No one dared disobey this command. The palace attendants immediately stepped forward to escort Consort Yu away.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation returned to its usual tranquility. Before Jiang Huan could even sigh in relief, Huo Lin's inner voice exploded in her ears.
[Thank heavens. If Consort Yu didn't leave soon, I would've really started beheading people.]
[Absolutely no situational awareness. That grilled meat diminishes with every slice, yet she still comes to compete with me for it, not even considering saving some for your Emperor!]
[Why is Changzai Zhuang standing there spacing out? Can't she see I'm still a bit hungry?]
Huo Lin looked at Jiang Huan, his expression cold and contemplative.
Good grief.
Consort Yu probably just thought sharing a meal, like attending the bedchamber, was an intimate little interaction between spouses.
Who would have thought Huo Lin wouldn't appreciate it at all? What a food-protecting little emperor.
But then again, looking at his stern face, if Jiang Huan couldn't hear his thoughts, she'd also assume Huo Lin was pondering how to deal with her disguising as a palace maid!
Who knew he was just secretly waiting for more food???
Jiang Huan bit her lip, struggling to suppress the twitching at the corner of her mouth.
She glanced at the seemingly dignified and aloof emperor, then proactively bowed to apologize.
"Your Majesty, it was my fault to conceal my identity and follow Consort Yu here to serve you. I beg Your Majesty to grant me an opportunity to atone for my crime."
Huo Lin lifted his eyes, his tone indifferent.
"What do you propose?"
"I have no particular talents, only somewhat skilled at cooking. If Your Majesty permits, I will go to the Imperial Kitchen now to prepare another bowl of mixed rice and bring it over."
Wasn't Huo Lin still hungry? Then she'd make sure he ate his fill!
Only when he was full would his mood improve.
And if his mood was good, her little head would remain securely attached.
Last time, just a bowl of tangyuan and some pastries were enough for the Emperor to promote her. Perhaps this time, if the Emperor was pleased, he might even let her leave Jin Hua Palace!
Hmm, she really was a clever one.
Wang Degui, standing nearby, frowned upon hearing this. He had been waiting on them earlier when Huo Lin dined with Consort Yu.
The amount of grilled meat prepared was even more than the usual meal portions, and the Emperor had already eaten quite a bit. Why would Jiang Huan still want to cook more for him?
This was treating the Emperor like a bottomless pit.
No, no, if he overeats and gets indigestion, damaging the imperial health, what then?
"Changzai Zhuang, His Majesty has already dined. I'm afraid this might—"
Before Wang Degui could finish, Huo Lin waved his sleeve dismissively and coldly decided.
"Granted."
[This Wang Degui, ruining my good fortune!]
[Good thing I reacted quickly, or I might have missed out.]
Thinking that he'd soon get to eat the mixed rice Jiang Huan mentioned, Huo Lin felt extremely pleased.
[Whoo, I get to eat Changzai Zhuang's cooking again.]
[In the entire rear palace, no, the entire imperial palace, Changzai Zhuang is the most perceptive.]
[She's practically the worm in my stomach.]
Hearing Huo Lin's inner voice, a sly glint flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes.
Her golden finger was indeed like a worm in someone's belly.
Technique to please the Emperor, acquired √
As long as she could make food the Emperor liked and ensure he was well-fed, she needn't worry about him not helping her in the future!
Jiang Huan turned around, a faint smile curling her lips, with none of the fear and worry she had shown during her apology.
Leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Jiang Huan headed straight for the Imperial Kitchen.
The Imperial Kitchen was bustling, preparing meals for the masters of various palaces.
Some were handling ingredients, some preparing seasonings, and others cooking…
Every imaginable ingredient was available, dazzling Jiang Huan's eyes.
So this is the Emperor's Imperial Kitchen! Truly magnificent!
If she could win the Emperor's favor, surely it wouldn't be difficult to come here and take some ingredients.
If all these delicacies could find their way to her small kitchen…
She suddenly realized that imperial favor did have its uses.
Jiang Huan's eyes sparkled with newfound determination.
As long as she pleased the Emperor and made him happy, this wasn't impossible!
Now! Time to cook!
After explaining her purpose to the Imperial Kitchen staff, they immediately cleared a stove for Jiang Huan.
She first found some beef, diced and marinated it, then stir-fried it in a wok before setting it aside. Next, she cracked several eggs and fried them until golden on both sides.
Using the remaining hot oil, she poured it over minced garlic and chili peppers, adding various seasonings to create the sauce for the rice.
After scooping a bowl of rice, she mixed in the sauce and beef dices, then topped it with the fried eggs.
The fragrant beef rice bowl was ready!
After tidying herself up briefly, Jiang Huan immediately carried the rice bowl back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"Your Majesty, this is the beef rice bowl I prepared. Would you like to try it?"
Wang Degui promptly stepped forward, tested it for poison, then presented it to Huo Lin.
Huo Lin picked up his silver chopsticks and took a bite. The beef was tender and flavorful, sweet and delicious.
The plump rice grains had absorbed the savory sauce, becoming fragrant and glutinous—utterly delectable.
A swift glimmer passed through Huo Lin's eyes, usually so dark and somber, now seeming slightly brighter.
"Not bad," he commented with restraint, though internally he was erupting with excitement.
[This! This this this! Is this still the rice I know? It's fit for celestial beings!]
[Om nom nom, another bite!]
[Excellent, the portion is so generous, I love it!]
Hearing Huo Lin's inner thoughts, Jiang Huan relaxed her brows, a slight smile curling her lips.
No one could resist her culinary creations! Not even the Emperor.
Got him.
Since Huo Lin remained silent, Jiang Huan stayed, watching as he ate every last bite of the beef rice bowl.
Setting down his chopsticks, Huo Lin had his hands cleansed by Wang Degui.
[Heavens! I actually feel full for once!]
[What a joyous occasion, truly worth celebrating!]
[Changzai Zhuang, you've done well! I think being a Changzai is beneath you—you deserve several promotions!]
Jiang Huan's eyes gleamed as she gazed expectantly at Huo Lin.
My dear Emperor, my esteemed ancestor.
Why wait for another day? Don't hesitate now.
Just make me Empress right away, let me oversee the six palaces, and grant me the thrill of feeling like a winner in life.
But such daydreams could wait.
Now, while the Emperor was in high spirits, she still had an important matter to attend to.
Jiang Huan stepped forward to clear the dishes. As she placed the bowl into the food container, her slender, jade-like arm was exposed before Huo Lin.
Her skin was porcelain-white and delicate, making the red marks on her wrist particularly conspicuous.
Huo Lin's brow furrowed slightly. "What happened?"
[Changzai Zhuang is my consort! Who dares lay hands on someone belonging to me!]
[More importantly, Changzai Zhuang's hands are meant to prepare food for me!]
[If she gets injured, who else will make such delicious meals for me in the future!]