Chapter Fifty-Eight: Li Xiuning

Not everyone can make steamed eggs as smooth as tofu; when beating the eggs, you must add warm water. The amount of water should be measured using the eggshell, typically two extra eggshells’ worth beyond the number of eggs used. If there’s too much water, the custard won’t set; too little, and the eggs will puff up. If the water is too hot, the eggs will curdle prematurely; too cool, and the finished custard will be riddled with bubbles.

After countless eggs consumed at the Two Sages Manor, Hou Junji finally mastered this delicate art—so much so that his version even surpassed Yun Hao’s own. When the hawk brought over the food box, Yun Hao took one look at the steamed egg custard and knew Hou Junji was present. Thus, he set Hou Junji to inform, resulting in both the hawk and Thunder Tiger perishing together. Though the outcome differed from the original plan, they at least escaped danger successfully.

The next morning, when Yun Hao arrived by ox-cart at the entrance of the Zhang family’s pharmacy, the entire establishment erupted in excitement. Never before had a child abducted by human traffickers managed to return home by ox-cart. The masses attributed this miracle to the overwhelming deterrent power of the Duke of Tang’s swift response. For this well-loved leader with a passion for fighting crime, the public’s praise rolled on like a mighty river…! (Five million words of flattery omitted here…!)

Madam Zhao embraced Yun Hao, showering him with kisses and nibbles; if not for the crowd, she would have nursed him right then and there. Yun Hao spotted Wu Yuanshuang skulking in the crowd—the yellow croaker of the zodiac—hugging the edge. He shot the “yellow croaker” a fierce glare; now was not the time to deal with him. The most important thing was to see the great, wise, and mighty His Majesty Li the Second—his brother’s injury directly affected whether Yun Hao could enjoy the good life in the future.

Standing beside Madam Zhao was a beautiful woman: willow-leaf brows, bright almond-shaped eyes, and a delicate cherry mouth. She wore a pale blue trailing gown, her hair styled as a maiden’s, adorned with a golden peony hairpin encrusted with jewels. Her shining eyes seemed to see straight through to one’s heart. The only slight imperfection was her somewhat square face, which lent her less charm but a touch more heroism.

Before Madam Zhao could introduce her, the woman stepped forward: “You must be Yun Hao. What a handsome child! No wonder my husband is full of praise for you. If not for you, my second brother’s injury would have been much worse. When you were taken, the city of Jinyang was nearly turned upside down.” As she spoke, she stroked Yun Hao’s hair, much as one might pet a beloved animal.

The women of the Li family were famously bold. She was not yet married, yet casually called him “husband.” Who else could call Chai Shao “husband”? It had to be the future Princess of Pingyang, Li Xiuning. Throughout thousands of years of Chinese history, few princesses led troops, and fewer still achieved military success. In later generations, when travelers visited Niangzi Pass, it was because Princess Pingyang once garrisoned troops there. It was even said she was buried with military honors after her death.

Yun Hao had always imagined such a formidable woman would have the build of a warrior—with flesh from her chest on her arms, and from her hips on her thighs. Yet he found Princess Pingyang to be truly beautiful—a fine cabbage, as the saying goes, alas, devoured by the pig that was Chai Shao.

Of course, Yun Hao could not address her as “Your Highness Princess Pingyang” at this moment; to do so would be courting immediate execution, no matter if he were a prodigy or some legendary figure.

“Greetings, noble lady!” Unsure of the proper title for the future Princess Pingyang but knowing she was the Duke of Tang’s daughter, Yun Hao addressed her as “noble lady,” which was appropriate enough—a true aristocrat of the times.

“What a handsome and well-mannered child—rare indeed! Someone, bring my gilded filigree incense sachet!” At once, a maid retrieved a gilded, openwork incense ball, its clasp carved from flawless white jade—lustrous as the bosom of a beauty. In later times, unless one was worth hundreds of millions, one would not even ask the price.

“A gift undeserved—I dare not accept such a precious thing from you, noble lady.”

“You saved my second brother’s life; this is your due.” Li Xiuning pulled Yun Hao closer and herself hung the sachet on his belt. Yun Hao felt it was upside down—the jade ought to be at the bottom.

“Speaking of the second young master’s injury, I’ve yet to hear how he’s faring after this day’s delay. Allow me to check his wound.”

“Just so! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. If you cure my brother, the Duke of Tang’s household will not treat you unfairly.”

While they conversed, Wu Shiyue and Zhang Wenzhong brought Zhang Miaoke into the inner quarters. They were brimming with questions—what exactly had happened to her? Where had they been for a whole day and night?

Yun Hao entered Li the Second’s chamber. Outside, the autumn heat still raged, but inside it was cool and refreshing—almost cold if one wore too little. Chai Shao had managed to procure free ice, and several basins were placed around Li the Second. Lying on his couch, he looked much like a giant grouper on display in a seafood restaurant.

Changsun Wuji stood nearby, holding a horizontal sword and wearing a fierce expression. Two young maids, playing the role of nurses, gently wiped Li the Second’s wound with fine linen. Seeing Yun Hao enter, Li the Second grinned: “At first I worried about you, but now that I see you safe, I’m relieved. For such blind fools to exist in Jinyang—once I’m healed, I’ll avenge you myself.”

Li the Second was nothing if not bold, and Yun Hao had no doubt this great Son of Heaven would see to his vengeance. In truth, when Li the Second set his mind to something, few could stop him. Later, when he wanted to become Crown Prince and Emperor, even his elder brother Li Jiancheng and his father Li Yuan had to yield. Li Jiancheng tried to resist, and the result was the famous Incident at the Xuanwu Gate.

Yun Hao carefully examined the wound—excellent! Another day had passed, and the injury had scabbed over. The skin around it was dry and hard, with only slight redness and swelling—nothing serious. He felt Li the Second’s forehead: not a trace of fever. His treatment had been correct. In this era, alcohol was an excellent disinfectant. After all, the bacteria of these times were not nearly as strange or mutated as those of later generations, with their rampant, multidirectional outbreaks—SARS and avian flu being notable examples.

“How is my brother’s wound?” Li Xiuning inquired anxiously; her tone made it clear how close the siblings were.

“The wound is healing well, with no sign of fever. If all goes well for another two or three days, he can return to the Duke of Tang’s residence to recuperate. But he must strictly avoid strenuous activity for half a year—should the wound reopen, he may never fully recover.” Yun Hao believed Li Xiuning could rein in Li the Second, so he issued these instructions in her presence, hoping she would keep him in check.

“Miaoke, what exactly happened during this day and night away?” While Yun Hao attended to Li the Second, Zhang Wenzhong and Wu Shiyue questioned Zhang Miaoke. Wu Yuanshuang, standing nearby, watched his cousin with a nervous face.

“That morning, I went out…”

PS: Severe herniated disc has tormented the author for over a month; I can sit for only about an hour a day. Apologies for the slow updates. No more words—extra chapters are the best way to thank you for your support. I’ll try to write more starting tomorrow. Thank you all for your ongoing support!

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