Chapter 15: Candied Hawthorn

At these words, Liu Susu’s eyes widened in astonishment as she looked at Chen Mu, scarcely able to believe what she had heard.

Before this moment, the young lady of the Liu family was famed throughout the capital for her discerning taste. Countless princes, nobles, and high officials had come seeking her hand, yet she had declined every one of them. While people knew her standards were exceptionally high, none knew what kind of man truly won her favor.

In truth, within Liu Susu’s heart, Chen Mu—who once shared a close relationship with her—had always seemed the most perfect man she could imagine. However, after Chen Mu became Crown Prince, all contact between them ceased. Knowing their paths could never again cross, she never spoke of it to her father.

Yet who would have thought that, on their first meeting after so many years, it would be Chen Mu who would bring up the matter himself?

Seeing his daughter silent, Chancellor Liu grew anxious, fearing that his beloved child would inadvertently offend the Crown Prince.

“Susu, His Highness is waiting for your answer,” he urged her quietly. “A young man as outstanding as the Crown Prince is unparalleled in the entire realm. Just days ago, I spoke to you of the new reforms in Great Xia—these were all accomplished by His Highness, assisting His Majesty. Now that you have received such favor from His Highness, you must seize this opportunity!”

With these words, Chancellor Liu both praised Chen Mu and hinted to his daughter that she should agree.

Naturally, Liu Susu had no reason for refusal; she happily accepted on the spot. Chancellor Liu was overjoyed—seeing his daughter find such a wonderful match was all a father could wish for.

Since both families were pleased with the arrangement, what followed were merely the formalities. Chen Mu knew that once the news of this engagement spread, he would need to act swiftly, lest others attempt to interfere.

Thus, the imperial decree of marriage was issued, Chen Mu made his proposal, the grand wedding was held—all executed with promptness and due ceremony; every rite and ritual was impeccably observed.

On their wedding night, as Chen Mu gazed upon the bashful Liu Susu, his mood soared. Indeed, being Crown Prince had its rewards—a single word, and such a beautiful bride became his.

Yet no sooner had the Crown Princess been established than resentment began to fester. Those officials who had once hoped to see their own daughters become Crown Princess were seething with envy, though they forced smiles and offered their congratulations. In their hearts, however, they were furious.

Naturally, neither Chen Mu nor Emperor Chen Xingtian were ones to be trifled with, so all this envy landed squarely on Chancellor Liu’s shoulders.

In an instant, Chancellor Liu—who rarely involved himself in court rivalries—became the focus of every minister’s attention. Some sought to curry favor with him, hoping to use him as a bridge to the Crown Prince. Others, harboring resentment, began to form factions and plot his downfall, submitting accusation after accusation over several days.

Poor Chancellor Liu, though high in rank and position, was ill-suited to such intrigue. Listening to the endless litany of baseless charges, he found himself at a loss for words. No matter how he tried to explain, his accusers remained adamant. Had Chen Mu not intervened to resolve the situation, the chancellor might have lost his temper entirely.

Chen Xingtian, long accustomed to such factional struggles, paid them little heed. His loyalty lay solely with Chen Mu, so he dismissed most matters with a casual excuse.

It was Liu Susu who worried for her father’s well-being at court. Noticing his wife’s constant gloom, Chen Mu sent his attendants to seek out some of the popular snacks and treats among the common folk, hoping to cheer her up.

After all, the fare in the Crown Prince’s residence was always much the same; a bit of novelty might be found among the people’s offerings.

But when the servants returned with their haul, Chen Mu was left speechless.

Corn cakes? Pickled vegetables? Dried meat?

Was this a gift or disaster relief?

In the end, Chen Mu could only turn his gaze inward, feeling that life in this ancient era was far too barren. Even the grand residence of the Crown Prince now lacked even a single piece of fruit.

When he brought up this issue to his servants, the answer was simply that there was no fruit in season.

“There are only fresh hawthorns, but Your Highness has never liked them, so…”

Hawthorns? That was actually a good thing.

“How do you usually eat hawthorns?” he asked.

A few servants looked at him blankly. “We wash them and eat them as they are.”

Hearing this, Chen Mu’s teeth nearly ached. Eat them raw?

No wonder the previous Crown Prince didn’t care for them.

Who could stand eating them raw? Without hesitation, Chen Mu ordered a large quantity of hawthorns and took them into the kitchen himself.

“Your Highness, the kitchen is a mess, and with your status it isn’t proper for you to be here. If you wish to eat something, just give us the word,” the kitchen staff cried, flustered by the Crown Prince’s presence.

But Chen Mu waved them off and got to work, knife in hand.

Life here was taxing enough—how could one not eat well? No matter; solutions were always at hand.

He washed and pitted the hawthorns, then set a pot to boil sugar. The kitchen staff gathered around, curious.

“Your Highness, what are you making?”

“Candied hawthorn skewers.”

Faced with their continued confusion, Chen Mu didn’t bother explaining further.

Soon, the first batch was ready. Chen Mu tasted one himself; though the appearance was ordinary, the flavor was excellent. He ordered some to be sent to Liu Susu, and let the kitchen staff divide the rest among themselves.

Every person who tasted one was stunned; even the old chef, seasoned by years in the kitchen, showed approval.

Who would have thought the Crown Prince possessed such skill?

“Now that you’ve watched me make them, do you know how?” Chen Mu asked the cooks.

“If you can make them, set up a stall outside the residence and sell these to the townsfolk. You’ll earn a bit of extra income.”

Good things should be shared, after all. Especially in an age so lacking in material comforts, candied hawthorn skewers were a rare and delightful treat.

Word quickly spread throughout the capital: outside the Crown Prince’s residence, one could buy this new sweet-and-sour delicacy. At first, the townspeople were hesitant to approach, but after tasting the treat, they were unanimous in their praise.