29: Chapter 29 Arrives on Schedule 29: Chapter 29 Arrives on Schedule “Ah, really?” Lian Hua exclaimed in surprise.
She hadn’t seen His Majesty for quite some time, although he had visited last night, she hadn’t seen him, so it didn’t count.
Xiao Jizi secretly let out a sigh of relief, it looked like the Young Master was truly alright.
He had been causing mischief on purpose just now, wanting to see the Young Master’s reaction.
Now, seeing that it was still the same as usual, it was too good to be true.
Xiao Qing added on the side, “Yes, Young Master, it was Steward Zhang who personally delivered the decree.”
Lian Hua got excited and automatically and consciously ignored her thoughts from yesterday—whether His Majesty came or not, she was perfectly fine pretending to be indifferent.
Even before breakfast, her mind was already contemplating what to prepare for His Majesty for dinner.
What exactly should she cook?
She really had to think this through.
She needed everyone to put their heads together, to offer ideas and strategies.
Her attention was successfully diverted, and she had forgotten the embarrassing incident of sleeping until noon.
Throughout breakfast, Lian Hua was deep in thought, and if it weren’t for Xiao Qing’s timely reminder, she would probably have eaten the eggshell along with the egg.
In the afternoon, Lian Hua sat in the pavilion, chin propped on her hand, asking Xiao Qing and Xiao Jizi for the hundredth time, “What do you guys think I should make for dinner tonight?”
Xiao Jizi was speechless, and Xiao Qing was silent.
It wasn’t that they didn’t want to suggest, but every suggestion they made had been rejected.
“Let’s make pumpkin cakes,” Lian Hua said, not looking at them but speaking to herself.
“Last time I said I should let His Majesty try it too.”
As early as the tenth time she asked, Xiao Qing had suggested pumpkin cakes and was turned down.
The reason at the time was that pumpkin cakes were too childish and wouldn’t showcase her culinary skills.
Hearing this decision now, both of them dryly responded, “Young Master is wise.”
“Also, let’s add some sour plum tea.
The autumn heat is too intense.
Let’s chill the sour plum tea in the well, and by dinner it will be perfect with the pumpkin cakes, both cooling and refreshing and cutting the grease,” Lian Hua reasoned while touching her chin, feeling that this match was perfect.
“Alright, that will be the dessert for tonight.”
No sooner had she finished than both of them dryly continued, “Young Master is wise.”
It wasn’t that they weren’t being proactive, it was just that the Young Master was too exhausting.
They had been discussing for nearly two hours, from the end of breakfast until now.
How could she have such boundless energy?
Both of them silently let out a sigh in their hearts.
It seemed that the old saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ held some truth.
In the past, when His Majesty visited, the Young Master found it a nuisance, but now she was actively taking care of things for His Majesty.
Not only was she preparing dinner, but she also had the dessert ready.
They were still getting used to the idea.
After discussing it a bit more, they finally settled on a menu.
Lian Hua began to bustle about in preparation for dinner with Xiao Qing and Xiao Jizi in tow.
After the morning court session, the Emperor returned to the Star Palace and asked Zhang Qing, “Has the decree been passed on?”
Zhang Qing promptly replied, “Your Majesty, your servant personally went to Canglan Court to convey it.”
The Emperor nodded and asked, “What was her reaction?” Deep inside, he was vaguely hoping for her response.
Zhang Qing hesitated for a moment before answering, “This…
Your Majesty, when your servant went there, Young Master Lian hadn’t even gotten up yet…”
“…” The Emperor fell silent, speechless.
It was already late by the time Zhang Qing went.
Could the Little Concubine actually sleep so much?
It was indeed her style.
After all, she had been frightened yesterday, and she had nightmares last night, let her sleep longer if she needs to.
Actually, the Emperor had considered again the idea of moving Lian Hua to another palace.
Canglan Court was too far from the Star Palace, which was okay during leisure times, but during busy times, like last night, the journey took too much time.
Although he had previously said that he would wait until her rank naturally increased and the Bureau of Palace Attendants made arrangements, that was just to curb her crooked thoughts; it wasn’t a steadfast rule.
Considering her current status as Daying, she couldn’t stay in the Main Hall of a palace, and the Emperor did not wish her to live in the Side Hall of other high-ranking concubines.
Thinking about her living under someone else’s roof made him feel uncomfortable.
Let’s just wait for her rank to increase in the future.
The Deposed Consort still needed to be moved out of the Cold Palace, otherwise, having her so close was like having a fishbone stuck in his throat every day.
With this in mind, the Emperor said, “Zhang Qing, go and issue a decree.
Grant Lady Wei permission to move to the Hetai Temple.
From now on, she will pray and offer blessings for the Former Empress Dowager.
See that this matter is handled well.
There must be no more mishaps.”
“Ah, Your Majesty can rest assured, your servant guarantees to handle it well, just you watch,” Zhang Qing took the order, determined not to let any more mishaps occur.
“Hmm, you may leave,” the Emperor said as he picked up the report in his hand and began to review it, needing to process it quickly so he could leave sooner.
Fortunately, the policies for the relief of disasters in various places had already been dispatched earlier, and the relief efforts were in full swing.
According to the reports coming back from all regions, the situation seemed to be stabilizing, which finally gave him some relief.
Inside Canglan Court.
“Oh my, Xiao Qing, the pumpkin has to be thoroughly steamed before it can be mashed.
This isn’t cooked enough; steam it a bit longer!”
“Xiao Jizi, the fire is too strong, turn it down a bit, or the meat will become tough,” Lian Hua directed inside the bustling kitchen, wishing she had more hands and feet to speed up preparing the meal.
In the midst of the busyness, time flew by and soon it was the You Hour.
The Emperor arrived as expected.
Today, his mind preoccupied with visiting the Little Concubine, was clearer than ever.
In his meetings with the ministers, he was not inclined to listen to their empty words as usual.
He got straight to the point, urging them to focus on the main issues which greatly increased the efficiency of the discussions.
Rushing through the urgent tasks, he managed to finish everything in time for his visit.