Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Princess

Before Jiang Huan could finish speaking, the Empress Dowager casually waved her hand.

"I appreciate your kind intentions, but please leave the gifts there."

The Empress Dowager looked down on Jiang Huan, thinking that someone of humble origins could not possibly make anything delicious.

If she weren't somewhat beautiful, how could she have won Huo Lin's exclusive favor?

Unconsciously, he looked down on Jiang Huan even more.

Just as the two were in silence, a little girl ran in; it was Princess Mingzhu.

"Grandmother, someone has come to see you."

Princess Mingzhu skipped and hopped to the Empress Dowager's side, hugging her arm and shaking it.

"She's such a grown woman, doesn't she know how to be more mature?"

Although the words were a reprimand, the Empress Dowager's brows were furrowed with a smile, clearly showing her great affection for Princess Mingzhu.

"Oh dear, in front of my grandmother, I'll always be a child..."

He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence.

The snacks on the table immediately caught her attention.

"Are these new pastries made by the Imperial Kitchen? They look quite nice, and they smell wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan cleverly interjected, "These are pastries I made. If the princess likes them, why don't you try some?"

Princess Mingzhu blinked after hearing this.

The lady looked somewhat unfamiliar, but she was quite talkative, so he reached out, picked one up, and put it in his mouth.

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, her tone tinged with reproach: "You child, you've forgotten all the etiquette the palace maids taught you. What's so special about a pastry that you're making such a fuss?"

But Princess Mingzhu paid no attention to the Empress Dowager's reprimand, and her eyes immediately brightened.

She had never tasted anything so delicious, not even the dishes made by the chefs in the imperial kitchen!

Princess Mingzhu immediately picked up another pastry, turned around and walked to the Empress Dowager: "Grandmother, please try one first."

What kind of food could make Mingzhu like this?

Although the Empress Dowager was somewhat curious, she didn't lose face.

"Since you like it, then I'll give it all to you. I'm feeling a bit tired, so I'll go back and get some sleep."

She waved to Jiang Huan: "You can go back now, remember what I said!"

Just as the Empress Dowager left, Jiang Huan was about to leave as well, but Princess Mingzhu grabbed her hand.

"My name is Mingzhu. Which concubine are you?"

"My name is Jiang Huan, and I am Consort Zhuang, whom the Emperor has just conferred the title of Noble Lady Zhuang," Jiang Huan replied with a smile.

This princess seems lively and innocent, making her hard to dislike.

Princess Mingzhu tilted her head and thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "So it's Consort Zhuang! No wonder the pastries she makes are so delicious."

She had recently heard that her stern, unapproachable uncle, the Emperor, was completely captivated by Consort Zhuang's culinary skills.

It's even gotten to the point of being exclusively favored.

Seeing that Princess Mingzhu liked the pastries she made, Jiang Huan smiled and said, "If Princess Mingzhu likes these pastries, you can come to my place in the future, and I will make some other food for you."

Although this trip didn't allow me to curry favor with the Empress Dowager, it did improve the Princess's network of connections, so it wasn't a loss!

Princess Mingzhu looked delighted and grabbed Jiang Huan's hand, quickly asking, "Is what you're saying true, sister?"

Princess Mingzhu's eyes were bright, and she was looking at Jiang Huan with pleading eyes, like a kitten begging for food, which was extremely cute.

Jiang Huan smiled gently. The Huo family must all have some foodie genes.

"Of course it's true. I also know many other pastries. I'll make them all for the princess to try."

"Great! I love pastries the most!" Princess Mingzhu clapped her hands happily.

This lady is beautiful and has great cooking skills! She's even willing to cook for her!

It seems that her royal uncle's judgment was reliable this time!

......

After the morning court session ended, Huo Lin heard that the Empress Dowager had summoned Jiang Huan.

A thought crossed his mind, and he strolled toward the palace where the Empress Dowager resided.

As soon as I stepped into the corridor outside the palace, I saw Jiang Huan standing side by side with Princess Mingzhu in the distance.

Jiang Huan was dressed in an elegant palace gown, with a plain hairpin tucked into her hair. A gentle smile graced her beautiful face as she leaned down and whispered something to Mingzhu.

Princess Mingzhu stood beside her, her round eyes sparkling with excitement, her little hands gesturing excitedly, clearly amused by Jiang Huan's words.

Huo Lin paused, his gaze falling on the two of them.

What's going on?

They're completely unrelated, so when did they start hanging out together?

Princess Mingzhu had been afraid of Huo Lin since she was a child. When she saw him arrive, she immediately became like a mouse seeing a cat, quickly bowing her head and greeting him. This was a natural contrast to her lively and innocent demeanor just now.

Huo Lin didn't pay any attention, just waved his hand to tell her to get rid of the formalities, and his gaze lightly swept over the pastries that Jiang Huan had brought.

[What delicious food is that? I just finished the morning court session! I'm a little hungry!]

Jiang Huan knew Huo Lin would think that way, and presented the food with both hands in a very obsequious manner.

She smiled slightly, "Your Majesty, these are some new desserts that I have developed. I wonder if they suit Your Majesty's taste."

Huo Lin took it and ate a couple of bites, finding it so delicious that he felt he had the energy to attend the morning court session again.

As expected! No matter the time, everything Consort Zhuang makes is delicious.

[It was worth it for me to rush here immediately after court!]

Huo Lin was eating with great satisfaction when, just then, the Empress Dowager, having heard the news of the Emperor's arrival, returned.

Several people quickly stood up to greet them.

The Empress Dowager sat down, frowning as she stared at Jiang Huan, her displeasure evident.

As soon as she arrived, she saw Jiang Huan giving Huo Lin some snacks, clearly ignoring her previous warnings!

"Have you forgotten what I told you? At this time, instead of letting His Majesty handle official business in peace, you are taking up His Majesty's time like this?"

Jiang Huan is not good at talking back; sometimes, explaining is just a cover-up.

When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Besides, Huo Lin has already arrived, and the powerful backer she has cultivated over countless meals will protect her!

As expected, when Huo Lin saw the Empress Dowager scolding Jiang Huan, he raised his eyebrows slightly, parted his thin lips, and spoke in a calm tone that carried an unquestionable air.

"It's just a few snacks, it won't take much time, Mother is overthinking it."

Hearing that Huo Lin was so obviously protecting Jiang Huan, the Empress Dowager's face became even more serious.

"Consort Zhuang, take Mingzhu outside for a stroll. I have something to say to the Emperor!"

Jiang Huan obediently agreed, but in her heart she was thinking that Huo Lin had to win this battle between the mother and son.

After all, his life was in the bag.

Once only the Empress Dowager and Huo Lin remained in the room, the Empress Dowager sighed and adopted a serious and earnest demeanor.

"Your Majesty, there are a few things I must say. I have warned Consort Zhuang, but she has not listened to a word of my advice."

"No matter the reason, the emperor cannot favor one person exclusively. If he cannot show his affection to everyone equally, the harem will be in chaos."

The Empress Dowager's eyes revealed a false warmth as she took Huo Lin's hand.

"Nowadays, the court is also eyeing us covetously. If these people take advantage of the situation and keep pressing us on the issue of having offspring, we'll regret it!"

Huo Lin's gaze turned colder, and he subtly withdrew his hand.

He had heard enough troubling things at the morning court session.

I had just eaten two snacks and was starting to feel a bit better, but those few words completely ruined my mood.

Moreover, judging from the Empress Dowager's words, she was telling her not to see Jiang Huan so often in the future.

If he doesn't see her, how can he enjoy the delicious food?

Seeing Huo Lin remain silent, the Empress Dowager assumed that she had persuaded him, so she pressed her advantage.

"In my opinion, Consort Jia and the other consorts are all virtuous and dignified. Your Majesty can visit them more often."

"If they can give you a child in the future, those ministers and noble families in the court will also be loyal to the emperor."

Huo Lin's expression grew colder and colder. Such factionalism had become necessary?

absurd!

Especially upon hearing the name of Consort Jia, it was clear that if it weren't for her, the meal delivered by Jiang Huan wouldn't have spilled.

and……

How can the Empress Dowager be allowed to interfere in matters of the court!

"Your Majesty, I have my own plans. You may rest assured and enjoy your old age in the palace."

"As for the concubines, who I love and who I favor are all my own preferences. It is not appropriate for the Empress Dowager to interfere too much. The court officials should remember their duties and focus their hearts on the country and its people."

These words were spoken in a harsh and cold tone, carrying the imposing aura of an emperor.

The Empress Dowager's expression changed slightly.

Huo Lin looked up at her, his eyes growing colder. "Mother is getting old. There are some things that are not her concern. She should stop worrying about them."