Consort Li waved her hand. "Your Ladyship is the mistress, and this old servant is merely a subordinate. I'm here under the Emperor's orders to deliver a message, so there's no need for Your Ladyship to trouble yourself."
"Consort Li, you're being too formal." Jiang Huan's tone brimmed with sincerity. "Everyone in the palace knows how loyal you've been to the Emperor all these years. Who isn't aware of your devotion?"
This was a potential powerful ally—one who could even make Consort Yu suffer silent losses.
She couldn't let this opportunity slip away; she had to build a good relationship.
Life would be much more comfortable in the future!
"Please give me a chance to let you taste my cooking. I guarantee you'll like it!"
She smiled brightly, linking arms with Consort Li and giving a gentle tug.
"I'll surely need your guidance and care while I'm in the palace."
Having served in the palace for so many years, Consort Li had heard every kind of flattery, yet Jiang Huan's words unexpectedly made her feel somewhat embarrassed.
A rare, gentle smile appeared on her face as she shook her head helplessly.
"Changzai Zhuang, your words are too sweet. This old servant doesn't deserve such praise. However, the fact that Changzai Zhuang has earned the Emperor's high regard speaks to your capabilities. I believe you will surely shine brightly in the palace in the future."
A flicker of cunning gleamed in Jiang Huan's eyes. "So, does that mean you've agreed to stay?"
Consort Li had a rather favorable impression of Jiang Huan.
Although this young woman came from a humble background, she was quick-witted and understood human relationships—a promising talent.
Since she had nothing else to do, Consort Li smiled slightly and agreed.
"Then I'll be imposing on Changzai Zhuang."
"Not at all, not at all! I'll go prepare right away."
Jiang Huan felt quite pleased with herself. Winning people over was her specialty!
No one could escape the bombardment of her sweet talk and charm! No one!
Woo-hoo, time to cook!
With the large quantity of ingredients Consort Li had brought, Jiang Huan's small kitchen no longer looked empty.
She skillfully prepared the ingredients, selecting some fresh vegetables and slicing tender chicken to make a stir-fried chicken dish.
This dish was simple yet delicious, showcasing her culinary skills without appearing overly extravagant.
It was absolutely reliable for winning people over!
Soon, the kitchen was filled with enticing aromas.
Jiang Huan divided the stir-fried chicken into two portions, garnishing them with fresh green cilantro—making them look incredibly appetizing.
Carrying one portion of the dish along with a bowl of congee, she first went to Xiao Zhao's room.
"Xiao Zhao, time to eat."
After several days of rest, Xiao Zhao had improved significantly. Seeing Jiang Huan arrive, she hurried over to help.
Noticing there was only one serving of food, she couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you staying to eat together, my lady?"
Jiang Huan shook her head and told Xiao Zhao about everything that had happened over the past couple of days.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhao was overjoyed.
If they could build a good relationship with Consort Li, anyone who thought of bullying her mistress in the future would have to think twice.
Xiao Zhao quickly said, "This servant will go with you to help entertain Consort Li."
Although she had applied medicine, Xiao Zhao's face still appeared bruised and swollen, looking quite alarming.
Jiang Huan's eyes filled with pity as she gently pressed Xiao Zhao back into her seat.
This girl wasn't even fully recovered yet, but she was already thinking of helping.
"You just focus on recovering properly! I can handle entertaining Consort Li on my own."
When Jiang Huan mentioned her injuries, Xiao Zhao thought it over and realized that appearing before Consort Li while still injured might indeed be inappropriate.
She didn't insist further and let Jiang Huan go alone.
Returning to the small kitchen, Jiang Huan finally filled a bowl with rice and carried another dish back to the room.
"Auntie, please try this stir-fried chicken slices and see if it suits your taste."
Consort Li picked up the silver chopsticks and took a bite. The chicken was tender, and the vegetables were crisp and refreshing.
Having served by the Emperor's side for so many years, she had never tasted such delicious food.
No wonder the Emperor had sent her to support Changzai Zhuang after just a few meals prepared by her.
Consort Li praised frankly, "Changzai Zhuang's culinary skills are truly remarkable. This old servant has never tasted such delicacy."
Hearing the praise, Jiang Huan felt even more delighted.
She smiled faintly, "You flatter me, Auntie. If you like it, I'll make more for you in the future."
Consort Li's impression of Jiang Huan improved further. This young girl was thoughtful and knew how to please others.
If properly nurtured, she might establish herself in the palace.
Jiang Huan hadn't eaten lunch either, so she sat with Consort Li, chatting while enjoying the meal.
She occasionally complimented Consort Li, who patiently explained various palace rules and precautions to Jiang Huan.
Jiang Huan listened attentively. Now that she was in the rear palace, Consort Li's experiences were extremely valuable to her.
Unconsciously, dusk began to fall.
Consort Li glanced at the sky and stood up, "Changzai Zhuang, it's getting late. This old servant must return."
"Let me see you out," Jiang Huan quickly rose.
Walking out with Consort Li, she said, "Auntie, if you have time, you're welcome to visit often. I'll prepare more delicious food for you."
Jiang Huan said this partly out of gratitude for Consort Li's guidance today, and partly to get closer to her.
Looking at the smiling Jiang Huan seeing her off, Consort Li felt moved.
If consorts in the rear palace lacked power and influence and couldn't gain the Emperor's protection, their fates wouldn't be pleasant.
Consort Li had grown fond of Jiang Huan and couldn't bear to see her meet such an end.
Her lips twitched as she couldn't help saying, "This old servant is but a lowly attendant, not worth Changzai Zhuang's efforts. Rather, you yourself, currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, should seize the opportunity well."
Among so many in the rear palace, Jiang Huan wasn't the only consort being bullied.
But she was the first whom the Emperor was willing to support, which showed her special status to him.
Plus, Jiang Huan was beautiful, intelligent, lively, and sweet-tongued—winning the Emperor's favor shouldn't be difficult.
"I'll remember your words, Auntie," Jiang Huan smiled gracefully.
It seemed her move today was quite successful!
Consort Li had a good impression of her, otherwise she wouldn't have offered such advice!
As long as she continued pleasing the Emperor while building good relationships in the palace, she believed she could eventually leave Jin Hua Palace!
In high spirits, Jiang Huan hummed a tune and reentered the small kitchen.
Her goal wasn't achieved yet—she needed to keep striving!
Sending just two meals to the Emperor wasn't enough; she had to continue doing so.
Send affection, send status, send a glorious life.
Jiang Huan started working again. Fortunately, there were ample ingredients of various kinds, enough for her to cook whatever she wanted.
Half an hour later, fried chicken and french fries were ready.
She now understood: before capturing Huo Lin's stomach, she needed to capture his nose first.
The aroma of delicious food was the key to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
She picked up a french fry and ate it, immediately squinting her eyes in bliss.
"Mmm, my cooking skills are truly excellent!"
To help the Emperor better appreciate the appeal of fried food, Jiang Huan also prepared some Plum Juice to cut through the greasiness.
With everything ready, Jiang Huan packed the fried food and headed to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.