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

"How much of this did Miss Jiang make?" Qin Ziqin asked after a long silence, his thoughts turning over endlessly.

The steward hesitated before bowing her head. "When I left, Miss Jiang only gave me this bottle to deliver. I didn't see how much she made, nor did she mention it."

Qin Ziqin tapped the armrest of his chair with a steady rhythm. The more he dealt with Jiang Huaiyu, the more mysterious her background seemed. No matter how much he investigated, nothing came to light. Yet instead of eliminating her as a potential threat, he chose to protect her, shielding her from the greedy and predatory nobles of the capital.

Rubbing his temples, Qin Ziqin mulled over the matter. Opening a bath powder shop might seem trivial to those in power, just the whimsical antics of a supposed wastrel. But if this "perfume" gained as much acclaim as the bath powder, it would undoubtedly draw attention—and jealousy. His identity as a mere "hedonistic marquis" might not be enough to shield him from their malice.

He had experienced such schemes firsthand. People had tried to kill him before, fearing his survival at the border and his potential to amass power.

"Deliver this to the Grand Princess. Tell her it's a curious find I've come across and offer it to her as a gift. Mention that I'd be grateful if she could introduce me to a beautiful young lady for marriage."

The corners of his lips curled into a sardonic smile as he spoke, the mockery in his tone unmistakable.

The steward bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord."

At the Grand Princess's Residence

Princess He Lengleng, a vision of elegance and poise, leaned against the pavilion railing, scattering fish food into the pond. The koi fish swarmed to feed, a chaotic scramble for sustenance. Watching them, her serene features darkened with a hint of melancholy.

"Isn't everyone in this world just like these fish?"

"Your Highness," a maid interrupted cautiously, leading in a young pageboy. He knelt on the stone path five paces from the pavilion, his head lowered respectfully.

"His Highness, the Prince Consort, has instructed me to inform you that he will be occupied at the Hanlin Academy this evening and unable to return. He asked for your forgiveness and promises to make amends upon his return tomorrow."

He Lengleng smiled faintly, her expression unreadable. "The Prince Consort is diligent in his duties. Tell the kitchen to prepare a nourishing soup for him tomorrow. He'll need it after his hard work."

The maid bowed her head. "Yes, Your Highness."

As the pageboy retreated, He Lengleng scattered the remaining fish food into the pond with a flick of her wrist. Her gaze shifted toward the distant Hanlin Academy, her voice barely audible over the gentle breeze.

"Do you think the Prince Consort is truly busy with matters of the Academy?"

Her maid, Ru Yi, hesitated, unsure how to respond.

He Lengleng chuckled softly, a note of self-mockery in her tone. "If he says so, then it must be true."

To the outside world, their marriage was a perfect union—a celebrated scholar-turned-consort and the noble Grand Princess. Yet within the gilded walls of her residence, the bond between them was little more than a hollow pretense.

Later, a maid brought in the porcelain bottle from Qin Ziqin.

"Your Highness, this is a gift from the Champion Marquis. He claims it is a remarkable creation—something to apply to one's wrists and neck to emit a lasting fragrance."

Intrigued, He Lengleng's melancholy lifted. "That rascal loves to tinker with oddities. Bring it here. Let me see what he's come up with this time."

The maid presented the porcelain bottle. He Lengleng uncorked it, surprised to find a clear liquid inside. Yet as she tilted the bottle, a subtle, alluring fragrance wafted out—a harmonious blend of lotus, magnolia, and agarwood.

She dabbed some of the liquid onto her wrists and neck, the scent enveloping her in a soft, enchanting aura.

The perfume did not simply cling to her skin but seemed to diffuse with her movements. Walking to the courtyard gate, she overheard a passing maid whisper in surprise, "What a lovely scent!"

Amused, He Lengleng asked, "You can smell it?"

The maid froze, realizing she'd been overheard. Stammering, she replied, "Y-Yes, Your Highness. It's a unique fragrance… not quite like any flower I know."

Satisfied, He Lengleng waved her off and returned to the pavilion, her mood inexplicably lighter.

"Did he say anything else?" she asked Ru Yi.

The maid bowed. "The Champion Marquis mentioned that this was procured from a woman named Jiang in the Sweetwater Alley near South City. He suggested that if Your Highness enjoyed it, you could commission more from her."

"Jiang?" He Lengleng's brows furrowed in thought. "Isn't that the surname of the woman selling bath powders? The one with the child?"

"Yes," Ru Yi confirmed. "I've heard she came to the capital after her husband's passing, with no in-laws or relatives to rely on. She seems to have made a life for herself despite the odds."

A flicker of admiration passed through He Lengleng's eyes. "If that's true, she must be a remarkable woman. Send a letter inviting her to visit tomorrow."

Ru Yi hesitated. "Your Highness, wouldn't it be more appropriate to summon her here instead of visiting her?"

He Lengleng's smile didn't waver. "Nonsense. A woman like her deserves the courtesy of a visit. And besides, the Champion Marquis rarely speaks highly of anyone. He must have his reasons for drawing my attention to her."

Ru Yi could only bow and obey.

Back in Sweetwater Alley, Jiang Huaiyu stared at the delicate invitation in her hands, her expression frozen in disbelief.

"A princess? Coming here?"

She wasn't unaccustomed to societal hierarchy, but the idea of hosting a royal visitor in her humble home left her stunned. For a fleeting moment, excitement bubbled within her—this was a chance to meet an actual princess, not just read about them in stories or see their artifacts in museums.

But as the initial thrill faded, her mind turned to the implications.

"Why would the Grand Princess visit me?"

Her thoughts quickly spiraled to a single conclusion: Qin Ziqin. The perfume's distinct fragrance lingered on the invitation, unmistakably tying it back to him.

Slamming the table in frustration, Jiang Huaiyu fumed, "Qin Ziqin, you treacherous scoundrel! Selling me out like this!"