When the maids saw that it was Zhong Muyu, they immediately surrounded her excitedly: "Master? You brought a distinguished guest this time. Are you going to let the distinguished guest celebrate the New Year with us?"
"If Miss Zhong were here, this year would be very interesting!"
Chi Xuanzhu waved her hand: "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, she won't stay here to celebrate the New Year with us. But today is fine."
Several maids retreated with some disappointment. Seeing that Wen Jiao was missing from among the pretty figures, Zhong Muyu couldn't help but sigh.
A lot has happened in the past year.
Chi Xuanzhu didn't notice the subtle change in her expression and led her straight to a pool of water.
He raised his whisk, and the water in the pool rose up in a curtain, like a mirror, gradually reflecting the scene within.
Zhong Muyu was very surprised: "It can be done like this? I thought it was through dream magic!"
Chi Xuanzhu smiled and said, "Dream magic is certainly possible, but aren't you worried? Then we can just meet through the water mirror."
Zhong Muyu was very grateful for Chi Xuanzhu's thoughtfulness. Having learned from the Shadow Witch's experience of capturing people through dream magic, she now tried to avoid using dream magic whenever possible.
At this moment, the image of Master Wen also appeared in the water mirror. He was just as confused as Zhong Muyu: "Why did you suddenly use the water mirror to scare me?"
Chi Xuanzhu said, "Didn't you want to pay New Year's visits? Why go through all that trouble? Zhong Muyu has a lot on her plate right now, and she can't afford to expend too much mental energy through dream manipulation."
"Very well, Zhong Muyu, how have you been since we last parted? Would you be interested in visiting the Spirit Clan?"
Zhong Muyu smiled and said, "Everything is fine, but we don't need to go to the Spirit Clan for now."
"I still sincerely suggest you come, after all, there might be something here that is very important to you, but I won't force you. Since you are doing well, that's good."
Master Wen didn't say much. Although Zhong Muyu was a little curious about what he said, she had already said she wouldn't go, so it wouldn't be good to ask again now. She suppressed her doubts.
They didn't talk for long. After a while, Zhong Muyu left the forest under the escort of Chi Xuanzhu.
That's all for today. Thank you.
Zhong Muyu bowed, indicating that he did not need to see him off any further.
Chi Xuanzhu asked, "Aren't you going back to the village?"
"I wasn't planning on going back anyway. There's a lot going on at the Prince's Mansion. If you're bored, you can go to the restaurant and celebrate the New Year with them."
"If you were here, I would definitely visit you."
Zhong Muyu smiled and said, "Okay, I'll come over when I have time!"
After saying that, she waved to Chi Xuanzhu and went down the mountain alone through the snow.
Watching Zhong Muyu's departing figure, Chi Xuanzhu put away her smile, turned around, and went back to the pool.
The Master seemed hesitant to speak just now, so it seems he has something to say to him privately.
...
On her way back, Zhong Muyu bought a lot of things. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she smelled the aroma of food wafting out.
Upon her return, the maids in the courtyard came out to greet her: "Your Highness! You must be freezing! Come inside and warm up."
Zhong Muyu looked towards the kitchen: "I'm fine. You guys finished cooking so quickly?"
Qiao'er smiled and said, "Yes, after you sent someone to bring Zhang Mama back, she took some people to the kitchen and said she wanted to prepare a big meal for you. Sister Zaochun is there too!"
"Really? She's so old. I brought her back during the Chinese New Year holiday, but she's already busy taking care of herself."
As Zhong Muyu spoke, she took off her cloak and went to the kitchen without even changing her clothes.
The kitchen was bustling with activity, and the aroma of some prepared dishes was enticing, making one's mouth water.
Upon seeing Zhong Muyu, everyone bowed and greeted her, while Zaochun urged her to leave: "Your Highness, what brings you here? It's not easy to make a trip to Qingshui Village. We're here to help you. Please rest."
"I'm looking for Granny Zhang. Where is she?"
Zaochun said helplessly, "She's cleaning up the ingredients in the back. We servants are considerate of her age and want her to rest, but she won't listen. She insists on preparing the most sumptuous food for you."
Who would have thought that Granny Zhang could be so stubborn? Zhong Muyu looked at the busy kitchen and thought that it wasn't appropriate for her to go in and out of such a place in her loose robes, so she simply went back to change her clothes and came back.
She quietly slipped past the crowd and crept to the back of the kitchen, where she saw Granny Zhang diligently cleaning the ingredients, and something was simmering in a small pot.
Zhong Muyu called her softly, "Granny..."
"Oh! It's the Princess! This old servant greets Your Highness!"
Granny Zhang was clearly startled, but she still managed to keep her composure and bow respectfully, proving herself to be a seasoned and experienced old nanny.
Zhong Muyu immediately helped her up: "No need for formalities, Granny! Didn't I tell you to rest? Why did you go straight to the kitchen as soon as you got back to the Prince's Mansion? These things can be done by them, you don't need to worry. Under my training, their skills are excellent!"
Granny Zhang waved her hand: "This old servant is not worried about other people's cooking skills. It's just that this old servant was thinking that it's almost the end of the year, and I wanted to make some of the things that Your Highness used to like to eat, as well as some dishes from my hometown, so that you could have a taste."
Zhong Muyu looked around and indeed found quite a few ingredients she liked.
In my memory, Granny Zhang never mentioned her hometown. She had spent most of her life in the palace and had no children. This was probably the only thing that could comfort her.
Watching Granny Zhang bustling about, Zhong Muyu suddenly realized that the people of Yuanqi didn't seem to have the custom of eating dumplings.
Thinking about it carefully, I don't remember ever having such a thing. They have steamed buns and all kinds of pies, but no dumplings!
Zhong Muyu had an idea. She tried her best to persuade Zhang Mama to go and rest, and Zhang Mama finally agreed reluctantly.
Then Zhong Muyu returned to the kitchen, only to be met with Zao Chun's gaze.
In early spring, she originally wanted to send her back, but after years of being mistress and servant, she knew from Zhong Muyu's glance that Zhong Muyu had new ideas.
Since she wasn't too busy at the moment, she didn't speak, intending to listen to what Zhong Muyu had to say.
Zhong Muyu pulled Zaochun's hand and led her to the corner of the wall: "Zaochun, I want to make a new kind of food, specially for the New Year. Could you please help me prepare some things?"
After telling Zaochun the materials needed, Zaochun nodded in agreement. She was already used to Zhong Muyu's ideas, and the materials she was preparing were nothing strange.
However, she still asked out of curiosity, "What are you planning to do this time?"
"You'll find out then, go on, go on!"
Zhong Muyu patted her shoulder, signaling her to get ready. Before long, everything was ready.
Zaochun kneaded the dough on one side, while Zhong Muyu prepared the filling. She had prepared several different flavors of dumpling filling, always able to cater to everyone's preferences.
Before long, everything was ready.
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