mesbooks Chapter 108 Fished out of the lotus pond
Chapter 108 Fished out of the lotus pond
After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, Su Nuannuan followed the palace servants as they slowly made their way through the temporary palace. Along the way, her mind was filled with countless thoughts, wondering what kind of residence awaited her.
Before long, a palace came into view. Su Nuannuan looked closely and saw a plaque hanging above the palace gate, on which three large characters were written in a flamboyant style—Caiwei Palace. Upon seeing this name, she couldn't help but be slightly taken aback, because this palace was quite similar to the Cuiwei Palace where she originally lived, except that the character "Wei" in the two palace names was different.
"Your Highness, please." At this moment, the young eunuch who led them here bowed respectfully to Su Nuannuan and said softly.
Su Nuannuan snapped out of her daze, smiled and nodded, then lifted her left foot and stepped into the gate of Caiwei Palace first.
Upon entering the palace, besides the spacious courtyard, the first thing that catches the eye is the bright and spacious main hall. The young eunuch followed closely behind, pointing to the main hall and introducing it to Su Nuannuan: "Your Highness Consort Zhuang, this is the main hall, which is also your daily residence. There are also two exquisite small side halls in the main hall, which are just right for the Fifth Prince and the little princess to live in."
Then he continued, "There is a small kitchen on the right side of the main hall, so that the Empress can cook delicious dishes at any time; while on the left is the east side hall..."
And so, the young eunuch gave Su Nuannuan a detailed introduction to the layout and facilities of the entire Caiwei Palace. After Su Nuannuan had become familiar with everything, she gently waved her hand, signaling Li Quan, who had been attending her, to see the young eunuch out.
Li Quan nodded in understanding, took out a bulging purse from his sleeve, handed it to the young eunuch, and said with a smile, "This is a reward from Her Majesty. I'll trouble you to lead the way this time."
Upon seeing this, the young eunuch was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Xiao Shuanzi, thank you for the reward from Consort Zhuang."
It should be noted that this palace has always been very quiet, and the masters are rarely seen on ordinary days. Only the Empress Dowager would come to stay for a short period of time from time to time.
Not to mention rewards, even the monthly allowance that is due to be paid on time is entirely due to the kindness and benevolence of the steward.
This was the first time in history that Xiao Shuanzi had received such a reward from his master, so how could he possibly contain his excitement!
At this moment, Li Quan's expression turned solemn. He lowered his voice and asked Xiao Shuanzi, "Xiao Shuanzi, let me ask you something. What kind of ingredients have been prepared in this palace today?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shuanzi hurriedly and respectfully replied, "Reporting to Steward Li, today the palace has black carp among the meat dishes. It was personally caught by Steward Wang from the lotus pond this morning."
Li Quan couldn't help but feel puzzled and asked, "In the lotus pond?"
You should know that in this deep palace, the lotus pond is filled with koi, which symbolize good fortune. I have never heard of anyone raising common fish like blackfish here.
"Steward Li, you don't know this, Steward Wang was forced to do this. Our palace is rarely visited by masters. So, apart from the fixed monthly allowance, the money for other expenses is pitifully small."
"Manager Wang was determined to ensure everyone could have some meat, so he came up with the idea of raising fish in the lotus pond," Xiao Shuanzi explained earnestly to Li Quan.
After hearing Xiao Shuanzi's words, Li Quan frowned and asked again, "According to you, you don't mean you even raise your own chickens, ducks, and geese here?"
Xiao Shuanzi's eyes widened in surprise as he replied, "Manager Li, you're amazing! How did you guess it so quickly?"
Li Quan was speechless for a moment, then asked, "So what is the reason for this?"
Xiao Shuanzi looked miserable and sighed deeply, saying, "Alas, Steward Li, there's nothing we can do about it. If we don't raise more animals to sell for money, our daily expenses will be a huge problem."
Sometimes, even the monthly allowance had to be scraped together by selling these things.
In reality, everything Xiao Shuanzi said was taught to him beforehand by Steward Wang. Steward Wang had no intention of being stingy with the fish, chickens, and ducks; his real purpose was simply to use the words of a nobleman to spread the word that someone in the Imperial Household Department had embezzled their rightful silver to the higher-ups.
After all, the previous steward had tried to report the matter to his superiors, but who would have thought that he would disappear inexplicably a few days after returning.
Since taking office, Chief Steward Wang had been well aware of the power of the people in the Imperial Household Department, so he dared not easily challenge them. However, this did not mean that he would sit idly by and wait for his doom. On the contrary, he had his own plans.
To be fair, Steward Wang wasn't a brainless man. He carried a mysterious little notebook that meticulously recorded the time and amount of money the Imperial Household Department gave him each time, as well as the occasions and specific amounts for which he was required to offer tribute. It could be said that he remembered these accounts perfectly, without the slightest error.
No sooner had Li Quan sent Xiao Shuanzi away than he eagerly told Su Nuannuan all the information he had gleaned from Xiao Shuanzi.
Su Nuannuan nodded slightly, indicating that she was aware of the matter, and then calmly instructed, "I know about this matter. Go to Steward Wang and buy a few fresh blackfish. We'll make a delicious garlic fish fillet dish tonight. As for lunch, just have something simple to eat."
Upon receiving the order, Li Quan immediately bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, this servant will take care of it immediately." He then turned and hurriedly left.
At this moment, Jinse, who had been serving by the side, stepped forward and gently hung up the bed curtains. She asked with some doubt, "Your Majesty, don't you think that Xiao Shuanzi did this on purpose?" As she spoke, she tidied up the bed curtains.
"You noticed." Su Nuannuan tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling on the exquisite bed curtains that had just been hung up, and said softly.
Jinse, standing to the side, widened her eyes and asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, do you mean that Xiao Shuanzi really did this on purpose?"
"We'll find out the specifics once we send Tingfeng and Tingyu to investigate," Su Nuannuan said, turning around and sitting on the brocade stool.
"Are the two little ones still sleeping?" Su Nuannuan tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling on the side hall on the right, and asked softly.
"Yes, the two masters are indeed still sleeping soundly. Yue Niang and Hong Lian are watching over them and also tidying up the items in the room."
Yaoqin and Tingxue assisted them by folding some clothes neatly and arranging the children's favorite toys.
"Zhixiang, she just went to the small kitchen to gather the things she brought."