Cooking for the Old Madam naturally took place in the small kitchen. Madam Lu kept a watchful eye on Ji Cheng the entire time as if fearing she might poison the Old Madam.
Ji Cheng smiled at Madam Lu and said, “Madam, I’d like to prepare two dishes for the Old Madam: a dried shrimp and tofu soup, and a chicken dish with soybeans and walnuts. Could you please ask the kitchen maids to prepare the ingredients for me?”
Madam Lu had expected Ji Cheng to be secretive but was surprised by her openness. She realized Ji Cheng was just an inexperienced young girl. Madam Lu couldn’t refuse this request without risking Ji Cheng complaining to the Old Madam. However, she believed her own experience far outweighed Ji Cheng’s.
The ingredients arrived quickly, but their quality was questionable. The soybeans were of varying ripeness, and the walnuts still had their skins on, which would make the dish bitter.
Ji Cheng, having learned from Cook Liu, was particular about ingredients, preferring quality over quantity. She spent the entire afternoon selecting soybeans and peeling walnuts.
Madam Lu watched, shaking her head at what she perceived as wastefulness. At this rate, she thought, it would take Ji Cheng three days to prepare a meal for one table.
By dinnertime, Ji Cheng’s chicken dish and soup were ready, but the portions were small, barely filling a small bowl. The soup could be divided into a few servings, but the chicken dish wouldn’t be enough if everyone at the table took a portion.
Yet, as is often the case, scarcity enhanced the appeal. The carefully selected soybeans were uniform in size, plump, and tender. The walnuts, meticulously peeled, were white and whole. The dish was a feast for the eyes even before tasting it.
The Old Madam had long been accustomed to refined cuisine. While Madam Lu’s medicinal dishes were effective, they often seemed rough in comparison.
Ji Cheng’s dishes were different. Though common, the Old Madam was familiar with their benefits. She had been experiencing aches in her back and legs recently, feeling the cold in her bones despite the summer heat. Both dishes were known to strengthen bones, a remedy the Old Madam often used.
Ji Cheng’s choice of dishes showed her attentiveness, which pleased the Old Madam. She took a bite of the chicken dish and found it melted in her mouth, tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of saltiness and a hint of sweetness. It was no less delicious than Madam Lu’s cooking. Being from the South, the Old Madam had a sweet tooth, and Ji Cheng’s flavoring suited her taste better than Madam Lu’s sugar-free medicinal dishes.
Seeing the Old Madam’s enjoyment, the others refrained from eating, leaving most of the chicken dish for her. It was the most she had eaten in recent days.
The Old Madam, being knowledgeable, remarked to Ji Cheng, “These two dishes must have taken as much effort as an entire table of food. You must have discarded quite a bit in the process, right?”
Ji Cheng nodded sheepishly, “Yes, indeed.”
“Our family values quality, but not to such an extreme,” the Old Madam explained, revealing why she preferred Madam Lu over Cook Liu. It wasn’t due to Madam Lu’s criticism of Cook Liu, but because she found Cook Liu’s methods too wasteful.
Ji Cheng blushed and remained silent.
The Old Madam, seeing that Ji Cheng understood, recognized her intelligence. Not wanting to embarrass the young girl further, she changed the subject, “But I must say, dishes prepared this way are indeed delicious.”
The Old Madam laughed, and Ji Cheng finally relaxed.
As the Old Madam observed Ji Cheng, she thought this charming young lady might make a good match for someone. She decided to watch her for a few more days, and if she proved to be as good as she seemed, arranging a marriage wouldn’t be difficult. It could be a beneficial union for both families if Ji Cheng could maintain a harmonious relationship with her husband and in-laws.
Upon arriving at the Pleasure Garden, the younger generation was eager to explore rather than stay with their elders in the pavilions. The Old Madam, being indulgent, prevented Madam Huang and others from restricting them, saying that if girls couldn’t enjoy freedom in their youth, they would have even less freedom after marriage.
This leniency allowed Shen Yuan to relax, while Shen Qian became as unrestrained as a wild horse, constantly attending gatherings. The Princess Consort had gone to the royal villa instead of the Quiet Garden for the summer, which was for the best, as it would have been awkward for the Old Madam to bow to her daughter-in-law. This absence left Shen Qian even more uncontrolled.
Meanwhile, Ji Yuan was focused on his studies, aiming for academic success. However, the temptations of the capital were numerous, and he found himself participating in the revelry of his peers.
This time, Shen Jing had also come to the Quiet Garden and cordially invited Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan, concerned about Ji Cheng, accepted the invitation. Although they were staying at the Quiet Garden, Ji Cheng rarely saw her brother as he and his friends would leave early and return late, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
One day, Ji Cheng finally caught up with Ji Yuan and learned what he had been up to.
“Brother, you’ve joined the Chuyang Society?” Ji Cheng asked, surprised.
The Chuyang Society was the civilian polo club that Shen Yuan and Shen Qian had mentioned. It was relatively new, established only two years ago, with members mostly from noble families. Their polo skills were mediocre, so they were actively recruiting talented players.
What surprised Ji Cheng was that Ji Yuan, despite his tall stature, had always been studious. When she would go out to play, he would be in the study practicing calligraphy or reviewing lessons, often advising her that girls should be quiet and domestic. Now, his sudden interest in joining a polo club was unexpected.
Ji Yuan looked a bit embarrassed, perhaps remembering his past words to Ji Cheng.
Ji Cheng quickly smiled, “I’ve always worried that your constant studying might affect your health. Now that you’re part of the polo club, I won’t have to worry anymore. Nothing is better than having a strong body. It’ll help keep your mind sharp for studying too.”
Ji Yuan, relieved by Ji Cheng’s reaction, smiled and said, “It was Zitong who encouraged me. I used to have frequent neck and shoulder pain, but since I started playing polo, it hasn’t bothered me.”
Ji Cheng hesitated for a moment before realizing that “Zitong” was Shen Jing’s courtesy name. She wondered why Shen Jing had invited Ji Yuan to join, thinking perhaps he had been deceived by Ji Yuan’s size. Although Ji Yuan had grown up in Jin, his riding skills were quite ordinary.
“How’s your polo playing coming along, brother?” Ji Cheng asked.
Ji Yuan blushed again. Despite his large build, he had never played polo before and was like a toddler learning to walk. He was grateful for everyone’s patience and had been practicing diligently.
Ji Cheng thought for a moment, then whispered something to Liu Ye’er, who promptly left.
Ji Cheng led Ji Yuan to sit under a large tree. “Brother, are you short on money lately?” she asked.
Ji Qing, fearing that too much money might lead Ji Yuan astray, only gave him ten taels of silver per month for pocket money, which was already a considerable amount for an ordinary family.
In Jin, Ji Yuan couldn’t spend all of this money, but in the capital, with its high prices and constant social gatherings, money seemed to flow like water. Many of the antiques in pawn shops were from young masters of noble families trying to maintain appearances.
Hearing Ji Cheng’s question, Ji Yuan hesitated before answering, “I’m managing.”
Ji Cheng laughed, “Why are you being so formal with me, brother? The capital is different from Jin’s, and your allowance won’t be enough. Besides, the Chuyang Society is full of noble sons who care about appearances. Don’t lose your confidence or let them look down on you. Those people will think less of you if you’re too humble. Don’t be timid, brother. We may not match their nobility, but we can certainly match their wealth.”
As she spoke, Liu Ye’er returned with a stack of ten small silver notes, each worth ten taels. Ji Cheng handed them to Ji Yuan, “Take these, brother. Let me know if you need more.”
“I can’t accept this. Father will scold you,” Ji Yuan refused.
Ji Cheng said, “Father knows what the capital is like. He won’t scold you. Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. Of course, you should focus on your studies, but when you become an official, you’ll need connections. Joining the Chuyang Society is a great opportunity.”
Ji Yuan smiled, “That’s what I thought too, which is why I accepted Zitong’s invitation.”
Ji Cheng paused, then asked, “Do you have an instructor at the society?”
Ji Yuan replied, “Yes, but I still need to practice my riding skills more.” Horsemanship was fundamental to polo.
Riding was no challenge for Ji Cheng. She had been fearless since childhood, riding large horses even before her second brother dared to.
“I can practice with you when you have time,” Ji Cheng offered.
Ji Yuan had heard from his second brother, Ji Ze, that Ji Cheng’s riding skills surpassed his own. Although Ji Yuan didn’t usually approve of girls riding horses and archery, he was eager to improve his skills and truly integrate into the Chuyang Society. At present, he was just a benchwarmer, ignored by others as a society valued polo skills above all else.
So when Ji Cheng made the offer, Ji Yuan readily agreed.
Ji Cheng added, “I’ve heard that our eldest and second Shen cousins are excellent polo players. You could ask them for advice too.”
Ji Yuan fell silent at this suggestion. First, they weren’t close relatives. Shen Yu held an official position and was known for being cold and stern. As for Shen Che, Ji Yuan rarely saw him and had heard some rumors that made him look down on such a pampered noble.
Ji Cheng understood Ji Yuan’s thoughts. Too much studying had made him unnecessarily proud, always waiting for others to approach him. Not wanting to hurt his pride, she said, “Relatives become close through interaction. That’s why they say distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. Don’t let our cousins’ appearances deter you. The Shen family has good values, and our cousins are not as cold or arrogant as they might seem. You’re younger than them, so it’s appropriate for you to take the initiative. Don’t let people say you’re aloof and unsociable.”
Ji Yuan considered her words and found some truth in them.
“Besides,” Ji Cheng continued, “ignoring two cousins who have won polo championships would be like rejecting the best to settle for the mediocre. If you feel uncomfortable approaching them directly, why not go with Cousin Jing?”
“Hmm,” Ji Yuan nodded.
Ji Cheng didn’t expect her brother to understand immediately, but she had said what needed to be said. The rest was up to him.
A few days later, Ji Yuan came to see Ji Cheng during his free time. Seeing his dejected expression, Ji Cheng carefully probed and guessed the reason. It seemed he had faced some setbacks at the Chuyang Society, which had also affected Shen Jing.