The Spring Festival of the 50th year of Kangxi's reign finally arrived. The Fujin (Prince's wife), Lanqin, and Nianshi all had to accompany the Fourth Prince to the palace to pay New Year's respects to Kangxi. The three concubines in the household, led by Songshi, had a table set up for her. The maidservant Wuyashi was not entitled to be at the table; unless specifically instructed by the Fourth Prince, Lanqin would not ask Songshi to summon her.
"This year's banquet is really good; it's much better than in previous years," said Madam Wu, looking at the banquet.
"It was Lanqin who ordered it. Seeing that we couldn't enter the palace, she specially asked Chef Niu to help prepare it. We never had so many dishes before," said Madam Song.
“Yes, the concubine always thinks of us, unlike Lady Nian, who only thinks about how to please the master,” said Lady Geng.
"Come and sit down, let's have some fun. There are fireworks to watch later," Madam Song said with a smile. Since the Fourth Prince moved back from her place, Madam Song's mood has been much better than before.
"Was it placed there specifically for us?" Wu asked.
“Yes, it was also arranged by the concubine. She originally said she would also arrange for an opera troupe, but I stopped her. Let’s save ourselves the trouble and give it to the concubine.” Madam Song gestured for Qingping to pour wine for everyone.
"Yes, the concubine has quite a few things to deal with. One in the palace, one by her side, and so many things to do in the household, plus having to guard against Lady Nian trying to trip her up," said Lady Wu.
"I heard that Xiaoxuan has assigned two more people this time," Geng said.
“Yes, one is the legitimate daughter of the Fucha clan, and the other is the legitimate daughter of the Liu family, the governor of Taiyuan. Both are legitimate daughters,” Wu said meaningfully.
"It seems there are many people who want to join us as sisters these days," Madam Song said with a smile. "Come, let's all drink our cups. We have a long road ahead of us. Our master seems to have a bright future, so we should all keep our spirits up."
“That’s right, come on, bottoms up!” Wu Shi also raised her glass.
"Let's do it!" the three of them said in unison once again.
A short while later, the head nanny sent people to set off fireworks in front of Song's room. This was Lanqin's special instruction, saying it was to add some festive atmosphere for the three princesses. Although if they looked up, they could see the fireworks blooming in the sky above the Forbidden City from afar.
Three people, each wearing a cotton cloak and holding a different style of hand warmer, stood at the door watching the fireworks in the sky, which looked like flowers scattered by celestial maidens, with satisfied smiles on their faces for the New Year.
“Sister, look! That really looks like a chrysanthemum. And that one, it’s absolutely gorgeous!” Wu said, tugging at Song’s sleeve.
"Yes, it looks beautiful!" Madam Song smiled broadly.
“We’re spending the New Year here, but there’s one person who’s all alone!” After saying that, Madam Geng glanced towards the west courtyard. “When I came out, her door was tightly shut.”
"It seems that Lady Wuya is recuperating again, so that she can have an heir for the master. But I heard that her period hasn't come for several months. Has it stopped?" Lady Wu said sarcastically.
"Watch the fireworks, watch the fireworks, why are you bringing up other people!" said Madam Song.
Meanwhile, Uya and her servants were standing in the courtyard of their house, looking up at the sky like frogs at the bottom of a well.
"Master, the fireworks over there have started," Cuiyun said.
"Cuiyun, help me to the kitchen!" said Uya, wearing a crimson cotton cloak.
"Master, what are you doing there now?" Cuiyun asked. "They have already delivered your New Year's dinner. Didn't you just see it?"
“The master might be coming back tonight, so we need to prepare some hangover soup and ginger soup. The principal wife and the two concubines aren’t in the manor. The children have all gone with them, and it’s so cold outside; they’ll definitely catch a chill when they come back,” said Lady Uya.
The New Year's Eve dinner prepared for her today was also a small table, but it consisted of only ordinary dishes, far less elaborate than the feast prepared for Madam Song's family. However, this was only because the head nanny considered that she was alone and also a member of the Fourth Master's family. Otherwise, even a concubine's allowance wouldn't be enough for so many dishes.
“Oh. You’re right, Master. Then this servant will help you go and take a look!” Cuiyun said.
Actually, the things that Lady Uya had just mentioned had already been prepared by the head nanny. However, Lady Uya didn't seem to care about these things. She and Cuiyun went to the kitchen. Because it was the New Year, the Fourth Prince, his wife, the two concubines, and the children were not present. The banquets for Lady Song and Lady Uya's side had already been prepared, so the kitchen was empty at the moment. Only one stove was left burning hot water; the other stoves were closed. There were only a few people there, presumably all eating and drinking.
“Master, there’s no one here.” Cuiyun glanced around and frowned as she spoke to Wuya behind her.
"Where are they all hiding, eating and drinking? These lazy servants!" Uya frowned unhappily.
“My lady, I think the head nanny might have made preparations. It’s the same thing every year, the head nanny must know!” Cuiyun said.
“She made it, it was her who made it. My feelings are mine! Yinzhen used to really like it when I made things for him!” said Lady Wuya.
"What do we do now?" Cuiyun asked.
"Why don't we just make it ourselves here!" Uya was eager to impress the Fourth Prince.
"Master, we have nothing! What should we do?" Cuiyun felt a bead of sweat slide down her forehead, thinking to herself, "You only know how to talk, but I'll be the one doing all the work!"
“This kitchen has everything, take a look!” Sure enough, Uya said to Cuiyun.
"My lady, then, then this servant will go and look for it!" Cuiyun had no choice but to say, though she was also reluctant. Everyone else was having a good time during the New Year, eating and drinking, and enjoying themselves. Only she was here looking for ingredients to make a hangover soup.
With a hint of displeasure, Cuiyun went to look through the things displayed in the cabinet.
Each person is responsible for their own stove, and everyone keeps their own things in their own place, so things are not easy to find.
"How come you can't find anything at all!" Wuya followed behind Cuiyun, only complaining about her, but refusing to do anything herself.
“Madam, I really can’t find it. Their things should each be kept in their own place, you see! They’re all locked!” Cuiyun said.
"Sigh, what a useless thing! Even making a hangover soup is such a hassle," said Uya.
"What are you doing here!" A man's voice rang out from behind Uya and her servants.
Uya and Cuiyun were startled. When they turned around, they saw an unfamiliar servant.
"Where are you from? Your sudden voice startled our lady," Cuiyun said.
"This servant is from the kitchen and did not know you were Madam. Please forgive me!" the man said.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
