Chapter 23 – The Crown Prince Baosheng.

There were more than thirty types of tea in the tea pantry, with each variety stocked in amounts ranging from a few jars to several dozen, depending on the preferences of the palace masters. Tea was typically obtained from the central tea stores, but for convenience, many palace members came directly to the tea pantry. Occasionally, if someone exceeded their allotted amount, slipping a few coins to get some extra from the tea pantry was a common occurrence.

So not long after Ju Bai left, the young eunuchs began to notice something was off. They huddled together and whispered among themselves for quite a while but couldn’t figure it out. Finally, exchanging glances, they pushed the youngest among them forward to ask.

The young eunuch wore a bitter expression, turning back three times with every step as he approached. With a flattering smile, he said, “Grandfather Sun, why didn’t you give that palace maid anything? I saw that Wan Changzai was rather generous with her money.”

That little pouch likely had two or three taels of silver.

Unlike palace maids, eunuchs weren’t all selected from the bondservant households; some of them came from wealthy families. Still, their lowest monthly stipend was three taels. For eunuchs like them, with no rank, their monthly pay was just one tael of silver—most of which had to be handed over to their superiors.

Having a meat pie fall from the sky only for it to be thrown away before reaching their mouths—no wonder the young eunuchs felt so unwilling to let it go.

The steward eunuch shot them a sidelong glance. “Idiots! A bunch of fools! If we take money the first time, it sets a precedent. Then they’ll expect to pay us every time! If you ask me, we should at least delay it for two days before giving it to her. Got it?”

They didn’t get it.

Still, the young eunuch nodded and bowed, agreeing outwardly while inwardly murmuring in confusion.

The steward eunuch talked a good game.

But usually, when other mistresses came by, he gave them the tea on their first visit. Some consorts didn’t even give as much silver as Wan Changzai had just now!

The young eunuchs kept their doubts to themselves.

The steward eunuch, having finished his speech, crossed one leg over the other and contentedly began puffing on his water pipe, clearly done with the conversation.

The young eunuchs exchanged glances.

They shrugged helplessly and assumed Wan Changzai had simply had bad luck and happened to catch the steward eunuch in a foul mood. They spared her a moment of sympathy before scattering under the scolding of several senior eunuchs—some to sweep the courtyard, others to tidy the donkey cart.

Suddenly, everyone’s ears perked up.

The sound of a whip striking the ground reached them, and the young eunuchs froze. One of them whispered, “That sounds… like the sound of the imperial whip?”

“…The imperial whip?”

“Why would the Emperor come to the tea pantry, haha.”

But the sound of the whip drew closer.

As they watched the approaching entourage, the sight of that apricot-yellow robe made everyone’s hearts pound. More shocking was the familiar face among them—it was the very same palace maid who had been here just moments ago and was driven off! All the tea pantry staff surged outside and promptly knelt as one, eyes fixed on the two pairs of apricot-yellow boots—one large, one small—walking past them.

Everyone had the same thought in their heads:

Ha! That steward eunuch just kicked a steel plate!

Ju Bai couldn’t hide the joy in her eyes.

She had always considered it a blessing just to serve such a kind mistress by chance. Now she had a faint feeling that sticking with her mistress might bring even greater fortune!

She forcibly suppressed her excitement.

Ju Bai lowered her head and held her hands at her sides, following the Emperor and the Crown Prince step by step into the tea pantry.

The steward eunuch’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

He never would’ve guessed that casually turning away a little palace maid would actually bring the Emperor and the Crown Prince to his door. Cold sweat poured down his back, but he forced himself to remain calm and stepped forward to salute. “This slave… this slave greets Your Majesty!”

Kangxi showed no intention of blaming him.

Rules were rules. It wasn’t like the steward eunuch could’ve known Wan Changzai actually had the power to bring the Crown Prince over. Kangxi had only brought Baosheng here because it was on the way and said mildly, “Bring me some Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea.”

Even though the Emperor’s tone was calm, to everyone else it sounded like thunder crashing in their ears. The young eunuchs outside were already stunned—just who exactly was Wan Changzai?

The steward eunuch’s limbs turned to jelly.

And this wasn’t even the real problem.

Sweat poured from him, and he stood frozen stiff. He had a bad feeling from the start, but now that it was playing out before him, he couldn’t hide his panic. His face twitched with hesitation and unease.

Kangxi narrowed his eyes.

Sensing something wrong, his gaze darkened, and he signaled behind him for Liang Jiugong to take people in to fetch the tea.

It was only a few taels of tea leaves…

Liang Jiugong stepped into the tea room with a few young eunuchs. The room was flanked by tall wooden cabinets filled with tribute teas from all over and some rare varieties, mostly green tea. Black tea was rarely consumed in the palace, so the tea pantry only kept two or three kinds. Among them, Zhengshan Xiaozhong was the Emperor’s favorite.

Liang Jiugong walked straight to where the Xiaozhong was stored.

He didn’t need to move a finger—the young eunuchs with him opened the box, revealing a bottle of tea leaves nestled in a soft cushion. The seal on the bottle’s mouth indicated it had not yet been opened.

The young eunuch lifted the bottle with both hands.

Then he froze.

Unable to suppress his reaction, he blurted out, “Huh?”

Liang Jiugong asked, “What is it?”

The young eunuch hesitated. “This slave thinks… the weight feels off?”

He gave it a shake.

The leaves inside rustled audibly… The seal was still intact, meaning the jar should’ve been full. But if it were, it shouldn’t make such clear noise when shaken.

Liang Jiugong immediately realized what was wrong.

His gaze sharpened like a blade and bore coldly into the steward eunuch. That man was already pale as snow and trembling all over—no one present believed there wasn’t a problem.

Kangxi’s face turned dark. “Open it.”

Liang Jiugong responded respectfully and tore off the seal. When he poured out the contents, although the seal made it seem full, only about four-fifths of the jar was filled.

The tea pantry erupted in commotion.

The young eunuchs who had been questioning things earlier suddenly understood everything. No wonder the steward eunuch had been unwilling to hand over the tea—if he gave it to Wan Changzai, what would he do if other noble ladies came asking? He must’ve hoped to bluff for a few days and refill the jar in the meantime.

If they could think of it, how could Kangxi not?

And to think he had just praised this steward in front of the Crown Prince as diligent and responsible—his face now burned with embarrassment.

Kangxi’s expression grew darker.

He turned and instructed someone to fetch a fresh jar of black tea from the main tea store and have it sent to Xianfu Palace. Then he patted Baosheng’s shoulder. “Go on ahead to Xianfu Palace and play with your younger brother. I’ll come fetch you shortly.”

His voice remained warm and gentle.

But the cold undertone made Baosheng straighten his back nervously. He nodded obediently and left under Haitao’s guidance.

As Kangxi watched the Crown Prince disappear from view, lightning and thunder flashed in his eyes. When he turned back around, his tone was deadly serious:
“Summon the Head of the Imperial Kitchen, the Steward of the Imperial Household… Tell them to get over here immediately!”

---

Wan Anran waited and waited, but Ju Bai never returned.

Worried and confused, she was about to ask Haitao to go check the tea pantry when she heard a commotion in the courtyard—and recognized Haitao’s voice among it.

Wan Anran let out a sigh of relief.

She stood up and walked to the door, lifting the curtain as she grumbled, “Ju Bai? I’ve been waiting forever for you! What took you so lo—eh?”

Her voice cut off abruptly.

She stood there stunned, staring at the child before her—a boy in a bright yellow robe with a surprised look on his face. Clearly, he too had not expected to see her.

Who else could wear bright yellow in the palace but the Emperor’s household? Without thinking, Wan Anran dropped into a curtsey. “This servant concubine greets His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Baosheng stepped to the side.

His demeanor was warm and composed. “Wan Changzai, you need not be so formal.”

Compared to the awkwardness between Wan Changzai and the Crown Prince, Wan Fu was far more excited. He dashed over and clung affectionately to Baosheng’s arm. “Crown Prince Brother! Crown Prince Brother!”

His soft little voice was full of adoration.

Tch! Last time she told him to call Baosheng that, he was so reluctant! Now he’s fully converted. Probably thinking only one thing: so sweet.

Wan Anran rolled her eyes discreetly.

Then she looked up at Ju Bai behind them, silently scolding her with her gaze—You. Yes, you. How could you bring the enemy right to our door?

Ju Bai wanted to cry for justice.

It wasn’t like she’d wanted to bring the Crown Prince directly here, but it had been the Emperor’s order! What could a lowly palace maid like her do? She had tried to stop the Crown Prince to go in first and give her mistress a heads-up, but Wan Anran had just pulled open the curtain herself.

Even Ju Bai hadn’t seen that coming.

Haitao, standing behind Wan Anran, was already sweating nervously. Noticing the puzzled and curious looks from unfamiliar palace staff, she quickly tugged on her mistress’s sleeve. “Mistress… shouldn’t you change into something more formal and adjust your makeup?”

Baosheng was also a bit taken aback.

Following his royal father, he had occasionally seen the consorts serving in Qianqing Palace. Every one of them was immaculately dressed, radiant and graceful. During banquets, all the consorts displayed unique charms—some lively and playful, some elegant and noble… but this was the first time he’d seen anyone like Wan Changzai.

He couldn’t help his curiosity.

Turning to Wan Fu, he whispered, “Wan Changzai… is really going to stay like this?”

Wan Fu was already used to it.

He leaned over and whispered back, “Wan Changzai is a big lazy bug.”

Baosheng was skeptical.

He shook his head. “Maybe she’ll change now that I’m here… right? Look, the other maids are already trying to convince her.”

Just then—

They heard Wan Changzai’s bright and clear voice: “Oh, please! You’ve already seen everything—what’s the point in pretending now? I’m comfortable like this.”

Wan Fu gave Baosheng a look.

He said seriously, “Crown Prince Brother, repeat after me—Wan Changzai is a big lazy bug.”

Baosheng sighed deeply.

He nodded. “Wan Fu is right. I really underestimated her.”

The world is full of strange things.

So it wasn’t so surprising that a consort like Wan Changzai would appear in the harem.

Don’t call me a monster, okay?!

If Wan Anran had known what Baosheng was thinking, she definitely would’ve retorted that way. But she had no idea what was going through the Crown Prince’s head. Smiling, she stepped forward. “Your Highness, please sit. I was just about to prepare a meal—perhaps you could taste it and offer your opinion?”

Baosheng opened his mouth to respond—

But Wan Fu tugged his sleeve. “Crown Prince Brother, let’s watch first. We have to support Wan Changzai’s cooking skills.”

He’d been quite satisfied with her food last time!

Baosheng thought it over and nodded obediently. He was new here—it wouldn’t be polite to question her directly. Maybe Wan Fu was right. So the two boys sat side by side, chubby hands on their knees, attentively watching Wan Anran’s every move.

Wan Anran first instructed Haitao to bring the small stove.

It was a gift from Consort Xuan, originally used to brew medicine and keep warm. Since Wan Anran had stopped her treatments, it hadn’t been used for days.

Then she ordered a small pot from the palace stores. Finding one the right size wasn’t easy, but they eventually dug one up from the kitchens—if it were a normal day, the kitchen steward would’ve grumbled about it. But today, there was a VIP in the east wing.

Everyone in Xianfu Palace wanted to make a good impression on the Crown Prince—including Xu Changzai. She gazed toward the east wing’s window, and when she saw a flash of yellow robes inside, her fairly pretty face twisted in rage.

She swept her arm across the table.

The dishes crashed to the floor, but her fury didn’t subside. She cursed Noble Lady Nara bitterly. “Useless fool! Can’t even keep track of your own son! Why bring the Crown Prince to the east wing and not your own rooms? Bah!”

If only the Ninth Prince were hers!

She’d use him to get close to the Crown Prince, then use the Crown Prince to win the Emperor’s favor.

Thinking of that future made her heart race.

The only pity was that she’d tried a few times and still couldn’t win over the Ninth Prince. After all, that child… had to be born of her. Xu Changzai placed a hand over her stomach, eyes gleaming. After pondering for a moment, she asked the palace maids, “That recipe… do you think it will really work?”

The palace maids shook their heads.

Their voices were soft: “This servant is foolish… truly, we really don’t know.”

Xu Changzai rolled her eyes.

Useless. Absolutely useless. Why were all the people around her such worthless trash? She recalled what she had overheard yesterday—Imperial Consort Tong had someone brew a pregnancy tonic for Noble Lady Uya. The thought made Xu Changzai tremble with excitement. If she could get pregnant, she would definitely rise through the ranks and become a favored consort in the harem.

Then it wouldn’t just be that lowly Wan Changzai.

Even Noble Lady Nara and Consort Xuan would have to listen to her.

While Xu Changzai was lost in her wild fantasies, Wan Anran was incredibly busy.

Now that she had a stove and a pot, she instructed Haitao to find the old pestle they used before. Milk and sugar with a pestle—what was she up to? Not only were Baocheng and Wan Fu puzzled, even Zisu and the others were confused.

“Little Madam, what are you going to do?”

“Make milk tea.”

“…That’s not how you make milk tea!” Wan Fu immediately objected. He was a knowledgeable little prince and naturally knew how Mongolian milk tea was made. Wan Fu started ticking off ingredients on his fingers: “Real milk tea uses compressed green tea bricks, not black tea! It needs butter, not honey! And you’re supposed to add salt, not sugar!”

Such a young age, yet he knew so much about food.

Wan Anran gave him a sidelong glance and pressed down on Wan Fu’s little head. “Don’t worry. I guarantee the Crown Prince and Ninth Prince will love it!”

No one can resist the charm of milk tea!

After telling Zisu to stoke the fire with tongs, Wan Anran poured the sugar into the small pot. The sugar gradually caramelized into a golden brown color. Once it melted into a smooth amber syrup, she poured in the milk along the edge of the pot, then added tea leaves to simmer.

This next step was crucial.

Wan Anran used the pestle to grind the tea leaves hard. Steam billowed from the pot, reddening her cheeks. Only when the milk turned a rich color and the mixture began to boil vigorously did she stop.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead. “It’s ready!”

The sweet aroma spread throughout the hall. Wan Fu, who was skeptical earlier, was now completely convinced. He eagerly leaned forward—only to be pulled back by Wan Anran.

“Careful! It’s hot!”

Jubai brought over empty bowls.

The foam was skimmed off, the tea leaves filtered out, leaving behind a delicious bowl of milk tea. Zisu carefully poured the sweet milk tea into fine porcelain bowls, which Haitao respectfully placed on the table.

Wan Anran picked up a bowl and blew gently.

Since milk has a higher boiling point than water, the bowl was extremely hot. Ignoring Wan Fu’s impatient urging, she waited until it was just warm enough before placing it in front of the Crown Prince.

Of course, the second bowl was quickly delivered to Wan Fu.

Wan Anran reminded him, “Be careful. It’s hot.”

Wan Fu absentmindedly nodded.

He couldn’t wait and took a sip. The sweet fragrance of milk and the aroma of tea blended perfectly. Though completely different from salty Mongolian milk tea, it was just as delicious. Wan Fu’s eyes sparkled.

“So good! It’s really good!”

He gulped down the whole bowl, then stared longingly at the pot, looking like a greedy little cat ready to drink it all.

On the other side, the Crown Prince was much more composed.

No—he hadn’t even taken a sip yet. A stern little eunuch stood beside him, watching the milk tea bowl like a hawk. He scooped a spoonful, tasted it cautiously.

Wan Anran watched with curiosity.

So there really were eunuchs who tested food for poison? A moment later, the eunuch nodded. “Your Highness, it is safe to consume.”

…If it weren’t, Ninth Prince would already be dead.

Wan Anran was speechless, so she simply turned to Baocheng and said politely, “Your Highness, please try it.”

Baocheng nodded.

He had never tasted anything like this before. Like a wary little puppy, he sniffed the aroma—familiar milk and familiar tea, yet their combination gave off a completely unfamiliar scent.

He picked up a spoon and took a small sip. Unlike the rich and salty Mongolian milk tea, which could be overwhelming after a few sips, this had just the right sweetness. The floral notes of the tea blended beautifully in his mouth. Baocheng licked his lips and took another sip. And another.

After a long while, he gave a simple verdict: “Delicious.”

There was still a huge pot of milk tea!

Wan Anran enthusiastically encouraged him, “Drink more, there’s plenty!”

Then she turned to Wan Fu. “Happy now? Can you tell me what happened?”

Wan Fu coughed.

His eyes darted around. If Crown Prince wasn’t here, he might say it. But with his brother around, how could he? His face turned red, which only amused Wan Anran even more.

It was the first time Baocheng had seen something like this.

The joyful atmosphere stirred a trace of envy in him—Wan Fu not only had his birth mother to care for him, but also the gentle Consort Xuan, and even this playful Wan Changzai to tease and fuss over him. Compared to that, Baocheng felt far less fortunate.

Wan Anran noticed the flicker of loneliness in the Crown Prince’s eyes.

She let Wan Fu off the hook for now and smiled warmly at Baocheng. “By the way, Your Highness, have you ever tried fried chicken?”

How do you cure sadness? Naturally, with milk tea and fried chicken.

Before Baocheng could respond, Wan Fu was already cheering, “Yay! Fried chicken! Fried chicken! Crown Prince brother, you have to try it! Fried chicken is so delicious!”

Wan Anran put her hands on her hips proudly as she sent a servant to start preparations. “And compared to last time, I have a new secret weapon!”

Cheese!

Wan Fu’s eyes sparkled as he excitedly explained to the puzzled Crown Prince about how amazing fried chicken was, repeating again and again: “Once you taste it, you’ll never forget it!”

Wasn’t that a bit exaggerated?

Baocheng, who considered himself well-fed in the palace, hesitated to speak. But after glancing at the comforting milk tea in his hand, he couldn’t help feeling a flicker of anticipation.

Maybe there really was something he hadn’t tasted yet?

Wan Anran ordered the kitchen to prepare ingredients for the fried chicken, and decided to personally make the cheese.

Making cheese was incredibly simple.

Only two ingredients were needed: milk and white vinegar. Even simpler than the milk tea recipe. When the maids heard the Little Madam would use just those two things, Haitao and the others looked visibly shocked.

But so far, Wan Anran had never failed.

Though uneasy, they quickly gathered the ingredients.

Wan Anran washed her hands thoroughly.

She used fragrant soap to carefully scrub her hands, especially the fingernails, leaving no dirt behind. Only then did she officially start the cheese-making process. Seeing the Crown Prince and Wan Fu’s curious looks, she took the chance to promote a good hygiene habit.

“If your fingers are dirty when cooking, and you swallow all that dirt—it’ll be awful! Imagine if I hadn’t washed my hands, and all the dust and sweat went into your food… what if I had just picked my nose—”

Before she could finish—

Baocheng and Wan Fu both made disgusted faces.

Raised in luxury, the mere thought gave them chills. Especially the Crown Prince—he was already thinking about ordering his servants to scrub clean before doing anything in the future. If something like that actually got into his food, he might just vomit up every meal he ever had.

After scaring the boys, Wan Anran turned her focus to the pot.

It was the same pot used for milk tea.

She poured in the milk and began heating it gently. Unlike last time, she didn’t heat it for long—just until it felt warm. She tested the temperature with her finger; when it was comfortably warm and not scalding, she began pouring in white vinegar and stirring carefully.

Baocheng and Wan Fu leaned in to watch.

Soon, they saw the milk begin to curdle into clumps, separating into a pale milky liquid and soft curds. The next step was to thoroughly strain out the whey. From a large pot of milk, only a fist-sized lump of cheese remained.

Now it was time to knead it…

Wan Anran wiped the sweat from her forehead. Haitao and Zisu stepped forward, ready to take over the task—but Wan Changzai passed over them and turned instead to Baocheng and Wan Fu.

“Your Highness, Ninth Prince—do you want to give it a try?”

Baocheng and Wan Fu were both stunned.

They pointed at themselves. “You want me to do it?”

It was unheard of.

Before either of them could say another word, one of the palace staff behind the Crown Prince grew anxious. Madam Tu, the plump nursemaid, immediately scowled and barked, “Outrageous! Wan Changzai, how dare you let the Crown Prince do such a thing?”

But before she even finished speaking, the Crown Prince had already rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward eagerly.

“Great! Wan Changzai, tell me—what do I do?!”

“You cheated, Crown Prince brother!”

“Nonsense! Wan Fu, you were just too slow!”

Wan Anran played referee, stopping them both.

She tore the cheese in half, shaped it into two small lumps, and placed them into two bowls of warm water.

“Alright, alright—no more fighting. You both get a turn!”

The three of them laughed and played together.

The more fun they had, the more twisted the expressions of the surrounding palace servants became. Especially Madam Tu—watching the delicate and precious Crown Prince obediently follow Wan Changzai’s instructions and knead the cheese like a commoner, she clutched her chest, looking ready to faint on the spot.