Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 16: The Kitchen’s Tribute

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Kitchen’s Tribute

But today, it seemed that Eunuch Pan had changed into a different set of clothes, as there was no greasy smell on him.

Four little eunuchs followed behind, carrying quite a few things, which Lin Wanyi glanced at curiously.

"Mr. Pan, is there something you need?"

"The young master just arrived at the palace, and I don’t have much to offer. Since Xiao Luzi went to the dining hall early in the morning to request some flour, I was concerned the servants might not handle it meticulously. Therefore, I specially found some good ones for the young master."

With that, he brought out some of the necessary kitchen utensils and various food items.

Chunqi’s eyes lit up when she saw those things.

She turned to her young master, as if asking if she could accept them.

Lin Wanyi chuckled silently, not expecting that the people from the Imperial Kitchen would be so "insightful."

Just after Mr. Dong brought over some small dishes, the people from the Imperial Kitchen followed suit with these. Although it had a hint of flattery, it was indeed appropriate to suit the preferences.

So she nodded and said to Eunuch Pan.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Pan. My maid often enjoys making some snacks at home. I was thinking of having her make some pastries to satisfy cravings. I never thought it would trouble you, Mr. Pan. Please don’t take it to heart."

"What is the young master saying? I am more than happy to work for the young master. In the future, if there’s anything you lack, just have Xiao Luzi come find me, and I will make sure everything is prepared accordingly."

"In that case, I must thank Mr. Pan!"

Receiving such kind words, Lin Wanyi had Chunqi hand over a pouch, which seemed light, but Eunuch Pan’s expression brightened further.

There was likely a silver note inside, something worth more than loose Silver.

It seemed he hadn’t come to Yihua Palace in vain. This young concubine master before him not only had a pleasant demeanor but was also generous. Judging by Mr. Dong personally coming to the kitchen to retrieve small dishes, it could be assumed that Your Majesty was quite fond of her as well.

Therefore, if there was an opportunity to connect, he must not miss it!

He happily accepted the pouch and continued speaking.

"I will have someone send over some charcoal and a stove later. When I was coming earlier, I noticed the side room by the door seemed suitable for setting up a small kitchen."

Having her own small kitchen was certainly good, but having a small kitchen for a concubine’s position, wasn’t that exceeding the norms?

"It is good, but the palace rules..."

Lin Wanyi only spoke halfway before Eunuch Pan quickly understood and responded.

"Don’t worry, the young master, Mr. Qin specifically instructed that it’s not against the rules."

Not exceeding the rules, that’s good.

Observing Eunuch Pan’s slightly plump body again, she found it much cuter.

With the "tribute" from the Imperial Kitchen, everyone in the left side hall had something to do.

After Lin Wanyi had lunch, she went to rest, but Chunqi was pulling Xiao Luzi and Xia An, tinkering around the side room, and actually turned the palm-sized place into a small kitchen.

Though small, it was well-equipped.

Now, not only could soups and broths be made, but Chunqi could also prepare Lin Wanyi’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The rice from the rice jar, flour from the cupboard, seasonal fruits and vegetables from the basket, and fresh meat were all delivered.

Other things were easier to handle, but the meat was hard to preserve.

So Chunqi cut it into strips, marinated it, and hung it by the window, drying it in the cool wind. After two or three days, she could make stir-fried preserved meat with bamboo shoots for everyone to eat.

That dish is perfect with rice; back at home, the eldest and third young masters always have extra bowls when she makes it.

Thinking about the past days at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Chunqi felt a bit upset.

She had only left for two days, yet it felt like two months.

How was the First Madam in the mansion?

Did the old madam and Second Madam cause any trouble?

Seeing Chunqi, who was initially full of energy, now looking like a wilted flower, Xiao Luzi curiously asked.

"Sister Chunqi, what’s wrong?"

"Sigh, she’s homesick. How about you? You’ve been in the palace for so many years. Do you miss it?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Luzi’s eyes showed a fleeting sadness, but he quickly adjusted and, with a stubborn tone, replied to Chunqi.

"I don’t miss it. My family is gone; there’s no use in thinking about it."

Seeing Xiao Luzi’s somewhat sorrowful expression, Chunqi felt like she found a kindred spirit.

She patted him on the shoulder like a good brother and said.

"I’m just like you; my family is gone too. So the young master is my family, and also the master, the First Madam, the eldest young master, the third young master... they’re all good people!"

Good people?

How long had it been since Xiao Luzi heard that term?

In the palace, there was no distinction between good people and bad people.

There were only the favored and the unfavored ones.

When favored, everyone greeted them with a smile to the utmost degree.

But when out of favor, the days turned unbearable. Enduring scorn was the least of their worries; they feared someone would take advantage of the situation, aiming to destroy them completely.

But he wouldn’t share these thoughts with Chunqi and the others lightly.

For one, it was unlucky to mention, and for another, they might not believe it.

So, it was better to focus on his duties.

He then stood up and said, "Sister Chunqi, please sit for a while. I will go fill up the water jar. Otherwise, if the young master needs water at night and there’s none, it’ll be troublesome."

"Alright, go quickly, and be careful on the way."

She then handed over a bag wrapped in oilskin.

"This is white jade cake, perfect to fill you up. I used plenty of good ingredients in it. You’re in for a treat."

Xiao Luzi looked at Chunqi in surprise, seemingly not expecting her to give it to him.

"Don’t hesitate to take it; it’s also the young master’s wish."

For the first time, Xiao Luzi felt a little warmth; being cared for like this felt even better than being rewarded by a master!

So he accepted the bag into his arms, smiling and scratching his head.

"Please thank the young master for me, Sister Chunqi. I will certainly do my work diligently."

Chunqi was amused by his sincere demeanor. This little eunuch indeed had a simple mind, easy to please.

Turning into the small kitchen, she began to stew the healthful soup that Lin Wanyi loved to drink.

In the blink of an eye, the afternoon quietly slipped away.

When Lin Wanyi woke up, it was already 3:00 PM.

This nap was refreshing, replenishing much of her energy.

Just as Xia An was bringing in hot water from outside, she noticed Lin Wanyi was already up.

"Young master, let me assist you in getting up."

"Alright."

After a simple wash and dress-up, Lin Wanyi casually pinned a peach wood hairpin, showcasing an elegant and noble temperament even more.

"The small kitchen is almost ready, and Chunqi is making soup for you. It will be ready soon."

"Oh? Are things that well-prepared?"

"Eunuch Pan is meticulous, and everything he sent was excellent. Chunqi was delighted, saying she finally had a place to use her skills."

Listening to Xia An talk about Chunqi, Lin Wanyi felt as if she had returned to the small courtyard days of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

However, her morning routine was no longer about greeting her parents, but to pay respects to the Imperial Concubine.