The Tofu Queen: A Modern Woman's Ancient Kingdom Journey

He Congjun leaned back against his chair, his voice laced with amusement. "Seems I'll need to send some of my guards to queue up next time. It's a first for me to hear that even the roughest maids in my household were outmatched by a crowd of girls."

Princess He Linglong covered her mouth, chuckling softly. "Let's leave it for tomorrow."

But to everyone's surprise, including the ladies and madams of the capital, the famous bath powder stall did not appear the next day!

The absence left many women flustered. After much frantic inquiry, they finally learned—through a slip of the tongue from someone involved in the shop's preparations—that a proper storefront was being set up. Only then did they relax, though some muttered that they could miss a meal, but going without bath powder was unthinkable.

Once they had experienced the refreshing, clean feeling of using the powder, no one wanted to go back to their old routines.

Meanwhile, the center of all this commotion, Jiang Huaiyu, lounged in a comfortable taishi chair in her courtyard, enjoying the rare tranquility.

Nearby, Xiaocao was diligently practicing her calligraphy. Once she finished a sheet, she brought it over and read it aloud to Sugar Bun, her tiny voice soft and clear.

"Xiaocao !"

"Yes, madam?" Xiaocao quickly set down her brush and skipped to Jiang Huaiyu's side, responding crisply.

Jiang Huaiyu yawned, waving lazily. "How many times have I told you not to be so formal? It's exhausting to hear." Back in her modern life, as much as she loved traditional culture, she had never dealt with such convoluted manners.

Xiaocao blinked her wide, bright eyes, her newly plump cheeks making her look lively and adorable. "But all the important families have big maids, and they're always clever and capable. I want to be like them—a proper big maid for Madam!"

Although their household consisted only of Jiang Huaiyu, Sugar Bun, and Xiaocao, the girl's aspirations were grand.

Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but laugh, her drowsiness chased away by Xiaocao's earnest expression. Still, she felt a pang of sympathy for the girl. "Finish one more sheet of calligraphy, and I'll teach you how to make red-braised pork—fatty but not greasy, and it melts in your mouth. It's delicious!"

Xiaocao's face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. She nearly bounced off to start, but remembering her lofty ambitions, she slowed her steps and assumed a more composed demeanor, mimicking the elegance of a senior maid.

Sugar Bun, sitting in Jiang Huaiyu's lap, called out happily, "Mama!"

Jiang Huaiyu looked down, her smile widening at the sight of her son's tiny, pearly teeth just starting to show. No matter what, she couldn't get over how adorable he was. She played with him for a while until his laughter rang out, pure and carefree, before finally giving him a break.

That evening's dinner was simple yet satisfying—red-braised pork with white rice and a side of stir-fried greens. Sugar Bun, too young for the feast, stuck to his usual milk porridge.

After the meal, Jiang Huaiyu had a sudden idea. She decided to take Xiaocao and Sugar Bun out for a stroll.

It was her first time exploring the city at night, and she was eager to see how it looked after sunset. Pocketing some silver and copper coins, she stepped out, crossing narrow alleys until she emerged onto the main street. It was far from dim—every household had hung lanterns outside, their soft light illuminating the path.

By the time they reached the western part of the city, the streets were ablaze with vibrant light.

"If you see anything you like, let me know," Jiang Huaiyu said, taking in the lively scene with a smile. The warmth and bustle made her feel as if she had finally settled, no longer a wandering soul adrift in an unfamiliar world.

Xiaocao's face was flushed with excitement, but she tried to maintain a serious expression. She glanced around cautiously, declaring, "Madam, stay close. I'll protect you!"

Jiang Huaiyu nearly laughed aloud. At Xiaocao's height—barely reaching her waist—who was protecting whom?

Street vendors lined both sides of the road, their goods illuminated by hanging lanterns. The occasional cool breeze carried the scents of roasted snacks and fresh flowers, lifting Jiang Huaiyu's spirits.

"If only there were some shaved ice," she murmured. Even with the refreshing breeze, it was still summer, and the heat was relentless. Though the snacks looked tempting, she found herself missing the vibrant variety of a modern-night market.

"Shaved ice?" Xiaocao tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What's that, madam?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled. "Did you ever see snow when you lived near the border?"

Xiaocao nodded quickly. "Yes, but it's so cold it freezes you stiff!"

"For sure," Jiang Huaiyu agreed. "But shaved ice is like a pile of soft, fluffy snow. You drizzle fruit juice, cream, or syrup over it. One bite, and it's cold and sweet—absolutely delightful."

Xiaocao's eyes grew as round as saucers, her expression the picture of wonder.

But before she could respond, two stout women appeared in front of them, blocking their path like immovable towers.

"Our young mistress has invited you," one of them said in a sharp, almost grating tone, glancing meaningfully toward a cosmetics shop down the street.

Following her gaze, Jiang Huaiyu saw two young women inside, both delicate and well-dressed, browsing powders and rouges.

"I don't know her," Jiang Huaiyu said flatly. "I'm not going."

The two maids frowned, their imposing figures unmoving. One of them added with a pointed glance at Sugar Bun, "Our mistress is extending an invitation. It would be best if you came with us."

Jiang Huaiyu's eyes narrowed slightly. The arrogance of servants in wealthy households never ceased to amaze her.

"Let me guess," she said, her tone cool. "If I don't go, you won't let me leave?"

Before the maids could respond, one of the young women from the shop hurried over, her tone impatient. "Step aside!"

The maids instantly moved to stand behind her, bowing their heads.

Jiang Huaiyu gave the young woman—clearly their mistress—a calm look but said nothing. She wasn't inclined to engage with spoiled brats.

The girl, however, seemed slightly flustered under Jiang Huaiyu's steady gaze. After a moment of hesitation, she blurted, "I heard you're opening a bath powder shop?"

"You've heard wrong," Jiang Huaiyu replied evenly. "I've sold the recipe to someone else. The shop isn't my concern."

A collaborator's job, she thought, was to take the heat. This girl reeked of entitlement, and Jiang Huaiyu had no patience for unnecessary trouble. She smiled faintly, already prepared to shift the burden onto Qin Ziqin.

The girl frowned, clearly displeased. "If that's the case..."

"Mm?" Jiang Huaiyu prompted, her voice calm but unyielding.

Before the girl could come up with an answer, Jiang Huaiyu turned on her heel and walked away, pulling Xiaocao along.

When she finally arrived home, she couldn't help but laugh as she instructed Xiaocao, "Remember those two girls from earlier. If you ever run into anyone like them again, stay far away."

Xiaocao tilted her head in confusion, but she nodded earnestly. "Yes, madam!"

"You silly girl," Jiang Huaiyu teased, ruffling her hair. "Not just them—avoid anyone with a similar personality."

"But why?" Xiaocao asked, her wide-eyed innocence making Jiang Huaiyu smile despite herself.

"One of them lacks sense," Jiang Huaiyu explained. "The other? Far too cunning. It's safer to steer clear of both."

She glanced at Sugar Bun, his tiny hands grasping at her sleeve, and felt a weight settle in her heart. For his sake, she would need to stay sharp.