Xu Lanshan couldn’t help but laugh at their flattery. “We’ve barely started, and you’re already talking like this. It’s fine to say these things behind closed doors, but don’t go around saying them outside.”
Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi quickly agreed.
Their mistress was reliable and not frivolous, which made them feel even more at ease.
Having finally landed such a good position, they cherished it dearly and sincerely hoped for their mistress’s success, knowing that only when she prospered would they prosper as well.
Since she was to attend the Emperor tonight, the Imperial Kitchen would, as usual, serve dinner earlier. After dinner, she would need to hurry to bathe, change, and prepare her makeup.
A Changzai’s meal allowance consisted of three dishes and one soup, but because Xu Lanshan was to attend the Emperor tonight, it was upgraded to six dishes and one soup, along with two types of snacks and two appetizers.
When Xiao Fuzi returned with the meal and cheerfully laid it out on the table, Xu Lanshan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at the sight of the exquisite dishes. No wonder the concubines in the palace fought tooth and nail for favor—the ever-present hierarchy and privileges constantly spurred people to strive for more!
Xiao Fuzi proudly smiled at Xu Lanshan and said, “The people at the Imperial Kitchen were incredibly polite to me. These dishes were freshly prepared with the finest ingredients. I didn’t dare delay on the way back and brought them over as quickly as possible. They’re still perfectly warm, Mistress. Please enjoy…”
Xu Lanshan glanced over the spread: steamed mandarin fish, grilled tender lamb chops, garlic pork belly, braised prawns, steamed pork knuckle in sauce, stir-fried beef slices with green and red peppers, and mushroom lamb soup. The appetizers were crystal pickled scallions and diced sour radish, while the snacks were crab roe and crab meat dumplings and small pancakes filled with fruit jam.
Xu Lanshan let Xiao Fuzi try one of the small pancakes and asked with a smile, “What’s the filling?”
Xiao Fuzi quickly replied, “It seems to be made from minced and stewed dried persimmons. It’s very sweet and fragrant, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Would Mistress like to try one?”
Xu Lanshan understood and smiled. “Set aside the small pancakes and grilled tender lamb chops on separate plates for me to eat after I return from attending the Emperor tonight. You two can share the rest later.”
As she spoke, she instructed Yuchan to serve her a large bowl of white rice.
Seeing her intention to eat only plain rice, Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi were both stunned. “Mistress, is it… that these dishes don’t suit your taste?”
Even if they hadn’t asked, Xu Lanshan would have explained.
Now that they were all living in Cuiyin Pavilion, they were bound together as master and servants, sharing both glory and disgrace. A foolish ally was more dangerous than an enemy, so they needed to understand what was necessary.
Of course, it would be much easier if she could have an experienced matron or senior maid, but at her current rank, she couldn’t even dream of it.
“Look at these dishes: steamed fish, braised prawns, lamb, garlic, and so on—all of them leave a strong odor. Tonight, I’m attending the Emperor. If the lingering smell offends him and displeases him, would he ever want to see me again?”
Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi’s expressions changed.
Xu Lanshan continued, “There’s a folk saying that eating crab meat and persimmons together can easily cause stomachaches and diarrhea.”
With a thud, Xiao Fuzi fell to his knees in fright. “Mistress, this servant deserves death! This servant deserves death!”
"Get up quickly, what does this have to do with you? The Imperial Kitchen gives you what they have, isn't that normal? Keep doing the same in the future, understand? As a mere Changzai, I have no right to order dishes from the Imperial Kitchen."
Yuchan fumed, "I never expected the people in the Imperial Kitchen to be so heartless. This is truly wicked."
Xu Lanshan chuckled softly, "It might not necessarily be the Imperial Kitchen's intention. Who in the rear palace is favored or not—what does that have to do with the Imperial Kitchen? Why would they go out of their way to make things difficult for me?"
Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi were taken aback, their expressions changing in unison.
"You mean, Mistress, that it's…"
Xu Lanshan shook her head, "It's hard to say who it is, and it doesn't really matter. Whoever is favored becomes the enemy of all the Concubines. Although I'm not yet favored, the Emperor treats me with a bit of special attention, so naturally, some will resent it. It's fine, you don't need to worry too much. We'll deal with things as they come—stay cautious, keep a low profile, avoid drawing attention, and mind our own business."
Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi hurriedly agreed.
Xiao Fuzi hesitated, then couldn't help but whisper, "Mistress, could it be… Song Ronghua?"
"It's not her," Xu Lanshan denied firmly without a second thought. "She doesn't have that kind of influence. The Imperial Kitchen wouldn't help her with something like this."
Everyone in the palace knows how things work—no one is foolish. For the Imperial Kitchen to turn a blind eye to this, there must be some benefit involved. Song Ronghua is neither favored nor wealthy, and her family background is ordinary. How could she possibly have that kind of clout?
This blunt truth left Yuchan and Xiao Fuzi speechless.
Song Ronghua would probably be furious if she heard this.
Xu Lanshan smiled indifferently, "It's just a small matter. Don't dwell on it."
"Yes, Mistress."
True to her word, Xu Lanshan only ate the bowl of white rice. The premium imperial rice, steamed to perfection, was distinct grain by grain, translucent and gleaming. As she chewed, the natural fragrance of the rice carried a subtle sweetness, and the texture was truly delightful. Xu Lanshan savored it with great relish.
Late into the night, a phoenix sedan finally arrived from Qianyuan Palace to fetch Xu Lanshan, who was already prepared.
Upon entering the hall, she was led by two composed and steady middle-aged maids to a side chamber. There, she removed her outer garments and changed into a soft, pale yellow-green gauze sleeping robe. The robe was loose, tied only loosely at the waist with a soft silk belt, leaving nothing underneath—likely for the Emperor's convenience.
Her hair was let down, all hairpins and ornaments removed, and she washed her face. The minimal makeup she had worn was now completely washed away.
Throughout the entire process, Xu Lanshan felt extremely awkward but dared not resist. She could only pretend to be an emotionless cloth doll, allowing the two maids to handle her as they pleased.
Inwardly, she grumbled: So all that dressing up earlier was for nothing! And here Yuchan had been so enthusiastically helping her pick out clothes and accessories for half the day…
Then again, who knows? Perhaps some Concubines come to attend the Emperor by first accompanying him in romantic strolls, discussing life ideals and leisurely walks? So the dressing up might still be important.
Changing in this side chamber was actually not so bad. If she had been stripped naked at Cuiyin Pavilion, wrapped in a quilt, and carried over by eunuchs, that would have been even more humiliating!
In comparison, the rear palace of the Great Wen Dynasty showed a bit of humanity in this matter—though not much.
After all, what she had, the two maids had as well. There was nothing to fear in being seen.
Once properly dressed, the two senior maids helped her lie down on the imperial bed, gently covering her with a thin apricot-colored brocade quilt embroidered with coiled dragons, and then lowered the golden silk gauze canopy. Xu Lanshan tilted her head to look through the gauze, where the light softened into a hazy, mist-like glow.
Xu Lanshan’s heart seemed to drift into clouds and mist as well. Her hands tightened around the brocade quilt, and she suddenly felt a wave of nervousness.
After waiting for roughly two quarters of an hour, she finally heard light, brisk footsteps—the Emperor had arrived at last. Xu Lanshan couldn’t decide whether to tense up or breathe a sigh of relief.