Even in the sweltering heat of summer, despite Ji Ke's aversion to high temperatures, he remained impeccably dressed in gray brocade robes. His gaze was clear and pure, like the most pristine snow atop the Tianshan Mountains.
Upon hearing his inquiry, Jiang Ning did not hesitate for a moment before stepping forward.
Based on her observations thus far, this Nine-Thousand-Year-Old did not have a habit of arbitrarily beheading people—as long as one avoided crossing his boundaries.
And his boundaries likely involved subordinates acting improperly.
Jiang Ning performed a somewhat unfamiliar palace curtsy, tucking the cucumber behind her waist.
"Reporting to the Supervisor, I heard some commotion earlier and came out to see what was happening."
Her gaze fell upon the disheveled, drenched consort on the bridge, but she only glanced briefly before lifting her head.
As she expected, Ji Ke did not give her much trouble, merely nodding casually.
"Since nothing is amiss, you may return."
Jiang Ning also wanted to leave this troublesome place as quickly as possible, but just as she turned to leave, she was stopped—
"Cough, cough… wait a moment."
The voice was weak, delicate, and soft, reminiscent of the lingering misty rains of the Jiangnan region.
Jiang Ning turned back to look at the seated consort and bowed respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness."
It was only then that Jiang Ning got a clear look at the consort's appearance, and only four words came to mind: delicate as a willow in the wind.
With almond-shaped eyes, a high nose bridge, and downturned lips that should have given her a sorrowful appearance, her slender eyebrows added a touch of pitiable tenderness, instantly making her seem more sentimental.
In those eyes brimming with melancholy, even the misty rains of Jiangnan tasted bitter.
"An appointment unkept past midnight, idly tapping chess pieces as lamp flowers fall."
Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned, unsure of the purpose behind the sudden recitation of poetry.
"You smell very fragrant, a scent familiar to this consort."
Jiang Ning lowered her head to sniff herself but detected nothing particularly special. If she had to say, it was merely the lingering aroma of cookies.
"Reporting to Your Highness, this subordinate just prepared some pastries. Perhaps it is their scent."
The consort took the cloak handed to her by a palace maid, draped it over herself, and covered her mouth as she coughed a few times, her willow-like brows arching even more delicately.
"Cough… bring some for this consort."
Jiang Ning glanced at Ji Ke and, receiving his silent approval, turned and hurried toward the kitchen.
Consort Zhou Shu watched her departing figure, her gaze drifting for a moment before she leaned on her maid's hand to stand up. She gazed distantly at Zheyue Palace, her frail body appearing thin and weak in the wind.
Ji Ke subtly observed her expression before turning his attention to the side gate, watching as Jiang Ning came running toward them with a plate of golden-yellow pastries.
Jiang Ning's hands were steady; even while running, the cookies on the plate remained neatly arranged, ready to be chosen.
Her bright eyes turned to Consort Zhou Shu as she smiled and lifted the plate slightly higher.
"Your Highness, these are the pastries I baked—nut cookies."
The square cookies were arranged in two rows, each a similar shade of golden yellow, sprinkled with various dried fruits: dark purple grapes, watery red peach slices, and tender white almonds.
They were scattered across the golden surface like jewels embedded in a desert.
It wasn't just their appearance—the enticing aroma was equally captivating.
The fully baked cookies emitted a subtle, sweet fragrance that was not cloying, inviting one to explore further.
Moreover, the scent was familiar, yet sweeter than what he had smelled before. He wondered how they would taste.
Consort Zhou Shu casually wiped her hands, tucking her dripping wet hair behind her ears. Her slightly pale fingers picked up a cookie and brought it to her mouth.
These cookies had been specially selected by Jiang Ning—their bottoms were not burnt, and they were crisp upon the first bite, the best among the batch.
As the crisp cookie entered her mouth, it crumbled with just a slight grind of her teeth, the rich, sweet aroma of baking instantly spreading between them.
Amidst this crispy sweetness, there were also the soft, chewy tang of raisins, the delicate fragrance of dried peaches, and the crunchy aroma of crushed almonds, instantly adding layers to the texture.
The flavor was much more fragrant than the pastries she had eaten with him before. It was a pity that he, who loved fine food so much, could no longer taste it.
Consort Zhou Shu quietly ate the cookie, tears welling up in her eyes. Bean-sized teardrops fell continuously, making her appear even more sorrowful and delicate.
Jiang Ning stared at her in astonishment, nearly dropping the plate in surprise.
She had imagined that Her Ladyship would enjoy this sweet treat, but she never expected her to cry while eating it. In all her life, she had never witnessed such a scene.
Yet those around her wore expressions of familiarity, bowing their heads without much reaction, making her seem overly dramatic.
"Ten years apart, one living, one dead, not thinking, yet never forgetting."
After finishing one cookie, Consort Zhou Shu recited another line of poetry. With red, tear-filled eyes, she picked up another cookie and began eating, chewing through sobs, looking utterly pitiful.
Did she accidentally add mustard to the cookies? What kind of sorrow could cause such a reaction?
Jiang Ning glanced at Ji Ke, hoping for some guidance, only to find his dark, calm eyes fixed motionlessly on a spot, as if lost in thought, seemingly unfazed by the scene.
Not daring to look further, Jiang Ning quickly averted her gaze, sighing inwardly.
The people in this palace were truly stranger than the last.
"What is your name? I haven’t seen you in the palace before."
Having finished the cookie, Consort Zhou Shu, like a young girl crying until she could barely breathe, asked this question between sobs, devoid of any imposing air.
"In reply to Consort Shu, her name is Jiang Ning. She is the imperial chef I brought today to treat this loss of appetite."
Ji Ke bowed slightly, his manners and attitude impeccable, his voice clear and clean. Yet Consort Zhou Shu took a step back, avoiding his bow.
"I’ve told you, you need not bow to me…"
Consort Zhou Shu had someone take the plate of cookies. She gave Jiang Ning a deep look, the hem of her skirt crumpled from her grip, as if she wanted to say more but held back. Then she left with the other palace maids.
By the vast lotus pond, only Jiang Ning, Ji Ke, and his entourage remained. Seeing him about to leave, Jiang Ning instinctively spoke up.
"Sir, would you like to try some cookies as well?"
Her words caused the eunuchs behind him to tremble, silently marveling at her audacity—no one had ever dared to ask the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old to stay.
Ji Ke paused in his steps, lowering his gaze to look at her. Under Jiang Ning’s increasingly guilty expression, he gave a reserved nod.
"Let’s take a look."
Zheyue Palace was just opposite, less than a minute’s walk away. During that minute, Jiang Ning repeatedly wanted to slap herself.
She had picked out all the well-shaped ones for Her Ladyship. Now, having invited Ji Ke over, would she serve him burnt or soggy cookies?
Wasn’t this just sabotaging her own livelihood?
But what was done was done. Before she could even feel regretful, the group had already arrived at the small kitchen entrance through the side door.
Although Zheyue Palace wasn't resplendent with gold and jade, it was exquisitely refined in every detail. Even the cooking area had a tall loquat tree planted nearby, with rattan chairs and a table arranged beneath it.
The broad leaves filtered the sunlight, casting large patches of shade that dispelled the summer heat. Not far away, cicadas chirped incessantly from the trees.
"Summer has arrived. Have someone catch the nearby cicadas and release them elsewhere, lest they disturb one's peace of mind."
Ji Ke's expression was cool, his voice clear and crisp—more refreshing than the shade itself—though he seemed unaware of this effect.
Jiang Ning set down the plate, her gaze lingering on the overlapping collar of his robe at the base of his neck. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the heat he must be enduring.
From a distance, she hadn't noticed before, but up close, she could see clearly now.
Ji Ke's robe wasn't pure gray. On the light gray fabric, the outline of a white crane was delicately embroidered with fine white thread—almost invisible unless examined closely. Moreover, she could now count that he was wearing three layers.
No wonder he had relaxed his shoulders slightly while sitting in the shade earlier. He must indeed be feeling the heat. Who could withstand wearing three long robes in the summer?
"Your Excellency, would you care to try one?"
Ji Ke sat in the rattan chair, looking at the few cookies on the table. Though he had little appetite, he had already agreed to come here and couldn't be discourteous.
Originally intending to take just one bite to sample the flavor, the moment his tongue touched the rich sweetness and slightly caramelized crispness, he ended up eating an entire cookie.
In his life, he had few indulgences, and a fondness for sweets was one of them. However, in recent years, his appetite had waned, and he ate less.
"Acceptable." Ji Ke nodded in approval. "Pack the rest."
Naturally, they weren't for him—likely intended for the Little Crown Prince.
While the others packed the cookies, he sat quietly in his seat.
The swaying shadows of the tree fell upon his eyelashes, rising and falling, obscuring the expression in his eyes. Despite being so close, he seemed as though he were seated among the clouds.
Feeling the heat on his body dissipate considerably, Ji Ke stood up, casually smoothing the wrinkles in his robe. His slightly reddened lips parted as his gaze settled on her.
"Today, you were fortunate to encounter Consort Zhou Shu. If it had been someone else… restrain your curiosity. Do not make such a mistake again."
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Excellency."
Ji Ke gave a slight nod and left Zheyue Palace with the others.
In the kitchen, Jiang Ning hastily ate two cookies before taking out her notebook, lost in thought as she contemplated solutions for Ji Ke's anorexia.
Her pen hovered over the paper for a long time until a drop of thick ink fell, snapping her out of her reverie.
Anorexia couldn't be considered purely a physical ailment; it was often rooted in psychological issues. Ji Ke's loss of appetite was likely due to either excessive psychological stress or pent-up frustrations.
Resolving emotional knots required patience. Her first step should be to help him regulate his health, encouraging him to eat more and maintain balanced nutrition.
Within the vast yet confined walls of the imperial palace, even the slightest ripple concerning Ji Ke would spread within an hour.
By status, Ji Ke was merely a eunuch serving as the Director of the Eastern Depot. Yet, he now assisted the Crown Prince in wielding power, stabilizing the court. All matters, big and small, required his review and approval, and even the food, clothing, and supplies sent into the palace had to pass his inspection.
It was no exaggeration to say he was the true wielder of power, with the Crown Prince serving as little more than his puppet.
The imperial consorts, intimidated by his methods, mostly endured in silence, though they couldn't help but show their displeasure when they saw him in daily life.
Over the past two years, Ji Ke's health had deteriorated, and he grew increasingly thin. Many hoped he would fall ill and die, allowing the throne to be returned to the Crown Prince.
Now, however, a little imperial chef had suddenly appeared, and it was said she had managed to get him to eat quite a bit. The focus of attention swiftly shifted to Jiang Ning.
Especially from the most powerful figure within the palace.
"Summer has arrived. Deliver this batch of ice for relieving the heat to the palaces of these few individuals. The others can fan themselves."
A phoenix hairpin, adorned with a single red pearl, was tucked into her hair bun. It now jingled and swayed unsteadily with the movement of its wearer's head.
Empress Zheng flipped through the ledger in her hands, marking it with a vermilion brush dipped in cinnabar.
As the mistress of the inner palace, many matters of allocation were beyond the authority of the Neiwufu and required her approval.
Empress Zheng removed the incessantly swaying hairpin from her head, set it aside, and rubbed her sore wrist. She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes to rest, and inquired about the day's affairs.
"Have you found out how much Ji Ke actually ate today?"
Aunt Lancao, who had served her for many years, stepped forward to massage her shoulders and sighed deeply.
"Your Majesty, as you know, he teaches the Crown Prince in the waterside pavilion, and few are allowed entry. Moreover, the people under him are as if their mouths have been sewn shut—impossible to pry open."
Empress Zheng sneered, feeling increasingly irritable, as if something were stuck in her chest, unable to rise or fall, leaving her deeply vexed.
"He teaches the Crown Prince? Clearly, it's a case of Sima Zhao's heart—who knows when the empire might change its surname."
Aunt Lancao leaned closer to her, but Empress Zheng pushed her away.
"It's hot. Say whatever you have to say from a distance. This palace is in a foul mood and feels like hitting someone."
Understanding her temper, Aunt Lancao gently kneaded her shoulders and poured her a cup of jasmine tea to cool her down.
"This Jiang Ning was originally named Jiang Shiyu. Her background is clean, and she hasn't yet been trained by Ji Ke. Why don't we approach her?"
"Agreed."
Empress Zheng enjoyed the breeze, her expression softening considerably. However, upon opening her eyes and seeing the pile of official duties before her, her face darkened, and she sighed deeply before picking up her brush to continue reviewing.
"When this palace finds the time, she will be the first one I seek out."
At that moment, Jiang Ning had no idea that a large wave of strange individuals within the palace was about to descend upon her.