My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

Li Ju returned to his residence, lit the lamp, and placed the food box on the table.

He first took out the letter. The four characters "To Huai Run" on the envelope were written in delicate handwriting, yet they carried a strong strength—unlike the soft and gentle handwriting of ordinary young ladies, but rather like that of someone who had practiced calligraphy, with each stroke having a story behind it.

He opened the letter and read it from the beginning.

The letter is short. It first talks about the canal transport, saying that he knew Li Zixiong had started from humble beginnings, which was a sign of a great man's ambition. Then it talks about Li Zixiong's marriage proposal, simply stating, "I have already declined," without explanation or complaint, just a clean and decisive statement. Finally, it mentions the poem.

"Spring deepens on the Luo River, willows turn fresh and green; a farewell in a green robe separates us from the dust of the world. Do not say that I am but a catkin in the mud; for the heavens will surely send me the moon."

Li Ju read it three times.

Fluff in the mud.

She was referring to him. As a son of a concubine, he was like a willow catkin falling into the mud, lowly and adrift, always at risk of being trampled into the ground.

But in her next sentence, she gave him a moon.

He put down the letter and picked up a plum blossom pastry.

The pastry is golden brown and decorated with tiny flower petals, making it small and exquisite.

One bite reveals a crispy yet soft texture, sweet but not cloying, with a subtle plum blossom fragrance lingering on the lips and teeth.

This isn't the kind of flavor you can find in a street stall. It's made with care.

He ate three pieces in a row before folding the letter and putting it in his inner pocket.

Then he got up and went to the kitchen.

Milk, rice flour, sugar, dried osmanthus flowers.

He warmed the milk, mixed in rice flour and sugar, and stirred it into a thick paste. He then took a few dried osmanthus flowers, crushed them, sprinkled them in, and mixed well. Finally, he poured the paste into a plum blossom-shaped wooden mold and steamed it.

The firelight reflected on his face, his expression focused and calm. His fingers moved with remarkable steadiness as he chopped osmanthus flowers, as if he were reviewing official documents.

Before long, the steamed cake was cooked.

He lifted the lid, and a sweet aroma of milk and osmanthus wafted out.

The steamed cake is milky white with specks of golden yellow on the surface. It is shaped like a plum blossom and is as delicate as a little trinket.

He used a bamboo knife to take out the steamed cakes, stacked them one by one into a small paulownia wood box, lined the bottom with oil paper, put the lid on, and tied it with a thin string.

After doing all this, he sat back down at his desk, ground the ink, laid out the paper, and picked up his brush.

Ze Niangzi's Appreciation:

Recently, the grain transport work has been very busy, and I have been stationed at the dock day and night, unable to return to the city. This has caused Ni Zi and Xiao Niangzi to wait for a long time. I feel very ashamed and would like to express my apologies.

The day before yesterday, grain ships were stuck at the Luoshui Wharf, delaying the delivery of military supplies. The imperial court set a deadline for clearing the blockage, causing widespread panic. Ju, with his limited wisdom, managed to organize the ships and check the accounts. Fortunately, he fulfilled his mission and cleared the waterway in three days, delivering grain to Zhuojun and temporarily relieving the predicament of the grain transport department.

I was delighted to receive your personally crafted plum blossom pastry. Its delicate fragrance and smooth texture, neither too sweet nor too greasy, are the work of a true artisan. After days of weary travel, this small treat brings warmth and comfort, instantly dispelling my weariness. Your letter was filled with insightful and clear-headed wisdom. Knowing the perilous state of affairs, yet still willing to heed my humble opinion and decline the marriage proposal from Li Zixiong's family, I am deeply grateful and words cannot express my admiration.

Li Zixiong and his son are ambitious but incompetent, and their reliance on powerful officials will inevitably lead to their downfall. It is the best policy for the Wei family to distance themselves from them. Now that the order to conquer Liaodong has been issued, the people's strength is exhausted, and signs of great chaos are emerging. Although Luoyang is currently at peace, it is already the eye of the storm. Ju is in the grain transport office and can keep a close eye on the movement of grain and the strength of the court and the people. If there is any important information in the future, he will convey it to you through Ni Zi Xiao Niangzi. I hope that you and the Wei family will guard your home and wait for the right moment.

I have read and pondered the poem you gave me repeatedly. "Do not say that you are but a piece of cotton in the mud, for there will always be someone in the blue sky to bring you the moon." I know that you do not despise my humble status and regard me as a kindred spirit. I will remember this kindness and understanding. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, to have a true friend is enough.

The young lady, Ni Zi, is innocent and carefree. Having waited so long for this message, I have specially prepared a small snack for you to deliver as a token of my gratitude. This snack is sweet, soft, and delicious, without the cloying taste of common street food, making it suitable for children.

The situation is difficult, and words cannot fully express my feelings. I will wait for further messages to be delivered. I hope you are well.

He folded the letter and placed it under the box of steamed cakes.

Blow out the light and lie down.

Even with my eyes closed, the poem still plays before me.

"Don't say that though you are but a piece of cotton in the mud, the heavens will still send you the moon."

He smiled slightly and fell into a deep sleep.

the next day.

Li Ju rode his horse and saw from afar that Wei Nizi was already sitting on the stone steps by the street.

Today she changed into a pale yellow spring dress, with matching hair ribbons tied in her double buns. As soon as she saw him, she jumped up and ran to greet him.

"Li Huairun! You've arrived!"

Li Ju dismounted and handed over the small paulownia wood box in his hand.

"You promised, try it."

Wei Nizi took the box and opened it eagerly.

A fragrant aroma of milk and osmanthus wafted through the air. Inside the box lay six plum blossom-shaped steamed cakes, milky white with a hint of yellow, sprinkled with dried osmanthus flowers, so exquisite they looked as if they had been taken from a painting.

"What is this?" Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Osmanthus milk cake," Li Ju said. "Milk in the cake, osmanthus for added fragrance, please try it."

Wei Nizi picked up a piece and took a bite.

Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Ugh—"

Soft, chewy, and sweet, it melts in your mouth without sticking to your teeth or choking you. A gentle sweetness spreads in your mouth, making it even tastier than milk crispy squares.

She finished one piece in a few bites, then grabbed another, stuffed it into her mouth, her cheeks bulging, and mumbled, "So delicious! It's so good!"

Li Ju laughed: "Eat slowly, don't choke."

Wei Nizi wasn't about to linger, so he ate another piece. Then he remembered something and looked down into the box—there was a letter underneath.

She looked up at Li Ju and blinked.

"Take it back and eat it with your older sister," Li Ju said casually.

Wei Ni nodded sensibly, closed the box, and hugged it to his chest.

"Don't worry," she said, unusually serious. "I'll definitely deliver it."

"Um."

Wei Nizi turned to leave, then turned back: "Um... is there any more tomorrow?"

Li Ju chuckled: "Yes, you'll find it when you come."

Wei Nizi pouted, grabbed the box, and ran off. After a few steps, he turned back, waved at him, and then disappeared around the street corner.

Li Ju remounted his horse, raised his whip, and galloped towards the yamen.

He had just entered the duty room when Chief Liu arrived.

No, it's not Steward Liu anymore—Steward Liu changed into a scarlet official robe today and looked very pleased with himself.

"Huai Run!" Chief Clerk Liu patted him on the shoulder. "The imperial decree has come down. I've been promoted to the Department of Revenue."

Li Ju cupped his hands in greeting: "Congratulations on taking charge."

"Don't congratulate me." Manager Liu smiled and took out a document from his sleeve, handing it to him. "Yours."

Li Ju took it and unfolded it.

Chief of the Grand Canal Transport Office, rank 8.

Successor.

He paused for a moment, then looked up at Steward Liu. Steward Liu smiled and said, "Your abilities over the past three days have been seen by the higher-ups. I spoke up for you before I left, and they approved. Eighth rank isn't high, but the head of the Grand Canal Transport Office wields power no less than a seventh rank."

Li Ju took a deep breath and cupped his hands in thanks again: "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

"Don't call me 'Manager,' call me Brother Liu." Manager Liu patted him on the shoulder and lowered his voice, "Do a good job. This canal transport office is yours from now on."

"Thank you very much, Brother Liu. I will need your guidance in all matters concerning the canal transport in the future."

Li Ju held the appointment document in his hand, standing by the window of the duty room, watching the people coming and going in the courtyard outside.

Rank 8.

He was still a minor official. But he knew that from this day forward, he was no longer "the illegitimate son of the Li family," but rather Chief Clerk Li of the Grand Canal Transport Office.

He touched the letter in his pocket.

Even the cotton wool in the mud can rise to the heavens.