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

The world is often shrouded in a thick layer of dark clouds, as if a dark-toned painting is unfolding between heaven and earth.

At the back of the laundry area, Lin Zhiruo sat quietly on an old wooden box, with endless thoughts surging in her heart.

Today, Xiao Cui did not seem to show up as promised, and even if Lin Zhiruo returned to the Glass Palace, she felt that there was nothing to do, so she decided to spend the long time here.

The order of the school is gradually being restored, and Xiao Cui is fortunate to become one of the first students of this emerging institution, embarking on a journey of exploring knowledge.

Lin Zhiruo once thought about going to the imperial chef to ask for some snacks, but Wang Dahai was very busy with a recent dispute, so Lin Zhiruo had to give up the idea.

Speaking of that dispute, it was about spices.

Due to the envoy's visit and many other matters, Lin Zhiruo almost forgot about this matter, but in fact, the case has not been completely solved.

In order to investigate this case, Quan Wushuang once visited other concubines and found that the maids had purchased a large amount of spices from the caravan.

(Which is understandable.)

After all, these goods from distant places have arrived after going through hardships, crossing deserts, crossing seas, and climbing mountains.

For those girls trapped in the deep palace, it undoubtedly has an irresistible attraction.

Lin Zhiruo was no exception. If Western ingredients were sold in the market, she would rather borrow money to buy them.

Not only did the maids in the palace rush to buy them, but even the maids in the Glazed Palace bought a few bottles of spices.

However, not all spices are harmful.

Even a trace amount of poison should not be left in the palace. Although it is a waste, we have no choice but to dispose of it with reluctance.

Each spice may be only slightly toxic, but when mixed together they can sometimes become highly toxic.

So, a question arises: who exactly tried to bring these items into the palace?

(I don't know much about spices or flavors, but...)

Lin Zhiruo already understood why the merchants recommended clothes suitable for pregnant women to high-ranking concubines.

One of the real purposes of the two envoys coming to this country may be to seek opportunities to become concubines.

Lin Zhiruo didn't think this was the true intention of the envoy's homeland, but the arrogant envoy seemed full of confidence.

Sadly, I heard that her self-esteem had been destroyed after the party and she hardly spoke anymore.

Although it can be speculated that the spices were also arranged by them, it is not advisable to jump to conclusions.

There are currently four senior concubines in the harem, namely Concubine Yuyao, Concubine Pinglan, Concubine Dexin and Concubine Shuwan.

Among them, Concubine Yuyao was the most favored by the emperor, followed by Concubine Pinglan.

In addition, several mid-level concubines also won the emperor's favor.

As for the lower-ranking concubines, because they had been tortured by jealous concubines in the past, the emperor had temporarily shelved the idea of ​​taking them as concubines.

However, from the perspective of family power, Concubine Shuwan is undoubtedly the person that the emperor cannot ignore the most.

(Well, it is.)

Lin Zhiruo picked up a dry branch and drew an orchid pattern on the ground.

Concubine Pinglan's family power ranks second only because they are the emperor's relatives.

However, her family itself is not keen on fame and fortune.

Lin Zhiruo sketched the shape of a fruit next to the orchid.

In contrast, Concubine Dexin's family is a rapidly rising elite in recent generations.

Their ambition can be seen from their attempt to offer their young daughter to the late emperor.

Lin Zhiruo added the outline of a tree next to it.

Concubine Yuyao's family is located at a trade hub in the west. People may think that they make a lot of money through trade, but in fact, their land is close to the border and they need to pay huge taxes to support national defense.

In addition, the soil and water are not suitable for farming, so it is not a fertile land.

Finally, Lin Zhiruo drew the shape of a leaf.

At last year's garden party, there was an attempted poisoning incident, which was done by the maid of the former concubine Si Lanfei without authorization.

Their motivation is not the desire for power, but the complexity and darkness of human nature.

This matter has been investigated, however...

Earlier, Concubine Yuyao had also suffered an attempted poisoning. Who was the murderer?

Perhaps it was the work of the mid-ranking concubine in the recent poisonous mushroom case, but where did she acquire the knowledge of this poison?

Since silver cutlery was used, it was obviously not an ordinary poison like arsenic.

As a result, the number of Imperial Concubine Yuyao's maids was cut in half, and the person who took the concubine's place in the poisoning is said to still be suffering from the aftereffects.

Lin Zhiruo felt vaguely uneasy in her heart, and she remembered similar feelings she had had in the past.

She thought of the Food and Medicine Officer, the troublesome palace maid who had put herself into a state of suspended animation in order to escape from the palace.

Her background remains a mystery to this day.

What is her purpose? And why did she attack Quan Wushuang?

Lin Zhiruo drew circles on the ground, enclosing the four patterns, while talking to herself.

Finally, she gave up thinking.

(What’s the point of thinking about this?)

Lin Zhiruo was just a maid, a victim responsible for testing poison.

So, Lin Zhiruo decided to go out and relax.

Many gardens were built in the harem for the emperor's entertainment, such as pine forests, bamboo forests and orchards.

(The cherry season is almost over.)

If she had arrived three months earlier, she would have been able to pick the fresh bamboo shoots. However, it was all because of the monocle that made her stay in Zixiao Palace to plant cauliflower and miss this beautiful season.

It was really unpleasant. Even thinking about the monster's appearance made her feel disgusted.

(Oh, forget it, don’t think about it anymore.)

Thinking about going out to relax, Lin Zhiruo's steps became lighter.

She went to the cherry orchard, but met a maid from Zixiao Palace on the way.

Because they knew each other well, Lin Zhiruo casually greeted her. However, the palace maid was so frightened that her face turned pale and she turned and ran away.

One of them had bound feet. Although her feet were small, she ran very fast, which made Lin Zhiruo admire her.

(It's just a little undressing, why make such a fuss?)

This is also a common scene in brothels.

When those aging women step into the door of a brothel, they are required to take off their clothes to check the quality.

People may think that young women are more valuable, but in fact, the mainstream nowadays is not youth, but cultivation.

Surprisingly, the wives of disgraced officials were particularly popular.

Not only have they received a certain level of good education, saving the initial capital for the brothel, but it is also said that the literati and scholars in the world are more likely to be attracted to other people's wives.

It's so vulgar.

Lin Zhiruo did not like to take off other people's clothes. She thought that those fashionable palace maids in Zixiao Palace had all applied the purchased perfume. However, there was one exception.

Lin Zhiruo was just curious and wanted to confirm whether she had really never used it.

However, because of this, Lin Zhiruo was reported to the handsome eunuch by them.

(Well, there are always exceptions.)

There are many palace maids in Zixiao Palace. There are more than ten handmaids alone. If the exclusive maids are included, there are almost thirty people.

Lin Zhiruo didn't think much about it and went to pick cherries.

That evening, when Lin Zhiruo and everyone were enjoying their earlier dinner, something suddenly happened.

"I'm not feeling well."

Xiaomei rested her chin on the table, her eyelids half closed, and spoke in a weak voice.

Lin Zhiruo reached out and touched her forehead, only to find it felt a little hot.

"Don't catch a cold. What will happen if it infects Imperial Concubine Yuyao and the others?"

Su Su said as she held the after-dinner fruit - cherries in her hand.

Although Su Su was curious about the origin of the cherries, she didn't ask too many questions because she loved eating them.

By the way, Caiwei was not aware of this matter.

"I've noticed that."

Xiaomei raised her head lazily, with a hint of displeasure in her tone.

Lin Zhiruo wanted to go back to her room to fry some ingredients, but was stopped by Susu.

"Sorry, after you prepare the ingredients for her, can you take her to the food shop?"

"Food Shop?"

Lin Zhiruo couldn't help but frown slightly when she heard this.

She thought to herself, could it be that Su Su was referring to the imperial chef?

If this was true, Lin Zhiruo thought it would be futile to take her there. However, Susu seemed to have guessed what she was thinking and shook her head.

"It's not the Imperial Kitchen Manager. How should I put it? It means that although there is no cook, there is someone else in charge. Anyway, Xiaomei knows where it is, you can go with her."

"it is good."

Lin Zhiruo nodded, but her heart was still full of doubts.