Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

This conversation seems to hide the past of the madam receiving foreign envoys.

"Indeed, that happened fifty years ago, during the reign of the Emperor."

A proud smile appeared on the corner of the madam's mouth, and she slowly revealed the history sealed by time.

At that time, the emperor had just moved the capital here. The city was built on ancient ruins, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with an extremely advantageous geographical location.

The hasty transformation of this once bustling place into an imperial city caused a lot of controversy, but the reconstruction was ultimately carried out resolutely.

This is a place where people come and go, and the history of fireworks is very long.

It is said that the madams at that time were the best among the courtesans and were extremely popular.

Now she seems more like an old tree that has experienced the frost of wind and rain, rather than the blooming flower she once was.

"The palace back then was far less magnificent than it is today, and the dignitaries were deeply concerned. Ultimately, they chose the remaining charm of the ruins as the venue for the reception. One area was once an orchard, with a clear pond and ancient buildings creating a beautiful contrast. It was once a sacred place for sacrifices and a famous scenic spot."

Then, I heard that the young madam was summoned to that prosperous place of fireworks as a dancer.

There are also rumors that more than a dozen beauties were summoned, but the protagonist was undoubtedly the madam.

Not only because of her extraordinary talent, but also because of her graceful figure.

In that multicultural country, most people are tall and strong. Only a tall and curvy figure can attract the attention of foreigners, let alone perform on stage.

"After all, it was an impromptu performance, and the preparation work was very tedious."

Because the banquet was to be held in the orchard, pest control became a major problem.

It is said that the larvae on the leaves were removed one by one and the flying insects around were also driven away.

They cleared away obstacles and even carefully calculated the waxing and waning of the moon to present the most beautiful view.

To make up for the shortfall, officials did their best.

However, there are always people in the world who like to ruin good things.

"What's hateful is that someone actually tampered with my clothes that day."

She mentioned that someone smeared dead bugs on her clothing.

Even though she was young at that time, the madam never got discouraged.

She cleverly concealed the stains with accessories, feathered clothing, etc., and successfully completed the task.

Everyone praised it, while those who played the prank were filled with regret.

"Mammy, you've told this story many times. Is there any other part you haven't told?"

Lin Zhiruo was yawning and seemed sleepy. When the madam heard this, she pretended to be angry and patted her.

"You kid, why are you so naughty?"

The madam snorted softly and picked up the cloth bag at her feet.

She slowly unfolded it, revealing a painting encased in a luxurious frame, the canvas vibrant with color, a style distinct from ink painting.

This is a Western painting technique that uses oil to mix pigments and paint on canvas.

In the painting, against a light navy blue gradient background, a hazy yet clear full moon and its reflection appear vividly on the paper. In the center is a woman dancing with a shawl, like a fairy.

There seemed to be moonlight shining around her, with dots of clear light, delicately depicted.

The madam regarded this painting as a treasure, and Lin Zhiruo was also amazed when she saw it for the first time.

She looked at the woman in the painting, then at the madam in front of her, and couldn't help sighing.

Looking at the woman in the painting who looks like a moon spirit, and comparing her with the old brothel owner who has been baptized by the years and has become a miser, I feel even more emotional.

"What do you want to say?"

"nothing."

It goes without saying what Lin Zhiruo is thinking.

Time is merciless, and the madam knows it.

She pulled herself together and continued:

"This was specially painted by an artist after the envoy returned home. Although he never set foot on this land again, he still gave it to me through the caravan."

(So ​​that’s how it is. The people in the painting have been beautified.)

"Did you just speak?"

"No."

The madam not only has sharp eyes and ears, but also a sharp intuition, which is distressing.

"Mammy, it was just an ordinary performance, why did he fall in love with it so much?"

"I don't know for sure, but the interpreter said the messenger called me 'Moon Goddess'."

"..."

"What does that look of yours mean?"

The madam was always objective. She knew very well that she had once been very popular, but she still had doubts in her heart about whether she was really that beautiful.

Lin Zhiruo scratched her head and pouted.

Even if she found a beauty who looked exactly like the woman in the painting and met the envoy, she didn't think the other party would be satisfied.

Doing so ignores a key point, and the other party is a woman, making it more difficult than before.

"...Mammy, did the messenger praise you at the banquet?"

"I have already forgotten."

"Anything is fine, just think about it~"

Lin Zhiruo spoke casually in her usual casual tone, and the madam patted her hand after hearing it.

Although he was surrounded by eunuchs, he was still a man after all.

The madam seemed to be reminding her not to lose her composure in such situations.

"I can't remember clearly. It was a very bad day, and there were also flying insects bothering us."

"Flying insects?"

"Although they have been driven away, if you light a torch in the wild, the flying insects will naturally flock to it."

The madam looked helpless.

Lin Zhiruo listened for a while, but still didn't get any important clues.

In the room of the imperial chef, Lin Zhiruo showed the painting given by the madam to Quan Wushuang and others, only to see that both of them looked embarrassed.

"Should we first look for someone who looks like the one in the painting?"

Gao Zhongcheng said to Quan Wushuang.

"Then I'll trouble you, Brother Gao."