's the Grand Admiral we're talking about. How did you gather the nerve?"

Pei Yuanxi could only reply, "Of course, one must be brave in pursuing someone they like, to avoid regretting later."

"You speak so wisely." Hong Baozhu suddenly grabbed her hand. "You're right. One should courageously pursue their affection without leaving room for regret."

Her face flushed as she continued, her expression a bit bashful. "What if I were to express my feelings as boldly as you did? If I liked someone, that is?"

"Who do you like?" Pei Yuanxi immediately honed in on the crucial point.

She fanned her heated cheeks with an uneasy gesture. Under her red attire, her face was as red as blood. "No one in particular. I mean, hypothetically."

There was no way it was hypothetical, Pei Yuanxi didn't believe it. "It depends on the person. If they don't share the same feelings, it might backfire."

"So... would the Grand Admiral appreciate your boldness?"

Pei Yuanxi found herself on the defensive. Recalling that the man himself had requested this, a hint of disdain appeared on her face. "Don't judge him by his cold demeanor, as if everyone owes him money. In reality, he does appreciate such gestures."

At this, Hong Baozhu was utterly astonished. Her eyes blinked rapidly, as if seized by a spasm, unable to reconcile this preference with the image of Gongye Chu in her mind.

Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance.

Hong Baozhu delved into the details of establishing a new shop, recounting how Zhang Yinyin had mentioned that the profits from the music instrument and calligraphy stores were meager, and thus proposed the idea of opening a bookshop to supplement their income. Both found no issue with the plan; Hong Baozhu was well-endowed with her private savings, and Pei Yuanxi, owing to the numerous royal endowments, was by no means financially wanting.

Aside from discussing business matters and reminiscing about old times, Hong Baozhu had another matter to consult Pei Yuanxi about. It concerned the delicate art of intrigue within the palace walls – she had come to seek wisdom from Pei Yuanxi's experience.

Saddled with a father whose grievances resemble those of a wronged concubine, she is left with a headache from their incessant bickering.

As the two were discussing the process of grinding bean curd, Chunyue entered with a puzzled look on her face. She reported that the Eldest Young Master was reading outside the pavilion by the water, and in the middle of winter, no less, without even layering up properly.

"The Eldest Young Master said it's peaceful here by the pavilion, and that the cold weather helps keep his mind sharp," she said, clearly unconvinced.

"Perhaps he just seeks solitude..." Hong Baozhu interjected, her words slightly stammered.

Pei Yuanxi immediately caught on, looking at Hong Baozhu with a teasing glint in her eye. Hong Baozhu blushed under her gaze and, embarrassed, rose to take her leave in a huff.

She casually and composedly saw Hong Baozhu out, not at all surprised to see her brother standing there without his cloak.

Pei Ji was dressed in pristine white, exuding an extraordinary elegance. His back was straight as an arrow, seemingly impervious to the slightest chill. With one hand behind his back and a book held in the other, he appeared entirely engrossed in his reading, detached from the world around him.

Upon seeing them emerge, he kept his gaze straight, not diverting his eyes sideways.

Pei Yuanxi deliberately fell behind, observing Hong Baozhu's sluggish pace. That pair of eyes, like hooks, occasionally glanced at him, all the while her face flushed bright red.

"Prince Pei is engrossed in his studies."

The moment Marquis Xuanping's memorial requesting the establishment of an heir was submitted, it was swiftly approved, thus Pei Ji is now the designated heir of the Marquisate.

Pei Ji promptly bowed with both hands, "Miss Hong, greetings."

"Prince Pei is truly diligent. To be so devoted to your studies on such a chilly day," Hong Baozhu remarked, not being particularly skilled in compliments. Her words felt dry and lacked flair, leaving her regretting her own lack of eloquence.

Pei Ji averted his gaze, "Not at all, not at all. Studying is much more tolerable compared to martial arts practice."

He, too, seemed to struggle with conversation.

Deciding it was best not to linger, she proceeded forward at a leisurely pace.

Pei Yuanxi gazed deeply into her brother's eyes, leaving Pei Ji's face flushed crimson. When she returned from sending Hong Baozhu off, he had yet to depart.

"When did this happen?" she inquired.

Pei Ji's cheeks flushed even more. "It was... just recently."

How had he come to have feelings for Hong Baozhu?

The story began a few days ago. After her sister moved into the Tai Ling Palace, countless rumors had spread throughout the city, reaching even the Eastern Capital Academy where Pei Ji's classmates often engaged in discussions about it.

There are those whose words aren't pleasant, filled with envy and malice.

Lately, he found himself crossing paths with Miss Hong more often than he could recall the beginning. Initially, he paid no heed to these encounters, but as they became more frequent, he began to discern a pattern.

His impression of Miss Hong was merely that of a friend to his sister. From what he had heard from others, Miss Hong was an illiterate, crude, and unruly woman, which did not align with his preferences.

One day, Prince Shen happened to depart ahead of the others. Left alone, he found himself in a vulnerable position. In a nearby alley close to the academy, he encountered several classmates, all of them scions of noble families but filled with envy at his fortunate status. They usually didn't see eye to eye with him due to their jealousy.

Encountering him again on this narrow path, the exchange was inevitably filled with harsh words. He accused their marquisate of having an improper household, where distinctions between the legitimate and illegitimate were blurred, fostering girls who disregarded the way of women, daring to show themselves in public and defy virtue.

Just as he was about to lose his temper and act out, a figure in red dashed over like a blazing flame. Before he could regain his composure, the classmates who had mocked him were already crying out for their mothers, defeated by the woman.

The woman was none other than Hong Baozhu.

She was stunning, with fiery eyes and a bold, crimson attire. Her movements were swift and precise as she scolded and beat those boys, leaving them powerless to retaliate and begging for mercy, swearing never to speak ill of the Marquis Xuanping's residence again.

At that moment, he thought to himself, such a fiery woman seemed rather endearing.

"Actually, Miss Hong... is quite admirable."

"Big Sister Hong is indeed outstanding. She's straightforward and righteous, without any hidden agendas. One doesn't have to second-guess when dealing with someone like her. But in the eyes of society, her reputation isn't the best. She's not gentle or refined, nor is she well-versed in literature and etiquette. What exactly does Brother like about her?" Pei Yuanxi asked.

Pei Ji's bashful expression gradually turned earnest. "Perhaps it's precisely because she's not gentle or refined. Don't laugh at me, but sometimes I believe that a woman doesn't need to be well-educated or accomplished in the arts. Besides, when one loves someone, would they really care if she can play musical instruments? To the world, she might not be good enough, but to me, she... is quite admirable. Isn't that how you feel about me too, little sister?"

Thanks to the Great General, everyone in the household had tasted the soy milk that their little sister personally ground. In the eyes of the world, the Great General was ruthless, merciless, and bloodthirsty. People trembled at the mere mention of his name, let alone getting close to him.

Yet, wasn't their little sister head-over-heels in love with such an apparently heartless man?

The news of Pei Yuanxi delivering tofu pudding to Gongye Chu had spread far and wide, leaving her with no defense or rebuttal. She couldn't very well tell her brother that it was all fake, that Gongye Chu had coerced her into doing it.

From another perspective, if Brother and Elder Sister Hong truly cared for each other, it would indeed be a fortunate match.

"If Brother truly has feelings for Elder Sister Hong, you should tell Father sooner rather than later."

Pei Ji agreed.

Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, this marriage should proceed smoothly. The marquis household and the general's family were of equal social standing, and their parents were close. Amidst the rigid class hierarchy of society, finding a match with similar status and mutual affection was a rare blessing.

Recalling her brother's previous life, she said, "Brother, you and Elder Sister Hong must be happy together."

At least happier than he had been with Chen Yaozhi.

Pei Ji nodded. "Sister must also take care. Although the grand admiral holds immense power, our marquis household is not to be trifled with. If he mistreats you in the future, I'll risk everything to seek justice for you."

With his promise, Pei Yuanxi felt content.

If her life remained short, there was no need for sorrow. She had already gained so much that she could not bear to be greedy.

Her good mood evaporated instantly when she saw Liu Ze's solemn face.

Liu Ze had come to return the food container.

She was well aware of her own handiwork; the bean curd was indeed delicious, but half the bowl was filled with frost sugar. That level of sweetness was not for everyone. Of course, Gongye Chu would have to pay a price for ordering her around.

She feigned curiosity, asking if the bean curd suited Gongye Chu's taste, secretly hoping for his approval. Upon hearing that Liu Ze said Gongye Chu had finished it all, she couldn't help but twitch her lips.

He was truly a relentless one, capable of consuming such sugary fare.

Then she considered how emperors often hid their preferences from others. Perhaps he would consume anything, no matter how unpalatable, without showing any reaction.

From this perspective, it seemed he would finish anything she made for him in the future. A myriad of bizarre dishes flashed through her mind, making her realize that presenting food could be a clever idea.

However, Liu Ze quickly shattered this notion. He mentioned that the cold weather called for an additional knee pad, and of course, one handmade by her would provide the most warmth.

The knee pad had already irked her, but then he added more. He suggested that since she was making knee pads, she might as well make a couple of pairs of cotton socks for Gongye Chu as well, claiming they protected both knees and feet.

It was clear that the cotton socks were not Gongye Chu's request but Liu Ze's addition. Staring at his stern face, identical to his master's, she struggled to suppress her anger. "Guard Liu, has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?"