Chapter Twenty-Nine: Poisoning
Thanks to Huo Lin's warning, Jiang Huan finally had a few days of peace.
Aside from bringing food to Huo Lin every day, he would stay in his small courtyard.
Compared to before, Jiang Huan is now a lazy bum with a powerful backer.
At this moment, Jiang Huan was lying on a rocking chair in the courtyard, pondering what kind of food to make for Huo Lin today.
She had been making Huo Lin food that was still available in this era for the past few days, and judging by the time, it was about time to change things up.
After all, it's important to add some novelty.
Jiang Huan lay on the rocking chair, basking in the sun, swaying back and forth, feeling somewhat reluctant to move.
She beckoned to Xiao Zhao, "Xiao Zhao, go to the imperial kitchen and see if there are any fresh ingredients. Also, we're almost out of seasonings, so we should replenish them."
Previously, if Jiang Huan wanted to get ingredients from the imperial kitchen, she had to prepare lavish gifts and a silver tongue as bribes.
But ever since she made cream puffs and egg yolk pastries last time, the imperial chefs have all changed their opinion of her. Led by the Grand Steward, they are extremely welcoming of Jiang Huan's visit and guidance.
Forget about ordering ingredients and seasonings, we can even arrange for two living people.
Jiang Huan was quite relieved about this.
Xiao Zhao glanced at the languid Jiang Huan, smiled, and agreed.
"Yes, I understand. I'll go right away."
After Xiao Zhao finished speaking, she went to the imperial kitchen.
Cuiying, hiding in the shadows, spat fiercely, taking in everything that had happened.
Go back immediately and report to Consort Yu.
Ever since Yu Changzai was demoted and moved out of the main hall of Jinhua Palace, she has harbored a deep grudge against Jiang Huan.
She was nothing but a lowly vixen; if she didn't have some skills, how could she have caught the Emperor's eye?
Yu Changzai couldn't swallow her anger any longer. Her face was ashen, and intense jealousy gnawed at her heart like a snake.
Jiang Huan likes to cook, right? Then let her cook me her last meal before I die!
"Cuiying, come here."
Yu Chang waved to Cuiying, and Cuiying immediately went over.
She whispered a few words in Cuiying's ear, then took out a money pouch.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant knows what to do." Cuiying nodded solemnly and left with the money.
Before long, Xiao Zhao returned from the imperial kitchen, carrying two baskets and some bottles and jars.
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner behind the imperial kitchen, a royal chef found Cuiying.
"I've taken care of everything for you, as for the other half of the money..."
Upon hearing this, Cuiying handed the remaining money to the imperial chef, while glaring at him.
She warned, "If I hear even a whisper of what happened today, you and your family will be..."
The imperial chef immediately understood Cuiying's meaning. "Don't worry, I've been in this palace for so many years, I know these rules. I promise I won't say a word about it."
"That would be best!"
Cuiying gave another warning and then turned and left.
The next day, Jiang Huan used the ingredients Xiao Zhao brought back to cook new dishes for Huo Lin.
As usual, she first took out a small spoonful to taste it. This dish was a new creation, and she couldn't afford to mess it up.
Yes, it's still the same as always.
After making sure everything was alright, Jiang Huan put the dishes away.
"Xiao Zhao, let's go deliver some delicious food to the Emperor!"
The two walked one after the other to the Imperial Study.
Unbeknownst to them, a green figure quietly left not far behind them and returned to the east side hall of Jinhua Palace.
As soon as Cuiying returned, she ran excitedly to Yu Changzai's side.
She whispered, "Your Highness, I saw Consort Zhuang cooking with the ingredients she took from the Imperial Kitchen yesterday. I reckon she'll be at the Imperial Study soon."
On the other side, in the Imperial Study.
Huo Lingang finished his official business, put down his pen, and rubbed his aching temples.
Just as I was feeling a bit hungry, I heard Chen Jinxi's announcement.
"Your Majesty, Consort Zhuang has arrived."
Huo Lin's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly, then he covered them with his long eyelashes.
He said calmly, "Let her in."
Jiang Huan, having received permission, had just entered carrying a food box when, before she could even offer her greetings, the eunuch on duty rushed in and knelt before Huo Lin.
"Your Majesty, Consort Yu has something urgent to report to you!"
[What's wrong with this Yu Changzai? She's disgusting all the time!]
Huo Lin frowned and said in a deep voice, "I won't see you."
Before the young eunuch could go out to announce the news, a woman's shrill and high-pitched scream came from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty! I have urgent business! It concerns Your Majesty's life! I beg Your Majesty to see me!"
What kind of mischief is Yu Changzai up to now?
[It's like they're trying to call back a soul. What kind of death could possibly result from a meal I'm having?]
[If Consort Yu cannot provide a satisfactory explanation today, I will order someone to be killed!]
Hearing Huo Lin's uncompromising thoughts, Jiang Huan also became somewhat suspicious this time.
If it were a competition for favor, Consort Yu wouldn't scream like a pig being slaughtered, showing no regard for her dignity whatsoever.
A faint unease rose in my heart; I felt that something was amiss.
Just as Jiang Huan was about to speak, she saw Huo Lin's face darken, his gaze sweeping towards the door like a cold star, carrying a hint of authority and displeasure.
"Shut her up and call her in."
A moment later, Consort Yu entered the room, and after taking only a few steps, she knelt down with a thud.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty!"
Huo Lin, unwilling to waste time eating, asked in a cold voice, "Say what you just said again."
Jiang Huan stood beside Huo Lin, also waiting for her to speak.
Yu Changzai clenched her fingers, then suddenly pointed directly at Jiang Huan, her voice shrill.
"Your Majesty, I must expose Consort Zhuang's ill intentions! She poisoned the food sent to Your Majesty!"
Uh-huh?
"I?"
Jiang Huan looked bewildered, pointed to herself, and then glanced at Huo Lin.
What a joke! A qualified chef will taste every dish they prepare, okay?
They even poisoned her! If she were poisoned, how come she's still standing here unharmed?
If Yu Chang is in power and his rank drops, will his experience in palace intrigue also decrease?
The two stared at each other, and this time Jiang Huan didn't even need to read minds to see the confusion in Huo Lin's eyes.
Yu Changzai saw the two of them looking at each other, and a fire of jealousy ignited in her eyes.
She suddenly spoke up, drawing attention back to the area.
"I saw it with my own eyes, and you still want to deny it!"
Huo Lin's brows furrowed even deeper, and a cold, eerie light flashed in his dark eyes.
"If Consort Zhuang wanted to poison me, she would have done so long ago."
[Besides, I've treated Consort Zhuang quite well; she has no reason to poison me.]
[What is Yu Chang trying to do by chattering away?!]
Jiang Huan was overjoyed to hear Huo Lin's heartfelt words.
He's an emperor after all; his mind is sharp.
But upon closer reflection, she sensed something was amiss.
He stepped forward, frowned slightly, and looked at Yu Changzai with a strong sense of wariness in his eyes.
“I taste every dish that is presented to the Emperor, and the idea of poisoning him is utterly absurd. Why are you slandering me?”
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