◎The Shop◎

Qu You remained silent. This tactic was not unfamiliar to her.

In the dynasties following Da Yin, especially those closer to modern times, emperors often employed such measures—selecting trusted confidants to form independent departments outside the official bureaucracy, wielding authority that bypassed civil and military officials, answering only to the throne.

How did the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard come about? Why did eunuchs later seize power? The tightening grip of centralized authority… she hadn’t expected its origins could be traced back to Da Yin.

In other words, Emperor De’s focus on this case wasn’t about having Zhou Tan or the Three Departments uncover the truth—it was merely an opportunity to further consolidate power.

“The power struggle between the Chancellor and Chief Minister has reached this point, yet His Majesty still doesn’t trust anyone,” Qu You sighed. “When Chancellor Gu was in power, the court was clear and just, and the Remonstrance Academy still had the courage to oppose. Now, I doubt they’d dare.”

“The laws are ambiguously written. The Remonstrance Academy and the Censorate can only offer advice, but whether the emperor adopts it is another matter entirely,” Zhou Tan said.

“His Majesty prioritizes people over law. This case is merely a chosen target,” Qu You gave a bitter smile. “If Elder Fu didn’t foresee this, weaving a trap for you would have been futile. No wonder you’re so calm.”

“I entered his scheme willingly—he can’t remain unscathed,” Zhou Tan glanced outside. “Nowadays, there are fewer and fewer officials who dare to remonstrate…”

He paused mid-sentence, then changed the subject: “It’s not easy to get leave. Let’s visit Bai Ying’s newly opened medicinal cuisine shop.”

Bai Ying’s medicinal cuisine shop wasn’t located on North Street—North Street was a chaotic mix of people, and expensive medicinal dishes wouldn’t find a market there. Previously, Bai Ying lacked the funds to rent a space, but now, with Ai Disheng’s financial backing, the two quickly struck a deal and rented a two-story building by the Bian River.

Qu You had visited once after it opened, but this time, she found the shop unusually quiet. Zhi Ling was in the main hall tallying accounts. Seeing them enter, she hastily set aside the ledger and greeted them with a smile: “Sister Qu is here!”

Before, when Qu You and Zhou Tan’s relationship was distant, she always addressed her as “Sister.” Zhi Ling glanced at Zhou Tan’s expressionless face and bowed respectfully: “Master Zhou.”

“Mm,” Zhou Tan acknowledged her briefly.

Qu You quickly asked: “Where’s your boss? Why are you the only one here today?”

As if on cue, Zhi Ling let out an indignant “humph” at the mention of him: “Don’t even mention it. Although Doctor Bai opened this shop, he dreams of being a hands-off proprietor—earning profits without lifting a finger. This shop is managed by me and Sister Dingxiang. Neither of us is particularly skilled at running a business, so it’s been tough. Recently, we’ve considered asking Boss Ai for advice. Doctor Bai promised to hire help, but he disappeared again, likely wandering the streets treating patients.”

Though she complained, there was no real accusation in her tone. Despite his love for money, Bai Ying still preferred treating the poor after opening the shop—a noble act that left little room for criticism.

Still, the shop was undeniably quiet these days.

Qu You looked around, and Zhi Ling accompanied her as she walked through. “Sister Dingxiang is upstairs reviewing ancient texts and teaching the new apprentices to transcribe medicinal recipes. Sister… Lady Qu, would you like to go up and see her?”

And so, they ascended to the second floor.

The idea of opening a medicinal cuisine shop had originally been Qu You’s suggestion. When Zhou Tan was still recovering from his injuries, she had asked Bai Ying to write several prescriptions. She discovered that the medicinal dishes Bai Ying devised, based on ancient texts, were not only beneficial for health but also quite tasty.

The concept of “nourishing the body through food” wasn’t popular in Da Yin. Since Bai Ying needed money, Qu You casually mentioned the idea, and he became interested, quickly opening the shop.

Though Bai Ying meticulously wrote many recipes tailored to different purposes, medicinal cuisine still fell short compared to regular dishes. As a result, repeat customers were scarce.

Upstairs, Dingxiang was teaching the newly hired assistants how to transcribe recipes. Qu You exchanged a few casual words with her, forming some ideas in her mind.

Bai Ying should indeed explore business strategies with Boss Ai. Since the idea had come from her, she had some thoughts to share if the opportunity arose.

Zhou Tan accompanied her downstairs. After taking a few steps, he tugged gently on her hem. Confused, Qu You looked up and saw two guards standing by the entrance, heads bowed.

Evidently, someone of importance had arrived at the shop.

She immediately fell silent, glancing down through the gap. She saw Zhi Ling carefully attending to an elegant and noble guest. After a moment’s thought, she whispered in surprise: “This looks like… the Crown Prince’s Consort.”

Previously, at the banquet hosted by the Gao family, Qu You had caught only a distant glimpse of the Crown Prince’s Consort but remembered her vividly. Consort Li Yuanjun, though born into a military family, possessed an unusually delicate demeanor, resembling fragile dodder vines. She stayed close to Princess Changping, bowing her head obediently and speaking little.

“With the Crown Prince’s Consort here, I won’t go downstairs,” Zhou Tan murmured softly. “Do you want to greet her?”

After some hesitation, Qu You decided to descend.

When the Crown Prince’s Consort saw her coming down the stairs, she called out tentatively in surprise: “Madam of the Ministry of Justice?”

“I pay my respects to Your Highness.”

Qu You bowed slightly, surprised that the Consort still remembered her face.

“How come you’re here as well?” The Consort gently supported her arm and helped her rise. “Is Master of the Ministry not with you?”

The Consort was dignified and gentle, her words soft and refined. Though her appearance was only average, her every movement exuded the grace and etiquette expected of a woman from a noble household. Qu You felt a surge of admiration and respectfully replied: “I often visit this place. If Your Highness desires anything, I can help make the selection.”

“That would be wonderful,” the Consort said warmly, linking arms with her as they strolled among the wooden plaques inscribed with medicinal recipes. “Lately, I’ve been feeling an oppressive discomfort in my chest. The physicians in the palace aren’t skilled in this area, and it feels inappropriate to trouble the imperial doctors. A few days ago, Yunyue recommended this place when she visited me.”

Qu You accompanied her in selecting items, finding that Bai Ying’s wooden plaques were arranged haphazardly, listing only the names of the medicinal dishes and their intended uses. Choosing from them proved quite challenging.

She patiently browsed through the recipes with the Consort, even sharing a few lighthearted remarks (some tips on dealing with difficult mentors), which greatly amused the Consort. In the end, the Consort selected three sets of recipes and purchased some ointments and dried goods.

Since royal households rarely dined out, the Consort didn’t stay for a meal. However, she parted reluctantly, inviting Qu You to visit her palace for a gathering another day. Before leaving, Qu You retrieved a newly transcribed list of food compatibility charts from Dingxiang and presented it to the Consort as a gift.

As Qu You ascended the stairs again, she found Zhou Tan sipping a bowl of chicken soup, carefully rolling up his sleeves as he savored it. Seeing her approach, he handed her a spoon. Just as she sat down, she heard Zhou Tan ask pensively: “What do you think of the Crown Prince’s Consort?”

Qu You immediately glanced around and noticed that Zhou Tan had discreetly dismissed everyone from the second-floor hall. The closest people nearby were He San and her two young maids, standing guard at the staircase entrance.

“The Crown Prince’s Consort doesn’t seem to fit the image of someone from a military family,” Qu You said cautiously after much thought. “She resembles the daughter of a cultured official—refined and dignified.”

Zhou Tan chuckled softly. His movements while drinking the soup were graceful, not a drop of oil staining his lips. Sitting so close to him, Qu You couldn’t help but think of the phrase “a feast for the eyes.” Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she took a handkerchief and dabbed at her lips.

“I’ve known the Crown Prince for a long time. Based on his personality, he wouldn’t favor someone like the Consort,” Zhou Tan said. “This marriage was unexpected. Chancellor Gao, who once served as the Crown Prince’s tutor, had deep ties with the royal family. At one point, the marriage between Miss Gao and the Crown Prince was nearly finalized. However, the Consort is a cousin from the Crown Prince’s maternal family—the only girl of her generation—and coincidentally fell into the water, where the Crown Prince rescued her. It naturally led to her becoming the Crown Prince’s Consort.”

“Wouldn’t the Emperor worry if the Chancellor formed ties with the Crown Prince through marriage?” Qu You asked, puzzled.

“At the time, the Chancellor held no real power and only served as a tutor,” Zhou Tan explained. “It was after this marriage arrangement fell through that the Emperor promoted the Chancellor to his current position, placing him in opposition to Fu Qingnian.”

“Ah… So it seems interesting. Was this match orchestrated by the Li family to preserve their glory, or was it the Emperor’s deliberate interference to prevent the Crown Prince from forming alliances?” Qu You lifted the teapot and poured Zhou Tan a cup of tea. The infusion, likely rose petals, appeared rich and vibrant in the white jade lotus-shaped teacup.

Zhou Tan took a sip, detecting a hint of sourness.

“No one knows for sure. However…” Zhou Tan paused, dipping his finger into the water and writing the character “caution” on the table.

“The Chancellor is a virtuous minister.”

Qu You understood the unspoken meaning behind his enigmatic statement.

His willingness to attend the autumn banquet at the Gao residence revealed much. In Zhou Tan’s eyes, Gao Ze was upright and incorruptible, though not without ambition—a man who could be considered a righteous official.

The Chancellor was a virtuous minister, but the Crown Prince was not destined to be a wise ruler.

Just as Qu You pieced together the implications of Zhou Tan’s words, she heard He San cough softly. A familiar voice echoed from downstairs: “What? Master Zhou and Madam are here?”

Another unexpected voice chimed in: “Xiaobai is here?”

Bai Ying had returned together with Ai Disheng.

It seemed their relationship had grown unexpectedly close.

Surprised, Qu You descended the stairs to greet them. Zhou Tan raised an eyebrow at Ai Disheng, who immediately darted to his side: “Xiaobai, it’s rare to see you away from the Ministry of Justice. Today, let Doctor Bai treat us to drinks!”

“This is a medicinal cuisine shop—where do you expect to find alcohol? Are you planning to get drunk on ginseng-infused wine?” Bai Ying retorted. “You should be the one treating us.”

Zhou Tan tilted his head and looked at Qu You, unexpectedly agreeing. Zhi Ling and Dingxiang dismissed the servants and hung a “closed” sign at the entrance. Watching their actions, Qu You turned to Bai Ying: “If you remain so indifferent to this shop, it might not last much longer.”

“Exactly! I’ve been worrying about this lately!” Bai Ying slapped his thigh dramatically, looking distressed. “That’s why I ran into Boss Ai on North Street today and immediately invited him over for advice.”

Zhi Ling cleared a larger table for the group, smiling as she ushered everyone to sit: “Doctor Bai knows nothing about running a business, and neither do Sister Dingxiang and I. Boss Ai, we’ll have to rely on your expertise. Earlier, the Crown Prince’s Consort graced us with her presence, and it was thanks to Madam’s patience that we managed to satisfy her—otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it alone.”

“My apologies, my apologies,” Bai Ying said with a grin, clasping his hands in a gesture of apology.

Qu You rested her chin on her hand, glancing around the room. “No need for formalities. We hope Boss Ai can offer some solutions today. Otherwise, the silver you’ve earned from Zhou Tan and me will soon be lost to bankruptcy.”