The day was mild and sunny, the sunlight radiant.
Lian Hua, wearing new clothes and accompanied by Xiao Qing, Xiao Jizi, and Xiao Linzi, confidently strode towards Huaying Hall to visit Xu Zhaoyi.
Lian Hua attached great importance to this visit, practically rummaging through all the specialties of Canglan Court, with each of them holding quite a few items, as if visiting relatives during the New Year.
This was her first private visit to another palace within the imperial grounds and the recipient was Xu Zhaoyi, who had been kind to her. Lacking experience, she felt that a single Peach Wood Sword was insufficient.
She remembered firmly the words from Nanny Qi, "A gift need not be costly, the thought alone counts," and "A handmade gift is better than anything else." Therefore, she chose everything produced by Canglan Court and made by herself, bringing whatever was available.
Nanny Qi, who had seen her rise early and get busy preparing gifts after a quick breakfast, initially did not want to discourage her and subtly advised her a couple of times.
Lian Hua hadn’t quite understood and repeated those two phrases from Nanny Qi, wishing to discuss them further.
Nanny Qi remained silent for a moment, finally saying, "As long as you’re happy," essentially showing her support for Lian Hua’s actions.
Nanny Qi originally thought those ordinary items were not presentable, but after hearing Lian Hua speak and giving it more thought, indeed, these gifts couldn’t be more sincere.
If it were for anyone else, Nanny Qi might have advised further, but given to a straightforward person like Xu Zhaoyi, who would not disdain, such actions by the young girl could indeed catch her eye.
So she let Lian Hua take charge, and the result was a plethora of local products.
Lian Hua, leading the way with a box in her hands containing a delicately carved Peach Wood Sword;
Behind her on the left, Xiao Qing carrying a food box filled with pastries specifically made by Lian Hua;
To her right, Xiao Jizi carrying a string of pumpkins and a bag of seeds;
Finally, Xiao Linzi carrying a bag of corn and a sack of corn cobs.
Upon reaching the main gate of Canglan Court, they met Zhang Qing, who was there to deliver jewelry to Lian Hua by order of His Majesty.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, His Majesty customarily bestowed jewelry to the Harem every year, which in previous years, was handed to Noble Consort Xue to distribute.
This year was different, as His Majesty instructed him to distribute the jewelry according to the rank of Palace Concubines, with Master Lian’s jewelry personally selected by His Majesty and specifically instructed to be delivered to her first today before the other Consorts tomorrow.
Zhang Qing had recovered well and resumed his duty at the Star Palace, acting as if nothing had happened, still serving as the Imperial Chief Steward, the authority of Star Palace, diligently carrying out his duties.
However, his heart had ultimately changed, viewing Lian Hua differently.
Previously, his dedicated service to Lian Hua was mostly due to the Emperor’s favor and care for her;
Now, he genuinely appreciated and admired his current mistress.
Upon seeing Lian Hua and her group, laden with various items, Zhang Qing was somewhat surprised.
This mistress, carrying a bountiful supply of grains, was indeed a spectacle. Looking at those shiny pumpkins carried strung together, Master Lian truly was a unique individual, unafraid of the unusual glances from others in the palace.
Zhang Qing didn’t say much, bowed and quickly jogged over, calling out as he ran,"Oh, Master Lian, you shouldn’t personally hold this box, let this servant take it."
Reaching Lian Hua, he attempted to take the box containing the Peach Wood Sword.
Lian Hua stepped aside, smiling warmly, "Thank you, Chief Steward Zhang, it’s not heavy; I can manage on my own. It’s been a few days, Chief Steward Zhang, and you still look as imposing as ever."
Zhang Qing knew what kind of person Lian Hua was, and upon hearing those words, he did not continue to snatch the box but instead cheerfully clasped his hands and said, "I owe it to Master Lian’s grace. On that day’s incident, this servant has not had the chance to thank Master Lian. Today, I thank you here for your gracious act of rebirth towards this servant."
Since the last time they overturned the soil, he and Lian Hua indeed had not seen each other for a while.
That day, he had knelt for several Shichen. The next day, he was tired out, caught a slight illness due to a wind of imbalance entering his body, fell sick briefly, and after recuperating for a while, he had just returned to the Star Palace.
Moreover, seeing Lian Hua’s familiar smile at this moment, Zhang Qing felt as if he was basking in the spring breeze, feeling exceedingly warm and close.
Zhang Qing marveled inwardly, no wonder the young eunuchs of Star Palace were all eager to run errands to Canglan Court—Master Lian appeared joyous, was easy to talk to, always had a smile on her face, never put on airs, and was not stingy at all.
The young eunuchs stationed here to guard and work through the night were always treated to meals including meat, which were much better than what was prepared by the Imperial Kitchen.
When Lian Hua heard Zhang Qing thanking her and was unable to gesture with her hands full, she could only modestly say with her mouth, "Not at all, not at all. It was Steward Zhang who did a good job with the tilling."
Zhang Qing’s smile paused for a moment. Hearing the words about tilling, his calf muscles started to feel weak.
He knew his own limitations. In the task of tilling, he was far inferior to the people of Canglan Court. He had only tilled for half a day, and he was already feeling unwell.
It was thanks to Master Lian, who was beautiful-hearted and merciful, that she had only had him go through the motions for one morning before sending Xiao Linzi to help him return. Otherwise, if he really had to till the whole plot of Canglan Court, who knows how long it would have taken; he might have nearly lost his life.
Master Lian was really overpraising him, and now she was even covering for him with kind words.
Zhang Qing wiped the nonexistent sweat from his forehead and said, "I am ashamed, I am ashamed, all thanks to Master Lian’s wise guidance."
"Just average, just average, haha," Lian Hua modestly replied, unable to restrain her laughter.
Hearing these words, she laughed with her eyes squinted, delighted because she knew her guidance had been quite effective.
Zhang Qing also laughed along before asking about Lian Hua’s destination, "Where is Master Lian headed?"
"I’m going to see Sister Zhaoyi," Lian Hua replied, curbing her laughter but unable to resist asking Zhang Qing, "How is it, Steward Zhang, does this look all right to you?"
She was still somewhat worried that the gifts were not good enough. Steward Zhang had been in the palace for a long time, and asking him would certainly not be wrong.
Zhang Qing hesitated for a moment, then cautiously began, "The gifts Master Lian brings are diverse. In terms of variety alone, that already puts you a step ahead..."
Lian Hua exclaimed joyfully, "Really? Oh, then I really did choose correctly."
At the time, she had not thought too much about it, just considering what she had and bringing that. Having heard Steward Zhang’s comment, it seemed she had serendipitously hit the mark.
At this point, Zhang Qing’s mind began to whirl frantically, pondering whether it was better to tell the truth or not. Would failing to speak the truth somehow harm Master Lian?
Suddenly, he remembered that Nanny Qi was right there in Canglan Court. If there were anything inappropriate about the gifts Master Lian was bringing, she would have offered guidance early on; it wouldn’t be his place to speak.
Since Nanny Qi had said nothing, there must be a deeper meaning, and she wouldn’t harm Master Lian.
With this thought, he was reassured and cheerfully said, "Master Lian truly has a pure-hearted intent. I’m sure Consort Zhaoyi will understand it."
Lian Hua nodded at Zhang Qing with a smile, saying gratefully, "Mmm, thank you, Steward Zhang. Then we shall be off." With that, she led her entourage away.
"Take care, Master Lian." Zhang Qing warmly watched them leave.
After watching for a while, a young eunuch carrying jewelry quietly reminded him, "Steward Zhang, what about the reward His Majesty gave to Master Lian?"