Chop the jujubes and walnuts into small pieces, then mix them with glutinous rice flour, sugar, pine nuts, and other ingredients in cold water until smooth. Set aside. Line a steamer with fine cotton gauze, place the rice flour mixture on top, and steam over high heat for 15 minutes.
When the white rice flour turns jade-colored, remove the rice cake and cover it with a clean, damp cloth. While the rice cake is still warm, knead it by hand until the surface is smooth like jade.
The final step is to cut the mixed fruit cake into small, easy-to-use pieces and arrange them on a plate to cool.
Anran had been fiddling around in the small kitchen for quite some time when Cuizhi suddenly rushed in and nodded to her.
She had her servant find her a vermilion lacquered food box, placed the plate containing the mixed fruit and honey cake inside, and had Cuizhi carry it as Anran walked back unhurriedly.
He appeared calm and composed on the surface, but inside he was still somewhat uneasy.
Will their third sister be able to turn the tables?
******
"Your Highness, you're back." Third Sister bowed gracefully, seemingly even more respectful than usual, though her expression remained slightly cold and distant.
Yun Shen immediately felt awkward and uncomfortable.
The truth about Li Shi could no longer be hidden. Yun Shen hesitated for a long time, but decided to tell San Niang before letting Li Shi back into the house. Although Li Shi was a gentle and understanding woman, San Niang was a spoiled and jealous woman, but after all, San Niang was his first wife.
If San Niang stops being unreasonable, he will still respect and love her.
On the way back, he had thought that Third Sister might make a hysterical scene, relentlessly obstruct him... or even cry and scream and throw a tantrum. Yun Shen was prepared for this, but he did not expect Third Sister to be so quiet and peaceful.
"Third Sister..." Yun Shen responded somewhat awkwardly. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Third Sister, about Li Shi..."
Upon hearing him mention the name "Li Shi," the Third Sister, who had just been trying to maintain her composure, quickly turned her back, refusing to face Yun Shen. "I understand what the Young Master wants to say. You did the right thing, and I also think it was the proper way. Rest assured, I will not let you lose face—"
San Niang had been trying hard not to let Yun Shen notice anything amiss, but she couldn't help but choke up a couple of times at the end.
Yun Shen already felt somewhat guilty, and upon seeing this, he grabbed Third Sister tightly, insisting on seeing her face clearly.
What I saw was shocking. Third Sister's eyes were red-rimmed, wide open, and tears were streaming down her face. Although she didn't make a sound, she looked even more heartbroken.
"Third Sister, it's my fault—" Yun Shen blurted out her apology. "Don't be angry, okay?"
Seeing his heartbroken third sister-in-law, he suddenly remembered her charming and beautiful appearance on their wedding day. She had also worn a similar bright dress then, her smile as radiant as the spring sun. He had once cherished her deeply, promising her a lifetime of love and devotion…
Back then, Third Sister was carefree and happy.
"What are you saying, Young Master?" Third Sister raised her head high, her eyes revealing a hint of arrogance. "Am I such an unvirtuous and ungrateful person? Why did you keep me in the dark? I thought we were husband and wife, inseparable! I never expected you to be so wary of me!"
Yun Shen comforted Third Sister.
"I misunderstood, Madam. I apologize." Yun Shen was worried about how to resolve this matter, as it would be difficult for him to save face if Third Madam made a scene. Even if he could suppress it, it wouldn't look good if outsiders saw it. Hearing that Third Madam seemed to be softening her stance, Yun Shen quickly softened his stance.
Third Sister looked up at Yun Shen.
Yun Shen was handsome, with striking features and a tall, slender figure. He could be described as a dashing young gentleman. When San Niang learned that the man she was marrying was him, she still remembered the flutter in her heart at that moment.
She still remembered that every time he went out, he would bring her some new and clever little trinkets, and he would shower her with sweet words every day.
Third Sister was momentarily dazed.
She hoped that Li Shi's pregnant entrance was just a nightmare, and that she would wake up soon enough! She hoped that when she woke up, she and Yun Shen would still be a loving couple...
"This time, I beg you, Madam, to allow Li to enter the house!"
A gentle yet slightly anxious male voice broke the daze that San Niang was in.
Third Sister heard her own voice, distant and ethereal.
"Since the Crown Prince has spoken, how could I refuse?"
The wind carries the fragrance of flowers and grass, along with the sounds of insects chirping and birds singing. The sunlight outside the window is warm and pleasant; the weather is wonderfully comfortable.
Third Sister's heart was cold.
Yun Shen could naturally see that Third Sister was unhappy. Just as he was about to say a few words of advice, a soft and sweet female voice suddenly came from outside the door, with the delicate charm of a young girl, melodious and pleasant to listen to.
"Third sister, I've brought the snacks. Brother-in-law knows you prepared these especially for us, he'll definitely like them!"
Third Sister quickly came to her senses.
She wiped away her tears with a handkerchief and forced a smile. In a short, soft voice, she said to Yun Shen, "The person who came is my ninth sister. She doesn't know about this yet, so please don't let anyone know."
Yun Shen nodded hurriedly.
No sooner had she finished speaking than a beautiful young woman carrying a tray emerged from behind the screen, startling Yun Shen.
He had heard from Third Sister that her ninth sister had been brought back to the Marquis's mansion from Yangzhou, and that her sister was beautiful, but he never expected her to be such a beauty! Even Yun Shen, who had seen many beauties since childhood, couldn't help but feel his eyes light up when he saw An Ran.
An Ran's bright smile froze as she entered, seemingly surprised that there was someone else besides Third Sister.
"Ninth Sister, come here." Third Sister's expression softened slightly, and she smiled as she said, "This is your brother-in-law, Yun Shen."
An Ran hurriedly took two steps forward before she could greet them, but then realized she was still holding pastries in her hands, and she became flustered for a moment.
"You little glutton, don't you know to put down what you're holding?" Third Sister was unusually affectionate towards An Ran, urging her, "Hurry up and greet her."
"Brother-in-law."
Anran obediently stepped forward and squatted down to pay her respects.
She looked just like a naive young girl who had just arrived in the capital from the countryside and had never seen the world.
Yun Shen laughed heartily, "So it's Ninth Sister. We're all family, no need for formalities."