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

Amidst the noise, the air seemed to be stirred by a mysterious force, filled with an indescribable unease.

With a curiosity to explore, Lin Zhiruo embarked on a journey to uncover the mystery like a brave explorer, walking briskly towards the solemn and magnificent gate of the palace.

The entrance hall is decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, like a beautiful painting.

A group of palace maids have gathered here. Some of them are holding rags, while others have forgotten the work in their hands. As if attracted by some mysterious power, they stand there in a trance, like wandering souls in a dream.

"What can I do for you at this moment, sir?"

A palace maid frowned, her tone filled with a mixture of reproach and curiosity.

Her eyes fell on the cook who rarely appeared in the harem.

She usually lives in seclusion, almost isolated from the world, and has not set foot in this palace for nearly a year.

This cook had a great reputation, but after the untimely death of the Eastern Palace, she should have felt guilty and avoided seeing him.

However, due to her embarrassing situation where no one could replace her, she was able to continue to stay safely in this harem full of beauties.

Now, why did she suddenly show up?

The cook was holding a rather conspicuous package in her hand, and a palace maid followed closely behind her.

The palace maid had a slender figure and her manners revealed an otherworldly elegance. She followed closely behind the cook, her lips tightly closed, painted with bright red rouge, and her cheeks were dotted with light pink powder, adding a bit of charm.

She was secretly surprised and wondered when such a strange beauty appeared in the palace.

Normally, the attendant beside the cook should be a eunuch, but things are unpredictable and there are always exceptions.

There are so many palace maids in the harem that it is not surprising to see a few new faces appear occasionally.

Everyone was whispering among themselves, so she had no choice but to step forward and ask in a gentle but firm voice:

"Mr. Cook, what brings you here?"

As soon as her voice came out, the originally noisy palace maids stopped what they were doing and cast curious glances at her.

She has always been meticulous and observant, and she will not miss any details.

In this harem, especially in this palace, she knew everyone's duties and identities very well.

She is Nannan. Since Concubine Pinglan was canonized as a concubine, she entered the palace with her. For the glory of her family and the favor of the emperor, she has devoted countless efforts and hard work.

"I wish to see the virtuous concubine."

There was a hint of pleading and expectation in the cook's voice.

When Nannan heard this, her eyes narrowed slightly and a feeling of displeasure welled up in her heart.

She didn't want to hear the word "virtuous concubine" from this woman, and she didn't want her to meet Concubine Pinglan.

"Master Cook, with all due respect, Madam Pinglan may not be willing to see you."

Nannan's tone was gentle but firm, but her refusal was evident in her words.

When the cook heard this, her sparse eyebrows trembled slightly and her brows were furrowed, as if she had suffered a major blow.

She had indeed lost her feminine beauty, and the remaining eyebrows made her look even more out of place. Compared with the emperor's handsome image with flowing long beard, there was a world of difference.

The cook turned her head away in confusion, and the expressionless maid beside her whispered something in her ear.

She looked embarrassed and reluctantly took out an object from her arms.

"I have a letter with me, and I hope it will be passed."

She slowly unfolded the letter written on parchment. The handwriting was fluent and meaningful. The letter clearly requested that the cook be released.

The signature at the end of the letter was clearly "Quan Wushuang".

When this person is mentioned, everyone in the harem knows him.

Although he is not a woman, he possesses a beauty that can make women fall in love with him. At the same time, he is not a real man.

Even Nannan couldn't help but admire Quan Wushuang's beauty, but she had no extra emotions in her heart.

For the benefit of her family and the emperor's favor, she must always remain sober and firm.

Nannan sighed helplessly. Although she was extremely reluctant, she still decided to lead the two of them to the depths of the palace.

She could have handed the matter over to other palace maids, but considering that the cook came on the orders of the chief steward of the harem and the circumstances were special, she had to go in person.

However, the cook usually only came to the bedroom when the concubines were unwell, and Concubine Pinglan did not seem to be unwell at all.

Nannan is always by Concubine Pinglan's side and knows her physical condition very well.

She is still energetic and has a good appetite today.

Just when Nannan was puzzled, the footsteps suddenly stopped.

She looked back and saw that the cook and the accompanying palace maids had stopped, their eyes fixed on a small house in front of the garden.

The small house was located on the way to Concubine Pinglan's bedroom. It was an inconspicuous little warehouse.

"What's unusual?"

Nannan asked curiously.

"Nothing, I'm just curious about the purpose of this hut."

The cook answered with a smile, but there was something deeper hidden in that smile.

"It's just an ordinary small warehouse."

Nannan was anxious to take them away, but she was secretly wondering why she was so concerned about this matter.

In order to support the Eastern Palace, the Liuli Palace had undergone large-scale construction and expansion. It was reasonable to have buildings such as bathhouses or warehouses outside the main house.

What's more, last year the freckled little girl built a so-called steam bath next to the bathhouse. Although Nannan was not interested in it, Concubine Pinglan would occasionally go there to experience it.

It was already said to be a warehouse, but for some reason the palace maid was still staring at it intently, as if endless secrets were hidden there.

What on earth was the maid looking at?

Nannan pondered secretly in her heart.

There was just a yellow flower tree planted by the window of the cottage, nothing special about it.

It's just an ordinary warehouse. There's no benefit in staying here.

The maid gently pulled the cook's sleeve and whispered a few words to her.

The cook lowered her eyebrows again, looking somewhat frustrated and helpless.

She turned to Nannan and asked:

"Has anyone disturbed the garden recently?"

"There was no one else but the gardener who came to take care of it as usual."

Nannan answered truthfully.

"I see……"

Upon hearing this, the cook fell into deep thought.

Nannan suddenly felt an inexplicable doubt in her heart.

By the way, did that tree originally exist here?

She hadn't even noticed this. Perhaps it was a new plant by the gardener?

After the cook was silent for a moment, the palace maid poked her gently again.

The cook's cheeks puffed up noticeably, but the palace maid remained calm and turned to look at Nannan.

Her black eyes stared at Nannan closely, as if she wanted to see through her heart.

Nannan was speechless and wanted to look away quietly...

"The head maid looks radiant today, and her fragrance is intoxicating."

A familiar and clear voice suddenly rang out.

The voice was playful and teasing. Nannan's heart tightened when she heard it. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the delicate palace maid was grinning with her lips slightly raised. The smile was too weird, like the ferocious smile of a wild beast when it found its prey.

"It's been a long time since we last met, Head Maid Nannan. I hope you will forgive me for any offense I caused you the other day."

The maid's words were filled with a hint of apology and provocation. She was wearing thick white powder, with heavy shadows under her eyes, and her eyelashes were too long, which added a bit of charm and weirdness to her.

Nannan looked carefully and realized that she had a round and tender face.

The pair of eyes staring at her made Nannan feel familiar, yet elusive.

Nannan's whole body stiffened instantly.

She had learned from experience that nothing good usually came of being involved with this girl.

Last year, this girl came to the Glass Palace and took care of the sick Concubine Pinglan without sleep. However, she also caused several incidents in the process, which made the palace maids dare not resist her.