On the night of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Qinhuai River was alight with lanterns and filled with enticing fragrances. Near the arena where the Flower Queen Competition had just concluded, the grand hall hosting the banquet for the event was brightly lit and bustling with attendees.
This banquet, accommodating around three to four hundred people, began under the auspices of Prefect Liu. The opening act included a small-scale song and dance performance, followed by the ceremonial appearances of the Four Courtesan Heads, each making their grand entrance, expressing their gratitude, and taking their seats. This was a well-established routine—splendid yet formal. The banquet gathered notable figures from various social circles. The frontmost seats were naturally occupied by prominent officials and scholars. Following them were merchants who had supported contestants in the competition, such as Pu Yangyi and Su Tan'er. Further back sat others like Gu Yanzhen, who occupied a mid-tier seat and occasionally glanced at the notable figures ahead or the trees outside the hall while engaging in idle conversation with Shen Miao.
Not long after exchanging pleasantries with the attendees, Yuan Jin'er seemed to notice something intriguing. Smiling, she turned to Prefect Liu and commented. Seeing this, Gu Yanzhen chuckled and turned to Shen Miao, saying, "Zishan, look, the show is about to start."
Yuan Jin'er, a close friend of Nie Yunzhu, seemed to be executing a well-orchestrated plan that Gu Yanzhen had already vaguely anticipated. Sure enough, Yuan Jin'er pointed to a plate of shelled century eggs with a smile and said, "Interesting and beautiful! Prefect Liu, what might this delicacy be?"
Prefect Liu, unfamiliar with this dish, had inquired about it earlier as the host of the banquet. With a smile, he explained, "These are century eggs, also called 'Wealth Eggs' or 'Jade Eggs.' Yuan Jin'er, note the delicate pine-like patterns on their surface, symbolizing purity and nobility. Given the occasion of this Flower Queen Banquet, attended by so many distinguished guests, these eggs symbolize prosperity and peace, making them an ideal choice for such a grand feast."
With the names "Wealth," "Jade," and "Pine" at his disposal, Prefect Liu eloquently elaborated on their symbolic significance. He was unaware that Yuan Jin'er, one of the Four Courtesan Heads, was an accomplice in this plan, intentionally guiding him to speak these words. Satisfied with the smooth execution, Yuan Jin'er glanced outside the hall with a content smile.
Nie Yunzhu, who had been waiting there, waved back with excitement. Though she lacked the resources to involve Prefect Liu directly, she had spent the past two months carefully orchestrating this setup under Ning Yi's guidance. The goal was to use the prefect's influence to elevate the reputation of century eggs. Despite her lingering annoyance over Ning Yi's open support for Qilan during the competition, Yuan Jin'er remained committed to her role. After flashing a charming smile, she picked up one of the eggs and said, "With such profound meaning, I must try one. Prefect Liu, could you tell me the proper way to eat it?"
This simple advertising tactic sought to maximize attention on the century eggs. However, just as Yuan Jin'er was maintaining the topic, an elderly man nearby raised his hand and said, "Wait a moment."
Both Yuan Jin'er and Prefect Liu paused in surprise. The elder said, "Prefect Liu, may I ask where these century eggs were sourced from? I happen to know a little about their preparation. Lime is often used in their production, and an improper ratio could render them toxic."
This unexpected remark threw Yuan Jin'er off guard. She forced a smile while silently cursing the man. Given his formidable status, she could only watch how the situation unfolded. Gu Yanzhen, watching from the back, couldn't suppress a laugh. "Well, this is interesting. Someone's here to spoil the act midway. This won't be easy to handle."
Outside the hall, Nie Yunzhu, equally surprised, turned her gaze toward the elder. Spotting Ning Yi inside the hall, she saw him nonchalantly dipping a slice of century egg into soy sauce before eating it. Beside him, Su Tan'er snatched the plate away in exasperation, making Nie Yunzhu smile despite her complex emotions.
Inside, the elder chuckled.
"There's no need to be overly concerned. Lime water is often used in culinary preparations to enhance flavor. Many dishes incorporate it without issue, provided it is used appropriately, as it can aid digestion and even promote health. However, such dishes typically follow established methods and recipes, minimizing risks. These century eggs are a novel creation this year. I've tried them before, and only those produced by Zhuji are truly authentic and suitable for a banquet of this caliber. Yet, I've heard that counterfeit versions are already circulating in the market. Improper preparation could turn this delicacy from a health tonic into a hazard, far removed from the 'Wealth,' 'Jade,' and 'Pine' they claim to represent. Haha..."
As the elder spoke, Yuan Jin'er's lips parted slightly in surprise. In the back, Gu Yanzhen froze momentarily. Prefect Liu quickly sent someone to confirm the source of the eggs. Upon receiving confirmation, he laughed heartily. "These eggs were indeed sourced from Zhuji."
The elder nodded with a smile. "Then there's no issue." He picked up a century egg and placed it in his bowl. Someone nearby remarked with a laugh, "Master Ming, your knowledge extends even to culinary matters!" The elder, addressed as Master Ming, burst into laughter. "It's no boast. In my youth, I traversed mountains and rivers, sampling delicacies from all over. When it comes to food, I might claim second place, but no one dares to claim first!"
With that, he began eating the century egg, dispelling any remaining doubts. Prefect Liu, unwilling to risk his reputation by serving unauthentic dishes, also took a piece as an example to the crowd. He spoke a few more words in praise of the dish.
Meanwhile, Kang Xian and Ning Yi exchanged a look of mutual understanding, as if saying, "You owe me one." Outside, Nie Yunzhu sighed, gazed at the starry Milky Way above, and smiled. Looking back into the hall, she saw Ning Yi calmly eating as if nothing had happened. A little further back, Gu Yanzhen frowned. "I never expected him to have spread such rumors already..." Unaware of Ning Yi's connection with Kang Xian, he assumed the elder had merely heard the rumors.
Beside him, Shen Miao chuckled and said, "Yanzhen, it seems you'll be losing that ten taels of silver to me ahead of time."
In this era, information did not flow freely; most news was passed along by word of mouth. But because of this, there were fewer distracting rumors to confuse the public. The topic of century eggs at the courtesan banquet was just a minor episode, yet it would undoubtedly spread throughout Jiangning with astonishing speed. Whenever people discussed century eggs, this story could not be omitted. With Kang Xian's endorsement, for a time, only Zhu Ji's century eggs could truly be called "century eggs." Imitations would not hold the same prestige or allure. This would instantly eliminate any financial prospects for counterfeiters; even a price war would hardly impact Zhu Ji's position.
At the end of the banquet, through the words of a woman, a rumor arose: two days ago, someone in the eastern part of the city had been poisoned, the symptoms not severe but likely due to consuming fake century eggs. This story, half-truth and half-fiction, was difficult to verify. Shortly after, a newly appointed manager brought by Nie Yunzhu arrived nervously, declaring that his employer, concerned about the harm caused by counterfeit century eggs, was willing to release the authentic recipe to the public through the authorities for the benefit of others. Prefect Liu waved his hand and declared, "Why reward these malicious workshops that steal others' innovations and disregard human safety? Shut them down immediately!"
In reality, there was only one small workshop outside attempting to counterfeit century eggs. Ning Yi had long known that the recipe couldn't remain secret for long, so Zhu Ji had made no effort to keep it confidential. In fact, they intentionally let the recipe leak so that the counterfeits could be ready before the Dragon Boat Festival, aligning with their plans for this public display. If people later fell ill from eating century eggs, the blame might fall on Zhu Ji, which would be disastrous. Prefect Liu's shutdown targeted a workshop earning less than one tael of silver daily—essentially a minor spectacle meant to earn accolades at the banquet. If imitation century egg production were rampant, he likely wouldn't have acted so decisively.
By this point, the preparations were essentially complete. All that remained was to execute the next steps the following day.
At the banquet, there was a minor interlude for Ning Yi. The reason lay in Su Tan'er recognizing the century eggs.
"My Lord, the first thing you gave me to eat was this, wasn't it? Did you invent it?"
"An accidental creation; I just distributed it casually."
"Did you give it to a friend?" Su Tan'er smiled. "I think I know."
"Oh?"
"Was it Li Pin, or perhaps Gu Yanzhen… Anyway, that's how the story spread, right?"
Hearing the name Gu Yanzhen, Ning Yi was momentarily puzzled. Su Tan'er explained, "I once saw this item while traveling and remembered the day you gave it to me. Later, I inquired about it. It seems Gu Yanzhen used century eggs to win the favor of a courtesan. The story has spread far and wide—a true romantic! My Lord, helping others find happiness is a kind deed… although seeing something of yours attributed to someone else always makes me uncomfortable..."
The Su family wouldn't approve of Ning Yi engaging in commerce, let alone running a food business. Su Tan'er assumed that out of consideration for the family's financial struggles, Ning Yi had given the creation to someone else. Of course, Ning Yi had downplayed the matter back then; whether or not he had made the eggs was inconsequential. Ning Yi found Su Tan'er's interpretation amusing. Coincidentally, Gu Yanzhen was seated far away; had he overheard this "romantic tale," he might have coughed up blood.
The next day, a small shop bearing the "Zhu Ji" signboard opened at a modestly busy crossroads in Jiangning. Nie Yunzhu had hired a reputable chef, and the signature dishes featured century eggs, such as century egg congee. Other dishes had also been tested and refined. Ning Yi contributed only some basic ideas, as this era was not one of emotional detachment; professional fast-food-style operations wouldn't work. Instead, creating a warm, homey atmosphere was best. The chef was a professional, much more skilled than Ning Yi or Nie Yunzhu. The dishes featuring century eggs were significantly more delicious as a result.
The number of mobile carts selling century eggs increased to four, named "Plum," "Orchid," "Chrysanthemum," and "Bamboo," each adorned with what Gu Yanzhen considered overly artistic designs. The carts roamed different parts of Jiangning daily. Customers who spent a certain amount at these carts received collectible wooden tokens. Collecting four different designs allowed them to enjoy an 80% or 90% discount at the main store.
In the inns and taverns selling Zhu Ji century eggs, elegant wooden plaques marked with "Zhu Ji Century Egg" were displayed to prevent counterfeiting. Combined with the rumors from the courtesan banquet, this subtly built Zhu Ji's reputation.
Although there had been some planning, it hadn't taken much effort. To Ning Yi, these arrangements were just casual tasks. His attention wasn't on merchants competing with Zhu Ji, nor on Su Tan'er's family vying for control, nor on Jiangning's many scholars and talents. As for Gu Yanzhen… Ning Yi still didn't know him personally.
Before dawn the next day, Ning Yi headed to the Qinhuai River. At a small building, he found Nie Yunzhu, her face flushed with excitement. Today was the shop's opening day, and Nie Yunzhu had been waiting for him. She asked him to raise his hand, bit her lip nervously, and then tentatively raised her slender, fair right hand to gently clap against his palm. She then flashed a sincere, radiant smile.
Seeing Ning Yi smile as well, she thought to herself that he might not understand her feelings. But no matter—if everyone was smiling, that was enough. This small gesture felt bold, yet it was something she truly wanted to do. Her heart raced. Two months ago, her hand had been grabbed by Gu Yanzhen; she slapped him and washed her hand furiously afterward. The lingering disgust from that touch couldn't be scrubbed away.
At the time, she had wished Ning Yi were there instead. But the next day, when she saw him, she couldn't summon the courage to say anything. Only now, in this simple palm clap, did she feel as though she had accomplished something significant. It was as if the new shop starting today also held a deeper meaning.
Ning Yi paid little attention to the light clap. Later that morning, he saw a century egg cart pass by on the road and thought of Nie Yunzhu's efforts. However, he had other tasks to attend to.
He stopped by a shoe store to buy a pair of shoes and then, carrying breakfast, headed toward the school.
On this early morning in Jiangning, a woman named Su Tan'er climbed into a carriage to oversee her burgeoning business empire. On another side of the city, a woman named Nie Yunzhu opened the first door of her small shop. Amidst the bustling crowds, Ning Yi carried a small bundle, ready to engage with matters that truly piqued his interest…
On the 6th day of the 5th month in the 8th year of the Jinghan Era of the Wu Dynasty, the city brimmed with vitality and hope. Everything was just beginning.
Ning Yi pushed open the courtyard gate, and the sound of a wind chime drifted toward him…