Xiao Man resided in the Prince of Chu's estate, waking at the third watch of the day. Upon rising, she would first check the pulse of the Princess of Chu, then proceed to the lotus pond in the western garden of the estate to fish. The pond was not small, and the lotus flowers were in full bloom. Xiao Man sat on the railing of the pavilion in the center of the lake, listlessly fishing.
Zhu Yun had always suspected this person of having ulterior motives, believing her to be of unknown origin. Yet, all this person did daily was check the Princess's pulse, fish, and sleep. During this time, she had never even set foot inside the Prince's quarters, appearing to be nothing more than a traveling physician. Su Dan Fiction Network.
"Mr. Xiao."
Without turning around, Xiao Man knew who it was. "Greetings to Her Highness the Princess."
Pei Qianyun sat down beside her, watching Xiao Man fish with concentration. "I have not yet personally thanked you, sir."
"I am currently a guest of the Prince of Chu's estate. My actions are merely my duty. Your Highness need not thank me." Xiao Man felt a tug on the fishing line, gave a tentative pull, then yanked hard. A red carp was pulled out of the water, struggling fiercely, wanting to return to the depths yet unwilling to let go of the tempting bait.
Xiao Man caught the struggling fish and laughed, "Truly a greedy fish, wanting both freedom and food."
Pei Qianyun smiled, "It is merely a fish, seeking food to sustain itself. How could it know that behind the food lies a trap?"
Xiao Man removed the fish, tossed it back into the lake, "Your Highness's visit today is likely not just for thanks, is it?"
Pei Qianyun waved her hand, signaling the maids to leave the pavilion. Only the two of them remained. "I wish to ask you, sir, what exactly is problematic within my courtyard?"
"The flowers, the paintings, the incense, and the people," Xiao Man's voice was calm and unhurried, like a cool breeze on this sweltering summer day, reaching into one's heart and bringing a hint of chill.
Pei Qianyun lowered her gaze and caressed her abdomen, remaining silent. Two of her attending maids had died under mysterious circumstances. Although she sensed a connection to her own misfortune, she was reluctant to believe it, as both maids had been brought from her own family.
"Your Highness is currently with child. Do not dwell on worries, as they can harm your health." Xiao Man reeled in the fishing rod and caught another fish. "Would Your Highness care to try the lotus leaf fish I prepared?"
"You also cook, sir?" Pei Qianyun was somewhat surprised. A gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen; none of the men around her knew how to cook.
"Is it so surprising that one knows how to cook?" Xiao Man asked, puzzled.
"A gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen. Men generally do not enter the kitchen." Pei Qianyun carefully chose her words. The Prince of Chu held this guest in high regard, and coupled with the life-saving grace he had shown her, she respected Xiao Man greatly.
"Does a gentleman not eat?"
Xiao Man took the fish, reeled in the line, "If Your Highness does not mind, please try the lotus leaf fish I prepared."
Xiao Man had someone fetch a brazier and a pot. She then cleaned the fish by the lake, picked a tender lotus leaf, placed the fish inside, added various seasonings – some of which Pei Qianyun did not even recognize.
A maid brought the brazier and a steamer. Xiao Man placed the pot on the brazier, added water, set up the steaming rack, wrapped the marinated fish in lotus leaves, placed it on a plate, and put it in to steam.
Xiao Man produced a jar of wine from somewhere, poured a cup, and offered it to Pei Qianyun. Pei Qianyun smiled and refused, "I cannot drink alcohol."
"As a physician, I naturally know Your Highness cannot drink," Xiao Man said with a smile. "This is not wine, but sweet dew collected by a friend of mine, infused with several medicinal herbs. It has the effects of relieving summer heat and calming the mind, making it very suitable for Your Highness."
Upon hearing this, Pei Qianyun took the cup and took a sip. It was sweet, refreshing, and left a faint floral fragrance in her mouth. She couldn't help but finish the entire cup of sweet dew and looked longingly at the wine pot in Xiao Man's hand.
Xiao Man glanced at Pei Qianyun and shook the wine pot. "One cup is enough."
"Another cup, please." Seeing the pained expression on Xiao Man's face, Pei Qianyun smiled and extended her cup.
Xiao Man made a wry face and poured half a cup for Pei Qianyun. "No more, my friend has not yet returned, and I'm almost out of the sweet dew he collected."
Pei Qianyun continued to drink the sweet dew. "Your friend must be a confidante."
"What makes you say that?" Xiao Man asked, puzzled.
"Sweet dew must be collected at the fourth watch of the night, and it is very difficult to gather. A pot likely takes ten days to half a month to fill. She must be very fond of you, sir." Pei Qianyun said with a smile. "A good girl like this, sir, please do not disappoint her."
Xiao Man touched her nose uncomfortably. "My friend is a man."
"Cough, cough..." Pei Qianyun choked. The maid quickly patted her back to help her breathe. Pei Qianyun waved her hand, signaling her to leave, and looked at Xiao Man somewhat awkwardly. "Then you must be very close."
At that moment, the pot on the brazier began to bubble. Steam was rising, and a faint aroma of lotus leaves wafted out, making one's mouth water just by smelling it.
"Just a moment more, and it will be ready to eat." Xiao Man saw Pei Qianyun swallowing. "Your Highness has not had much appetite lately and has been sleeping poorly. Today, you can eat heartily with peace of mind."
Pei Qianyun smiled shyly. "The cooks in the estate try all sorts of dishes, but it's all rich meat and fish, very greasy, and I truly cannot eat it."
"For the next few days, eat lightly and avoid anything too oily. This is to prevent excessive nourishment that could lead to the fetus being too large, making childbirth difficult."
Having said this, Xiao Man lifted the lid of the pot. The rich aroma of fish mixed with the elegant fragrance of lotus leaves assailed their senses. Xiao Man served the fish, opened the lotus leaf wrapping, and handed chopsticks to Pei Qianyun.
"Thank you, sir. I will not be polite." Pei Qianyun picked up a piece of fish belly and put it in her mouth. The fish was tender and fragrant, without any fishy taste, and very refreshing. Pei Qianyun truly enjoyed it, and in a short while, she had finished the entire plate of steamed fish.
When Pei Qianyun let out a satisfied burp, she realized Xiao Man had not tasted the fish she herself had prepared. She felt a little embarrassed and rubbed her stomach. "The fish you made, sir, was too delicious. I lost my composure and ate it all. Please forgive me."
"It's fine. It is my honor that Your Highness likes the fish I prepared."
"Then thank you for your hospitality, sir." Pei Qianyun stood up. "I am full and satisfied, so I will take my leave. I will host you another day."
"Your Highness, walk slowly."
Xiao Man watched Pei Qianyun depart, then glanced at the steamed fish, which was now just bones. A smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. She picked up the fishing rod and continued to fish. The weather was too hot, and she just wanted to find a cool place to laze around. This pavilion in the middle of the lake was, aside from the ice cellar, the coolest place in the estate.