Breakfast and Mahjong

The next morning, dawn broke gently. Jing Chen was exercising in the courtyard. Little Liuzi stood nearby, watching Jing Chen’s strange movements, yawning repeatedly and dozing off. He sensed that the prince was different somehow, but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

When Jing Chen finished, drenched in sweat, he took the towel Little Liuzi handed him and smiled, asking, “Little Liuzi, how many years have you served me?”

Little Liuzi smiled back, “I entered the palace at six and have followed Your Highness for twelve years.”

Jing Chen’s expression tightened briefly, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes as he stared at Little Liuzi. “Can I trust you?”

Little Liuzi turned pale immediately, kneeling down. “Please judge me fairly, Your Highness. I am utterly loyal to you, without a shred of treachery.”

Little Liuzi was trustworthy—after all, he had been personally chosen by the Empress.

Jing Chen said calmly, “Rise. Because you are loyal, I will not treat you unfairly. From now on, you will be the chief steward of the manor’s internal affairs. Concubine Li Lingli is like me.”

“I will tell you a secret. When I was unconscious in the dungeon, my soul traveled to the underworld.”

“There was no sunlight there, everything was gray and hazy. I saw many strange people and things, and I met Mother. She told me to leave…”

“Then I went to the heavenly realm and met immortals. There were delicacies, fine wines, and splendid clothes. They showed me the celestial scriptures, and I learned many skills…”

“You will understand in time. You are my confidant. I’m telling you this so you know, but do not reveal it to anyone.”

“Come, to the study. Last night I compiled some recipes and cooking techniques into a booklet.”

“Teach them to cook Liu Ma, and make sure it stays secret. Anyone who leaks it will be executed without mercy.”

“Investigate all the maids and servants in the manor thoroughly and carefully. Replace anyone unreliable or disloyal. Remember, loyalty comes first—loyalty to me and to our manor.”

Little Liuzi was stunned, eyes wide. Seeing the elegant tiny script in Jing Chen’s hand, he believed without doubt—knowing the prince hadn’t used a brush since he was nine.

Li Lingli arrived at the manor as promised. Jing Chen took her to the study and explained the brewing methods and principles, even drawing diagrams. He also taught her how to make soap.

Soon, Little Liuzi excitedly called out, “Your Highness, Your Highness’s consort, we’ve done it!”

Li Lingli blushed, puzzled. “Your Highness, done what?”

Jing Chen happily said, “Come, Lingli, let’s try the manor’s breakfast.”

Li Lingli’s face flushed deeply, her voice growing softer, “Your Highness, this is your manor—I haven’t even thought this through yet…”

Jing Chen smiled, gently pinching her nose. “It’s okay. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for life. I will marry no one but you. You can’t escape.”

Li Lingli was embarrassed but secretly delighted.

He then pulled her arm toward the backyard. She feigned resistance a few times, but Jing Chen pretended not to notice and held on tighter.

The table was laden with golden fried dough sticks, fried wheat cakes, boiled dumplings, wontons, steamed dumplings, and spicy noodles—a dazzling variety.

Everyone’s eyes widened in amazement; they had never seen such food before.

They knelt before the prince and princess, but Jing Chen raised his hands lightly. “In other estates, I do not interfere.”

“But here, in the Xiao Yao Manor, first: no kneeling. Second: everyone must eat at the table. These are the manor’s rules.”

Jing Chen told Cook Liu to boil all dishes and utensils with hot water after meals for health's sake.

Jing Chen, Li Lingli, the four sisters Chun, Xia, Qiu, and Dong, along with two guards, sat at the table.

Jing Chen served Li Lingli a bowl of spicy noodles and placed fried dough sticks, wheat cakes, steamed dumplings, and vinegar sauce before her.

Everyone was astonished: was this a mistake? The prince serving his consort? In ancient times, princes were waited on hand and foot; only women served men.

Li Lingli looked at Jing Chen with gentle eyes, tasting the noodles. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Jing Chen quickly asked, “Too spicy? I love spicy food, so I had them add chili oil.”

“A little spicy…”

Jing Chen took half the noodles from her bowl into his own. “Try the others. I’ll have them adjust the spice. I’ll cook for you when I have time!”

Li Lingli tried to stop him, but he was already eating ravenously.

In those days, men were superior to women; couples rarely shared a cup, and women ate only the leftovers of men.

Everyone chatted and laughed, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

Li Lingli was deeply moved. Having been married before and with the White Tiger Star, Jing Chen not only didn’t reject her but treated her with affection.

In the Dayin Dynasty, among nobles and princes, Jing Chen was the first to eat from a woman’s bowl and to serve breakfast to a woman.

How could Li Lingli not be touched? Such things were commonplace in later eras.

Everyone was full, the food delicious beyond words.

Jing Chen had just finished giving Little Liuzi some orders when two guards bowed respectfully, “Subordinates Zhang Meng and Zhao Hu pay respects to the prince and princess.”

“Rise,” Jing Chen gestured.

Zhang Meng and Zhao Hu had square faces, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and sun-darkened skin, exuding integrity and strength—obviously fierce warriors.

Jing Chen felt a favorable impression.

Zhang Meng said, “Your Highness, I sense someone is spying on our manor. There’s a visitor outside requesting to see you.”

Li Lingli worriedly said, “Your Highness just left the palace. Who is it? Shall I go see? We must keep strict watch around the manor to ensure your safety.”

Jing Chen patted her shoulder reassuringly, “It’s alright. Don’t worry, I have it under control.”

He had Zhang Meng and Zhao Hu bring the visitor to the study, standing guard outside.

Following Jing Chen’s instructions, Little Liuzi had already sent for bricklayers, carpenters, and blacksmiths from the city.

The manor’s back hill was being leveled, trees cut down, when suddenly a scream came from the backyard.

Two black mamba snakes had appeared. Black mambas were not native, only found among the Northern tribes, extremely venomous and aggressive.

Jing Chen ordered people to catch the two mambas alive with pitchforks.

Li Lingli calmed everyone and sent maid Xiao Wei back to the marquis’s residence to fetch powder to repel snakes, insects, rats, and ants, sprinkling it around the manor.

To avoid suspicion, the brewing was done in a separate courtyard, guarded by Zhang Meng and Zhao Hu’s trusted men.

Entertainment was scarce in this era. There were many bamboo groves on the hill behind the manor, so Jing Chen had Little Liuzi fetch carpenters and explained the shape of mahjong tiles, asking them to make a few simple sets from bamboo.

After giving these orders, Jing Chen entered the study.

A man knelt before him—sharp-eyed, with defined features and an imposing aura of righteousness.

The man bowed and said, “I am Zhao Yun, paying respects to Your Highness.”

Jing Chen was startled—Zhao Yun?

He helped Zhao Yun to his feet. “What business brings you to me?”

Zhao Yun replied, “Your Highness, I am the chief escort of the Weiyuan Escort Agency. Some time ago, on my way back to the capital from Beiming Pass, I rescued a severely wounded man. We arrived in the capital five days ago. That man entrusted me to deliver a letter to Your Highness.”

Zhao Yun produced a sealed letter from his bosom.

Jing Chen examined it; the wax seal was untouched. He tore it open, stepped back, and read it sideways.

Inside, his emotions surged beneath the surface.

After regaining composure, he told Zhao Yun, “Chief Escort Zhao, this is an old acquaintance of mine. Please take good care of him. I will reward you handsomely. Tell him I am aware, and everything remains as before.”

Jing Chen chatted casually with Zhao Yun, learning that the escort agency had about fifty men. Because Zhao Yun was straightforward and loyal, his life was not easy.

Jing Chen greatly admired Zhao Yun’s character and said thoughtfully, “Chief Zhao, I appreciate you. If you wish to be a wealthy man, I can help.”

“In less than two years, I can ensure that each of you lives without worry.”

“I do not lack men, but talent. A great man in life, a heroic spirit in death. You are still young. If you want a bright future, follow me.”

“You can start recruiting now, at least two hundred men. Train several trusted escort heads and eloquent men.”

“In less than half a month, my new product will shock the entire Dayin Dynasty.”

“Don’t worry about money—you’ll see. I will turn your escort agency into a guild.”

“This matter is for your knowledge and mine only. You understand…”

“It concerns the lives and safety of everyone in my manor.”

“Take your time to think it over. Everyone has their own aspirations. No pressure! As they say, ‘Business not concluded, friendship remains.’”

After Zhao Yun left, Jing Chen took Zhang Meng and Zhao Hu to the separate courtyard in the backyard.

Four large cauldrons had been set up, and the workers were bustling with activity.

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius; alcohol at 78.3 degrees. The current liquor was cloudy and weak, less potent than even modern beer.

Hence the saying of being immune to alcohol no matter how much you drink, or needing to drink hundreds of cups at once.

They only needed to purify the existing liquor by redistilling it twice or thrice, then seal it in jars.

Historical records say distilled spirits only appeared in the Yuan dynasty.

Because controlling the heat was difficult, it required constant attention for twenty-four hours.

The simple bamboo mahjong sets were completed. Jing Chen called Li Lingli, Chunxiang, Qiuxiang, and Dongxiang to a table and taught them the rules.

Women seemed to have a natural knack for mahjong; within less than half an hour, the ladies had mastered it and played with great enthusiasm.

A crowd gathered to watch. Jing Chen asked Dongxiang to bring sunflower seeds, peanuts, fruits, and pastries, reminding everyone to balance work and rest, limiting physical labor to one hour followed by a fifteen-minute break.

Two tables of mahjong were already set up in the yard, filled with laughter and joy.

Jing Chen gave his seat to Dongxiang and told Li Lingli where the recipe book was stored.

The liquor was brewed, but they needed a market. Before his transmigration, Jing Chen had traveled widely and had a good sense of fine cuisine. Opening a tavern should be profitable.

Jing Chen made a simple disguise and, accompanied by Zhang Meng, Zhao Hu, and Little Liuzi, headed toward the southern city.