Chapter 61: A New Idea

Back home, Jiang Huaiyu finally allowed herself to relax. Leaning against the doorframe, she sighed. "The Ninth Princess has such a lively personality, but sometimes she's a bit too lively." The nonstop chatter during the carriage ride had felt like being surrounded by a flock of sparrows chirping in her ears.

As she stepped into her familiar courtyard, she still felt slightly dazed. Now she better understood how He Jinyu had earned her reputation for being headstrong and domineering. Even Jiang, with her considerable patience, had found herself struggling to keep up with the princess's boundless energy.

Xiaocao, standing nearby, chuckled softly. "Madam, you really have a way with people."

Jiang's gaze grew thoughtful. "This isn't because I'm good with people—it's because my endurance is strong."

Later, Aunt Xu approached with a tray. "Madam, tea is ready. Shall I prepare something for dinner?"

"Nothing too elaborate," Jiang replied with a smile. "A simple bowl of noodles will do. And tomorrow morning, make a trip to the market to buy some fresh crabs. Choose the larger ones—they'll do nicely since crabs are cooling and we won't need many."

The people of Dayun weren't particularly fond of crabs, finding their taste too muddy. Only a few with a refined palate truly appreciated their flavor.

"Understood, Madam," Aunt Xu said with a nod before bustling off.

Once the courtyard quieted, Jiang went to her room and picked up her son, Tangbao, who was pulling himself up against the edge of his bed. Holding him close, she playfully nuzzled his little nose. "You're the luckiest, you know. All you do is eat and sleep, and yet you still receive gifts."

Indeed, He Jinyu had given Tangbao an intricate golden and jade lotus pod pendant, taking it off her own belt with a flourish. Though Jiang had protested, the princess had been insistent, leaving her no choice but to accept. For now, the pendant would remain stored safely away, perhaps to adorn an outfit in the future.

After finishing her noodles and washing up, Jiang finally felt truly at ease. The night passed peacefully, and at the first light of dawn, the faint sound of roosters stirred her awake. Careful not to disturb Tangbao, she dressed and found the household already stirring. Aunt Xu and Xiaocao had gone to the market, while Zhuzhu was sweeping the courtyard.

"Zhuzhu, remember to deliver the meal to Manager Qi at lunchtime," Jiang instructed, breathing in the crisp morning air.

"Yes, Madam," Zhuzhu replied cheerfully.

By the time Tangbao's soft, sleepy voice began calling for her, Jiang was already freshened up and ready for the day. After getting him dressed and feeding him breakfast, Aunt Xu and Xiaocao returned, their arms laden with supplies.

"Madam," Aunt Xu said, "just as you requested, we selected ten large crabs. They're in the kitchen now. We also bought ginger, vinegar, plums, and rice wine. Would you like to host the meal indoors or in the courtyard?"

Jiang thought for a moment. "The courtyard would be best. Set up a red clay stove so we can warm the wine."

"Understood." Aunt Xu bowed and went to prepare.

Jiang looked forward to the crab feast. It had been ages since she'd had the delicacy, and she longed for the rich, savory flavor. While she could have done without He Jinyu's incessant chatter, she was certain the meal would be worth it.

Her musings were interrupted by Xiaocao's arrival. "Madam, the Marquis Qin is here."

Jiang sighed inwardly. What brings him here so early in the morning? She nodded. "Invite him in."

Soon enough, Qin Ziqin entered, his charming smile as breezy as a spring morning. "What's this? Are you tired of seeing me already? If that's the case, I won't trouble you about the sal ammoniac after all."

Jiang rolled her eyes at his theatrics. "We're having crabs for lunch."

"Crabs?" Qin Ziqin wrinkled his nose in mock disdain as he lazily draped himself across a chair. "What's so special about crabs? All that effort for just a few bites of meat. Dunk it in sauce, and it's hardly worth the trouble."

Jiang gave him a level look. "If that's how you feel, you're welcome to leave. There's no need to impose on me about the sal ammoniac, either."

Caught off guard, Qin Ziqin looked momentarily deflated, his captivating peach blossom eyes dimming slightly. "Jiang Huaiyu, must you be so harsh with me? We're business partners, after all."

Jiang smirked. "Fair enough. Are you free for lunch, then? You're welcome to stay."

"Barely," Qin Ziqin teased, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a roguish grin. His charm, though undeniable, never veered into vulgarity.

"Let's get to the point," Jiang said briskly.

A few days earlier, Jiang had been struck by an idea for making ice using sal ammoniac. Though it was now autumn, the concept intrigued her, and she had asked both Qin Ziqin and Manager Qi to source the material. While the process required a significant amount, the potential benefits for the next summer were worth exploring.

Qin Ziqin handed her a list of quotes from various suppliers, his curiosity piqued. "Here's what the merchants have offered. But honestly, I'm dying to know—what are you planning to do with all this sal ammoniac?"

Jiang scanned the list. The prices were fairly consistent, with some merchants offering discounts for larger quantities, free delivery, or superior quality. Without looking up, she replied, "Do you know what ice is, Marquis?"

"Of course I do," Qin Ziqin said, puzzled. "In winter, the borderlands freeze solid. Wait… are you saying this sal ammoniac—" He paused, a frown crossing his handsome face. "It's not edible, so could it… retain heat?"

Jiang chuckled softly. "Not quite. I plan to use it to make ice."

For a moment, Qin Ziqin stared at her in disbelief. Then he laughed, shaking his head. "If anyone else said that, I'd call it nonsense. But coming from you, I almost believe it. How does it work?"

"You'll see once it's done," Jiang replied, her tone light but firm. She had no intention of revealing too much, especially since her trust in Qin Ziqin was measured and cautious.

Qin Ziqin shrugged, unbothered. If she were the type to let her guard down easily, she wouldn't have survived this long in the capital.

Jiang made a note of her chosen supplier and handed the list back. She then added casually, "By the way, you can't stay for lunch. The Ninth Princess will be joining us."

Qin Ziqin's brows shot up. "You've gotten that close to her? You do realize she can be a handful, right?"

Jiang simply smiled. "She's lively and pleasant. I think she's easy to get along with."

"You would," Qin Ziqin muttered, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Your friends are all as 'unique' as you are."

Jiang raised an eyebrow. "So why are you still here?"

"I'm leaving, I'm leaving!" Qin Ziqin waved her off with a grin before strolling out, his tall figure blocking the sunlight momentarily as he exited.

Moments later, He Jinyu's energetic voice echoed from the courtyard. "Jiang, I'm here to play!"

So much for a quiet morning, Jiang thought with a wry smile as she went to greet her.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

He Jinyu puffed up her cheeks, her youthful round face resembling a pouting child. "You're still so formal. Aren't we friends by now?"

Jiang chuckled. "Come inside and have a seat. Are you here to join us for breakfast as well?"

Grinning, He Jinyu followed her inside. "Now you're talking! Everyone else makes such a fuss about rules and etiquette—it's exhausting."

Jiang let the comment pass, leading her guest to the sitting room. Once inside, He Jinyu glanced around before turning back to Jiang. "Can I see your son? My sister says he's adorable."

"Of course. You should meet the one who received your gift," Jiang said with a smile.

Excited, He Jinyu pulled a small jade ruyi scepter from her pouch. "Here's a proper meeting gift for him! Yesterday's doesn't count since I didn't get to see him."

"..."

Jiang couldn't help but laugh at the princess's generous nature. "Thank you, but please, don't keep bringing such extravagant gifts. He's just a child—he doesn't need these."

"It's nothing! My storeroom is full of them. Oh, look at him! Is he playing with a rattle?" He Jinyu's eyes lit up as she spotted Tangbao, engrossed in his toy.

Though she'd seen plenty of children before, few had Tangbao's blend of charm and intelligence. For the first time, He Jinyu felt truly captivated by a child's innocent spirit.