Yan Qiushu smiled, “Let’s find something delicious!”

Dongdong excitedly declared, “I’m coming too!” Wan’er and Shen Pingyu hesitated briefly, but they followed after Yan Qiushu invited them to help.

The group returned with various items. Their lively activity roused everyone else from their drowsiness. Xie Qingyun asked, “Ah Shu, what are you doing?”

“Making something delicious!” Dongdong confidently replied.

Everyone chuckled, and Yan Qiushu agreed with a laugh, “Yes, let’s make something delicious. Wan’er, hand me the pot.”

Wan’er quickly handed over a small iron milk pot, and Yan Qiushu placed it over the charcoal stove. She instructed Shen Pingyu to pour some oil into the pot. Then, she took a handful of corn kernels from Dongdong and added them to the pot, stirring with chopsticks. 

The children eagerly leaned in to watch. Even the usually composed Shen Pingyu couldn’t resist hunching over to see. Soon, a popping sound came from the pot, and a corn kernel transformed into fluffy popcorn!

Wan’er was startled and jumped back with a little scream. Dongdong and Shen Pingyu, though surprised, were fascinated and moved closer, exclaiming, “Wow, why did it explode like that?”

Yan Qiushu covered the pot with a lid, which disappointed the children since they could no longer see inside. The popping sounds gradually became louder and more frequent, until they finally quieted down. She took the pot off the stove and opened it, revealing a pot full of fluffy popcorn.

“Wow!” the children exclaimed in amazement.

When Yan Qiushu looked up, she noticed everyone had gathered around her. Mrs. Xiao, supported by Xiao Huaiyu, watched curiously.

Seeing how the small handful of corn had expanded into a full pot, Mrs. Xiao asked with interest, “What is this?”

Yan Qiushu explained, “It’s popcorn! It pops when heated and makes a great snack. I thought we needed something fun, so I made this. I’ll add sugar to it to make it taste even better.”

She picked up a piece with chopsticks and offered it to Mrs. Xiao, who tasted it and found it a bit plain, but still interesting. Xiao Huaiqi also tried it and praised Yan Qiushu for her ingenuity.

Yan Qiushu clarified, “I didn’t invent this. Many people already know how to make it, but without added flavor, it isn’t popular. You just need the right type of corn with thin skins.”

She mentioned that in rural areas, dried corn sometimes pops on its own when left on low heat, but farmers didn’t usually add sugar to enhance the taste. Wealthier families also rarely made it, so it remained a lesser-known treat.

After Mrs. Xiao had a taste, Dongdong and the others eagerly reached out for their share. Yan Qiushu handed one to each of them, also giving some to Xie Qingyun and the others. It was the first time they were treated like children, which surprised them. Xiao Huaiwu impatiently popped one into her mouth, chewed twice, and said, “It really doesn’t taste good.” 

Xiao Huaiyu took a small bite like Wan’er did, and her eyes curved with delight, “But it’s quite interesting.” 

Yan Qiushu switched to a small milk pot and confidently said, “The taste will improve soon. Dongdong, bring the sugar over.” 

“On it!” Dongdong, already used to following orders, ran over on his short legs to fetch it. Yan Qiushu took the sugar, poured it into the pot, and set it on the charcoal stove to heat up again. 

Soon, the sugar melted, and she stirred it with chopsticks until the color darkened. When it got deep enough, she called, “Ping Yu, help me pour in the popcorn.” 

Shen Pingyu quickly and carefully poured in all the popcorn. Yan Qiushu closed the lid and shook the pot vigorously to make sure every piece of popcorn was coated in caramel. 

A sizzling sound came from the pot, and Wan’er’s nose twitched as she whispered, “It smells sweet!” 

“Yes! It’s sweet!” Yan Qiushu replied. She opened the lid, releasing a cloud of sweet steam that filled the room. The onlookers could all smell it—a unique sweetness beyond ordinary sugar. 

“Can we eat it now?” Xie Qingyun asked curiously. 

“Yes, go ahead.” Yan Qiushu handed them out one by one. “Do you like it?” 

Everyone took a piece, and after just one bite, Xie Qingyun and the other women’s eyes lit up. Sweet treats have a way of making people happy. This popcorn, with only a hint of caramel sweetness and its light texture, was perfect. 

Mrs. Xiao nodded, “It’s good. The sweetness is just right.” 

“More, more!” Xiao Huaiwu eagerly reached out and grabbed a handful without worrying about the heat. 

Seeing their enjoyment, Yan Qiushu felt satisfied. She asked the children to bring their plates and served them each some, sending them back to their seats. 

The group that had been crowding around the charcoal stove spread out, returning to their couches. Soon, the room was filled with the sound of crunching popcorn. Dongdong grabbed a handful and stuffed it in his mouth quickly, while Wan’er ate piece by piece with grace, and Shen Pingyu ate slowly and elegantly. 

Mrs. Xiao and the others were both surprised and delighted by the treat. Even Xiao Huaiqi, who typically avoided sweets, couldn’t resist. He took a plate and enjoyed it, happily remarking, “Not bad! It’s sweet and delicious!” 

Yan Qiushu held a plate of popcorn herself, tossing pieces into her mouth as she looked at the rejuvenated Xiao Huaiqi. She smiled in satisfaction. But… she couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in the palace.

As she pondered, hurried footsteps approached, startling her. Xiao Huaiqi and Xiao Huaiwu noticed them first due to their sharp hearing, and when Yan Qiushu heard it, Mrs. Xiao and the others also turned to look. The door to the living room was slightly ajar.

The rapid footsteps slowed as they neared, as if the person didn’t want to disturb them. 

“Creak—” The door opened with a light sound, and a young man cautiously entered, bent over. However, he paused halfway, sniffed the sweet aroma lingering in the air, and looked forward curiously.

Inside, the group was sitting on couches with food in their hands, some still munching away. They all stared at him. 

Xiao Huaiting: “…”

He had hurried in so quickly that he hadn’t realized no one was actually asleep! 

After a moment of confusion, the young man straightened up, cleared his throat, and strode forward with a joyous expression. “The Second Prince is seriously ill, and His Majesty has softened his heart. He summoned us to discuss the prince’s treatment. Now the Second Prince has been named Prince Chang, and his wife has also moved out, though no fiefdom has been assigned yet.” 

“But the palace is chaotic, and the Second Prince still needs to recover, so I was ordered to bring back the eldest grandson to care for him for two days.” 

Xiao Huaiting delivered the news in one breath, then gestured behind him, “Ah Heng, come here!” 

A familiar, thin little boy stepped in. 

Yan Qiushu, who was still processing the news, looked up and recognized the child. She then remembered what Xiao Huaiting had just said. 

The eldest grandson…

So this child, Ah Heng, is the deposed crown prince’s son? 

Yan Qiushu felt a chill down her spine. She couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight’s events were somehow connected to her!

***

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