Chapter 112: Preparing for the Rain Before It Pours

Chapter 112: Preparing for the Rain Before It Pours

The next day, Huaping, as instructed, slipped ten taels of silver into her sleeve and went to the Imperial Kitchen, saying that she had just returned to the palace and was craving the imperial cuisine. She asked a young maid in the kitchen to prepare a few dishes for her and her sisters to enjoy.

Although Huaping did not explicitly say so, Xu Guigui could guess what had happened with Chef Xu's demotion from the palace. Chef Xu was demoted because he had hidden undisclosed assets and obscene items, which were discovered due to a report from a young maid. That young maid was the one Huaping had sent money and messages through.

What grudge or enmity did Huaping have against Chef Xu that she would want to take him down? Even if she wanted to, how could a mere palace maid have so much silver to give to Chen Qianyun?

Xu Guigui was no fool; after a few days of contemplation, she figured out the truth.

Later, she thought that Fan Zhaoyi, with such skills, beauty, and imperial favor, would surely have a bright future.

Therefore, Xu Guigui refrained from asking questions she shouldn't and kept silent about things she shouldn't speak of, demonstrating her understanding and sense of propriety.

Sure enough, this time Huaping came to her again.

Xu Guigui accepted the silver and devoted herself to the task. Being from the Imperial Kitchen herself, she was familiar with the other maids there, seeing them every day and sleeping in the same quarters. She made an effort to get close to the six maids serving in Changsun Zhaorong's hall, quickly becoming acquainted with them.

Most of the young maids were not in high spirits, as they had to be extremely cautious while serving their mistresses, harboring many worries but unable to confide in anyone. The accumulation of bad moods often led to depression, and they longed for an outlet to vent and share their feelings.

Xu Guigui patiently chatted with them several times, offering comfort. The young maids soon began to call her sister. Occasionally, when they mentioned Changsun Zhaorong, their tone was filled with resentment and dissatisfaction.

Xu Guigui guessed that Changsun Zhaorong must be difficult to serve, hence her unpopularity even among the kitchen maids. From what she heard, Changsun Zhaorong seemed arrogant, petty, and narrow-minded. Perhaps something had happened between Changsun Zhaorong and Fan Zhaoyi during their time in the separate courtyard. Given Changsun Zhaorong's unpopularity, it seemed she was no match for Fan Zhaoyi.

Sigh, why wasn't she part of Spreading Fragrance Hall? Although they were just ordinary maids, their future prospects were far greater than hers, a historian who had to earn her position through years of service.

After lunch with Chu Xu, Fan Xueyao watched as he became drowsy and was carried off to nap by his wet nurse. She had a habit of walking around the hall after meals to aid digestion. As she strolled along the corridor leading to the front hall, she saw Dansyan, who was on duty, walk in. Seeing Fan Xueyao, Dansyan approached and said, "Lady Zhaoyi, Zhang Siyuan has sent two pots of flowers."

Fan Xueyao perked up at this news. She knew Zhang Siyuan well; before she left, he often presented her with flowers and fruits from the garden. She smiled and asked, "Who else is here?"

Dansyan replied, "Besides Zhang Siyuan, there are only three young maids carrying the flower pots. Zhang Siyuan said he feared disturbing Lady Zhaoyi's afternoon nap, so he left the flowers and was about to leave."

"Go tell him that it's thoughtful of him to think of me. Since he can't come in, offer him a cup of tea before he leaves. Send the flowers to my room," Fan Xueyao said as she walked with Huaping to the rear hall, instructing Chun Die to fetch three cups of tea for Zhang Siyuan and the three maids, and to give them two strings of cash.

Returning to her room, Fan Xueyao soon saw Yuegu carrying a pot, while Hong Xiao and Yulu carried another. Upon inspection, she found that the pots contained a white orchid and a fragrant orchid. The fragrant orchid was particularly elegant, with deep green leaves and numerous light yellow-green buds, making it both lush and graceful.

However, being a person of simple tastes, Fan Xueyao was first drawn to the strong, refreshing fragrance of the white orchid that permeated the air.

Approaching, she saw the large pot adorned with white, pen-like flowers, causing Hong Xiao and Yulu to break into a sweat from the effort of carrying it. The white orchid was indeed well-cultivated, with a beautiful tree shape, vibrant green leaves, and pure white flowers that emitted a scent more intense than the fragrant orchid.

Fan Xueyao couldn't help but inhale deeply, coughing slightly from the rich fragrance. She smiled and said, "What a fragrant flower!"

Seeing the well-cultivated flowers, Huaping was delighted and said, "Such fragrant flowers will make the room smell wonderful, saving us the need for incense."

Qiaoqiao's eyes sparkled at the sight of the white orchid, and she asked, "Mistress, where should we place these two pots?"

"The fragrance is lovely, but it's too strong. This room isn't very big, and placing them anywhere would be overwhelming," Fan Xueyao stepped aside, rubbing her nose. "This sweet fragrance would make it hard to sleep soundly. Let's place them by the door, allowing the breeze to carry the scent inside. This way, we'll have the fragrance without it being too overpowering."

Tiao'er clapped her hands and said, "That's a good idea, that's a good idea."

Seeing everyone's happy faces, Fan Xueyao smiled gently and said, "However, with so many flowers, it might not look right in the room. While the buds are still closed, bring scissors and pick some. Each senior maid can have two to scent their clothes. Those serving the Crown Prince should be exempt to avoid overwhelming him. The rest should be placed in a box and sent to Meng Cai-nv. Remember not to pick too many from one spot, or the plants will look unsightly."

"Understood, I'll do it right away," Xiaolian replied and went out to call Yuegu and Hong Xiao to fetch baskets and scissors. Huaping and the others moved the white orchid pot to the side of the door, adjusting its position as Fan Xueyao directed, moving it east and west until it was finally settled.

Huaping squatted in front of the white orchid pot, carefully selecting and picking half a basket of flowers, leaving twenty on the branches. She took a black lacquered box with gold-painted children playing and embedded bamboo strips from the top shelf and filled it with the flowers. Xiaolian and Huigu then took the box to Huicao Hall and Youzhi Pavilion to deliver it to Meng Cai-nv.

Upon seeing Xiaolian and Huigu, Meng Cai-nv opened the bamboo box and smiled, her cheeks puffing up. "Thank you, Lady Zhaoyi, for thinking of me and sending me so many white orchids. I am truly grateful." She happily accepted the flowers, had tea served, and invited the two to sit and drink tea before leaving.

After some polite refusal, they finally sat down when the tea was brought.

Meng Cai-nv asked, "Is your Lady Zhaoyi well lately?"

Xiaolian and Huigu noticed Meng Cai-nv's cautious demeanor and understood her intentions. Xiaolian smiled and said, "Our Lady Zhaoyi is focused on raising the Crown Prince. Though there are many small matters, with the help of the wet nurse and maids like Chun Die and Sanhua, everything is going well."

Though she didn't get the answer she wanted, Meng Cai-nv felt reassured. She thought, since hearing about Zhang Meiren's pregnancy, she had been worried. Lady Zhaoyi, always favored, had been the only one in the palace, both favored and raising the only prince. Now, with Zhang Meiren pregnant, though the child hasn't been born yet, it would inevitably diminish Lady Zhaoyi's status. She was concerned that Lady Zhaoyi might become disheartened.

Fortunately, from what the maids said, it seemed Lady Zhaoyi remained composed. Reflecting on it, it wasn't surprising; Lady Zhaoyi didn't seem the type to lose her composure easily. Zhang Meiren didn't appear to be greatly favored, and the emperor might not have much affection for her. Besides, a living, active child was far more valuable than an unborn one.

Thinking this, she invited the two to eat tea and fruit, exchanging pleasantries. After finishing a bowl of tea, Xiaolian and Huigu got up to leave.

Meng Cai-nv held Xiaolian back and said, "Please tell your Lady Zhaoyi that I've just returned to the palace, and though the gifts are modest, my household is small, and organizing them is quite troublesome. I'll visit her personally in a few days to thank her. Also, there's no need for you to return the box; I'll send it back with you later."

Xiaolian agreed, and she and Huigu left. Meng Cai-nv asked Yinger, one of her maids, to see them out. She then picked up a white orchid, lowered her head, and inhaled its fragrance, sighing contentedly, "So fragrant."

Her family was humble, and though they grew some common northern flowers, they lacked the resources to cultivate delicate flowers like the white orchid, which thrived in warm, humid conditions and required careful care.

Thus, seeing the pristine white flowers, Meng Cai-nv was overjoyed. She played with them for a while, and when Yinger returned, she reluctantly put them down. Turning to Yinger, she said, "These flowers won't last long. Take a few to sew into a sachet. The rest..."

She looked at the bamboo box, which still contained over thirty flowers. From what the maids said, it seemed Lady Zhaoyi had only sent her flowers, a gesture of kindness. However, she couldn't keep them all to herself. Though she had Lady Zhaoyi's favor, she lived in Zhang Jieyu's hall and had to be mindful of others.

"Pick fifteen for Zhang Jieyu, and five each for He Cairen and Huang Cai-nv."

Yinger, seeing Meng Cai-nv's pained expression, said, "Shouldn't we send fewer? These flowers are so fragrant; it's a shame to give them all away. We could keep them to scent the room."

"How can we send fewer?"

Meng Cai-nu countered, "Reduce Zhang Jieyu's share? She's the head of the hall, and we live under her watch. Can we afford to send less? She might not even appreciate a few flowers, and if we send less, it would be disrespectful."

"Then reduce He Cairen's and Huang Cai-nv's shares? They're only getting five each. If we reduce it further, it wouldn't be worth sending."

Sighing, Meng Cai-nu continued, "Life as a low-ranking concubine is precarious. We must be cautious and attentive to every detail, lest we offend someone."

Yinger understood.

"I'll take care of it."

She took their own box and packed the flowers. The once-full bamboo box now contained only a few lonely flowers, looking pitiful. Later, Yinger sewed a new sachet with the white orchids, which Meng Cai-nu wore constantly, enjoying the pleasant fragrance. The remaining few were strung together and hung in the wardrobe to scent the clothes.

In recent days, Huaping had been visiting the Imperial Kitchen every noon, chatting with Xu Guigui for a while each time. A couple of days later, she returned to tell Fan Xueyao, "Xu Guigui has become quite close with those six women."

Fan Xueyao nodded and wrote several invitations that day, sending Huaping, Qiaoqiao, Su'e, and Zhuzhu, each accompanied by a young palace maid, to deliver them to various palaces and pavilions. The next day, Huaping went to the Imperial Kitchen to borrow people from Xu Guigui, who quietly found the few women from Changsun Zhaorong's palace.

Since Changsun Zhaorong had been invited to Spreading Fragrance Hall and did not need them, they had returned to their quarters.

Avoiding others, Xu Guigui called them out and said, "I'm telling you first because we're good friends; I haven't told anyone else."

Hearing these mysterious words, the six women hurriedly asked, "What is it? Good auntie, please tell us quickly!"

Xu Guigui smiled and stopped being coy, "There's a good opportunity for you. Fan Zhaoyi is hosting a banquet for many high-ranking concubines, such as Changsun Zhaorong, Yang Xiuyi, Zhang Chongyuan, and Yu Jieyu. She wants the Inner Kitchen to prepare all kinds of dishes, including many secret recipes that our Imperial Kitchen doesn't know. This will show off her skills and entertain the concubines well. However, the Inner Kitchen is short-staffed and can't prepare such a grand feast in a short time, so they need to borrow a few palace maids on rotation from the Imperial Kitchen. And it won't be for free; Fan Zhaoyi is very generous. You'll just assist, and after the event, each of you will receive one guan as a reward."

After finishing the main matter, she didn't forget to take credit for herself, "See how good I am to you? As soon as I knew about this, I came to tell you. I haven't told anyone else."

Almost all the palace maids in the Inner Kitchen were short of money. Why?

They worked in the Inner Kitchen of the concubines, where their monthly pay was slightly higher than ordinary kitchen staff, receiving one and a half guan per month, plus other allowances for firewood and charcoal.

However, although their status was higher than ordinary palace maids, their lives were much harder. They needed money for many things, and their monthly salary was far from enough.

Working in the Inner Kitchen of Flying Pavilion, they were unlike Fan Xueyao, who could teach them if their skills were lacking.

Changsun Zhaorong was dissatisfied with their skills and never used the Inner Kitchen, getting all her meals from the Imperial Kitchen. They only prepared food for a few palace maids in the palace. Without serving the mistress directly, they received no extra rewards. Only during festivals did they get a unified reward, which was less than what the palace maids serving inside the palace received.

Not working in the Imperial Kitchen, they couldn't learn more skills. If they didn't want to live like this forever, they had to find a way out. Their method was to save money to flatter the head cooks, hoping to learn a few skills. If their cooking improved, they might be transferred back or gain the favor of a mistress, improving their future.

One guan was equivalent to half their monthly salary. And they could earn it by working only half a day. How wonderful!

It was like unexpected wealth, making them overjoyed. They thanked Xu Guigui profusely, "Auntie is truly kind! We deeply thank you."

Xu Guigui quickly frowned and warned them seriously, "Be quiet, or others will hear and you won't get the chance."

The six women hurriedly covered their mouths and nodded cautiously, "We understand."

Xu Guigui smiled and told them to tidy up quickly before leading them to meet Huaping.

Xu Guigui introduced the six women to Huaping, saying, "These six have been working in the Inner Kitchen for several years. Though they are palace maids, they manage an entire Inner Kitchen, making them more steady than ordinary palace maids."

Huaping glanced at the six women, who straightened their backs to appear composed.

Seeing that they were neatly dressed despite being on rotation, Huaping nodded in satisfaction, "Let's go with them."

Back in the palace, Huaping led them to see Fan Xueyao, who asked each of them some questions—where they worked, whom they served, whether their mistresses were easy to please, what dishes they could make, and what their specialties were.

After asking, she sent them down to the kitchen.

After they left, Fan Xueyao called Huaping and said, "That girl named Gui'er, who is skilled in tea preparation, is the one Changsun Zhaorong always calls to prepare tea, right?"

Huaping nodded.

"Tell Xu Guigui to befriend her more. If she loves money, give her some. Don't give too much at once; a long-term approach is better. Little by little, Xu Guigui will seem more trustworthy. Compared to the Imperial Kitchen, the Inner Kitchen is more relaxed. So, she must win her over, as she might be useful in the future."

This statement carried deeper meaning.

Huaping nodded solemnly, "Understood."

That day, Fan Xueyao hosted a banquet, patiently accompanying the guests in eating and entertainment.

The guests enjoyed the exquisite dishes, which the Imperial Kitchen couldn't provide, and praised them. Changsun Zhaorong forced a smile, feeling jealous and resentful that her own kitchen staff lacked such skills, unaware that these dishes owed something to her own palace.

At this point, Fan Xueyao's plan to have Xu Guigui win over Gui'er was just a precaution, ensuring someone would be available when needed. But the day when Gui'er would be useful came sooner than expected.

Chu Nan had been busy for several days, finally smoothing everything out. Missing Fan Xueyao and his son, he skipped breakfast and rushed to Spreading Fragrance Hall. Without waiting for someone to announce him, he entered directly. The palace maids sunbathing and playing with parrots on the veranda hurriedly stood to bow, but Chu Nan waved them off, asking, "Where is your lady?"

Xiaolian, who was rolling up the curtain, replied, "She's in the east chamber." Chu Nan walked straight in.

Fan Xueyao and Huaping were sitting opposite each other on a couch, tracing shoe patterns. Her hair was loosely tied in a small bun, and she wore casual clothes: a light green robe with ice plum patterned gold-embroidered edges and a cotton skirt with branch lotus and dice patterns. She looked gentle and charming, her head slightly lowered.

As the saying goes: a brief separation is like a new marriage. After a few days apart, seeing Fan Xueyao so beautiful, Chu Nan felt immensely pleased.

The maids were whispering, but Fan Xueyao hadn't heard the commotion outside until she heard the rustling footsteps and looked up to see Chu Nan enter. Her eyes lit up, and she smiled, "Your Majesty, why did you come without announcing yourself?" She hurriedly got up to put on her shoes and bow.

Chu Nan pulled her, holding her hand and guiding her to the couch.

"I've been busy for a few days and finally have some free time, so I came to see you."

Huaping had already rolled off the couch and knelt with Su'e, Zhuzhu, and Qiaoqiao. Chu Nan had them rise and step aside, while Yue Chan and Xiuer hurried to clear the scattered needlework. Huaping went to fetch tea, and Zhuzhu and Qiaoqiao went to the kitchen for fresh pastries. The previous tranquility was disrupted.

Fan Xueyao and Chu Nan sat on the couch. Chu Nan wanted to ask about her well-being and the palace's arrangements, but Fan Xueyao, concerned about his early arrival, preemptively asked, "Isn't it time for breakfast? Have you eaten yet?"

"I read a few pages this morning and came straight here, not having time to eat. I don't want the kitchen to prepare a special breakfast for me, so I'll eat here. If you've already eaten, just have the kitchen prepare some simple dishes, snacks, and tea. If not, share yours with me; it will be enough."

Chu Nan picked up the half-traced shoe pattern on the table, looking at it while speaking to Fan Xueyao.

Seeing that the pattern was smaller than his palm, clearly for Chu Xu's little shoes, with carp designs and intricate gold-embroidered edges, he admired its natural beauty and the effort put into such a small item.

Chu Nan was about to say something when he saw Fan Xueyao instructing the maids to set up breakfast, so he waited until she finished before asking, "Is this the pattern for Xu'er's shoes?"

Mentioning her son lifted her spirits, and Fan Xueyao smiled, "Yes, the ones I made before were thick. Now that Xu'er's feet have grown and the weather is warmer, I should prepare some thin shoes for the summer."

"What about mine?"

Fan Xueyao was taken aback, "Didn't I make you a pair recently?"

A blue bat-patterned velvet pair, which she had spent much effort on, using tiny pearls and red coral to create cloud patterns. Each tiny pearl required great care to thread.

Chu Nan, however, said confidently, "Those were for spring. It's almost May, and such thick velvet shoes are too warm now. Since you're making shoes for Xu'er, you should make some for me too."

Fan Xueyao was speechless but couldn't resist Chu Nan's stubborn gaze. She nodded, agreeing to give the son's shoes to the sewing maids and start making a pair of summer shoes for him.

Receiving an affirmative answer, Chu Nan was finally satisfied and began to inquire about his son, pulling Fan Xueyao along.

Fan Xueyao said, "Last night, I don't know if it was a dream or what, but he suddenly woke up and made a fuss for half the night before we could get him back to sleep. He's sleeping soundly now. I thought it best to let him sleep, so he won't be drowsy in the afternoon."

Chu Nan had no objections. In his heart, as long as there were no major issues, he left the upbringing of their son, Chu Xu, entirely to Fan Xueyao, never interfering. Then he asked her detailed questions about everything she had done since returning to the palace.

Hearing that Fan Xueyao had received two pots of flowers, he smiled and said, "No wonder I smelled such a fragrant scent when I entered. I thought they were from somewhere else, but they were actually sent by the Garden Office. Where are they placed? Let me see."

"They're right next to the door in the main hall. Didn't you notice them when you came in?"

Fan Xueyao mentioned this casually and instructed Huaping and a few others to bring over the white orchids.