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

Most people visiting Qinghua Street had a singular purpose: food. Whether it was hosting distinguished guests, closing business deals, or simply treating themselves, dining was central. Lamb stew was common in the capital city due to the region's fertile lands and plentiful livestock. With the influx of Hu merchants introducing new flavors, even the once-shunned gamy taste of lamb had become a culinary favorite for many.

"Hey, what's cooking here?"

"That smell... It's incredible! Do they have seating?"

As time passed, the broth in the ceramic pot transformed into a creamy white lamb soup, its rich aroma blending harmoniously with the spices. Following Jiang Huaiyu's instructions, Xiaocao carefully lifted the lid, revealing tender, fall-apart lamb chunks. Using chopsticks, she skillfully plated the meat onto a dish.

Each piece of lamb, perfectly braised, was placed on a serving table outside. Next to it, three spice blends—spicy, savory, and mellow—were arranged neatly.

"Feel free to take a taste," Qi Jue announced with a warm smile, gesturing toward the dishes. "Add a pinch of these spices and try the flavor yourself."

He demonstrated by sprinkling a bit of the spicy blend over the steaming lamb. Taking a bite, he chewed slowly, his expression melting into sheer satisfaction.

The enticing aroma had already drawn a crowd. Now, seeing the steaming meat and hearing Qi Jue's enthusiastic approval, the onlookers eagerly lined up to sample it for themselves.

The strategy was clear: free samples. It wasn't a groundbreaking tactic, but Jiang Huaiyu's boldness in offering such a luxurious dish for tasting certainly stood out. Lamb wasn't cheap, and few dared to risk rejection if the dish failed to impress.

Yet, the rich smell alone was enough to stir cravings. Customers soon gathered in droves, and after tasting, many found themselves rushing into the shop, wallets in hand. The flavors of the spice blends had won them over, despite the 30-wen-per-packet price tag.

Although the shop saw steady sales, it wasn't the kind of frenzied success Jiang Huaiyu's bath powder or beauty products had achieved. After all, spices were not a necessity people would hoard like beauty items.

Jiang Huaiyu, however, had her eyes on bigger clients: the restaurant and tavern owners who could buy her blends in bulk.

"Any inquiries from restaurant managers or tavern keepers yet?" she asked, stepping into the shop later that afternoon. Despite the slow trickle of customers, her demeanor remained calm.

Qi Jue shook his head. "Not yet."

He, too, was puzzled. The spice blends were far superior to the popular chili sauces sold in nearby shops. Despite their undeniable quality and unique flavors, he couldn't figure out why no high-profile clients had taken interest yet.

"Oh well," Jiang Huaiyu replied nonchalantly, brushing it off. "We don't pay rent here, and I've got time to wait."

Qi Jue was taken aback by her nonchalance. He'd grown to admire her decisiveness when selecting the shop, hiring staff, and organizing supplies—all with sharp precision. But this casual indifference to slow business? It baffled him.

Meanwhile, Jiang Huaiyu leaned against the counter, lost in thought. Perhaps she'd been too optimistic, assuming the unique flavors would attract attention on their own. Was it time to introduce something like spicy crawfish, braised duck feet, or savory duck neck to really captivate the market?

Her musings were interrupted by the loud creak of the shop door.

"I heard you've got something passed down for a hundred years? Well, let me see if it's worth the hype!"

The voice belonged to a pale-faced man who staggered inside, leaning heavily on the doorframe as if the mere act of walking had drained him. Jiang Huaiyu glanced at him skeptically. He looked like a gust of wind could knock him over—was he here to shop or to faint?

"You don't look like you'll last a hundred years yourself," Jiang Huaiyu quipped, raising an eyebrow.

The man burst into laughter, though it ended in a fit of coughing. "You're funny. Fine, show me what you've got."

With a wave of her hand, Jiang Huaiyu gestured toward the spice blends on display. "Here they are. Take your pick."

The man squinted at the neatly wrapped packets, leaning closer for a better look. Unfortunately, his deep inhale sent a puff of spicy powder straight into his nose. His face scrunched up, and he erupted into a fit of sneezes, nearly doubling over in discomfort.

"Are you here to try the spices or to pass out?" Jiang Huaiyu asked, her tone dry as she handed him a handkerchief.

"You think I'd stoop to that level? I'll buy everything on the counter!" he huffed, straightening up.

Jiang Huaiyu blinked in surprise, a hint of amusement tugging at her lips. "Qi Jue, wrap them up for the gentleman."

"Right away, Madam," Qi Jue replied, hiding a smirk as he set to work.

By the time the man had forked over eight taels for the entire stock, he wasn't done. "I hear you cook samples outside? Fire up that stove. I want to taste this magic myself!"

Jiang Huaiyu's lips curved into a smile. "Of course. Please wait outside while we prepare."

---

A small grill was set up at the shop's entrance. On it, Jiang Huaiyu arranged skewers of minced pork mixed with water chestnuts, strips of pork belly, and tender sinew. As the meat sizzled, she sprinkled her savory spice blend over it, letting the aroma waft through the street.

The smoky, spicy scent was irresistible. Passersby stopped in their tracks, noses twitching in the air like rabbits.

"What's cooking? Can we buy some?"

"Smells amazing! Give me one!"

Jiang Huaiyu raised a hand, calling for order. "I'm sorry, everyone. Today's skewers are reserved for our honored guest inside."

The crowd groaned, but soon enough, someone shouted, "I'll buy your spices instead! How much for one packet?"

Another chimed in, "Give me two!"

The floodgates opened, and customers rushed into the shop, coins clinking as they exchanged money for spice packets. Even as she cooked, Jiang Huaiyu found herself darting back inside to help with the sudden influx of business.

Meanwhile, the pale-faced man, whose name was Jin Chong, finally stepped outside. He watched the meat sizzling on the grill, its glossy sheen from the spice and oil making his mouth water despite himself.

When a skewer was finally handed to him, he bit into it with reluctance—but the flavors exploded on his tongue. The perfectly balanced spice brought out the meat's succulence in a way he'd never experienced before.

For once, Jin Chong was speechless.

"Well?" Jiang Huaiyu asked, her tone teasing.

Jin Chong coughed awkwardly, pretending to wipe his mouth with a handkerchief. "It's… acceptable," he muttered.

But the glint in his eye betrayed him. This "acceptable" skewer had completely won him over.