Chapter 20: Sharing the Lord's Concerns

Realizing that the Young Eunuch seemed somewhat unconvinced, Lian Hua awkwardly said, "If His Majesty asks, just answer like that and go on, I still have to pick pumpkins."

She absolutely could not let His Majesty know what she was thinking, otherwise she would face punishment again, and his penchant for doling out punishment was quite peculiar...

At this thought, Lian Hua shivered with cold, grateful that she had been quick to react, or else she would have been exposed.

Lian Hua patted her chest, truly pleased with her own cleverness.

"Yes."

The Young Eunuch, in a daze, withdrew. Before leaving, he turned back to look and saw Young Master Lian pointing excitedly at a big pumpkin, chattering ecstatically about something, while Eunuch Ji, holding a slightly smaller pumpkin, laughingly echoed him, and a Little Palace Maid bent over to pick up the big pumpkin.

The Young Eunuch shook his head, looking at how Daying Lian was laughing, she's hardly subtle and dignified, unlike the Harem Consorts who all keep their teeth concealed while smiling.

And then look at Eunuch Ji, who had darkened considerably after not seeing him for a while; his robe's hem was tucked at his waist, laughing with a pumpkin like a fool. He used to be a favorite under Chief Steward Zhang, second only to Zhang Sancai. He was even more clever than Zhang Sancai according to private talks, everyone said, though Zhang Sancai was the Chief Steward's godson, Eunuch Ji was the one seen as having a brighter future.

Look at what a talent he was, doomed to till and farm in this godforsaken place, what a pity, the Young Eunuch thought with sympathy.

He was thinking too far ahead. The Young Eunuch snapped back to reality. This whole courtyard was full of madmen, getting so happy over a few pumpkins. He didn't want to get infected and needed to leave quickly. With that thought, he lifted his feet and hurried out of Canglan Court, off to report back...

Noticing the Young Eunuch's departing figure, Xiao Jizi hummed disdainfully in his mind, not letting it show that he saw that look from the Young Eunuch. As if he was a fool.

Xiao Jizi haughtily thought, what do they know? Although Star Palace is nearer to His Majesty, the competition is fierce, it's still uncertain when His Majesty would take notice of someone; some might never make it.

Besides, Canglan Court was much freer than being in Star Palace, without the constant fear of being surpassed.

Furthermore, Young Master Lian was generous with his people. He never skimped on food for servants and moreover, the food was exceptionally good, with meat and fish every meal. The Imperial Kitchen fed the servants perfunctorily, akin to pig slop, barely enough to satisfy hunger. He didn't know how he managed to stomach that before?

And then noticing the attention His Majesty paid to the Young Master, unparalleled in the Harem, even the Noble Consort hadn't enjoyed such treatment. With such prospects, if he could rise to a concubine rank, leveraging the current affections, perhaps he himself could become the managing eunuch for Young Master. Why worry about making a name for himself?

Of course, when Xiao Jizi first arrived to serve in Canglan Court, he didn't think this way at all. He just felt a hopeless bitterness, as if all his long-held dreams were abruptly ruined. Every day he regretted desperately opting to come to Canglan Court for his night duties, feeling inside like howling mournfully, wishing he could just scream his agony to the skies.

Seeing Xiao Jizi, dazed and lost in thought like a wooden goose motionless, Xiao Qing patted his shoulder to rouse him, turning to Lian Hua to ask, "Young Master, what's for dinner tonight?"

Xiao Jizi came to his senses hearing about dinner and swallowed hard, also looking at Lian Hua.

"Ahem, His Majesty has been too busy with state affairs recently to visit, I am truly worried about it," Young Master Lian declared with gusto. "Worried that His Majesty neglects his health due to the political issues, and though I am young and of lowly position, unable to share his burdens, I know I must do my bit. So starting from tonight's dinner, let's eat vegetarian!" Lian Hua looked at them proudly as he finished his passionate declaration.

Xiao Qing looked puzzledly at the Young Master. Is that so?

Xiao Jizi also looked up, disbelieving, and sighed.

Feeling his face losing credibility, Lian Hua said sternly, "What are you dawdling for? It's almost dark. Go quickly and bring the pumpkins back for cooking!"

That evening, the dining table in Canglan Court was full of dishes, all made with pumpkin as the main ingredient - pumpkin casserole, braised pumpkin, pumpkin fritters, and pumpkin porridge, essentially a pumpkin feast.

Looking at the ham in the pumpkin casserole and the ribs in the braised pumpkin that were even bigger than the pumpkin pieces, Heavenly veg, Xiao Jizi was dumbfounded. The Young Master really couldn't be judged by common standards.

Xiao Jizi sighed with relieved appreciation, having such a master was truly wonderful!!!

After sighing, he rushed to the low table beside the master's table, shouting, "The master is wise!" and began scrambling with Xiao Qing for the food.

Eating was an utterly greasy delight, visibly very satisfied, he praised while eating, "Under the wise leadership of the Young Master, Xiao Qing's skills are becoming perfect. Try this pumpkin casserole, the salty fragrance of the ham mixed with the sweet freshness of pumpkin, really delicious."

"Xiao Jizi, why are you piling on so many ribs in your bowl, you're almost grabbing it all!"

"Xiao Qing, who asked you to eat so fast? If I don't pile up more, it will all end up in your stomach soon," he retorted.

"Humph, Young Master, look at him!"

...

Inside Canglan Court, there was a lively scene of laughter and joy.