Lin Qianqian hadn’t thought much about rescuing little Lingdang.
That had been but a fleeting warmth in the cold, oppressive depths of the palace, quickly drowned by daily trivialities and invisible pressures. As her arm healed, she began taking up the cooking again, though her movements were now measured with extra caution.
Yet, the quieter the tree, the stronger the wind.
That morning, Lin Qianqian was checking the ingredient list when Madame Zhao entered, her face stern, followed by two unfamiliar stewardesses.
The kitchen instantly fell silent, a wave of unease spreading through the air.
“Lin Qianqian,” Madame Zhao’s voice was formal and icy, “it has been reported that you secretly took herbs from the storage and gave them to low-ranking servants. Is this true?”
Secretly taking herbs?!
Lin Qianqian’s heart dropped. Her fingers tightened around the list, crumpling its edges. She immediately realized—they were talking about the scutellaria powder she had used for little Lingdang that night! Sure enough, even the faintest light could be twisted into a weapon.
She forced herself to remain calm, setting down the list and meeting Madame Zhao’s scrutinizing gaze with a steady, clear voice: “Madame, there is absolutely no such thing. That night, I did use some scutellaria powder, but it was the remainder given by Physician Shen for treating burns, not taken from the storage. There should be records with Physician Shen; a simple check will confirm this.”
Madame Zhao studied her closely, as if weighing the truth of her words. “Even if the source of the herbs is correct, giving the Prince’s official medicine to ordinary servants is still a breach of regulations! Are you aware of your fault?”
“I am aware of my mistake,” Lin Qianqian replied without trying to justify herself with the reason of “saving a life.” In this mansion, rules were above all; any explanation sounded weak in their presence. She lowered her gaze, lowering herself further in posture. “That night, seeing the child coughing so dangerously, I acted out of a moment of compassion, without thinking. I broke the household rules, and I accept the punishment.”
Her straightforward admission cut short the scolding Madame Zhao had prepared. The two stewardesses exchanged a glance, and one of them sneered: “Oh, Steward Lin has a good heart, but a good heart in the wrong place can only bring trouble. Who knows what background that maid and her grandmother have? What if something went wrong? Who would take responsibility then?”
Her words were venomous, implying that Lin Qianqian had some dubious collusion with outsiders, possibly stirring trouble.
Lin Qianqian lifted her eyes and met the speaking stewardess’s gaze with clarity, unflinching: “Madame, your words are mistaken. I have been in the household only a short time, and have diligently observed my duties; how could I possibly have colluded with outsiders? That night’s incident was purely accidental—I could not bear to see a child suffer without helping. If there is doubt regarding the maid and her grandmother, please send someone to investigate; I am willing to fully cooperate to prove my innocence.”
Her tone was neither humble nor confrontational, deftly deflecting the accusation while showing herself open and above suspicion.
Madame Zhao frowned.
Having managed the inner court for many years, she could see the twists behind the situation.
Lin Qianqian’s aid to the servants was genuine, but it had been exploited by others.
She knew perfectly well who was pulling the strings.
“Enough,” Madame Zhao cut off the stewardess who was about to speak further. “Lin Qianqian, considering this is your first offense and that your intentions were good, you will receive a minor punishment—half a month’s salary, as a warning. In the future, remember your position and do not repeat this mistake!”
Half a month’s salary was not severe; it was mostly a cautionary measure.
“I accept the punishment, and thank you, Madame,” Lin Qianqian bowed.
Madame Zhao cast a stern glance around the kitchen staff. “Did you all hear that? In the Prince’s household, following rules is of utmost importance! Do your duties and do not follow the example of gossiping women, spreading slander!”
The others fell silent and acknowledged her words.
Once Madame Zhao left with her entourage, the kitchen did not return to calm. The staff looked at Lin Qianqian with complex expressions—some sympathetic, some relieved, some indifferent.
Chuntao whispered angrily: “Clearly, someone’s deliberately causing trouble! Madame Zhao was too…”
“Chuntao!” Lin Qianqian hushed her, shaking her head. Madame Zhao had already been lenient; further complaint would show ignorance of her place.
She walked to the water barrel and scooped up a ladle of cold water, slowly washing her hands. The icy flow over her fingers cooled the heat in her mind, a mix of anger and injustice, bringing her back to clarity.
Liu Rusi… this time her methods were even more cunning and insidious than before.
She did not directly target the prince’s meals but attacked Lin Qianqian through “rules” and “character,” chipping away at her foundation bit by bit. First, it was “breaking the pot,” now “illegally giving herbs.” Next, what would it be? “Colluding with outsiders”? “Improper behavior”?
Looking at her pale reflection in the water, her gaze grew resolute. Retreat and endurance would not bring peace.
The opponent had already laid down a gauntlet.
If she did not strike back, she would be slowly consumed by these calculated schemes, like a frog in warming water.
She needed allies, she needed more power to protect herself.
And that power… perhaps it could be sought from the man who seemed most distant, yet had a subtle connection to her.
At dinner, Leng Feng came to collect the food. When Lin Qianqian handed him the box, she did not immediately release it as usual.
Leng Feng looked slightly surprised.
Lin Qianqian met his gaze, calm but with a subtle, almost imperceptible determination.
She said softly, “Guard Leng, could you do me the favor of reporting to the Prince that I… wish to see him. I have urgent matters to discuss.”
A flicker of surprise passed through Leng Feng’s eyes. He studied her for a long moment and nodded. “I will convey your message.”