Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Pagoda Tree Flower Milk

Zhao Fuying invited a Taoist nun to her home, who calculated an auspicious date for their journey: the first day of the next month, suitable for travel, prayers, weddings, and other activities. Chun Yue and the others were also overjoyed; living with so many people crowded into one courtyard was far less comfortable than life in the capital.

The Old Madam’s smile never faded. She told Dong Yuting to buy some Danzhou specialties to take back, as by the time they returned, Third Lady might have already given birth.

Dong Yuting nodded. Unfamiliar with Danzhou herself, she sought out Zhao Fuying, who then directed Tingquan to assist her.

Tingquan, originally Zhao Fuying’s senior maid, was well-traveled and knowledgeable, making her the perfect guide for Dong Yuting. She could effortlessly list over a dozen Danzhou specialties.

These included plain cloud gauze, tiger-pattern incense, pagoda tree flower milk, and blue orchid pearl powder—everything from daily necessities to edibles. Unsure when she would next return, and with no pressing household duties, Dong Yuting took her time exploring all the options.

Tingquan patiently explained each item. The plain cloud gauze, as thin as cicada wings and cool to the touch, was difficult to produce and thus exclusive to Danzhou. As for the price, it was of no concern to them.

Remembering her daughter in the capital, Dong Yuting carefully selected two dresses made of plain cloud gauze—one emerald green and the other moonlight-blue. From a distance, they shimmered like rippling water, captivating the eye.

With no news from the capital for many days, likely due to delays from the imperial selection, Dong Yuting set her worries aside and purchased two pearl-inlaid hairpins from the dazzling array of jewelry.

Tingquan explained that blue orchid pearl powder was made from blue orchids and pearl powder. Applied to the face, it was said to beautify and nourish the skin. However, Dong Yuting hesitated to use the blue-tinged powder on her face, unsure of its effects.

Danzhou, with its dense forests and abundant exotic flora, incorporated local plants into many products. For instance, tiger-pattern incense was cut from the heartwood of a tiger-pattern tree. After processing, the wood retained its unique fragrance. The tree’s patterns resembled tiger stripes and grew exclusively on Danming Mountain, leading locals to call it the "divine tree."

Tingquan mentioned that tiger-pattern incense had a distinctive scent and could repel mosquitoes, making it a staple in the rooms of local ladies. Hearing this, Dong Yuting immediately bought all dozen pieces available in the shop.

As the weather grew hotter, mosquitoes became increasingly aggressive. Although mosquito nets were hung over the beds, these tiny pests were adept at finding their way in, buzzing incessantly. Dong Zhi and Chun Yue burned mugwort daily and sprayed mugwort-infused water around doors and windows, but with limited effect.

Accompanied by five or six servants, they had only covered half the street before the attendants’ hands were full. Fortunately, time was plentiful, and they could always return to shop another day.

Before heading back, Dong Yuting decided to buy two pots of pagoda tree flower milk to try. Tingquan explained that it was a small pot of concentrate made from pagoda tree flower stamens, honey, sugar, and pear juice. It was perfect for making a drink—refreshing and sweet without being cloying. A small spoonful could be diluted for a lighter flavor. Since Li Borui had a sweet tooth and couldn't control himself, she planned to brew a pot for him whenever he craved something sweet.

Just as they left the incense shop, a familiar figure carrying a basket passed by. The woman, slender and dressed in plain blue homespun cloth, was unremarkable from a distance. Head bowed, she walked forward, her basket containing small, fluffy white flowers.

Chun Yue wondered, "Isn’t that Aunt Kang?" As a secondary wife in the household, Aunt Kang needed Zhao Fuying’s permission to go out. Why had she left without a maid? She seemed to be on an urgent errand.

Dong Yuting glanced at Tingquan with curiosity. After a moment of thought, Tingquan slowly explained, "Today is Seventh Master’s memorial day. Aunt Kang visits his grave every year at this time."

Dong Yuting recalled what Zhao Fuying had said: Aunt Kang’s son had passed away many years ago and was ranked seventh among the Li family’s children.

"So that’s why."

Seventh Master, a concubine’s son, had died at just eleven or twelve. Over the years, others had forgotten the date, but Aunt Kang, his birth mother, never did. In fact, Aunt Kang was much younger than the Old Madam, which was why she had borne Old Master Li’s youngest son. Yet, fate had its way, and after all these years, Aunt Kang remained weighed down by sorrow. Though younger, she appeared much older than the Old Madam.

Dong Yuting sighed and headed toward the carriage. The driver set down a small stool for her to step on.

As the carriage arrived at the main gate of the old residence, Chun Yue stepped down first and reached out to assist Dong Yuting. The gate, though not opulent, was tall and imposing. The pitch-black doors, over two people high, were adorned with fierce stone lion door knockers on either side. Before stepping onto the stone stairs, they heard a commotion inside. The gate was pulled open, and Li Chenfeng stormed out angrily, followed by frantic servants looking anxious and fearful. Perhaps too enraged, Li Chenfeng shook his sleeves and snapped, "Don’t follow me!"

Li Chenfeng had not expected anyone outside and abruptly halted, his face flushing crimson. He had seen Dong Yuting before but never spoken to her. Unsure what to say, he opened his mouth but only managed a nod before striding away. The servants behind him hesitated, unsure whether to follow. Li Chenfeng choked back his anger and repeated, "Don’t come after me!"

The servants stopped in their tracks, too afraid to move, and stood awkwardly under the gate, glancing around nervously. Dong Yuting’s gaze fell on the two maids. Dressed in lotus-colored fine *ruqun* skirts, they wore floral hairpins, and their skirts were embroidered with flowers and birds. Both were young, their faces fresh and dewy.

Dong Yuting quickly deduced that they were the maids Li Qingdai had selected for Li Chenfeng. Though puzzled, she maintained her composure and entered the residence with Chun Yue, Tingquan, and the other servants. She had bought many items—some to take back to the capital, others to enjoy that day.

As soon as she entered the room, Li Borui came running over. Adaptable as ever, he had settled in well, his round belly and legs giving him a fortunate appearance.

"Mother, where did you go?" Li Borui looked at her pleadingly.

The Old Madam sat in a chair, smiling as she watched him.

"I went shopping. Why do you look so upset?" Dong Yuting pinched his cheek. Children’s skin was always so smooth, like a peeled egg or a soft steamed bun.

Li Borui pouted, unwilling to answer, and ran to the servants behind her. Standing on tiptoe, he tried to see what they were carrying. The servants quickly crouched down to let him inspect the items.

The Old Madam chuckled softly. "Han Geer told him to write twenty large characters and won’t let him go out to play until he finishes."

Li Borui picked up a piece of tiger-pattern incense. Unfamiliar with it, he found it faintly fragrant and brought it to his nose for a sniff. Hearing the Old Madam’s words, he wrinkled his nose and snorted indignantly.

Li Borui had been running around the old residence, even exploring the study area. Li Bohan, fulfilling his role as an older brother, had assigned him the task of writing twenty large characters the next day and asked their grandmother to supervise.

Both her grandsons were dear to the Old Madam, and she agreed with a smile. Li Borui, confined indoors, demanded breaks after every character—complaining of heat, thirst, or hunger. The Old Madam indulged him in everything except going outside. As long as her younger grandson was nearby, she felt at ease, which was why Li Borui had only completed five characters so far.

He sat beside the Old Madam to write, using bamboo paper placed on the table. Although the household had finer paper, he practiced with bamboo paper for calligraphy. His teacher had already taught him the basics, emphasizing brush control. Without care, the characters would blur into black blots. Despite his chubby arms, Li Borui struggled with control, and his writing was a mess. Even large characters had dark spots where he started or ended strokes.

The task of writing twenty large characters was not difficult—each page contained only one character, repeated from the *Hundred Family Surnames*. But being young, his strokes were crooked and slow.

From the pile of goods, Li Borui zeroed in on the pot of pagoda tree flower milk. The sweet aroma emanated from the small container. He sniffed it again to confirm, then held it up and asked, "Mother, what is this?"

Dong Yuting set aside Li Borui’s practice sheets. Aside from his brush control issues, he lacked focus, and the edges of the clean paper were smudged with ink.

"It’s pagoda tree flower milk," Dong Yuting said with a smile.

Li Borui ran over. "I want to try it."

The Old Madam, with a reminiscent expression, said, "Pagoda tree flower milk? Brew a cup for me too. It’s been years since I last had it."

Yuan Xiang immediately stepped forward, took the small pot, and opened it. Using a white porcelain spoon, she scooped a portion into a bowl. The thick, amber-like substance was translucent, containing pagoda tree flower petals and small pieces of white pear.

Li Borui eagerly followed her, watching closely. Yuan Xiang took hot water from Dong Zhi and poured it into three bowls. Steam rose, carrying the sweet fragrance into the air. The small lump of pagoda tree flower milk dissolved instantly, turning the water a clear yellow.

"Young Master, it’s still hot. Wait a while before drinking," Yuan Xiang explained.

Dong Yuting smiled faintly. "If you like it, Mother, we can buy two more pots to take back to the capital."

Once the water cooled, Li Borui picked up a rose pastry, eating it while sipping the sweet pagoda tree flower drink.

The Old Madam drank slowly, her smile widening. "This is the taste. The pagoda tree flower milk from Danzhou suits my palate perfectly—sweet but not cloying."

Dong Yuting also took a sip. It tasted like fruit tea. She instructed, "Dong Zhi, Chun Yue, brew a few more bowls for the young masters and ladies. Let everyone taste it, and distribute the freshly bought rose pastries as well."

Dong Zhi replied, "Yes." She and Chun Yue divided the tasks—one brewing the drink, the other distributing the pastries. Once prepared, other maids would deliver them.