The Tofu Queen: A Modern Woman's Ancient Kingdom Journey

"Alright, it's settled. Go back and make lunch for your kids," Jiang Huaiyu said to Zheng Xiaoyue with a smile, her tone gentle but firm.

She didn't want to waste more energy on Xu Chunhua's antics. Time spent on that woman could be better used reading to Tangbao, whose adorable attempts at babbling were far more rewarding.

After seeing Zheng Xiaoyue off, Jiang Huaiyu carefully stored the jade pendant. Once she and Tangbao were fed, she reclined on her modest wooden bed, gazing at the soft sunlight filtering through the paper windows. The warmth made her feel drowsy, the first semblance of peace she'd had in days.

Humming a nameless tune, she sang quietly to lull Tangbao—and herself—to sleep.

But just as she was about to drift off, an urgent knock shattered the calm.

Jiang Huaiyu sat up abruptly, frustration flickering in her eyes. Throwing on an outer robe, she marched to the courtyard with the air of someone roused far too early. Pulling the door open, she was greeted by a round-faced, grinning young man.

"And you are?" she asked, still frowning.

"Ah, my apologies, Miss Jiang! I'm a runner for the Fucui Pavilion," the man said, bowing deeply. "I was present when you spoke with our manager. I've been sent to deliver a letter to you."

Her brows eased slightly as she took the envelope. She remembered the Fucui Pavilion, but this sudden visit still piqued her curiosity.

Without waiting for thanks or a tip, the messenger delivered a few more polite words and hurried off.

Back in her room, Jiang Huaiyu broke the seal on the letter. As her eyes skimmed the contents, her steps slowed until she stopped entirely at the threshold.

Her grip on the letter tightened. Beneath a stream of lewd, vile words was a sober explanation from the pavilion's manager.

The letter detailed drunken boasts made by Yan Er, a spoiled young master with a grudge. Yan Er had declared that he would abduct Jiang Huaiyu, keep her as his plaything, and extract her tofu recipe by any means necessary.

At first, the other patrons had laughed it off as drunken nonsense. But the manager, who had been attacked by Yan Er in the past, had taken the threats seriously enough to inform his superiors. The letter was a warning, urging Jiang Huaiyu to stay vigilant.

Jiang Huaiyu's lips curled into a cold smile. So Yan Er still hasn't given up?

Her decision to leave for the capital solidified in an instant. She wasn't afraid of Yan Er's schemes; her concern lay in the safety of her home and child. Xu Chunhua's intrusion had already shown her how vulnerable the current situation was.

Fucui Pavilion's warning was pragmatic, but Jiang Huaiyu harbored no illusions about their motives. They weren't warning her out of altruism—they were protecting their investment in her tofu recipes. If she fell into Yan Er's clutches, it would only spell trouble for them.

Tangbao's soft cries interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see her son, his big eyes brimming with unshed tears. The commotion had woken him.

Her heart melted instantly, and she gathered him into her arms, murmuring soothing words as she gently rocked him.

The decision to leave for the capital now felt less like a choice and more like an inevitability. The city would offer Tangbao a safer environment to grow and Jiang Huaiyu a broader stage to realize her ideas.

The next morning, she packed her belongings and knocked on Zheng Xiaoyue's door to bid farewell.

"What's this about, Huaiyu?" Zheng Xiaoyue asked, her brow furrowing when she saw the bundle in Jiang Huaiyu's hand.

Jiang Huaiyu smiled. "Sister Zheng, I've mentioned this before. It's time for me to leave. There's no need to try to stop me. I just have one favor to ask—please keep an eye on my home while I'm gone. Don't let it fall to ruin."

Zheng Xiaoyue's eyes brimmed with reluctance and worry. "It's not safe out there, especially with a child in tow. Are you sure this is the right decision?"

"I'm sure." Jiang Huaiyu's smile was warm but unwavering. "Don't worry—I'll be careful."

Zheng Xiaoyue sighed but knew better than to argue. She'd come to understand Jiang Huaiyu's resolute nature. Though her heart ached at the thought of parting, she respected her friend's determination.

On the Road

For safety and comfort, Jiang Huaiyu splurged on a well-guarded carriage. It bore the emblem of the Jin family, a mark of prestige and security that even bandits hesitated to challenge. The journey from the county to the capital would cost eighteen taels, but it was a worthwhile investment.

The carriage was sturdy and spacious, providing a smooth ride despite the bumpy roads. It took three days of steady travel to near their first stop, Jin Yang City.

As the towering city walls came into view, the coachman's voice rang out cheerfully. "Miss Jiang, we'll rest here for the night. One more day's journey, and we'll be in the capital!"

Jiang Huaiyu nodded, her anticipation growing. She couldn't wait to sleep in a proper bed and bathe away the fatigue of travel.

The journey took a sudden, dangerous turn.

As the carriage wound its way along a mountain road, small rocks began tumbling down the cliffs above. The coachman glanced up, his expression turning grave.

"Rockslide!" he shouted, cracking his whip to spur the horses forward.

Before the carriage could pick up speed, a shadow plummeted from the cliff and landed heavily on the ground. Startled, the lead horse reared, nearly tipping the carriage.

"Keep going," a low, commanding voice ordered.

Jiang Huaiyu froze at the sound, her instincts flaring with alarm. The coachman hesitated, trembling as a bloodstained hand gripped his shoulder.

"I said, keep going."

The stranger's tone brooked no argument, and the coachman obeyed, spurring the horses onward.

Moments later, the carriage door was flung open.

A tall man, drenched in blood, climbed inside. His presence instantly filled the space, making the once-comfortable interior feel oppressively small.

Jiang Huaiyu stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. The man's pale face was striking, framed by dark hair matted with blood. His tattered clothes revealed glimpses of gleaming silver armor beneath, and his breathing was ragged.

Before she could say a word, the stranger collapsed, his eyes fluttering shut.

Jiang Huaiyu cautiously nudged him with her foot. He didn't stir.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied him more closely. Whoever he was, he wasn't an ordinary traveler. The quality of his armor suggested wealth or military rank, and his injuries hinted at a violent conflict.

"Coachman!" she called, her voice steady.

"Yes, Miss Jiang?" the coachman replied shakily.

"Don't panic. He's unconscious now. When we reach Jin Yang City, find a discreet inn and avoid drawing attention. Can you do that?"

The coachman hesitated before nodding. "Y-yes, Miss Jiang."

Inwardly, he was already planning his escape. Once he dropped her off at the inn, he'd take the horses and leave—dealing with this blood-soaked stranger was more trouble than he'd signed up for!