Chapter 5: Lunch

Wan Anran was in a very good mood.

The pastries and breakfast rewarded by Consort Xuan were all carefully prepared by the imperial kitchen’s master chefs. Compared to the dim sum Wan Anran had been eating these past few days — either a little burnt or overly salty — these were a hundred, a thousand, even ten thousand times better.

For example, the crispy and sweet Sachima, or the rich and fragrant walnut crisps… Wan Anran nibbled on this and that, her face practically spelling out the word “satisfaction.”

Just as she was happily savoring the pastries, a loud voice suddenly rang out from outside the door: “By the Empress’s command, Noble Lady Nara and Second Class Attendant Wan are summoned to Kun Ning Palace for an audience!”

Wan Anran: ………

With a sputter, she sprayed out the pastry she was chewing right onto the floor!

She didn’t even have time to think about why the Empress would summon her. Leaping to her feet, she shrieked in panic, “Haitao! Haitao! Quickly! Where are my clothes?!”

Haitao was so anxious she was practically spinning in circles.

As she rummaged through boxes and cupboards for proper attire, she muttered under her breath, “Why would the Empress suddenly summon our Young Mistress?”

It wasn’t customary for Second Class Attendants to pay morning and evening respects to the Empress. Even Noble Ladies and First Class Attendants were only required to offer greetings within their own palaces. This unexpected summons had thrown both mistress and maid into a frenzy, and their noisy commotion made the waiting Madam Zhou outside furrow her brows ever so slightly.

Noble Lady Nara emerged, leading Wan Fu by the hand.

Seeing the situation, she quickly spoke on Wan Anran’s behalf: “Second Class Attendant Wan only has one palace maid and it’s her first time greeting the Empress. I’m afraid she’s just a little overly nervous.”

Wan Fu also nodded.

He often visited Kun Ning Palace for tea and was quite familiar with Madam Zhou, who appeared stern but was actually very kind. Smiling, he chimed in, “Second Class Attendant Wan is really silly, Madam Zhou, please don’t be angry!”

Madam Zhou smiled in response.

Of course, she quietly made a mental note of the situation. For instance, the fact that the palace maid staffing for Second Class Attendant Wan still hadn’t been supplemented by the Household Department. Also, the favorable impression both Noble Lady Nara and the Ninth Prince seemed to have of her.

Patiently, Madam Zhou waited for Second Class Attendant Wan.

Before the door to the east wing could open, the west wing’s door suddenly creaked open. Out hurried First Class Attendant Xu, dressed in a bright pomegranate-red robe embroidered with stone pomegranate blossoms, her head adorned with ruby tassels. She joyfully approached Noble Lady Nara, casting a glance full of disdain towards the east wing. Raising her voice slightly, she said, “Second Class Attendant Wan is truly disgraceful, making Madam Zhou wait for her.”

Madam Zhou frowned slightly.

She didn’t respond, merely standing expressionless in place.

After waiting for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the east wing’s door finally opened in a flurry.

Wan Anran appeared, slightly breathless, wearing a simple but presentable palace outfit, her hair styled in a basic twin-bun. Had Madam Zhou’s reflexes not been quick, she would have tripped over the steps right then and there.

Second Class Attendant Wan hastily expressed her gratitude.

With a gentle voice, Madam Zhou said, “Young Mistress, please be careful.”

Though her expression remained calm, Madam Zhou couldn’t help but shake her head inwardly.

As expected, not a single palace rumor could be trusted. They had actually described this Second Class Attendant Wan as proud and ambitious? Madam Zhou wished she could drag those rumor-mongers over and have them take a good, hard look at this girl.

Look! Just look!

It seemed sheer luck that she hadn’t been expelled from the palace for her clumsiness.

Completely unaware that the word “idiot” had just been metaphorically stamped onto her forehead, Wan Anran expressed her thanks once more, straightened her clothes, and quietly fell in line at the end of the group, earning herself several eye-rolls from First Class Attendant Xu.

When they reached the gates of Xianfu Palace, First Class Attendant Xu was blocked by the eunuchs stationed there. Her face full of shock and displeasure, she raised her voice, scolding, “How dare you defy the Empress’s command?”

“This Young Mistress,”

Madam Zhou cut her off, bowing slightly as she said, “By the Empress’s decree, only the Ninth Prince, Noble Lady Nara, and Second Class Attendant Wan are summoned for an audience.”

There was no mention of you.

Though Madam Zhou hadn’t finished her sentence, the implication was clear to everyone present. First Class Attendant Xu’s face turned blue, then white, then red, then purple in quick succession. As she watched Madam Zhou and her group walk away, she viciously pinched the arm of her attending maid, hissing, “Wretched servant! How dare you let me lose face?!”

Neither Noble Lady Nara nor Wan Anran were entitled to use warm sedan chairs yet. Under the watchful eyes of many, the group trudged through the thick snow, following the long, winding corridor until they reached the Imperial Garden. From there, they passed through another palace gate and crossed a vast square, until the imposing Kun Ning Palace came into view.

Behind them, several palace maids exchanged glances.

One of them whispered, “Isn’t that Madam Zhou, the Empress’s personal attendant, leading the way?”

“And the one at the back is Second Class Attendant Wan, right?”

“Could it be…” The maids looked at each other in surprise and wonder. Some faces grew unpleasant as they quickly dispersed, hurrying off to report the news.

Oblivious to the commotion behind her, Second Class Attendant Wan was still reeling from shock as she glanced around the people in Kun Ning Palace. On both sides, every three steps stood a palace maid or eunuch, heads lowered, faces composed. Despite so many people being present, the hall was as silent as if empty.

Wan Anran’s heart pounded violently as she followed closely behind Noble Lady Nara, much like a little chick afraid of straying from its mother.

Wan Fu sneakily turned his head, making a funny face at Wan Anran before mouthing exaggeratedly: “Coward!”

Good grief!

Wan Anran was so furious she almost exploded. She reached out, wanting to pinch Wan Fu’s cheek. But before she could touch him, Noble Lady Nara gently cleared her throat.

Wan Anran: ……

Quietly, she retracted her hand and stood still, as meek as a quail. With her head lowered, she fixed her gaze on her own feet, while in her ears rang the conversation between the Ninth Prince, Wan Fu, and the Empress of the Niohuru clan.

Apart from the Empress’s voice, which was melodious and pleasant, she couldn’t really make out much else. Most of the conversation revolved around how well Wan Fu had been eating, sleeping, and playing.

The crisp replies of Wan Fu echoed throughout the hall.

After an entire cup of tea’s time, their conversation finally came to an end.

At Madam Zhou’s signal, Noble Lady Nara and Wan Anran both curtsied deeply. “This concubine pays respects to the Empress. May the Empress enjoy ten thousand blessings and everlasting peace.”

The Niohuru Empress acted as if she had only just noticed them.

Smiling, she ordered them to rise. Then, pointing to a small stool, she instructed Noble Lady Nara to sit, before turning her gaze to Wan Anran. “Lift your head and let this palace take a look at you.”

Wan Anran respectfully complied.

She remembered Madam Zhou’s earlier warning not to look directly at the Empress’s face. So, even as she lifted her head, she made a conscious effort to keep her eyes lowered.

Little did she know that, because of this effort, her originally large, doe-like eyes had been squeezed into an awkward upside-down triangle shape, with only the whites of her eyes visible.

Granny Zhou’s face was practically contorted with suppressed emotions.

Even the Empress was momentarily stunned, but she quickly found herself amused by Wan Anran’s odd expression.

Wan Fu curiously craned his neck to see what was going on.

And then, he clapped a hand over his mouth, his little shoulders trembling as he tried to hold back his laughter. But how could such a small child possibly manage? In no time, he burst out laughing. If it weren’t for the fact that they were in the Kunning Palace, he would’ve likely rolled onto the floor, laughing until he couldn’t breathe.

The Empress’s brows and eyes were filled with soft laughter.

Her tone grew noticeably gentler than before. “Bring a small stool for Second Class Attendant Wan.”

Wan Anran sat down carefully and earnestly on the small stool.

Both her hands were properly placed on her knees, sitting upright like a delinquent student in modern times who’s terrified of being called on by the teacher.

And usually, students who act like that are the easiest targets for teachers to call upon.

Similarly, the Empress found Wan Anran utterly entertaining. Whenever she posed a question, Second Class Attendant Wan would shrink like a frightened little rabbit, her chubby figure trembling with every prod. Yet, if one truly thought of her as merely a timid rabbit, they’d be surprised. Her answers were clear and organized, making her seem quite clever.

Curiosity piqued, the Empress kept asking question after question, chatting away until it was nearly time for lunch before she finally stopped, albeit reluctantly. She picked up her teacup and took a small sip. “It’s almost time for lunch, so you all—”

Her words abruptly trailed off.

Consort Xuan immediately sensed trouble. She looked up just in time to see Wan Anran’s eyes sparkling like pikapika lights.

The morning meal bestowed by Consort Xuan was already so delicious—who knew how much better the Empress’s dishes would be? Wan Anran swallowed hard. Though she had no intention of staying for lunch—just standing in the Kunning Palace was pressure enough, let alone eating here.

But at that moment, the Empress’s voice rang in her ears.

With a sudden shift in tone, the Empress said, “Why don’t you all stay and have lunch with me?” And after lunch, we can continue our chat.

Wan Anran: …?

Weren’t they supposed to say their farewells and go home at this point? Especially when both Consort Xuan and Noble Lady Nara turned to glare at her in unison, Wan Anran was left completely bewildered.

Wan Fu shook his head, acting like a little grown-up, and patted Wan Anran’s arm. Noticing her confused glance, he raised his little head and mouthed to her: You’re doomed.

Wan Anran: ………… What did I do!?

Wan Fu let out a long, exaggerated sigh, then hopped over toward the Empress, chirping, “Imperial Mother, your son wants to eat braised lion’s head meatballs, and also sweet and sour pork, and also…”

Wan Fu began listing dish after dish.

Wan Anran had no time to ponder anything else. Her eyes gleamed as she listened to the menu, nodding heavily at each name mentioned.

Consort Xuan and Noble Lady Nara exchanged glances.

Both of them couldn’t help but sigh—what now?

Attending the Empress during a meal was no ordinary matter.

Forget Wan Anran; even Consort Xuan and Noble Lady Nara had to stand respectfully by the sides, ready to serve the Empress and the Ninth Prince during the meal.

Wan Anran, who had been dreaming of tasting the imperial cuisine, immediately deflated. Though she was disheartened, on the surface she remained proper and cautious, mimicking Consort Xuan and Noble Lady Nara’s posture, preparing herself to serve their masters at the table.

The Empress, holding Wan Fu’s hand, took her seat.

Seeing the trio’s solemn expressions, her lips curved into a faint smile. With a casual gesture, she pointed to the seats before her. “All three of you, sit down. Don’t be so stiff.”

Consort Xuan hesitated.

Only when the Empress summoned several palace maids to attend her did Consort Xuan carefully take her seat. After Consort Xuan sat down, Noble Lady Nara and Wan Anran followed suit, gingerly sitting on just the front third of their chairs, backs ramrod straight, eyes fixed ahead—this posture was even more exhausting than standing.

As for the meal, Wan Anran considered her options and decided to stick with proximity.

She picked up a bowl of white rice and focused on the lotus root meatballs placed right in front of her. These meatballs had a delightful chewiness, especially with the diced lotus root inside, which added a refreshing aroma, cut through the grease, and enhanced the overall flavor. Pairing one meatball with a mouthful of rice, Wan Anran ate with great relish.

Her obvious enjoyment caught the attention of others.

Palace concubines typically had bird-like appetites, nibbling on a few bites before declaring themselves full. The Empress, having been burdened by preparations for the New Year banquet for several days, hadn’t had much of an appetite. Yet, watching Wan Anran eat so heartily, she couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at the lotus root meatballs.

Hmm… rather tempting.

A sharp-eyed palace maid quickly picked up a meatball and presented it to the Empress. The Niohuru Empress took a bite and found it surprisingly appetizing, prompting her to take a few more bites of rice as well.

Granny Zhou was overjoyed.

From that moment on, she began paying close attention to Wan Anran’s every move.

As the lotus root meatballs quickly disappeared, Granny Zhou signaled for another maid to assist. With the palace maids serving dishes, Wan Anran suddenly had far more choices at her disposal. Her eyes zeroed in on the sweet and sour pork. The tangy and sweet flavors were mouth-watering, stimulating her appetite as she rapidly finished an entire bowl of white rice.

But… surely she couldn’t have a second bowl, right?

Staring at her now empty bowl, Wan Anran sighed inwardly.

At that very moment, Granny Zhou, smiling from ear to ear, picked up the bowl and warmly instructed the palace maids, “Bring another bowl of rice for Young Mistress Wan.”

Wan Anran: …………

Facing everyone’s gaze, she was left speechless. She wanted to say: If I tell you I’m not a foodie… would anyone believe me now?