Whenever I hear the phrase “The moon hidden by clouds, flowers scattered by the wind,” I am reminded of the figure of Lady Xue Mei (Snow Plum), akin to a red plum blossom blooming beautifully amidst adversity. Like a plum tree that defies the seasons to blossom, she is a strong woman, enduring through relentless misfortune.
Lady Xue Mei’s chamber was filled with flowers, as if nature itself had graced her with its strength. Camellias, sasanquas, calendulas, winter camellias, primroses, oxalis, white chrysanthemums—flowers that bloom even under frost surrounded her in silent companionship. In this serene, stoic atmosphere, Lady Xue Mei endured, her delicate hands limp, translucent, with droplets of water dripping from her fingers. Illuminated by the dim lamplight, her pale complexion resembled a white plum blossom.
Though the harshness of winter had begun to ease, the poison ravaging her body showed no signs of relenting. Yet she turned her gaze to Fei Ling , smiled softly, and parted her crimson lips to speak.
“It’s ready, then?”
“Yes, my lady. I’ve prepared molten chocolate cake—fondant chocolat.”
Instead of a tray, Fei Ling brought the medicine on a trivet. The richly risen batter brimmed enticingly over the edges of its container, exuding a sweet aroma that made even the palace maids swallow their anticipation.
“It looks delicious… Xiao Ling, please feed me.”
Lady Xue Mei, without the use of her arms, could not wield a spoon. Xiao Ling, still trembling, nodded and carefully scooped into the warm cake. The soft, dark batter gave way with a gentle crack, releasing molten chocolate nectar. After cooling it with her breath, Lady Xue Mei tasted it. Her tense expression softened as the sweetness melted away her fatigue.
“How sweet it is… it feels like my heart might melt away. Even your medicines are exquisite, no matter the circumstances.”
“That’s the purpose of this medicine,” Fei Ling replied with a faint smile.
“Ah, indeed. Xiao Ling, I’d like some more.”
This fondant chocolat was no ordinary dessert but a medicinal concoction. The batter contained aconite (fuzi), a deadly poison derived from the roots of monkshood, turned into a potent remedy to combat the chill of waterborne toxins and improve circulation. For added efficacy, edible diatomaceous earth had been sprinkled over the baked cake. A traditional famine food, diatomaceous earth absorbs moisture and strengthens cells, making it a fitting choice for absorbing the waterborne poison.
Yet there was more—a hidden layer of “poison.”
As the spoon pierced the bottom of the cake, a vivid aroma erupted, as if mimicking the burst of a firework crafted by ancient alchemists.
Lady Xue Mei’s eyes widened as she took another bite.
“It’s spicy… my throat feels ablaze! And yet, it’s unbelievably delicious! What is hidden within this?”
“Bhut Jolokia honey, my lady,” Fei Ling revealed. “This hidden ingredient enhances the ripeness of the chocolate, unleashing its most intense fragrance at the last moment. It also heightens the sweetness.”
Bhut Jolokia, one of the spiciest chili peppers known, is a deadly poison in excessive amounts but a miraculous remedy in the hands of a skilled practitioner. The combination of chocolate and chili peppers is not novel—it dates back to the origins of chocolate as a medicinal beverage.
When Lady Xue Mei finished the dish, something extraordinary occurred. Water burst forth from her arms, as if a dam had broken. The maids screamed, but Lady Xue Mei smiled serenely, her trust in Fei Ling unwavering.
The water droplets danced and sparkled like a firework display, falling and scattering before finally subsiding. As the water faded, her arms returned to their former state.
Lady Xue Mei flexed her fingers to confirm their restored mobility, then gently caressed her swollen belly. Feeling the movement of the child within her, she sighed in relief.
“Fei Ling ,” she called, pulling the young woman into a firm embrace. Fei Ling , surprised, looked up at her.
“You’ve saved my life once again,” Lady Xue Mei whispered with a smile sweeter than any confection.
(So this is what a mother’s embrace feels like,) Fei Ling thought. Though she had no memories of her mother holding her, some primal instinct stirred within her.
Then, the moment was interrupted.
“My stomach… it’s tightening…!”
“Her water has broken! Fetch the midwife at once!”
Despite the joyous success of the antidote, Lady Xue Mei’s labor pains had begun. The maids rushed into the snow to summon the midwife, who fortunately had been stationed in the spring palace in anticipation of this moment.
Fei Ling tried to excuse herself, but Lady Xue Mei clutched her sleeve tightly.
“Stay with me.”
“…As you wish. I will remain by your side until the child is born safely.”
Though Fei Ling , as a physician, lacked knowledge of childbirth, she stayed by Lady Xue Mei’s side, offering words of encouragement and wiping the sweat from her brow.
As dawn broke, sunlight streamed through the plum blossom-shaped latticework of the windows, casting a warm glow on the room. Amidst the faint morning light, the cries of a newborn echoed, signaling the safe arrival of Lady Xue Mei’s child.
