Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 66
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 66: Grass Jelly
The crown prince had claimed the top spot in the climbing relatives competition, but it proved useless. As a prince, he couldn’t simply take the leftover soup and return to the palace.
Though it was a bit of a regret, seeing everyone’s resentful gazes only made him feel a sense of quiet satisfaction and amusement.
"Where is my cousin? I’m about to leave, so I must say my goodbyes to her," the crown prince said grandly, already thinking ahead. He knew it would be wise to cultivate a good relationship with Jiang Shuyao so he could freeload another meal in the future. If possible, he might even ask for a few recipes. It would be perfect if he could have her meals served in the East Palace.
Xie Xun’s gaze swept across the group, noting the eager, gleaming expressions on their faces. It was so obvious what they were after—his wife(’s cooking). Their thoughts were clear as day.
He said, "Your Highness, such remarks are unbecoming. After all, this official’s wife is a woman, and it is difficult for her to entertain outside guests." With a casual motion, he patted his sleeves, standing tall and composed.
In the entire courtyard, he was the only one who still maintained his poise and dignity.
He stood up, casting a glance at the sky. "It's getting late. Your Highness should return to the palace." His eyes then fell on the mess of dishes scattered across the table, before briefly scanning his colleagues. Each one of them wore a satisfied expression, their faces flushed with the warmth of indulgence.
You’ve eaten enough. Now, it’s time to leave.
But everyone present was no fool. They collectively chose to ignore the unspoken meaning in his words. At that moment, their thoughts seemed in perfect synchrony, as if they were two halves of a whole. None of them intended to leave without first hearing some news about the restaurant.
"By the way, Boyuan, when will the Lin family's shops open in the inner city? They can't just open those shops at the pier, right." They had been thinking about it since they ate at the Lin family's restaurant at the pier. They looked forward to it for a long time, but they only heard the news that the Lin family only opened shops at the piers outside the city.
Jiang Shuyao would chat with Xie Xun before going to bed, so Xie Xun knew about the Lin family's plan.
"The Lin family shouldn't open a market in the inner city. My mother-in-law did this business to do something that would benefit the poor. Wouldn't it be against the original intention to open a restaurant in the inner city?" Xie Xun replied seriously.
Everyone froze when Xie Xun spoke. The mention of the Lin family's restaurant immediately reminded them of its strict first-come, first-served policy. Whether it was the common folk or servants sent by noble families, no one could jump the line. It was a hard rule, one that made it impossible to cheat the system. That was precisely why they hadn’t visited the restaurant since their last attempt—because the little servants could never compete with those who lived or worked in the area, who always got the best spots.
The officials present, all of whom were concerned with matters of the people’s livelihood, were deeply moved upon hearing about the Lin family’s approach. It wasn’t just a policy; it was a reflection of fairness and respect for all, regardless of status.
Sure enough, the rumors had been exaggerated. People had spoken of Mrs. Xiangyang as pungent and jealous, her body reeking of copper, her demeanor far from that of a noble lady. Yet, seeing her actions and the merits she had earned, it was clear that someone with such a heart could not possibly be as unbearable as the rumors suggested.
This thought led everyone to reflect on Jiang Shuyao, who, too, had her share of scandalous rumors.
Except for the crown prince, everyone else had seen Jiang Shuyao in the past. Their memories of her were vague, shaped by fleeting impressions. What lingered most were the heavy makeup she wore and the amusing antics she performed, trying to get the attention of handsome men.
Handsome men......?
At this thought, everyone raised their heads and stared at Xie Xun.
Previously, when they considered the Jiang family's daughter marrying Xie Boyuan, their thoughts were filled with relief: Good luck, good luck! Thank goodness I’m not as handsome as Boyuan.
But now, as they looked at him again, two lines of silent tears formed in their hearts: It's so difficult, so difficult. Why wasn't I handsome enough?
They consoled themselves by saying that although Xie Boyuan enjoyed delicious food every day, his wife appeared far inferior to him. He wasn’t so enviable after all... But, oh, even if her looks weren’t exceptional, one had to admit that her craftsmanship was impressive.
Xie Xun felt their stares were a bit strange. Thinking he might have something on his face, he raised his sleeve to wipe it away.
Noticing that the group of guests lingered, he realized they were likely hoping for a second round, so he decided to be direct and usher them out. “Alright, let’s go. I’ll see you out.”
Everyone sighed regretfully, waddling out with their swollen bellies.
Meanwhile, the old madam paced anxiously around the hall.
“Have someone inform the main kitchen to prepare more food,” she said, frowning. The deep lines forming between her brows made her look particularly stern and harsh.
The nanny nodded respectfully and quickly sent a maid off to call the main kitchen about preparing more food.
After a while, the maid returned, timidly delivering the news. “Old madam, the third branch didn't ask the main kitchen to set up food.”
The old madam’s expression darkened upon hearing this response. “Really? I thought my third child was a clever man, but I didn’t expect him to lack good judgment. His Royal Highness and all those ministers are in the courtyard, and he still leaves it up to Jiang-shi to manage their meals. Is this stubbornness, or is he just refusing to admit defeat?”
She ranted on, her voice rising, and the maid remained silent, too afraid to interrupt. It wasn’t until the old madam paused to catch her breath that the maid dared to speak up again. “Old madam, I went to the third branch to check. Your Royal Highness and the others… they seem to be enjoying their meal and are quite happy.”
The old madam was taken aback, her anger still simmering as she subconsciously doubted what she had just heard. “What did you say?”
The maid hastily bowed her head and continued, more respectfully, "The third branch is bustling with activity, and laughter can be heard carrying across the courtyard wall. I inquired of some people nearby, and they told me that all of the small kitchen's ingredients are depleted, and the main kitchen has been evenly distributed. It appears that they ate until every last thing was gone."
As the maid finished speaking, the room fell silent. The oppressive atmosphere was so thick that even the maids held their breaths, fearful that any small noise might disturb the old madam.
Everyone in the room held their breath, awaiting the old madam's reaction. Just as the maid's face was about to pale from fear, the old madam spoke, her tone calm but with a hint of gritted teeth beneath. "Is what you said true?" she asked, her words dripping with a subtle undercurrent of tension.
The maid nodded, her head bowed in a silent affirmation, before responding with a faint "yes."
The old madam forced herself to calm down, dismissing the thoughts racing through her mind. "Impossible," she muttered to herself, trying to reason through the situation. "If other officials enjoy it, I’ll chalk it up to them having fun, just here to cheer. But the crown prince is sitting there. What kind of delicacies hasn’t he tasted? He’s seen the finest of mountains and seas, tried every novelty food imaginable. How could he possibly enjoy Jiang-shi’s cooking so much? It makes no sense—Ah! I know. His Royal Highness must just be giving face to my youngest."
She found her reasoning, but the frustration didn’t ease. Her face flushed with anger. ‘No, no! I can’t let my youngest go on like this. I won’t let them tarnish the reputation of Duke Xie’s mansion.’
She stood up, determination in her eyes. It was time for her to take control of the situation. "How dare she have the audacity? It's absurd to have His Royal Highness and the esteemed gentlemen of the East Palace carrying Jiang-shi’s sedan chair! Absolutely ridiculous!"
When the crown prince had arrived at the mansion, the old madam had been swift in her preparations. She adjusted her cuffs, making sure not a wrinkle remained, and spoke in a low, measured voice, "Go to the third branch."
A stern-faced group hurried toward the third branch, but before they even reached their destination, they encountered the friends from the East Palace, who had been sent away by Xie Xun with a firm hand.
They had eaten their fill, and now walked sluggishly, their stomachs swollen and hanging out as they moved. The scent of hot pot still lingered heavily in the air, clinging to their clothes. Their finely-made garments, designed for breathability and sweat absorption, seemed to have absorbed not just the heat but also the strong, spicy aroma of the meal. Before their faces even came into view, the pungent smell had already reached the old madam’s nose.
She stared at the group in disbelief, her mind racing as if she were caught in some strange dream.
Where was the elegant and unparalleled crown prince? Where was the energetic and refined Lin family heir? And the talent of the Guan family—renowned for its poetry and calligraphy? Not to mention the grandson of the Li family, raised with generations of literary tradition... Who were these lazy, sluggish figures in front of her?
As they sweat, they raised their sleeves and ruffled their hair, making their once-neat appearances somewhat disheveled. With their faces flushed from overeating, they resembled a group of drunken men stumbling through the streets, yet there was no sign of drunkenness in their speech. Instead, each one was deeply engrossed in reminiscing about the meal they had just indulged in.
"My favorite was the plate of lamb rolls."
"I beg to differ. There were so many ingredients on the table, but I loved the duck intestines."
"Lin Cheng, how can you say that without shame? There were only two plates of duck intestines, and you had a whole plate to yourself!"
"Hmph, who is to blame for being slow?"
As they continued to banter, Xie Xun's gaze shifted, and his eyes landed on the old madam, who was standing silently in the shadows.
"Mother?" he called.
The chatter from the East Palace companions ceased immediately, and all eyes turned toward the old madam, who, with a deep breath, stepped out from the darkness and respectfully bowed to the crown prince.
The crown prince instantly regained his dignified composure, extending a hand to help her up.
As he drew nearer, the unmistakable aroma of hot pot grew stronger, filling the air around them. The old madam's eyes drifted upward, her gaze landing on the oil stains now visible on his collar.
She stared at him in stunned silence, her eyes wandering to his lips. They were bright, swollen, and a striking shade of red from the hot pot, looking oddly delicate. As her eyes scanned the group, it was impossible to ignore the sight of every man with flushed cheeks and red lips, making her wonder if the men of Chang’an had taken to wearing makeup.
In that moment, it felt as though a thunderstorm had erupted within her mind, the shock of the sight overwhelming her. She forgot all the words she had prepared and mechanically opened her mouth and uttered, "Xie Mansion's poor hospitality…"
Before she could continue, the prince quickly intervened. “Why would the old madam say such a thing?” he replied, his tone smooth and composed. “If today’s dinner can still be called a poor reception, then I fear only a handful of banquets could be deemed truly appropriate.”
He was standing protectively before Xie Xun, his eyes cautious. After all, with Xie Boyuan behind him, any misstep or insult to his wife might leave a lingering mark—how could they ever continue enjoying such meals in the future?
The East Palace officials, quick to follow the crown prince’s lead, joined in chorus, praising the meal with fervor. "Jiang-shi's craftsmanship is unparalleled!" they declared, each vying to outdo the other in their enthusiasm.
The old madam’s head spun as the voices filled the air. Her grip on reality wavered, and she stumbled, her thoughts spiraling into confusion. ‘Impossible. How could this be?’ she thought desperately. ‘My third child must have orchestrated this! Yes, he must have forced them to show such deference to Jiang-shi…’
She clung to this flimsy justification, but deep down, the seed of doubt had already taken root. At this point, even her self-deception could no longer shield her from the undeniable truth. The facade was crumbling, and there was no escape from it.
"Mother, what's the matter with you? Why does your complexion look so off?" Xie Xun noticed immediately that something was wrong and hurried to support her.
The old madam blinked, snapping back to reality. "It's nothing, nothing at all," she replied uneasily, her voice faltering.
Her pallor was too striking to ignore, and Xie Xun, alarmed, quickly gestured for the maid to help her back inside.
With the old madam escorted away, the atmosphere around the table shifted instantly. The court officials, once stiff and formal, relaxed into their contented, sluggish postures. No one paid attention to the oil stains now marking their clothes, and the air was filled with their lazy chatter and playful boasts. Some even began composing poetry verses, their earlier grandeur forgotten.
"Boyuan!" A woman's shout came from behind them.
The group of East Palace officials, caught off guard, straightened up, instinctively sharpening their posture.
They turned to see Jiang Shuyao, her simple attire barely concealing her beauty, approaching with quick, light steps.
Jiang Shuyao had always carried the mindset of a modern woman, confident in her own ways. She didn’t believe a woman’s role was to be hidden away from guests. To her, once the dinner had ended, the host’s wife should simply come to see the guests off.
It was a summer night, so she wore a light, cool-colored shirt that accentuated her porcelain-like skin. Her hair, dark and lustrous, was styled high, revealing the graceful curve of her neck. She seemed to glow under the moonlight, moving with a fluid elegance as if she had stepped out of a painting and into reality.
The East Palace officials, upon seeing her approach, froze, eyes wide with disbelief.
Fairy, who are you?
"Boyuan." Jiang Shuyao called out, stopping beside Xie Xun, a slight breathlessness in her voice. "You didn’t tell me when the guests would be leaving."
Everyone: ??!!
This fairy is Jiang-shi?!
The East Palace officials were rendered speechless, their minds in disarray. Where were the rumors about her being vulgar? The tales of thick makeup and exaggerated mannerisms?
This woman’s mere presence shattered everything they thought they knew. Her beauty alone was enough to stun them, but when they remembered her culinary skills—the very food they had just consumed—they couldn’t help but regret their earlier judgments. How foolish they had been to dismiss her. They longed for the days when she had deliberately fallen into the water, when she had so bravely captured Xie Xun’s attention with her daring act. If she were truly unworthy of Xie Boyuan, then he might as well die alone.
While the less discerning were still in a daze, the sharp-minded ones had already begun to seize the moment.
"Sister-in-law!"
Hiss, which person can be so shameless?
Everyone turned to see Lin Cheng grinning like a mischievous child.
Jiang Shuyao, who had never met Lin Cheng before, quickly guessed his identity. With a gracious smile, she nodded at him before turning to Xie Xun, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Why didn't you say a word when the guests were leaving? I even told the maids to bring out some desserts. After all, hot pot can be a bit greasy and might upset the stomach."
She added with a polite smile, “I’ve prepared some cool drinks to help with the heat, though I’m not sure if they’ll suit your taste.”
Before she could even finish her sentence, Lin Cheng practically jumped in excitement. "Yes! Yes! Of course, it will! Thank you, sister-in-law!" His eagerness was so palpable it could almost be felt in the air.
In that moment, everyone watching couldn’t help but inwardly condemn: Lin Cheng, you are really something!
Everyone immediately burst into enthusiastic greetings, as loud and synchronized as if they were shouting military training slogans, their voices ringing through the air. "Hello, sister-in-law!" "Hello, cousin!"
Jiang Shuyao, taken aback by the unexpected chorus, blinked in confusion. Am I familiar with these people?
Amid the chaotic greetings, the prince took a step forward, his voice cutting through the noise, "younger cousin!"
The word "younger cousin!" came out so unexpectedly and with such authority that it immediately drew Jiang Shuyao's attention. She turned, her gaze meeting his.
After seeing the face of the crown prince, she was very puzzled. Who is this? If I remember correctly, Concubine Lin's son should be younger than me?
Xie Xun's facial paralyzed face faintly twitched. This whole situation was too embarrassing. He hurriedly led Jiang Shuyao's attention away, "Cough, cough. You don't need to make desserts. They already ate enough."
Jiang Shuyao hadn't spoken yet, and everyone had formed an alliance and furiously opposed Xie Xun, "Sister-in-law is so caring, of course, I have to support it."
"My sister-in-law has worked hard."
"I love desserts the most."
Xie Xun: ...Forget it, I give up.
And so, Jiang Shuyao instructed the maids to bring out the grass jelly, a simple yet refreshing treat. While she had prepared it mainly for herself, she decided to share it with the others as well—a small bamboo cup for each person, complete with a spoon and a reed straw.
The grass jelly was made from Chinese mesona. The juice was filtered and then blended with rice milk and wheat starch. After cooling, it solidified into a smooth, black, and translucent jelly. The jelly was then cut into cubes and placed in bowls, followed by crushed peanuts, chewy taro balls, candied dates, raisins, and red beans simmered in brown sugar. Finally, it was poured into a refreshing milk tea base, perfect for cooling down and quenching thirst.
The maids handed out the bamboo cups, and everyone peered inside with curiosity.
The milk tea was fragrant with the sweetness of tea and the richness of milk. The cubes of grass jelly, shiny and smooth, floated in the brown liquid, surrounded by the deep red beans, golden raisins, and green mung beans. The vibrant colors made the dish look as inviting as it selled, promising a sweet, satisfying taste.
After Jiang Shuyao delivered the grass jelly, she gave Xie Xun a nod before turning to leave.
As she departed, everyone clung to their bamboo cups, sending her off with over-the-top politeness, which startled her into quickening her pace.
Once she was out of sight, a collective sigh of relief filled the air. The group eagerly scooped up their spoons, all eager to sample the delicacy that had piqued their curiosity. The grass jelly, slippery and wobbly, was difficult to scoop, its elastic texture causing it to quiver with every shake of the spoon. As they finally took a bite, the slightly bitter taste immediately washed away the lingering heat and spice of the hot pot, offering a refreshing reprieve to their taste buds.
The grass jelly had a delicate, nuanced flavor. To quell the internal heat, Jiang Shuyao had deliberately added fire-clearing Chinese medicinal ingredients, such as eagle-billed turtle shell, stilbene, and dandelion. Their bitterness was deep and mellow, yet not unpleasant. On the contrary, it soothed the lingering heaviness of the hot pot, offering a refreshing relief to their overheated stomachs. Before they could even chew, the grass jelly smoothly slid down their throats and into their bellies, leaving behind a cooling sensation.
The milk was sweet, and the tea fresh. The red beans, boiled in brown sugar, carried a rich depth of flavor, while the raisins offered a tart, chewy contrast. The sweetness melded perfectly with the cool, slightly bitter grass jelly, turning the sweltering summer night into something unexpectedly refreshing.
The peanuts were crisp and crunchy, the beans and raisins tender and chewy, and the grass jelly smooth and soft. Each spoonful, brimming with such varied ingredients, was a delightful experience. As they chewed, the sweet milk tea swirled slowly in their mouths, the harmonious blend of textures and flavors creating a truly remarkable taste.
The East Palace freeloading team, their faces now relaxed and satisfied, worked their mouths in contentment, savoring every last bite. But as soon as they were unceremoniously sent out of Xie Mansion by Xie Xun, the realization hit them—such a small cup was nowhere near enough to satisfy their cravings.
Sister-in-law! Can I have a refill!
＊
When the old madam returned to the yard, a tightness settled in her chest, and her thoughts swirled in confusion. She couldn't piece together what had just happened, her mind still hazy.
The nanny, sensing the atmosphere, carefully rubbed her temples, remaining silent, not daring to speak a word.
As the memory of the scene replayed in her mind, a sharp pang of humiliation struck her face. Her words from that day, spoken in front of Xie Xun, still echoed—how she had belittled Jiang Shuyao, dismissing her without a second thought. Now, in the quiet of her yard, her chest tightened even further, and she struggled to catch her breath.
She didn’t want to believe it—didn't want to admit it to herself—but the truth loomed before her.
She found countless reasons to comfort herself. Even if the crown prince was having a good meal, was it possible that it was all because of Jiang Shuyao? They must have given her third son some face. Even if she showed off her cooking skills, she still couldn't change her unpleasant reputation. She was always the object of the noble mistress' jokes in the capital. It was just a meal. What's the big deal? What big impact can this meal have?
She said these reasons to herself and could barely fall asleep.
After tossing and turning all night, she slept extremely unsteadily and finally woke up in a lot of comfort the next day.
She regained her energy a bit, and she had just been waiting for people to help her freshen up and wake up when she saw Xu-shi coming in from outside with joy.
After the salute, Xu-shi asked, "Is mother unwell? Why is she up so late today?"
The old madam waved her hand, unwilling to say more, "Hurry, what's the matter?"
Xu-shi was married to the Xie family for many years, but she rarely shows such a happy appearance in front of the old madam.
"Of course, it's a good thing." There was joy in her voice, "The queen gave us a lot of things just now. She said that the sweet drinks made by the third sister-in-law were in line with her heart. She praised her for her ingenuity and virtuousness-"
Seeing the old madam standing in a daze with a stiff expression, Xu-shi hurriedly stopped.
"Mother?" She asked cautiously, "The reward has been sent to the third branch. You are going to join in the fun and be happy--"
Before she finished speaking, the old madam suddenly collapsed and fell softly on the bed.
Grass jelly ( 燒仙草) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyjV8NQJxnE
If you enjoyed Serena’s work, buy her a ko-fi! 