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

A gentle breeze swept through the courtyard.

Xiao Cao, holding a small rattle to entertain Tang Bao, glanced at Jiang Huaiyu's slender, contemplative figure. She couldn't help but ask softly, "Mistress, are you upset?"

Jiang Huaiyu sighed after a long pause.

"Not upset, exactly. When I decided to work with Qin Ziqin despite knowing his identity, I should have prepared for all the trouble that comes with it."

"Trouble?"

Xiao Cao didn't fully understand, but she knew that a princess and a marquis were important people. Her little head was swimming with big questions.

Jiang Huaiyu turned slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "Yes, trouble."

First it was Yan Er, and now Qin Ziqin, the princess, and all those unseen aristocrats—none of them brought her peace. They were like stones thrown into her life, creating ripples in her calm waters. She'd wanted a life of flowers, wine, and simple farming, but they were pushing her to hustle and struggle.

"Well, let's just handle things as they come," Jiang Huaiyu said with a gentle smile. "Xiao Cao, tomorrow, you must do your best. Not many people your age in the capital have the honor of hosting a princess."

"Really?" Xiao Cao's eyes sparkled like stars as she heard this.

Jiang Huaiyu patted the girl's head, amused by her simple thoughts. "Go check if the doors and windows are all secure. Then you can rest. I'll take care of Tang Bao tonight."

"Yes, Mistress!" Xiao Cao replied with a serious nod.

Jiang Huaiyu watched the girl scurry off before sighing softly again. "A seventy-thirty split... I wonder if this reasonable-sounding princess will agree. Qin Ziqin, you little snake, you promised, and yet you sold me out."

As she carried Tang Bao inside, Jiang Huaiyu tried to push away her irritation. She understood Qin Ziqin's reasoning—his dual personas made his choices clear—but that didn't make her any less angry. Selling perfume was one thing; introducing her to the princess dragged her into a web of higher stakes.

Tang Bao, as if sensing his mother's frustration, cooed in his sweet, baby voice, "Mama!"

"Alright, alright, I'll consider this an investment in your future education and marriage fund."

Looking at her adorable son, Jiang Huaiyu's irritation melted away. Her features softened with a maternal warmth that contrasted her youthful face. She hummed a lullaby, the scent of aged wood filling her cozy home as she drifted off to sleep.

The smell of burning wood and the fresh morning air woke Jiang Huaiyu.

She opened her eyes and stretched. Her routine was simple but disciplined: fetch a basin of water, wash up, and brush her teeth with a paste of fine salt and bamboo charcoal. It wasn't glamorous, but it kept her teeth healthy.

Xiao Cao, as always, was up before her. The girl had already swept the courtyard and prepared porridge. As soon as she saw Jiang Huaiyu stirring, she bustled into the kitchen to bring out the meal.

Jiang Huaiyu appreciated the effort but didn't want the girl to overexert herself. However, one look at Xiao Cao's eager, shining eyes kept her from saying anything. Instead, she smiled and said, "Xiao Cao, you're amazing—so thorough and thoughtful."

After breakfast, Jiang Huaiyu sipped her tea under the eaves, watching Xiao Cao enthusiastically clean up. She tilted her head to the sky, suddenly feeling oddly idle.

"Must be my imagination," she murmured, reassuring herself. Then she settled in, perfectly content to sip the hot tea Xiao Cao had prepared.

The princess's invitation said she'd arrive in the afternoon, around three or four. Jiang Huaiyu spent the morning preparing notes on the perfume-making process. If the princess turned out to be someone she respected, they could strike a deal. If not, Jiang Huaiyu would stand firm.

By the time the princess arrived, Jiang Huaiyu was ready.

At first sight of her visitor's face, Jiang Huaiyu froze. "Oh, it's you."

The princess smiled gently. "I thought you might have forgotten me. Forgive the intrusion—I don't care much for formalities."

With that, Jiang Huaiyu stepped aside to let her in. The simple but elegant courtyard made the princess chuckle. "This place is so peaceful and charming—perfect for someone as clever as you."

"You flatter me, Princess," Jiang Huaiyu replied, leading her guest to the main house.

After a few polite exchanges, the princess brought up the perfume. "I was so impressed yesterday. Who would have thought something so exquisite existed? Qin Ziqin is truly good at finding rare treasures; I'm grateful he brought this one to me."

The princess's words were genuine. The scent of lotus and agarwood had eased her restless mind, bringing her the most restful sleep she'd had in months.

Jiang Huaiyu, feeling more at ease with the princess's warm demeanor, decided to get straight to the point. "I understand why you're here, Princess. But are you aware of the terms I usually set for partnerships?"

The maid standing behind the princess stiffened, her gaze turning sharp. Clearly, she thought Jiang Huaiyu was overstepping.

The princess, however, merely tilted her head. "Terms?"

"Yes," Jiang Huaiyu said calmly. "A seventy-thirty split. I provide the formula and methods, but I don't handle production or sales. I may offer suggestions, but whether you take them is up to you."

The princess raised a brow. "You take seventy?"

"..." Jiang Huaiyu answered with silence and an unyielding gaze.

"Such audacity!" the maid snapped, unable to contain herself.

Jiang Huaiyu's face cooled. "How am I being audacious?"

"Enough, Ruyi," the princess said, her tone gentle but firm. She turned back to Jiang Huaiyu, her curiosity piqued. "A seventy-thirty split is unusual, but why do you think I would agree to it?"

"Honestly, I don't," Jiang Huaiyu admitted with a smile. "I prepared myself for a sixty-forty or fifty-fifty offer. If you negotiate sixty-forty, we could work together on future projects. If you insist on fifty-fifty, this will be a one-time deal."

"And if I offer less than that?" the princess asked, intrigued.

"Then tomorrow, every merchant in the capital will know the formula." Jiang Huaiyu's smile didn't waver, but her words were sharp.

The princess blinked, startled by the bold declaration. But instead of anger, admiration flickered in her eyes.

"Very well," she said with a warm smile. "Seventy-thirty it is."

Even Jiang Huaiyu was caught off guard by how quickly the princess agreed. She could see something else in the woman's gaze—something like envy—but couldn't quite understand why.

Still, a deal was a deal. There was no need to overthink it.