Chapter Sixty-Five: My plan to find my relatives can be put on hold.
Bai Yu replied that he had already instructed the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Jiu Ya had complete confidence in Li Yue's abilities. This subordinate was meticulous and thoughtful; often, before she even considered it, Li Yue had already made the arrangements. Moreover, based on her observations of dining together these past few days, Rong Jiang preferred light flavors and delicate pastries, showing little interest in overly greasy or strongly flavored foods. The inn's breakfast was elegant and refined, which should suit Rong Jiang's taste perfectly; she didn't need to worry too much about finding anything Rong Jiang disliked.
However, out of a subconscious concern, Jiu Ya still asked one more question: "What kind of porridge did you order this morning?"
Porridge is a highlight of breakfast, and it also reflects how much care was put into its preparation.
Bai Yu thought for a moment and answered smoothly, "Miss, we have prepared mustard green and lean pork porridge and rock sugar yam and barley porridge. We have also specially instructed the kitchen to keep a pot of pure white rice porridge warm, just in case." There are sweet porridge, savory porridge, and plain porridge to choose from, which shows that she has considered everything very carefully.
After a moment's thought, Jiu Ya realized that mustard green porridge was refreshing, yam porridge was sweet and moist, and plain porridge could be paired with almost anything. She figured neither of these would be something Rong Jiang disliked. Haha, she really was lucky; she'd never once made a mistake with Rong Jiang's dietary preferences! She couldn't help but feel a little smug.
"Oh, I see." Jiu Ya turned her head to look at Rong Jiang beside her, her eyes sparkling with obvious desire to share. "Ranran, is there anything you particularly want to eat for breakfast? Just tell me! The breakfast chef here is very skilled, and they have a lot of variety!"
Rong Jiang met her expectant gaze and said gently, "A simple and light breakfast is fine. I don't have anything in particular I want to eat. Ajiu can arrange it."
“Alright.” Jiu Ya blinked, not surprised by the answer. She understood Rong Jiang's situation; having rarely been exposed to human food over the long years, the desire for food had probably long since faded from her memory. In truth, ordinary ghosts crave human food, because it's the taste they're most familiar with in life. But after becoming ghosts, unless they accept offerings, they can't truly enjoy hot human food. That pain of seeing and smelling something but being unable to eat it is one of the sources of many ghosts' obsessions.
But this is only the treatment of ordinary ghosts. Not to mention Rong Jiang, the Emperor of the Underworld, even ghosts and gods of Si Huai'an's level have no problem eating human food normally. It's just that perhaps because they no longer need it or miss it, they have gotten used to it.
Jiu Ya's eyes darted around, and after a moment's thought, she turned to Bai Yu and added, "By the way, I remember the inn's candied fruits are pretty good. Do you have candied Buddha's Hand, candied crabapple, or candied winter melon? If so, bring over a plate of each." These were all snacks that Rong Jiang would like, according to her "memory."
"Yes, Miss. I'll go to the kitchen and ask right away." Bai Yu accepted the order. Even if the inn didn't have any, she would immediately have Li Yue go to the best pastry shop in town to buy some. The Lord's request had to be fulfilled.
Upon hearing the names of these candied fruits, Rong Jiang paused slightly, a subtle tremor flickering in her eyes. These… were snacks she had quite enjoyed long ago, when she was still human. Rong Jiang didn't doubt how Jiu Ya knew these minor preferences; she simply assumed Jiu Ya herself happened to like them. After all, candied Buddha's Hand, candied crabapple, and candied winter melon weren't rare treats; they were common candied fruits made with ordinary ingredients, and their similar flavors weren't unusual.
Jiu Ya nodded reservedly, "Okay." But inside, a smug little voice was gloating: As a seasoned book fan, how could she miss any detail about the female lead's preferences? Hmph, catering to her tastes and striking precisely at her—she knew it all! How could that so-called demon king Ying Jia, who appeared later, possibly be as knowledgeable and tactful as her, a "mom fan"? She would definitely oust Ying Jia and become her daughter's most trusted and capable right-hand woman, accompanying her to the pinnacle of life!
After Bai Yu took her leave, she immediately went to find Li Yue, and together they went to the kitchen to inquire. The inn's kitchen replied that candied Buddha's Hand citron was always on hand, but they were out of crabapple preserves and winter melon candy for the day, and there wasn't enough time to make them fresh. The two dutiful demon generals exchanged a glance, and without hesitation, immediately turned and left the inn, heading towards the most famous nearby pastry shop, "Five Flavors Pavilion." Fortunately, the shop wasn't far from the inn. Just as the breakfast preparations were almost complete and they were starting to send it upstairs, Li Yue and Bai Yu returned, carrying the newly purchased crabapple preserves and winter melon candy, still carrying a fresh aroma.
A delicate breakfast was laid out on the octagonal table in the room. Several refreshing side dishes, such as shredded vegetables, pickled cucumbers, and bamboo shoots in sesame oil, were a feast for the eyes and the palate. Three bowls of thick, fragrant porridge were served in delicate white porcelain bowls, with wooden spoons beside them. At the very edge were three small white porcelain dishes, each containing one of the three candied fruits that Jiu Ya had specifically requested: candied crabapple, bright orange-yellow like autumn fruit; candied winter melon, pure white as jade, with a layer of sugar frosting on the surface; and the most exquisitely shaped candied Buddha's hand, golden and translucent, resembling a real Buddha's hand.
Based on the color descriptions in the book, Jiu Ya immediately identified which was candied crabapple, which was candied winter melon, and the one with the unique shape was naturally candied Buddha's Hand. Although she had never eaten it before, she was determined to make a proper appearance.
The two sat down gracefully. Out of curiosity, Jiu Ya first reached for the uniquely shaped candied Buddha's Hand. She carefully picked up a piece and put it in her mouth; the perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavor melted on her tongue, exceptionally delicious. But then, a familiar taste made her expression almost freeze instantly—good heavens! When she read the book, she had always assumed that "candied Buddha's Hand" was made from a citron-like plant called "Buddha's Hand." Although Buddha's Hand itself can't be eaten directly, bergamot can be made into candied fruit! Who would have thought she was so ignorant! This candied Buddha's Hand from Linzi was actually… carved from a carrot into the shape of a Buddha's Hand and then candied!
The taste was indeed good, sweet and sour and crisp, but she could still clearly taste the unique carrot flavor!
Jiuya felt a pang of embarrassment inwardly, but her expression remained impassive, and she didn't even pause her chewing. How could she act like it was her first time eating something she'd specifically requested? She absolutely couldn't contradict herself, hehe. She quickly composed herself, pretending to be a seasoned pro.
Despite it being her first time tasting it, Jiu Ya was able to comment without blushing or skipping a beat, in an extremely natural tone: "Hmm, Ran Ran, I think the sweet and sour balance of this candied Buddha's Hand is pretty good, and the texture is quite crisp."
"Really?" Upon hearing this, Rong Jiang also picked up a small piece of candied Buddha's Hand, elegantly put it into her mouth, chewed it slowly, and then a very faint smile appeared on her lips. She said softly, "What A-Jiu said is true. Today's candied Buddha's Hand has an even coating of sugar, and the heat is just right. The taste is indeed very good." She seemed to remember something, and her eyes looked distant for a moment.
"Right?" Seeing that she liked it, Jiu Ya was immediately very pleased, feeling that she had flattered the right person. She then enthusiastically recommended, "And their yam and barley porridge is also very good. It's cooked until it's very soft and smooth, and the rice oil has been extracted. It's sweet and mellow." She pointed to the dish of frosty white candied fruit, "and the flavor will be even more complex when paired with this sweet winter melon candy."
This wasn't a random combination by Jiu Ya; rather, it was mentioned in an inconspicuous corner of the book's side story that Rong Jiang had eaten human food a few times, and on one occasion, she had prepared it this way. Jiu Ya believed that since Rong Jiang had chosen it unintentionally, she must have liked eating it this way.
Upon hearing this, Rong Jiang gave Jiu Ya a deep look, the slight upward curve of her lips seemed to become more pronounced, and her eyes also contained a faint smile and a hint of probing: "Does A-Jiu also like to eat like this? It seems... A-Jiu's taste is quite similar to mine."
Her tone carried a hint of wistfulness. Long, long ago, when she was still alive, it seemed there had been someone who would do the same, enthusiastically telling her which way of eating tasted better and strongly suggesting she try it. But those relatives who cared about what she liked and disliked were long gone.
Jiu Ya's seemingly unintentional yet precisely tailored actions today stirred a few long-dormant ripples in Rong Jiang's heart. Perhaps it was the lively eyes and brows that resembled those of an old friend from her memories, or perhaps it was the other person's genuine and warm smile that made Rong Jiang unconsciously lower her guard a little.
Jiu Ya was stunned by Rong Jiang's gentle yet genuine smile. She felt as if the ice and snow were melting and spring flowers were blooming before her eyes. Her heart was instantly filled with excitement, and she felt a little dizzy, unconsciously smiling foolishly.
The two then quietly finished their breakfast. The atmosphere was harmonious and peaceful.
The early bird catches the worm. After breakfast and rinsing her mouth, Jiu Ya leaned close to Rong Jiang and began whispering in her ear, excitedly planning today's itinerary. After Jiu Ya's enthusiastic invitation, Rong Jiang, seemingly reluctant but actually going along with it, accepted Jiu Ya's invitation and decided to accompany her today to explore more information about the Li family in Shenyan Lane.
The moment this group of "people" stepped out of the inn, they immediately became the most eye-catching presence on the street. This was solely because the four of them possessed exceptional beauty and bearing: Jiu Ya was elegant and lively, Rong Jiang was bright and graceful, Bai Yu was gentle and beautiful, and Li Yue was aloof and imposing. Passersby couldn't help but turn their heads, secretly speculating which family's young masters and ladies were on an outing.
If Rong Jiang is obsessed with looks, then Jiu Ya herself is actually a hidden ultimate face-obsessed person. Back in the Demon Realm, every demon general and official serving her was exceptionally good-looking. She generally didn't want to talk to anyone ugly, and those who could be in close and prolonged contact with her were definitely those whose appearance had undergone rigorous selection. She believed that ugliness would affect her mood for handling government affairs and enjoying life, and she absolutely could not allow any "ugly" or "disfigured" people to appear before her.
As the saying goes, unity is strength. With the concerted efforts of the three demons and one person (mainly Li Yue and Bai Yu for efficient execution, Rong Jiang for occasional vague directional hints, and Jiu Ya for making decisions and enlivening the atmosphere), they gradually pieced together a rough outline by inquiring from various sources, consulting some folk records, and even cleverly "questioning" several elderly neighbors. The clues gradually became clear, and they finally pieced together a rough picture: Jiu Ya's maternal grandmother, Li San Niang, was very likely the younger sister of Li Boyi, the deceased official who had served as prime minister in the Li family of Shenyan Lane!
However, another disappointing piece of news followed: after the fall of the previous dynasty, the Qi, the once illustrious Li family of Shenyan Lane rapidly declined. It is said that the only surviving direct descendants and some clansmen had already left Linzi City to escape the war and potential purges by the new dynasty, and their whereabouts are unknown. Today, there are no longer any direct descendants of the Li family in Linzi.
Following the address they had inquired about, the group finally found the former site of the Li residence. It was a quiet neighborhood, where the high walls and deep courtyards still hinted at its former prosperity and grandeur. However, the plaque hanging above the vermilion gate no longer bore the words "Li Residence," but had been replaced with another plaque in a flamboyant style, symbolizing the surname of the new owner, and had nothing to do with the character "Li."
Jiuya stood far away at the street corner, gazing at the tightly closed, unfamiliar mansion gate, her emotions a complex mix of feelings. This grand mansion was where her maternal grandmother was born, the "home" her mother had described as the place her grandmother had longed to return to until her death. But in the end, she had never been able to return.
Even the once scholarly and noble Li family has long since changed hands, and in this vast city of Linzi, it is probably impossible to find any Li family relatives who are related to my maternal grandmother by blood anymore.
In other words, Jiu Ya's wish to find her maternal grandmother's direct descendants in Linzi City is essentially dashed. Moreover, even if a miracle were to occur and she were to find the long-lost descendants of the Li family, what then? To the Li family descendants, Li San Niang was practically a figure from two hundred years ago. They might have seen her name in their family genealogy, knowing of an ancestor who left home to cultivate in her youth. But this great-aunt's granddaughter, a young woman who looks only in her twenties, suddenly appearing before them claiming kinship… they would likely not only fail to recognize her, but also think she was a fraud or some kind of demon at work. Who could believe that someone who should have died over a hundred years ago would have such a "young" granddaughter?
The chasm created by this time and space, the barrier brought about by this identity, made it impossible for these relatives to recognize each other.
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