Chapter 105: The Crown Princess’s Visit

Later, Tian Mi secretly took out some peanut oil, white sugar, walnut kernels, and sesame seeds from her space, and taught Chun Er how to make Shaqima. It was actually quite easy to make, not expensive, and required no special skills.

But the taste was good, and Tian Mi still liked eating it.

First, she mixed the flour with water to make dough, then cut it into small pieces and deep-fried them. The walnut kernels and sesame seeds were roasted, and the white sugar was dissolved in water and boiled into syrup. Then, she mixed everything in proportion until it was evenly combined.

In the future, she planned to dry raisins and cook some chestnuts with sugar, crush them into a paste, and when peanuts were available, she would make peanut crumbs. The ingredients could be added freely, and the taste would always be good. However, they didn’t last long.

She also made a batch of sugar-coated hawthorns and mountain grapes, making sure to let everyone taste the results. Afterward, she would go play with her two little ones.

Everyone was in high spirits. Life was so happy; there was always something delicious to eat.

Chun Er looked at a sugar-coated hawthorn with a distressed expression.

“Your Highness, how much must this cost?”

In fact, it wasn’t very expensive; it was just a thin layer of syrup coating the fruit.

The Shaqima had a slightly higher cost because sesame oil, the common cooking oil in this era, was quite expensive.

Tian Mi said with a smile, “Don’t worry, in the future, we’ll sell them at a higher price!”

Pastries were originally considered a luxury for the wealthy in ancient times.

Once she had arranged things in the kitchen, Nanny Xiao came to find her again, saying it was time to try on the ceremonial robes and select the accessories.

Tian Mi had once again become their model, as several maids happily began to dress her up.

The day to visit the Duke of Ding’s residence was still two days away, but the staff had already been coming and going for days, working with Nanny Xiao to prepare everything. Nanny Xiao was upset, feeling that Tian Mi was not paying enough attention to the preparations, but Tian Mi felt wrongly accused.

How else could she show more attention? Wasn’t simply cooperating enough? There were too many intricate steps involved, and all she could do was follow along.

Just as they were selecting accessories, the Crown Princess arrived with her young son.

This excited Nanny Xiao.

“Quick, quick, help the Princess Consort get ready. I’ll go greet them first. This is the future Empress; we can’t neglect her.”

Having followed Tian Mi for a while, Nanny Xiao’s speech had become more direct.

Bai Mucheng had once said that in the capital, the Crown Princess and Empress were of little consequence, but other matters weren’t to be taken lightly.

Tian Mi was naturally quite respectful toward the Crown Princess.

After dressing appropriately, she took two maids to the back courtyard’s guest room to receive their guests.

The Crown Princess was gentle and virtuous. She was the wife the Crown Prince had married while stationed at the border, and the daughter of General Qian. At that time, the Jin King had led an army to attack, and the border was left in the hands of the Crown Prince and General Qian. Later, the situation became more tense, and the Crown Prince had to lead his troops, leaving General Qian to hold the fort. Eventually, General Lin was sent to assist.

Tian Mi was about to greet her when the Crown Princess smiled warmly and said, “I originally planned to send an invitation, but I heard something came up, so I couldn’t send it. I’m making a surprise visit. I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”

Tian Mi quickly responded, “Sister-in-law, you’re always welcome, no matter when you come! I’m delighted to have you here.”

The young boy chimed in with a sweet voice, “Auntie, hello!”

Tian Mi couldn’t help but smile widely. She loved little boys, especially when they were as well-behaved and polite as this one—chubby and adorable, dressed in fine clothes, and simply too cute.

Tian Mi hurriedly instructed Xia Mei, “Go find Chun Er and have her bring up the freshly made snacks.”

Nanny Xiao brought in the tea.

The Crown Princess had come to present Tian Mi with a gift. Typically, such gifts were sent to the Duke of Ding’s residence on the day of the banquet, but the Crown Princess had come to deliver it personally, which was very polite.

The gift was a complete set of exquisite and beautiful jewelry, which perfectly matched Tian Mi’s status. She loved it and thanked the Crown Princess graciously.

The Crown Princess smiled gently and said, “Don’t be so polite, my dear sister-in-law. In the capital, every day is filled with work and more work. There’s little to comfort the heart, so I thought this small gesture would do.”

Her words were quite true. With a higher status and more wealth, she had to bear even more responsibilities and hardships.

To be honest, Tian Mi didn’t feel that this was worth it. She didn’t like this life. She had plenty of wealth already—why give up freedom and happiness for more money?

Tian Mi was determined to consume the wealth in her space.

Xia Mei brought the Shaqima and sugar-coated hawthorns, still fragrant from being freshly made. The hawthorns, coated in a shiny red syrup, were visually stunning, immediately catching the young boy’s eye.

Tian Mi handed him a skewer of mountain grape sugar-coated hawthorns. The fruit was fully ripe, not too large, and easy for him to eat.

The little one looked at the Crown Princess, who nodded, and then he took the candy and said, “Thank you, Auntie!”

Tian Mi smiled and said, “You’re welcome, little prince!”

The Crown Princess smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, the food you make is always so delicious; it’s really endless in flavor!”

Tian Mi understood that people in this era often spoke politely, and she couldn’t take it too literally.

The political situation in the capital was complex, and brothers needed to work together to stabilize things. The Crown Princess, too, wanted to build a good relationship with Tian Mi, and indeed, she truly liked the food that Tian Mi made. She found Tian Mi to be pure and rare, which made her like her even more.

Tian Mi smiled and replied, “Your praise is too much. It’s just a little treat. I made it today because it was a good time to make something.”

The Crown Princess seemed interested and said, “Oh, you’re still making things? Could you show me how these are made?”

Of course, Tian Mi had no problem with that. She also wanted to get to know her better and exchange ideas. So, she led the Crown Princess toward the production area. There, things were quite busy: one courtyard was making medicinal items, another was making beauty products, and a third was preparing food.

Just as they arrived, they ran into Steward Zhong, who was bringing over the completed carts and purifying alcohol equipment Tian Mi had designed.

Zhong saluted and said, “There are ten iron pots made, and the cart is more complicated. We’ve only completed one for now. If the Lady approves, we’ll begin production of the rest.”

Tian Mi examined the cart. It was very well-made and functional, with solid wood and sturdy construction. It could easily fit a small stove in the center, which would work perfectly.

Tian Mi was pleased and said, “Let’s proceed with this design. How are the stoves coming along?”

Zhong replied, “I’ve inspected them. They should be ready in the next two days. We’ll be able to produce fifty at once.”

Tian Mi nodded in approval and directed him to hand over the pots to Chun Yi so they could start purifying the alcohol the next day.

The Crown Princess looked at the strange wooden carts and asked, “What are these carts for?”

Tian Mi explained, “I’m making some snacks and plan to sell them. These carts are convenient and safe for that purpose.”

In the capital, wealthy families, including the royal family, often had shops and estates for business, but most of them focused on large-scale enterprises. The idea of selling snacks from a small wooden cart was a bit beneath someone of Tian Mi’s status, and the Crown Princess felt she should gently remind her of that.

The Crown Princess softly said, “Sister-in-law, you’re the Princess of Ding, what can these small snacks really earn you? It’s fine to enjoy them at home or share with friends, but when it comes to making a living, your beauty shop and medicinal products are more valuable and profitable.”

What she said made sense. In this era, most people didn’t engage in such ventures unless it was really necessary. Tian Mi could understand the Crown Princess’ point of view.

Nanny Xiao unable to stay quiet seeing Tian Mi lower her head in silence, spoke up: “I’ve advised the Lady as well. There’s no big profit in this, and the work involved is much. The Lady may not need the money, but the farmers selling vegetables, mountain products, and other foods certainly do. The income from selling food is important to their families, and they need it.”

The Crown Princess seemed moved by her words and said, “You’re right, I was being shallow.”

Tian Mi blushed a little. She wasn’t doing it out of lofty ideals; she just didn’t like seeing so much wealth and resources sit idle when so many people were struggling. She simply wanted to use her resources to help those in need and distribute the wealth she had accumulated.

The group grew tired, and the Crown Princess enjoyed the Shaqima while Tian Mi brought out some of the boneless chicken feet she had made earlier. The conversation was lighthearted, with laughter and chat filling the room.

“This flavor is really unique,” the Crown Princess remarked. “The more I eat, the more I want.”

Tian Mi smiled. The sweet-sour flavor of the chicken feet had this magical quality, and it was clear the Crown Princess was enjoying herself. She had a peaceful and relaxed afternoon at Tian Mi’s residence.

It reminded her of the carefree days when she was unmarried and at her parents’ house—without the pressures of the world, just simple pleasures.

It was truly captivating.

Tian Mi sent her off with a small jar of boneless chicken feet and a special bottle of her skin cream.

“The ones in my shop are the regular type, but this is a special version. I’ve kept this one for you to try; it works quite well.”

The Crown Princess happily accepted, saying, “Thank you, Sister-in-law. Your complexion is so lovely, and I was just thinking of asking you for some!”