The maid was saddened for the Empress, who said, "Since the Emperor doesn't want me to go, why should I go and upset him? Let it go, I'll just skip this banquet."

It was indeed a loss of face for the Empress that the Emperor held a banquet without informing her.

But now that things have come to this point, if she were to go to the Fourth Master to ask for the reason, it might displease him, making things even more difficult to handle. It would be better to continue pretending not to know.

Lanqin made many arrangements for this lotus-viewing banquet, such as selecting the best viewing spots for the pavilions and towers prepared for the viewing.

She was writing something with a pen in hand, her eyes and brows full of smiles, clearly very interested in the banquet.

A figure approached from outside and knelt before Lanqin, saying, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

Lanqin looked up and saw Niu Baoquan. She put down her pen and told him to stand up.

"I wonder what urgent matter Your Majesty has summoned this servant for?" Niu Baoquan asked.

"Nothing, just asking how the ingredients are coming along?"

Niu Baoquan hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, all the ingredients you instructed me to purchase have been prepared. Although some things are difficult to buy, I have still managed to accomplish them."

Lanqin nodded in satisfaction, appreciating Niu Baoquan's serious attitude. She said, "Hmm, not bad. I'll leave the pastry making to you. Make all the pastries and bring them to me for me to taste. After all, many nobles and royalty will be attending this banquet. They've all grown up in luxury and have tasted all sorts of good things. If we can't come up with something new, how can we satisfy them?"

Niu Baoquan smiled sheepishly, saying that the pastries Lan Qin had asked for were already quite thoughtful.

Lanqin had been staying in the palace for a long time, especially in the Yuanmingyuan Garden, where she no longer had to pay her respects to the Empress morning and evening. She was free and could do whatever she wanted.

When she was bored, she would study food, figuring out what tasted good and what ingredients would make it even better. Plus, she was a foodie with great insights into food, so the food in her palace was definitely the most delicious.

She picked up the list on the table and said to Niu Baoquan, "This list contains methods for making pastries. Take it and learn how to do it. If you don't understand anything, just ask me."

Niu Baoquan bowed and accepted the offer, saying, "Then this servant will take his leave."

Lanqin nodded, and Niu Baoquan turned and left the room.

After Niu Baoquan left, Lanqin summoned Yuxiao and Baoqin and asked them how the interior decorations were going.

Baoqin and Yuxiao knew that she was very concerned about this matter, so they also put in their best effort and decorated carefully, striving for perfection.

"Let's go to the kitchen and finalize the menu as soon as possible," Lanqin said to the two of them.

The two followed her to the kitchen and saw that she was all smiles. This lotus appreciation banquet was the Fourth Prince’s way of meeting with his brothers and their wives whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. It was being held at the Yuanmingyuan Garden, and some invitations were sent out in her name. As the hostess, she had to make this banquet a great success and leave everyone wanting more.

When they arrived at the kitchen, the chefs were busy at work. Upon seeing her, they quickly bowed. Lanqin smiled and told him not to stand on ceremony. She then discussed with him and ordered a few dishes, instructing him to prepare them carefully and not to make any mistakes, ensuring that the taste would be praised by everyone.