The Little Chronology Café

Su He opened a seasonal eatery in the ancient town of Linjiang. Its rule was simple: once the season passed, it was off the menu. Her specialty was a peaceful, leisurely life. Then, on a rainy night, someone dumped a troublesome case in her backyard: Xiao Heng, a fallen prince poisoned with a spirit-corroding toxin and left delirious.

All she wanted was to quietly steam chestnut cakes and make qingtuan rice dumplings. Instead, she was forced into the role of caretaker, and somehow even ended up with a husband. All sorts of people took turns appearing in town: a butcher, a hidden official, a courier, a mute guard. They looked like ordinary townsfolk, but each had their own secret agenda.

The usurping new emperor was still hunting for them, and courtly turmoil drew ever closer. On one side were fragrant seasonal treats; on the other, a shocking secret plot that could turn the whole town upside down at any moment. Su He sighed, rolling pin in hand: Wouldn't it be nice just to sell pastries? How did helping a fallen prince reclaim his throne become part of the job? Beneath the everyday bustle, the game of intrigue slowly unfolded.