Zhang promised to come to Lin'an Palace, perhaps worried that coming empty-handed to learn cooking would be seen as unruly. She and her nanny almost emptied the small kitchen, carrying large and small bags.
Xin Xuanshi stared at the spatulas in amazement. "This...we don't lack kitchen utensils, and you don't need to bring any ingredients. I'll have to trouble you to take them back later."
"oh."
Wen Yu saw Zhang Da Ying's face darken again, and she quickly explained with a smile, "Xin Xiao Shi is worried that you'll be tired! You're young and strong, but the maid next to you is elderly. What if she gets bumped on the road?"
"That's right." Zhang Da Ying hastily put down the package in his hand, "Grandma Jiang, why don't you sit down and rest? I'll go find Concubine Yi."
"No, this old slave's bones can still withstand it!"
In fact, the nanny was just afraid that without her supervision, Zhang promised to make mistakes in the small kitchen and cause chaos.
As a result, whether I can visit Lin'an Palace next time becomes a problem.
Wei Shuyi had already ordered everyone to prepare everything: "Then, shall we begin?"
"Alright! Today's challenge! A bowl of white porridge that's not black!"
Zhang Da Ying was also eager to try: "Then I want it too! For now, it's enough if I can cut it into thin slices or shreds."
They both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Xin Xuanshi lacked patience, but she was adaptable. Since she couldn't do delicate work, the only thing she could do in the future was to teach her how to make meat dishes that could be easily cut into large pieces.
Zhang Da Ying was careful and cautious, but he often wasted time because of his high demands, which made him appear inefficient.
Wei Shuyi watched carefully from the side and wrote down on a piece of paper: [In the future, I must arrange creative meals that save time and effort, and pay attention to details.]
In this way, two women who were committed to making delicious dishes and attracting attention actually did this for the first time.
This study took half a month.
Zhang promised to resolve the knot in her heart and continued to improve her attitude towards Wei Shuyi in their daily interactions. Now she can come over and tell a few jokes to him.
As for Concubine Xin, she was not the type to hold grudges, so naturally she would not speak in sarcastic tones like she did before.
"Noble Lady Yi."
That day, Wei Shuyi was leaning against the pavilion pillar embroidering small shoes when she heard Zhang Da Ying calling her, and then a small stone flew over!
She subconsciously turned her head and stretched out two fingers to pinch it, and the dusty memories were awakened again.
When Liang Cairen was still living in the East Wing Hall, he had once had the urge to teach her martial arts. To hone her hearing and reaction speed, catching stones with precision and accuracy was one of the games.
At that time, Wei Shuyi was hit on the back and shoulders more than once, and missed countless opportunities to hold it.
And now, she did it.
The woman who was supposed to be celebrating for her was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh my god! Lady Yi, you, you know martial arts?!" Zhang Da Ying ran over in astonishment, staring at the stone in her hand in a trance. When she looked up again, her eyes were filled with admiration. "It turns out that back home, I practiced for a long time but still couldn't do it. How about you teach me during your break?"
"Cooking delicious dishes to please the Empress Dowager and thus attract the Emperor's attention is your reason for coming here to improve your culinary skills. But why learn this little trick of catching stones? The Emperor would rather see the concubines' other talents, and he himself disdains playing such games."
Zhang Ying still tried to persuade him: "Noble Lady Yi, I just want to find a way to kill time, but I can't find the key. Please be kind and teach me a trick! This way, when I'm not summoned, I can also play in the courtyard for half a day, instead of sitting in the house, which is a torture all the time."
Hearing this reason, Wei Shuyi instantly ran out of excuses to decline. Thinking of how Liang Cai had spent his time before his death, she nodded in agreement again.
It was already dusk when Zhang agreed to leave Sang Yuxuan.
Along the way, she kept praising her: "Grandma Jiang, this is the first time I know that the empress in the palace is so interesting! Concubine Yi not only knows how to cook, but also taught me how to catch stones. It's amazing! And she never laughed at me, for example, when I played some childish games..."
"Yes, Concubine Yi is a good person. I've already made it clear to you!" Seeing her happy, the wrinkles between her brows smoothed out a lot. "You, spend more time with Concubine Yi in the future. I can see that she is truly kind to you. You must remember her kindness, understand?"
"Okay, okay! I know!"
When they returned to the Yanx Palace, they found a row of palace maids who did not belong to her standing in the courtyard, and they couldn't help but become nervous.
"Who is it?"
"My lady, you are finally back." Mu Tao stepped forward and bowed politely. "I am the head maid of the noble lady next door, Wen. I would like to invite you over."
"Why?"
"My lady, don't panic. It's nothing serious. It's mainly because my lady feels that since you entered the palace, she has been suffering from morning sickness and we haven't met or spoken privately. Therefore, I specially chose tonight to invite you to dinner."
Zhang Da Ying was not interested: "I don't..."
"Yes! Thank you, Lady Wen, for your kind invitation!" The nanny agreed before she could. "I will help the young lady to wash up briefly before we go over."
"Okay, thank you for your help."
The group of people left the courtyard in an orderly manner and walked towards the east side hall.
Zhang Da Ying frowned and said, "Grandma Jiang, why are you answering for me? I don't want to see her!"
"Nonsense! Lady Wen is pregnant now, and everyone in the imperial court has to show some respect. You're just one of her promises, how dare you refuse her outright?"
"If she really wanted to see me, she would have found a way to meet me long ago. Why would she wait until today?" Zhang agreed, continuing to grumble. "Maybe she's setting up a Hongmen Feast, just waiting for me to go over and pick a fight with me!"
The nanny was also helpless: "Girl, why are you so accustomed to thinking the worst of people again? I have inquired before, and this Concubine Wen is also good friends with Concubine Yi. They are not of the same kind and cannot play together. Who knows, she may have received Concubine Yi's instructions and specially called you over, hoping to get along well with you?"
Hearing this, Zhang Da Ying's expression softened.
She hurried into the palace to wash off the stains on her body, changed into a palace dress, and then went to pay a visit to Concubine Wen with her nanny.
"My lady, they are here."
"Are all the people outside ready?"
Mu Tao nodded: "According to your instructions, there are many dishes and the most expensive ones were selected. Given her background, she has probably never seen them before!"
Lady Wen lazily stood up, holding the hand of the maid and walked out of the inner room.
"Be careful, sister! There are stairs there, don't fall!"
"It's okay, thank you for your concern."
"It's all my fault. My head has been feeling dizzy these past few days, and I've wanted to ask for leave several times to skip my morning and evening visits. So, even though my sister has been at the Yanxi Palace for several days, I haven't personally entertained you yet. I'm truly sorry!"
Zhang Da Ying was flattered: "Your Excellency is very polite! Your health is the most important thing. You don't need to apologize to me."
"Then I will take it as my sister's gratitude and forgiveness for my negligence." Lady Wen smiled and handed over a glass of fine wine. "I have a big gift for you, sister."
"What?"
"emperor."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
