Geng Youran stayed in bed for about half a month.

Actually, she wanted to get up and go to work earlier, but Qingzhi and Xinyi kept advising her to get proper treatment so as not to leave any aftereffects.

Geng Youran told Qingzhi everything about her relationship with the eldest prince when Qingzhi came to visit her.

“It was indeed at the behest of the First Prince that I entered Yanxi Palace. Later, I was assigned to serve by your side, Sister Qingzhi, and then the First Prince asked Consort Hui for me. I know all of this. But please believe me, Sister, I did not want to.”

Qingzhi was skeptical about this.

She felt that becoming a princess in the Prince's mansion was better than being a servant here. Besides, the eldest prince liked Geng Youran and would treat her well once she entered the mansion.

"You really don't like the First Prince?"

Geng Youran was exhausted. It turned out that despite her sincere explanation, Qingzhi was still fixated on this matter.

"Sister, do you remember when I mentioned to you that I had a high fever for several days before entering the palace?"

Qingzhi nodded.

"Although that high fever didn't kill me, it made me forget my past. In my current memory, the eldest prince is my master, the beloved son of the empress, and the eldest prince of the Qing Dynasty. That's all."

After listening to Geng Youran's explanation, Qingzhi finally believed it.

From Geng Youran's eyes, Qingzhi saw determination, and she thought to herself:

"She really didn't like the eldest prince."

Once the two people talked things out, the previous misunderstandings naturally disappeared.

Qingzhi also apologized to Geng Youran for her previous sulking.

"I'm sorry, I was misled by others and haven't come to see you for so many days."

Geng Youran smiled.

"Sister, what are you saying? If it weren't for you pleading for me before Her Majesty, I'd probably be in the Laundry Department by now, and I wouldn't have had to spend so long recovering from my injuries."

Geng Youran knew that Qingzhi was a loyal and affectionate person, after all, the two of them had been together for so long.

Xinyi had told her a few days ago that it was Qingzhi who pleaded for her in front of Consort Hui, which allowed her to recover from her injuries for a few more days.

"Now that my injury has healed, I will start helping my sister with her work from tomorrow."

Qingzhi looked at You Ran tenderly and smiled:

“Xinyi told me that while you were recovering from your injuries, she secretly asked her to find a way to send books in from outside the palace for you.”

Geng Youran gave an embarrassed chuckle.

This was indeed dangerous, but she had been staying in bed the whole time. She was so bored. And since she loved to eat, she had no choice but to ask Xinyi for help.

She was initially worried that she might be a burden to Xinyi, but unexpectedly, Xinyi actually managed to get it for her.

Recalling the day Xinyi handed her the book, she looked at her with a proud expression.

"I told you, I would definitely find it for you."

Geng Youran looked at the books placed in front of her, including "The Secrets of Food" and other detailed cookbooks.

How did you do that?

"It's simple, all you need is money."

Indeed, money talks.

Geng Youran felt that Xinyi was showing off. Of course, the two of them have a good relationship now, and they just tease each other.

Actually, Xinyi's boldness wasn't solely due to money. Her elder sister was now a favored concubine of Emperor Kangxi.

Because of this connection, Xinyi was able to succeed so smoothly.

"But I can only help you this once, so you must keep them safe."

Life in the Qing Dynasty court was extremely strict and complex. As part of the imperial palace, the words and actions of palace maids were subject to strict constraints and regulations.

During the Kangxi era, in order to prevent palace maids from leaking secrets, palace rules likely restricted their access to written language and cultural education.

"Thank you so much, sister!"

Geng Youran was very happy to hear that she could go back to work.

With Qingzhi watching over her, Lüyao didn't dare to act recklessly. So the first few days after Geng Youran resumed her work were relatively peaceful.

On the 30th day of the ninth month of the Bingzi year of the 35th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1696), at the hour of Chou, the eldest prince's primary consort gave birth to their eldest son, who was named Hongyu by the Kangxi Emperor.

These past few days, Consort Hui has been overjoyed. She frequently has Qingzhi prepare food to send to the First Princess Consort.

"Qingzhi, come here."

"This servant is here."

"The First Prince will be coming to visit me later. Make some easy-to-eat food so he can take it back with him. Remember to have You Ran make some Sachima and chestnut cake; the First Prince likes them."

"yes."

Just a few days ago, the Imperial Household Department sent over some fresh chestnuts, and Qingzhi thought it would be perfect for You Ran to use them to make chestnut cakes.

"You Ran, the First Prince is coming today. Use the chestnuts sent by the Imperial Household Department to make more chestnut cakes. He really likes them."

"yes."

"Luyao, make some Sachima."

"Sister Qingzhi, I don't know how to make Sachima, but I'm pretty good at making chestnut cake. Can I switch with Sister Youran?"

Qingzhi immediately exchanged a glance with Geng Youran.

Lü Yao's behavior couldn't be more obvious.

Using "I don't know how to make" Sachima as an excuse is rather low-class.

Sachima is a traditional Manchu dish that almost everyone in the imperial kitchen and every small kitchen knows how to make.

"Then let's exchange them."

Geng Youran took the initiative to hand the chestnuts she had prepared to Lüyao.

"Then thank you very much, Sister Youran."

Geng Youran now only hopes that Lüyao will stop calling her "Sister Youran"; it's just too cheesy, and she can't help but get goosebumps every time she hears it.

Since someone else is in charge of making chestnut cake, You Ran will go and make Sachima instead.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!