As the sun gradually moved from east to west, Yan Ning groggily awoke when it was high in the sky. Fu Kang'an had fallen asleep leaning against the carved edge of the bed.
She lay in bed gazing at his sleeping face, a sight she hadn't seen in a long time. His resolute and handsome features, accentuated by his pearl-white robe, made his fair skin appear even more striking. If it weren't for the captivating air of heroism between his brows, Yan Ning wouldn't have thought such a refined and scholarly man was someone who practiced martial arts.
Seemingly sensing that someone was watching him, Fukang'an opened his eyes, which were somewhat bloodshot.
He helped Yan Ning up and held her in his arms, and Yan Ning hugged him tightly in return. Tears welled up in her eyes and soaked Fukang'an's clothes.
He released Yan Ning, wiped away her tears, and softly called out, "Someone come here!" Zhu Xiang and Ming Xin then brought in medicine and food, their faces showing a joy they hadn't seen in a long time.
After watching Yan Ning finish her meal and drink her medicine, Fukang'an left. They didn't exchange many words to begin with, and now their silence was heartbreaking.
After Fukang'an had gone far away, Yan Ning called Mingxin over and said, "Melt all the remaining ice in Jian Gong Zhai!"
Mingxin returned to the side room where she shared with Zhuxiang and submerged the ice blocks in the bucket. The ice, having been left overnight, was already a mixture of ice and water; upon entering the water vat, it dissolved completely within half an incense stick's time. Mingxin waited until the water was no longer icy cold before taking it outside to pour it out.
During dinner, Zhu Xiang went to fetch the food box, taking advantage of the fact that Chef Wu was not around. "Madam said that today's food box is a bit cold, and she would like Chef Wu to replace it with some warm food!"
Upon hearing Zhu Xiang's words, Chef Wu knew that Yan Ning no longer needed ice, so he quickly went to replace the food box himself.
A few days ago, Zhu Xiang approached him and said that the heat at Jianguozhai had been unbearable lately. She asked Chef Wu to add some cooling ingredients to the food boxes every day, and not to record it in Jianguozhai's daily food consumption log.
The daily expenses of silver and food in each courtyard of the Fucha Mansion were recorded by a designated person and then handed over to Xiying for inspection.
The news of Fukang'an taking his anger out on Yan Ning because of Wuchun has spread throughout the manor. The kitchen has the most contact with other courtyards in the manor and is the place with the best and most complete information.
Having pledged his loyalty to Yan Ning, Chef Wu was determined to serve her wholeheartedly, hoping that Fukang'an would allow him to return home in glory through Yan Ning's identity. Chef Wu, old and frail, had been disabled for many years and had no children to care for him; he only wished to return to his hometown in triumph and bring honor to his family.
Every day, he personally went to the ice cellar to fetch ice and placed it in the food box that Jian Gong Zhai needed to collect. Since the head chef collected it himself, there was no need to record it in the register.
Today, Zhu Xiang conveyed a message, and the little maid who came to fetch food from the kitchen had already whispered among herself. Fukang'an had been watching over the ailing Yan Ning for quite some time. He knew in his heart that he had successfully helped her with this matter.
Zhu Xiang returned to Jian Gong Zhai, warmed the food in the food box for a while, and then served it to Yan Ning.
After the servants cleared away the food, Yan Ning pulled Zhu Xiang aside. "Is Chef Wu reliable?" Although it's true that you shouldn't use someone you doubt, and you shouldn't doubt someone you use, in the strictly regulated Fucha Mansion, if she didn't take good care of her health, Xi Ying could easily report her to the Old Madam and Fukang'an for a major offense.
Zhu Xiang held Yan Ning's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. Chef Wu said that there is not much ice used in each courtyard in autumn. No one will notice that there is a little less ice in the ice cellar."
Zhu Xiang looked worriedly at Yan Ning's haggard face. Ever since Xiang'er left that day, Yan Ning had been asking her to get some ice from Chef Wu in the kitchen every day and then put it in a cold bath.
She drank bowl after bowl of the doctor's medicine, but it wasn't enough to dispel the daily chill. However, Wuchun wasn't like Meixiang, who was merely a figurehead. Although she didn't have the title of concubine, she enjoyed the blessings of a lady. Zhuxiang dared not stop Yanning; she knew that in this Fucha mansion, without the general's favor, Yanning's future would be far more miserable than being soaked in ice water.
Xiang'er serves as a cautionary tale.
In the Spring Cherry Blossom Garden, Wu Chun poured Fukang'an a cup of wine. Looking at Fukang'an's face, she carefully asked, "Is Madam's illness any better? I heard that Madam is frail, but I never imagined that she would be so susceptible to a cold."
Before Wuchun could finish speaking, Fukang'an slammed down his wine cup, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. Wuchun immediately fell silent, a gentle smile spreading across his face as he picked up a handkerchief to wipe away the wine droplets that had splashed onto the Qilin on Fukang'an's sleeve.
Her thin lips parted slightly, "This Qilin must have been with the general for a long time, and it has become so intelligent that it wants to drink with the general!" Then she smiled and poured him another cup of wine.
Compared to the straight and shapeless cheongsam, the close-fitting Hanfu accentuates a woman's delicate beauty. Wu Chun's light gauze dress highlights her exquisite figure. Having grown up in Wanxiang Pavilion, she knows that men like Fukang'an are most susceptible to a woman's gentleness.
As expected, Fukang'an obediently drank the wine, his anger completely gone. The reason he lingered in Chunying Garden even while Yan Ning was ill was to let her know that the woman he loved not only had to possess a stunningly beautiful face, but also the unwavering gentleness of Wuchun.
Perhaps it was because they had been in the capital city before, where they had picked up royal customs. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in the Fucha Mansion were modeled after the rituals of the imperial palace.
Preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival began a month in advance. Because of the assassination attempt on the old lady, Xi Ying wanted to hold a grand celebration this year to ward off misfortune in the mansion. However, the old lady stopped her, and the family decided to have a reunion dinner and call it a day.
Xi Ying was puzzled by the old lady's intentions. The Mid-Autumn Festival was a major holiday second only to the Lunar New Year. If it were handled so hastily, what would outsiders say about her lack of manners? After much deliberation, she had no choice but to ask her husband what he thought.
Fukang'an was known for his filial piety and righteousness, and he simply ordered Xiying to comply. Since the character "天" (tian, meaning heaven) was in charge, and the husband was in charge, Xiying had no choice but to obey.
Since it's just a small gathering, there's no need to decorate the mansion with lanterns and colorful decorations, which will give the servants a break.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the kitchen staff were bustling with activity. Chef Wu, always meticulous and careful in his service, was particularly adept at his craft. This year, with the largest household staff, he had even more reason to showcase his culinary skills. He spent several days racking his brains, adding numerous variations to his well-worn signature dishes. After secretly practicing a few times in the kitchen, he felt more confident and finally relaxed, eagerly awaiting the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In the Hibiscus Garden, Yan Ning touched Xiang'er's eight-month-old belly, filled with anticipation for the child she had never met. Xiang'er's heart had also felt much lighter since Yan Ning's arrival, and a smile was often seen on her face.
"How are things between you and the general?" Xiang'er asked tentatively, looking at Yan Ning's face.
Yan Ning's hand, which was touching Xiang'er's stomach, stiffened for a moment. During the days Xiang'er lay in bed, Fukang'an stayed by her side without leaving for a moment. After she recovered, Fukang'an stopped returning to Jiangongzhai and stayed at Chunyingyuan every night.
These days of vying for favor chilled her heart, and a trace of desolation flashed in her eyes. Xiang'er knew that Yan Ning was unhappy, so she suggested going to admire the chrysanthemums.
Rongxi hurriedly went to fetch Xiang'er's floral-patterned shoes. In order to please Xiang'er, he specially brought the newly delivered floral-patterned shoes from the mansion's steward's office, saying that they were specially made for Xiang'er.
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