“How dare you still come to the South City!”
The heat came unusually early this year. May had just begun, and Xiajing was already abnormally warm. The scorching sun drove people to shed their heavy clothes day by day. However, as the heat gradually intensified, the street markets grew richer with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Zucchini shot up tall sprouts, deep purple eggplants weighed down the scales, and vibrant green dragon whisker vegetables and cool, fragrant cucumbers appeared.
This was the perfect season for food lovers to indulge. Even eating a different dish every day wouldn’t be enough.
Every shop was selling seasonal produce, and vendors from outside the city carried baskets of dairy and drinks, eager to secure business before neighbors stole their customers. As soon as the sun pierced the clouds, East Cross Street was already bustling with loud cries.
“Sweet melons, bitter melons, cucumbers, eggplants, chives, and scallions…”
An old farmer carried a basket and walked through the alleys, calling out. Most vendors sang their chants melodiously, often bringing along their daughters to sing with them, which attracted more customers. This old farmer, however, looked worried and weak-voiced. After passing through two streets without selling a single vegetable, he finally rested under the awning of a nearby restaurant, sweat tightening his back under the rising sun.
Yu Jinnian had been tending to the young master of the Xue family at the neighboring inn. After changing his medicine, he noticed the newly grown flesh beginning to heal, and the wound gradually closing. He applied a powder made from dragon’s blood, frankincense, angelica, licorice, astragalus, and ginseng, called “Healing Muscle Powder”, and instructed Su Ting to use it. He also prescribed a few doses of blood-circulating tonic soup. Finally, he permitted the young master to use crutches and move about.
The Xue family had already prepared a carriage to take their beloved child home. As a token of gratitude, they gifted Yu Jinnian a generous red envelope and promised to celebrate his recovery at *Sanyu Restaurant* in the future.
Yu Jinnian, though not overly greedy, was not so aloof as to reject money handed directly to him. Happily accepting the consultation fee, he stepped out of the door, only to find his path blocked by a basket of vegetables. He looked around, about to ask whose things were in the way, when an old farmer ran out, apologizing profusely. Yu Jinnian glanced into the basket and stopped him with a smile.
“Uncle, your vegetables look fresh. How much are you selling them for?”
The old farmer hesitated, then hurriedly set down his baskets and introduced each item.
Yesterday, a servant had come from a noble family to Sanyu Restaurant, saying they wanted to hold a birthday feast for their child the next afternoon. They specifically requested “Steamed Delight” and “Mixed Soup”. Both were northwest dishes, rarely favored in Xiajing, especially in the summer heat, as they were made with mutton and had warming properties.
But since the customer had made the request, Yu Jinnian didn’t argue. These dishes weren’t particularly challenging, but he still needed to prepare the ingredients early. To balance the heat of the main dishes, Yu Jinnian planned to serve some light and refreshing vegetarian dishes. These would not only add bright colors but also harmonize the meal’s flavors, ensuring the guests wouldn’t leave feeling overheated—a situation that could tarnish Sanyu Restaurant’s reputation.
Yu Jinnian weighed the old farmer’s vegetables in his hands. The melons and eggplants were fresh, crisp, and perfectly cared for, far better than the flawed produce sold at some stalls. Without bargaining, he generously handed over a few pieces of silver, buying out both baskets entirely.
The old farmer, overjoyed by his luck, wiped the sweat from his palms and carefully stored the silver in a cloth purse sewn from old clothes. Pressing it against his chest, he turned toward the west side of the city.
Curious, Yu Jinnian asked, “Uncle, is something wrong outside the city lately? Why do you look so troubled?”
“Ah, don’t even mention it!” The old farmer sighed bitterly and shook his head. “I caught a little illness the other day and stayed home. But the vegetables couldn’t wait, so my wife went to sell them for me. She sold them all, but—who’d expect it?—in broad daylight, a thief snatched her purse! You say we toil so hard on those three plots of land, only for someone to steal everything in an instant. We had nowhere to turn for justice. Can we do anything but be more careful next time?”
Yu Jinnian called his workers to carry the purchased vegetables to the kitchen. He handed the old farmer a bowl of sour plum soup to cool off, personally helping him lift the basket back onto his shoulder. “I heard the new magistrate outside the West City is strict and capable. He’s brought order to the western counties, and the area is said to be so peaceful that people don’t even lock their doors at night.”
The old farmer sipped the sweet and sour drink, the chilled porcelain bowl cooling his palms. Unlike ice, it didn’t hurt the body but dispelled half his summer fatigue. Many shops sold drinks during summer, but none compared to this bowl in his hands. He couldn’t explain why; it just felt refreshing. Finishing the drink in a few gulps, he thanked Yu Jinnian, brushed off the dust from his clothes, and said helplessly, “No matter how strict the officials are, they can’t catch every thief under the sky! For petty things like our few coins, how could we trouble such big officials?”
“That’s true.” Yu Jinnian muttered softly, “It’s indeed difficult to achieve a world without thieves.”
The old farmer grumbled as he rubbed his hands angrily, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening. “But my wife said that the thief was dressed in rags, probably a refugee from somewhere. He wasn’t very old, about the same height as you, young boss, and there was a black mole, about the size of a soybean, behind his left knee pit. Tomorrow, when I’m selling vegetables, I’ll look around—maybe I’ll catch him!”
Yu Jinnian quickly reminded him, “You must take care of your health.”
After speaking, he seemed to recall something, holding his head thoughtfully for a moment.
The old farmer, now cheerful from the sale and grateful to Yu Jinnian for buying all his vegetables, dug through his basket before leaving and took out a small wooden box with a lid, stuffing it into Yu Jinnian’s hands. “Young boss, you’re kind. This box of mulberries was picked early this morning by my wife from our tree. She insisted I bring them to quench my thirst on the way. I haven’t touched them yet. If you don’t mind, take them!”
Yu Jinnian refused, “How could I accept this? The vegetables weren’t worth much, and now you’re giving me mulberries too.”
“These are worthless. The tree in front of our house bears them in abundance—one grab, and you have a whole handful! If we don’t eat them, the birds will peck them all in a few days!”
Hearing this, Yu Jinnian reluctantly accepted the box. Back inside the restaurant, he poured the mulberries out and returned the box. He also filled a small bamboo flask with sour plum soup, tied a red string handle, and handed it back to the farmer. “Take this back for your wife to taste; she worked hard picking those mulberries.”
Returning to the kitchen, Yu Jinnian soaked the mulberries in salt water. He then mixed sugar and eggs into flour, kneading the dough and leaving it to rise in a wooden basin. He planned to personally visit the southern meat market to purchase some lamb ribs and leg meat.
Ever since the commotion at the Hot Valley Palace, rumors in the capital had spread like wildfire. Sanyu Restaurant, having opened less than a month ago, had been pushed into the spotlight. The place drew all kinds of customers—those truly there for the food were in the minority, while most were curious noble children trying to figure out Yu Jinnian’s background.
Fortunately, the restaurant had the backing of the Ji family. Even those with ill intentions could only stop at inquiries. Yu Jinnian detested such matters. Today, Min Mao was off somewhere idling, Ji Hong was on official duties, and everyone else was busy. Left with nothing to do, he found an excuse to slip out, lest people treat him like a monkey for display.
From Sanyu Restaurant to the southern part of the city, he wandered leisurely, taking over an hour to reach the meat market. Even from afar, he could smell the metallic tang of fresh blood. All around were slabs of meat hanging upside down, dripping crimson. Some stalls also sold blood tofu, with tubs of red liquid placed by the street. Strings of pale, fatty meat hung overhead, an unrestrained display of bloodiness.
However, amidst the pungent scent of blood, there was a faint fragrance of mugwort in the air, slightly cleansing the heavy atmosphere.
Since he was already at the meat market, he decided to buy a few more things. For some reason, the atmosphere at Jinyouting had felt unusual these past few days. The young maidservants, who were usually so lively, now walked around with pursed lips and hesitant expressions. Their silence made the large courtyard feel eerily quiet.
With the *Bathing Orchid Festival* (Duanwu) approaching on the fifth day of the fifth month, Yu Jinnian planned to make horn-shaped zongzi for the household. It was a day of abundant yang energy, and he wanted everyone to celebrate the festival joyfully.
The meat market, heavy with the energy of slaughter, was prone to attracting disease. Many butchers had already hung mugwort leaves outside their homes and shops to ward off evil spirits and dispel the bloody air. During the Duanwu Festival, it was also said that the Five Heavenly Emperors would inspect people’s deeds to judge their blessings and punishments. As a result, shops selling blessing candles and paper ingots were booming, and “Five Poison Talismans” were in high demand.
The *Five Poison Talismans* weren’t particularly rare; they featured patterns of centipedes, scorpions, snakes, lizards, and toads either painted, stamped, or cut onto red paper. Some included gourd symbols for additional protection, which people pasted on doorways or above beds to ward off poisonous creatures. Intrigued by the bustle, Yu Jinnian bought a thick stack of talismans and a few toad-shaped charms woven with colorful threads, hoping for a bit of good fortune.
Two small children ran up to him, singing: “Wheat turns yellow, apricots turn ripe, hang mugwort, and the house smells nice!”
Finding the children adorable, Yu Jinnian gave each a toad charm. This, of course, drew more children to crowd around him. By the time he came to his senses, his basket of charms was empty, and a few disappointed children stared at him with pitiful eyes. Unable to resist their pleading gazes, he bought a few more charms. Just as he turned to distribute them, he suddenly felt his arm weighed down—
A hand gripped his wrist firmly, pulling him out of the dense crowd of children.
“How dare you show up in the South City again?! And causing such a commotion!”
A scolding voice exploded beside his ear. Yu Jinnian looked up in confusion. The newcomer wore a plain long robe, his figure lean, accompanied by an honest-looking old servant. Yu Jinnian blinked in confusion for a few moments before recognizing him. His eyes widened in surprise, and he laughed. “Well, well, isn’t this Scholar Yan? What a coincidence! Are you here to buy talismans too?”
The man was none other than *Yan Rong*, the self-proclaimed “upright gentleman.” If not for bumping into him today, Yu Jinnian would have completely forgotten about him.
Compared to their encounter in Xin’an County, Yan Rong looked even thinner, though he still frowned in that familiar way, a sight that brought a sense of nostalgia. Dragging Yu Jinnian to a quieter spot, he scolded, “Why are you here instead of staying at Sanyu Restaurant under Ji Shulan’s protection? What are you doing in the South City?”
Yu Jinnian paused, then asked in return, “How do you know about Sanyu Restaurant? Have you been there?”
“…” Yan Rong was momentarily stunned, stammered a few words, and finally gave up, blurting out, “It’s none of your business how I know.”
Yu Jinnian snickered. “You’re funny. We may not be close friends, but we are old acquaintances, at least. Isn’t it odd for you to speak so sharply, as if you’ve swallowed chili? My restaurant has a new sour plum drink, unlike anything you’ve tasted. You should have a few bowls to cool off.”
Yan Rong retorted awkwardly, “It’s just plum juice with bergamot and aged tangerine peel. Don’t act like it’s something extraordinary.”
Yu Jinnian’s eyes curved with amusement. Yan Rong instantly realized he’d been tricked into revealing his knowledge of the drink. Frustrated, he released Yu Jinnian’s arm and glared at him. “Why should I care what you do? I hope someone catches you and skins you alive.”
Yu Jinnian quickly caught up, suppressing his laughter. “Master Yan! Don’t go! Tell me, why can’t I come to the South City? Are there monsters here waiting to eat me?”
Yan Rong stopped, turned back, and stared at him. “It’s not your doing?”
Yu Jinnian frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Yan Rong explained, “The young master of Fugui Zhai was injured a few days ago. His servants are carrying portraits all over the city, searching for the culprit.” As he spoke, the old servant pulled a sheet of thin paper from his sleeve and unfolded it for Yu Jinnian to see. “Look carefully. Doesn’t this look just like you?”
Hearing *Fugui Zhai*, Yu Jinnian immediately thought of *Xue Ding*. But the mention of a portrait piqued his curiosity. Leaning in, he took a closer look and scoffed. “Master Yan, are you blind? How does this look like me? Can’t you see that huge dark patch on his face?”
Yan Rong clicked his tongue and motioned for the old servant to bring out another drawing. This one was clearly a refined version of the first. The heavy facial mark was omitted, allowing the focus to shift to the man’s actual features. While the portrait was hand-drawn and had natural discrepancies from real life, at a glance, there was indeed some resemblance to Yu Jinnian.
Yu Jinnian fell silent.
Yan Rong crossed his arms. “What? Can’t deny it now? Should I guide you to the authorities?”
Yu Jinnian lifted his face defiantly. “I find you to be such a strange man. A moment ago, you looked concerned about me being caught, and now you’re stabbing me with words. Even the courtesans at Red Pavilion aren’t as fickle as you. That Xue boy runs wild in the streets. Isn’t it normal for someone to take issue with him? What would you do if it were really me? Turn me in?”
Hearing Yu Jinnian’s tone, Yan Rong’s expression darkened. He seemed to suspect the matter truly involved Yu Jinnian. Lowering his arms, he stared at him for a long time, then quickly glanced around. Dragging Yu Jinnian into a nearby teahouse private room, he dismissed the attendants.
Just as Yan Rong opened his mouth to question him further, Yu Jinnian beat him to it, speaking lazily. “Relax. It wasn’t me.”
“…” Yan Rong was still contemplating his next move when Yu Jinnian’s casual response nearly made him choke on his tea. “Yu Jinnian! Which part of what you say is ever true?”
Yu Jinnian sipped the newly served flower tea and replied lazily, “It’s true. Truer than true. I was the one who treated Xue Ding’s wound myself. Do you think I’d go to the trouble of planting a fake mark on my face, stabbing him, and then meticulously healing him afterward? Do I look like I have nothing better to do?”
Yan Rong choked again. “…Mind your language.”
Yu Jinnian smiled mischievously. “Alright, I forgot Master Yan is a refined gentleman. So, Master Yan, since this trouble wasn’t caused by me, can I leave now? I still have to buy meat and make zongzi for Duanwu Festival. We all have homes to return to. You should hurry back to accompany your wife instead of sharing tea with a third-rate cook like me.”
Yan Rong paused mid-sip and leaned back in his chair. “I waste my energy worrying over you, and this is the thanks I get? Fine, go! You’re nothing but a bother!”
Yu Jinnian turned to leave but paused halfway. “Aside from me, is someone else giving you trouble?”
“Of course! It’s your Ji Shulan’s childhood friend.” Yan Rong’s face darkened. “The other day, in the imperial study, he publicly defended a notorious eunuch. The emperor was furious, but with his silver tongue, he managed to calm His Majesty, only getting the eunuch thirty blows and a month of confinement. Now the court is in turmoil, and everyone’s speculating whether he’s aligned himself with the eunuch faction. I only advised him to protect his reputation, and he mocked me for my trouble.”
Yan Rong frowned further. “Min Xuefei has always been smooth yet upright. With the Ji family rising and Ji Shulan trusted by the emperor, this should be his chance to make his mark. Why would he entangle himself with such figures? Isn’t he practically inseparable from Ji Shulan?”
Yu Jinnian paused for a moment and muttered, “I wouldn’t know.”
“Of course. Why am I telling you all this? You wouldn’t understand.” Yan Rong grumbled a few more words and waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it. Just go, and don’t let the Xue family accidentally drag you in. I’m not running errands to warn you again!”
Yu Jinnian picked up his little basket, smiling as he turned to leave. “Then you should come to Sanyu Restaurant sometime. I’ll count this tea against a meal on me.”
Yan Rong muttered, “As if I’m short of one meal…”
When he turned back, the young man had already left, leaving only a toad-shaped charm of colorful silk threads on the table.
—
Yu Jinnian returned to Sanyu Restaurant with a heap of goods, still mulling over his conversation with Yan Rong. On the surface, nothing seemed significant, yet each piece held weight, leaving him something to ponder. Only when he stepped into the restaurant did he realize he’d forgotten to buy bamboo leaves for the zongzi, so he sent a worker back to fetch some.
He headed to the kitchen, cleaned and broke down the lamb meat, then set it to marinate. He grabbed some ginger, pepper, tsaoko, and aged tangerine peel, tossing them into the pan with the pre-prepared apricot paste and pine pollen. Stirring over medium heat until the fragrance bloomed, he seasoned it with salt and soy sauce.
With the sauce prepared, Yu Jinnian finished a few other dishes for waiting diners. When the time was right, he began making the *Steamed Delight*.
This dish, rich in western frontier boldness, was far simpler compared to the intricate, sculpted presentations of Central Plains cuisine. He layered the sliced lamb in bowls, topped it with assorted vegetables, then drizzled it with the fragrant apricot pine pollen sauce. Steamed for half an hour, the result was tender, flavorful meat—its gaminess mellowed by the pine pollen, making it rich but not greasy. Yu Jinnian had also tweaked the recipe slightly to better suit Daxia’s palate.
Once everything in the kitchen was handled, and the private dining rooms were cleaned and ready, Yu Jinnian retreated to the back courtyard to sort beans. He couldn’t help but recall the days in Xin’an County when Ji Hong had pouted while picking beans for him. That, he thought, was true leisure…
His reminiscence was interrupted by a worker calling, “Master Yu, the honored guest has arrived!”
Yu Jinnian quickly set the beans aside, washed his hands, and stepped outside to greet the guest. From the carriage descended a robust middle-aged man clad in practical riding gear, radiating an imposing presence. Yu Jinnian found him oddly familiar but couldn’t immediately place him.
“Master Yu, my son is indebted to you for your help last time!” The man wasted no time, offering a grand bow as he entered.
With that reminder, Yu Jinnian suddenly recalled who he was—this nobleman with a fondness for lamb was none other than the renowned *General Lu*.