Chapter 123: Shaved Ice

Seeing that Yao Ruoshui refused to show even a shred of leniency, Concubine Shu realized she could no longer rely on her. She wiped away her tears, deliberately removing her makeup at the dressing table to reveal a plain, washed-out face. Changing into a moon-white dress, she cultivated an image of fragile, heart-wrenching vulnerability.

She marched straight to Su Hong’s study but was blocked at the door. She had no choice but to wail and plead in the courtyard: "Master, Master, please see me! You must decide Shan'er’s marriage; you cannot allow the Madam and the Old Madam to ruin her. Master, Mei'er begs you..."

Concubine Shu wept and clamored before the study door for quite some time, yet Su Hong did not appear. After the duration of a stick of incense, a maid finally emerged to relay a message: "Concubine, the Master says you are to handle the Third Young Miss's affairs yourself; he will have no part in it. Please stop causing a scene. The Master is currently overwhelmed with court business and has no energy to concern himself with your affairs."

The maid offered a kind word of advice, but Concubine Shu would not listen, continuing to shout: "Master, come out and see me! Shan'er’s marriage cannot be left to the Madam. How could she possibly marry the men the Madam has chosen? Master..."

Watching her stubbornness, the maid sighed: "If the Concubine refuses to listen to this servant, then you may continue waiting here. The Master hasn't even had time to eat today, let alone see you."

The maid shook her head and returned to the study to serve Su Hong. She ignored the wailing outside, pretending not to hear, but Su Hong’s brow furrowed deeper. Already agitated, the shrill voice of the woman outside only made him more impatient. Under normal circumstances, he might have hummed a few words of comfort, but today he had no time for such things. "Have someone gag her," he commanded irritably.

"As you wish, Master." The maid opened her mouth, but stopped short; seeing Su Hong’s tightly knitted brows, her momentary softness vanished.

"Concubine, please stop crying. If you continue to make a scene, I will be forced to have someone gag you," the maid said softly, looking at the inconsolable woman.

Concubine Shu’s mouth fell open in shock, and she made no further sound. The look in the maid’s eyes told her that the threat was real. Unable to lose any more face before the servants, Concubine Shu wiped her tears with a handkerchief, her voice already hoarse from weeping. The study door remained closed—the man she wished to see never appeared—and she walked away in defeat.

By the end of the seventh lunar month, Liuzhu ran into the room, breathless and terrified: "Miss! The price of ice outside has risen again."

"How much?" Su Lishuo lay leisurely on the couch, cradling a medical text, with Yuxin feeding her snacks. She was not in the least bothered by Liuzhu's frantic shouting.

"It's twice as expensive as before! Miss, shouldn't we buy more now?" Liuzhu, thinking of the silver vanishing, seemed even more anxious than Su Lishuo.

"Hmm, let's not worry about that for now. Liuzhu, go fetch a bowl-sized chunk of ice; I have a use for it." Liuzhu’s excitement was interrupted, and with a soft "oh," she hurried out.

Liuying entered with mung bean soup just as the command was given and asked curiously, "Miss, what do you need ice for?"

"You'll see in a moment. What I'm making is both cooling and delicious. My mouth is already watering just thinking about it." Su Lishuo licked her lips, craving the icy treat so much she wanted to devour two large bowls immediately.

Liuzhu returned with the ice, having cleverly brought a bowl along. Su Lishuo instructed, "Go get a knife."

"Miss, what are you doing? Isn't a knife dangerous?" Liuzhu hesitated, not daring to act; she had to be sure. Surely her mistress wasn't planning to hurt herself?

"Liuzhu, what kind of look is that? Do I look like someone who would self-harm? Hurry up, unless you don't want to eat anything?" Su Lishuo watched the nervous girl, wanting to pat her head and see what was going on in that mind of hers.

Tempted by the promise of something delicious, Liuzhu decided to console herself: "I just won't let the Miss touch the knife. It's a rare treat; I can't let her lose interest."

She nodded like a chick pecking at grain and shouted, "I'll go right now!" and vanished out the door.

Once the tools were ready, Su Lishuo stood to the side. "Liuzhu, take the knife and hack at the ice in the bowl—the smaller the pieces, the better."

"Ah? Miss, just like that?" Liuzhu held the knife, looking at the bowl-sized chunk of ice with hesitation. How long would this take?

"Hurry, or it will melt. Be careful not to hurt yourself." Su Lishuo sat back down. Liuzhu sighed, bringing the knife down on the ice. Her first attempt was angled poorly, and the blade stuck into the table; it took all her strength to pull it out.

Qingyi, watching the struggle, stepped forward. "Miss, let me do it. I have martial arts training; I’m stronger than her and less likely to hurt myself."

Su Lishuo slapped her forehead. "Right, why didn't I think of that? Qingyi, quick, you do it. The ice needs to be as fine as sand."

Though Qingyi didn't understand the goal, she followed orders. Watching her swift and steady technique, Su Lishuo praised, "As expected of a martial artist!"

Qingyi quickly reduced the ice to the desired consistency. Looking at the bowl of shaved ice, she asked curiously, "Miss, what next?"

"Liuying, bring over the things I told you to prepare." Once the ingredients were set, Su Lishuo used a spoon to put half a bowl of shaved ice into several dishes, topping them with mung beans, red beans, and various fruits. She handed them to the maids. "Mix it up and eat."

Qingyi took a tentative bite and her eyes widened. Beside her, Liuzhu exclaimed, "Miss, you're amazing! This is so good!"

Liuzhu couldn't help but scoop another spoonful into her mouth. The others followed suit with enthusiasm, and the shaved ice was finished in no time.

Liuying examined the novel treat and asked, "Miss, I've heard of putting ice in mung bean soup or chilling fruit with it, but I’ve never seen it eaten like this. What is this called?"

"This is shaved ice. You can choose any flavor you like. In this sweltering summer, a bowl of this will cool you down in an instant." Seeing them enjoy it, Su Lishuo felt inspired and began to introduce the idea with enthusiasm.

Calculating her current savings in her mind, she realized, "I have just enough to open a shop selling ice treats."

"Miss, what did you say? Are you planning to sell this?" Qingyi heard the whisper and was struck with admiration at how quickly her mistress could devise a way to make money.

"That's right! It earns money and lets everyone enjoy the pleasure of cooling off. Why not? Liuying, go find a merchant in the capital who trades in ice and invite him to the Deyuan Restaurant. I’ll be waiting there." Su Lishuo wasted no time, taking her maids and heading out.

The merchant was soon invited to a private room in the restaurant. He was a portly man with a beard, appearing to be in his thirties. He looked at Su Lishuo with suspicion: "Are you the one who wants to buy my ice?"

"Show some respect to the Miss!" Liuzhu said angrily, seeing his lack of deference.

The merchant was good-natured. "So this is your maid? Quite the sharp tongue."

Su Lishuo shot Liuzhu a look and cupped her hands in apology. "My maid is ignorant; I hope you can forgive her. Liuzhu, you all head out for a moment. I need to speak with this gentleman privately."

Liuzhu pouted and walked out, followed by the other maids. The merchant, unbothered, began helping himself to the pastries on the table. Seeing Su Lishuo watching him, he laughed sheepishly: "I've been busy all day and haven't had breakfast yet. My apologies."

"It's fine, eat as much as you like. No matter how busy business is, your health is the most important thing. I won't beat around the bush—I want to buy all the ice you have in your possession." Su Lishuo said the last sentence calmly.