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

"This must be the earring you were looking for, Miss Li." Jiang Huaiyu smiled sweetly, holding up the small pearl accessory. "Lucky I spotted it, but I'd suggest being more careful in the future. Wouldn't want to lose something else here, now would we?"

Her tone was polite, but the subtle edge made Li Sumeng bristle inside. Her clenched fist hidden in her sleeve betrayed her frustration, but outwardly, she donned a mask of delight, placing one hand over her chest in feigned relief.

"What fortune! Thank you so much!"

"No need to thank me," Jiang Huaiyu said, her smile not faltering for a second. "Just remember to steer clear of me in the future, alright? A little distance would save us both some trouble."

Li Sumeng froze for a moment, the corners of her lips twitching as she fought to maintain her composure. After a long pause, she reached out and took the earring, her hand trembling ever so slightly. Without another word, she turned and walked away, her steps steady but her back rigid with suppressed emotions.

The sound of the heavy wooden gate closing behind her echoed in the air.

Li Sumeng's expression darkened as she stepped further from Jiang Huaiyu's home. Was Jiang Huaiyu simply venting her frustration over the earlier conflict with Qin Jiuru? Or had she seen through her schemes entirely? That amused, knowing look lingered in Li Sumeng's mind, unsettling her.

"Miss..." Chen Granny, standing nervously behind her, ventured cautiously. Her tone was deferential yet tinged with curiosity.

"Shut up!" Li Sumeng snapped, her sweet, delicate voice suddenly laced with venom.

Chen Granny recoiled, her expression twisting in shock.

Realizing her misstep, Li Sumeng quickly softened her tone, pasting a contrite smile onto her face. "Forgive me. I'm just so upset about my earring. You've served Miss Jiuru faithfully for years. There's no need to be so formal with me."

The older woman, though slightly mollified by the explanation, didn't miss the chill in Li Sumeng's tone. "Of course, Miss. You're too kind," she muttered, but the enthusiasm had faded from her voice.

Back inside her courtyard, Jiang Huaiyu strolled leisurely back to the main house, her steps calm and unhurried. But her mind was a swirl of thoughts. Twice now, Qin Jiuru had shown up at her door, both times stirred up by Li Sumeng's subtle manipulations. It was clear enough who was pulling the strings.

And yet, she couldn't fathom why. Li Sumeng's background wasn't ordinary—she was a young lady of a well-to-do family, albeit not the wealthiest. What could drive her to stoop to such desperate tactics for the recipe of a mere bath product?

Sighing softly, Jiang Huaiyu resolved to keep an eye on Li Sumeng while maintaining her distance from both her and Qin Jiuru. It was better to avoid getting tangled in their schemes altogether.

Late that night, in a modest courtyard in the western part of the city, Li Sumeng sat before her mirror, her delicate features marred by a scowl. The room was sparsely furnished, a stark contrast to the luxury she yearned for. Her father's official position in the Ministry of Personnel was respectable but far from lucrative. The cramped, shared space with commoners grated on her nerves daily.

She had to clench her fists to contain her rage. This was not the life she deserved.

The faint call of a bird broke through her spiraling thoughts. Her scowl melted into a sly smile as she quickly snuffed out her lamp and slipped outside to the rear gate. Unlatching it, she peered into the shadows.

"Did you find the recipe?" a low, velvety voice asked.

Li Sumeng's lips trembled as she bit back her frustration. "No. That woman is sharp. She's guarding it like a dragon with its treasure hoard. And she had a surprising guest today—the Princess herself."

The man chuckled darkly. "The Princess? Intriguing. What's her connection to Jiang Huaiyu?"

"I wouldn't know," Li Sumeng muttered, vexed. "But Qin Jiuru probably made a fool of herself in front of royalty today."

The man smirked, his white teeth gleaming faintly in the dim light. "At least you remembered your part of the plan. Keep fanning the flames around Qin Jiuru's reputation. When her name is mud, I'll have my revenge."

"When will you propose to me?" Li Sumeng's voice softened, taking on a plaintive tone as she looked up at him.

"Soon," the man replied, his gaze unreadable. "Once the timing is right."

He pulled her into an embrace, whispering soothing words. But his eyes glinted with calculation as he whispered his next set of instructions.

The following morning, Jiang Huaiyu was already up, preparing breakfast. She had decided on her next move during a long night of contemplation.

"Lady Jiang, you're up so early today!" Xiaocao rubbed her eyes as she shuffled into the kitchen.

Jiang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. "Lady Jiang? You're still calling me that when everyone else is calling me Miss? You're making me sound old."

Xiaocao giggled nervously. "What's gotten you up so early, Miss?"

"I had a dream last night," Jiang Huaiyu replied, her voice casual as she ladled porridge into bowls.

"What kind of dream?" Xiaocao asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I dreamt I was a rabbit," Jiang Huaiyu said, a playful lilt in her tone. "All the other rabbits had their burrows, but I didn't have even one. So, I decided it's time to dig a few."

Xiaocao blinked, baffled but earnest. "I see! Well, don't worry. I'll look after the young master while you're out digging… um, burrows."

"Good girl." Jiang Huaiyu chuckled and tousled the maid's hair.

After breakfast, Jiang Huaiyu changed into a light dress, tied her hair into a simple style, and set off for the city. It was time to secure a shop for herself.

Her dealings with Qin Ziqin's bath product stores had been lucrative, but she knew better than to depend solely on one partnership. Diversifying her business ventures was crucial, and for that, she needed her own shop.

At the brokerage house, the same cheerful agent from her previous transaction greeted her with enthusiasm.

"Lady Jiang! What an honor! What can I do for you today?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled faintly. "I'm looking for a shop in the western district. Something not too large, in a good location. Do you have anything suitable?"

The broker beamed, pulling out her ledger. "Of course! Let me show you what's available. With your luck and savvy, I'm sure you'll find the perfect spot."

Jiang Huaiyu leaned over the ledger, scanning the listings carefully. It was time to carve out a space that was truly her own.