Chapter 20: Sharing the Lord's Concerns
Seeing that the Young Eunuch seemed unconvinced, Lian Hua awkwardly said, "If His Majesty inquires, you should respond like this. Off you go now, I still need to pick pumpkins."
Lian Hua thought to herself that she couldn't let His Majesty know her true thoughts, or she would face punishment again—and His Majesty had a peculiar penchant for punishment...
At that thought, Lian Hua shivered from the cold, grateful that she had acted quickly enough to avoid exposure.
She patted her chest, truly pleased with her own cleverness.
"Yes."
The Young Eunuch, dizzily, retreated. Before leaving, he turned back and saw Young Master Lian pointing excitedly at a large pumpkin and saying something animatedly. Eunuch Ji, holding a slightly smaller pumpkin, was laughing merrily by his side, with a Little Palace Maid bending over to pick up the large pumpkin.
The Young Eunuch shook his head, noting how freely Daying Lian laughed—a stark contrast to the reserved smiles of the Harem Consorts. Young Master Lian's demeanor was hardly demure or proper.
Looking at Eunuch Ji, who had darkened considerably after not having been seen for a while and whose robe was tucked into his waist as he laughed like a fool, he remembered how Eunuch Ji had been a favored man right beside Steward Zhang, only second to Zhang Sancai. Eunuch Ji was even cleverer than Zhang Sancai; everyone said privately that despite Zhang Sancai being Steward Zhang's godson, Eunuch Ji had a brighter future ahead.
Such a talent, now consigned to this forsaken place to toil in the fields—what a pity, the Young Eunuch thought sympathetically.
Lost in these thoughts, the Young Eunuch came to his senses, this entire Canglan Court was filled with odd characters; they were all overjoyed by a few pumpkins. Not wanting to be influenced by their absurdity, he quickly left Canglan Court to report back.
Noticing the Young Eunuch's departing figure, Xiao Jizi hummed in his heart, not missing the glance thrown at him by the Young Eunuch. Did he think Xiao Jizi was a fool?
Xiao Jizi thought proudly, they knew nothing. Although Star Palace was closer to His Majesty, the fierce competition and those in power above them made it uncertain when His Majesty would take notice of anyone. Perhaps they would never get ahead.
Moreover, life was far more relaxed in Canglan Court than in Star Palace, without the constant fear of being outdone.
Besides, Young Master Lian was generous to his servants, never skimping on food, and they ate very well—meal upon meal of rich dishes, unlike the paltry meals provided by the Imperial Kitchen which were akin to swill, barely enough to stave off hunger. How had he ever managed to swallow such food in the past?
Considering how closely His Majesty watched over Young Master Lian—it was a unique favor in the Harem that even the Noble Consort had never enjoyed. If he could advance to a higher concubine rank, leveraging his current favor, perhaps he could even become Young Master's Managing Eunuch. Why should he worry about his future?
Of course, when Xiao Jizi first arrived at Canglan Court, his thoughts were not so optimistic. He felt that his prospects were bleak and was persistently bitter, regretting every day why he had rushed to serve in Canglan Court. He was like a sorrowful ghost on the inside, wishing he could just cry his grievances to the heavens.
Xiao Qing, seeing Xiao Jizi lost in his thoughts and as still as a wooden goose, patted him on the shoulder to awaken him, and turned to Lian Hua asking, "Young Master, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
Hearing the words "dinner," Xiao Jizi instinctively swallowed, also looking towards Lian Hua.
"Cough, cough, recently, as His Majesty has been occupied with official duties and could not visit, I've been quite worried. Worried that His Majesty is neglecting his health for the sake of his duties. Alas, being of low status, I can't alleviate his concerns, but I know I should contribute what little I can—therefore, starting with tonight's dinner, let us eat vegetarian!" declared dramatically, Lian Hua looked towards them proudly.
Xiao Qing looked skeptically at Young Master, "Is that so?"
Xiao Jizi also looked up incredulously towards the sky.
Lian Hua, feeling embarrassed, realized she needed to display some authority to control them, so she sternly said, "What are you standing around for? It's almost dark, hurry up and move the pumpkins back for cooking!"
That evening, the dining table in Canglan Court was covered with an assortment of dishes, all based around pumpkins—pumpkin pot, stewed pumpkin, pumpkin cakes, pumpkin porridge—a complete pumpkin feast.
Seeing the ham in the pumpkin pot and the ribs in the stewed pumpkin that were even bigger than the pumpkin pieces, astounded, Xiao Jizi was speechless—the Young Master really couldn't be judged by ordinary standards.
Xiao Jizi, sighing in admiration, shook his head—having such a master felt truly wonderful!
After his sigh, he rushed to the low table next to the main one, shouting, "The master is wise!" and began competing with Xiao Qing for food.
Eating with utter satisfaction, grease smearing his mouth, he praised between bites, "Under the wise leadership of our Young Master, Xiao Qing's culinary skills have improved greatly. Try this pumpkin pot—the salty ham couples perfectly with the sweet freshness of the pumpkin. It's delicious."
"Xiao Jizi, why are you picking so many ribs in your bowl? You're nearly taking them all!"
"Xiao Qing, who told you to eat so fast? I have to scoop up more, or you'll finish everything!"
"Hmph, Master, look at him!"
...
A scene filled with laughter and joy unfolded within Canglan Court.