Chapter Eighteen: Jiang Huan's Sweet Talk

Aunt Li waved her hand, "Your Highness is the mistress, and this old servant is merely a servant, here to say a few words on the Emperor's orders. Your Highness need not bother."

"Auntie, you're being too polite," Jiang Huan said sincerely. "You've been in the palace for so many years, and everyone in the palace knows how loyal you are to the Emperor."

This could be a powerful asset for her future, or a powerful asset that could make Consort Yu suffer in silence.

We can't let them get away; we must build a good relationship with them.

Life will be more comfortable from now on!

"Auntie, please give me a chance to try my cooking. I guarantee you'll love it!"

She smiled and took Aunt Li's arm, pulling her along.

"I'm in this palace, so I'll definitely need my aunt's help."

Having heard countless kind words in the palace over the years, Aunt Li was actually somewhat embarrassed by Jiang Huan's words.

A rare, gentle smile appeared on his face as he shook his head helplessly.

"Consort Zhuang has a sweet tongue. This old servant can't accept such praise. However, Consort Zhuang's ability to gain the Emperor's favor is also due to her own skill. This old servant believes that Consort Zhuang will definitely shine in the palace in the future."

A sly glint flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes. "So, Auntie, you've agreed to let me stay?"

Aunt Li had a fairly good impression of Jiang Huan.

Although this young girl comes from a humble background, she is quick-witted and knows how to navigate social situations; she is a promising talent.

Since there was nothing else to do, Aunt Li smiled and agreed.

"Then I'll have to trouble Consort Zhuang."

"No, no, I'll go prepare right away."

Jiang Huan was secretly pleased; she was an expert at flattering people!

No one can escape her barrage of sweet words! No one!

Wuhu, time to cook!

With the large amount of ingredients sent by Aunt Li, Jiang Huan's small kitchen finally no longer looked empty.

She skillfully prepared the ingredients, selecting several fresh vegetables and slicing a few tender chicken pieces, ready to make a stir-fried chicken dish.

This dish is simple yet delicious, showcasing her culinary skills without being overly extravagant.

It's absolutely reliable for currying favor with people!

Soon, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Jiang Huan divided the stir-fried chicken slices into two portions and placed them on a plate, garnishing them with a few sprigs of bright green cilantro, making them look very tempting.

She brought over a dish and a bowl of porridge, and went to Xiao Zhao's room first.

"Xiao Zhao, dinner's ready."

After resting for the past few days, Xiao Zhao has recovered considerably. Upon seeing Jiang Huan arrive, she hurriedly went to greet her and offer her assistance.

Seeing that there was only one serving of food, she couldn't help but ask, "Won't you stay and have a meal with us, Your Highness?"

Jiang Huan shook her head and told Xiao Zhao everything that had happened in the past two days.

Xiao Zhao was overjoyed upon hearing this.

If they can build a good relationship with Aunt Li, then anyone who bullies their young mistress will have to be afraid.

Xiao Zhao hurriedly said, "This servant will go with you, mistress, to help you entertain Aunt Li."

Although the medicine had been applied, Xiao Zhao's face still looked purplish-red, which was quite frightening.

Jiang Huan looked at Xiao Zhao with pity and gently pressed her back to her seat.

This girl's injuries haven't even healed yet, and you're still thinking about helping her.

"You should just focus on recovering! I'll take care of Aunt Li."

When Xiao Zhao heard Jiang Huan mention her injury, she thought about it and realized that it might not be a good idea for her to see Aunt Li while she was injured.

He didn't make any further demands and let Jiang Huan go.

Back in the small kitchen, Jiang Huan served the rice and then took another dish back to her room.

"Auntie, please try this stir-fried chicken slices and see if it suits your taste."

Aunt Li picked up her silver chopsticks and took a bite. The chicken was tender and the vegetables were crisp and refreshing.

She had been by the Emperor's side for so many years and had never eaten such delicious food.

It's no wonder that the Emperor sent her to support Consort Zhuang after eating her food a few times.

Aunt Li praised frankly, "Zhuang Changzai's cooking skills are truly remarkable. This old servant has never tasted anything so delicious."

Hearing the praise, Jiang Huan was even more delighted.

She smiled and said, "Auntie, you flatter me. If you like it, I'll make more for you in the future."

Aunt Li's impression of Jiang Huan improved even more; this young girl was thoughtful and knew how to please people.

If they are properly trained, they might be able to establish themselves in the palace.

Jiang Huan didn't eat lunch either, so she sat with Aunt Li, and the two ate their food and chatted.

She would occasionally praise Aunt Li, while Aunt Li would patiently explain to Jiang Huan some palace rules and precautions.

Jiang Huan listened very attentively. Now that she was in the inner palace, Aunt Li's experience was extremely valuable to her.

Before we knew it, it was getting late.

Aunt Li glanced at the sky and stood up: "Consort Zhuang, it's getting late, this old servant must go back."

"I'll see Auntie off," Jiang Huan quickly stood up.

She walked out with Aunt Li, saying, "Aunt, if you have time, you can come and sit here often, and I'll cook you something delicious."

Jiang Huan said this partly because she was very grateful for Aunt Li's guidance today.

On the other hand, it was also to get closer to Aunt Li.

Aunt Li looked at Jiang Huan, who was smiling as she saw her off, and her heart stirred slightly.

If the concubines in the harem have no power or influence and cannot receive the emperor's protection, their fate will not be good.

Aunt Li liked Jiang Huan and couldn't bear to see her end up like that.

Her lips moved slightly, and she couldn't help but say, "This old servant is just a servant, not worthy of Consort Zhuang's trouble. Consort Zhuang, on the other hand, you are currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, so you should seize the opportunity."

With so many people in the harem, Jiang Huan wasn't the only concubine who was bullied.

However, Jiang Huan was the first concubine that the Emperor was willing to support, which shows her special relationship with the Emperor.

In addition, Jiang Huan is beautiful, intelligent, and quick-witted, and has a sweet tongue. It shouldn't be difficult for her to win the emperor's favor.

"I've remembered what Auntie said," Jiang Huan said with a smile.

It seems she made a very successful move today!

Aunt Li had a good impression of her, otherwise she wouldn't have given her such advice!

As long as she continues to please the Emperor and maintain good relationships with the people in the palace, she doesn't believe she can't move out of Jinhua Palace!

Jiang Huan was in a great mood, humming a little tune as she stepped into the small kitchen again.

Her goal has not yet been achieved; she still needs to work harder!

It wasn't enough to only deliver meals to the Emperor twice; she had to keep doing it.

Send favors, send status, send a glorious life.

Jiang Huan got busy again. Fortunately, there were plenty of ingredients, a wide variety, enough for her to make whatever she wanted.

Half an hour later, the fried chicken and French fries were ready.

She now realized that before she could win over Huo Lin's stomach, she needed to win over his nose first.

The aroma of delicious food is the key to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

She pinched a French fry, ate it, and immediately squinted her eyes in happiness.

"Wow, my cooking is really good!"

To help the Emperor better enjoy the allure of fried food, Jiang Huan also prepared a plum juice to cut through the greasiness.

With everything prepared, Jiang Huan packed the fried food and headed to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.