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

Lin Zhiruo tried many times to find a chance to escape, but was repeatedly grabbed by the other party's sleeves, as if bound by invisible shackles, and had no choice but to endure the endless torrent of words.

Lin Zhiruo was well aware of the other person's desire to share passionate topics, but as a listener, she felt tired like a quietly rising tide, gradually eroding her spirit.

(If we could turn the topic to the principles of food, perhaps it would add some interest to this long conversation.)

This period of time, which is difficult to describe in words, finally came to an end in a hurry and helplessness.

Suddenly, a clear sound broke the silence, like a piece of music from heaven, melodious and beautiful.

Lin Zhiruo looked around and found that the palace maids around her were also secretly trying to find the source of this beautiful sound.

The owner of the voice walked out gracefully from the palace gate leading to the south, like a fairy descending from the sky.

The man was accompanied by two maids and a eunuch guard on each side, and behind them were three people. One of them held a bell and shook it gently, making a pleasant sound.

Surrounded by the crowd, a woman in gorgeous clothes slowly walked over. Her face was kind and her temperament was noble, which made Lin Zhiruo feel a little familiar.

(Could this be the legendary Empress Dowager?)

If Lin Zhiruo's memory is correct, then she is undoubtedly the Empress Dowager.

Lin Zhiruo had only caught a glimpse of her from afar at last year's garden party, so she couldn't say for sure, but in the harem, there were very few people who could travel in such a grand manner.

Based on her vague memory and the scene before her, Lin Zhiruo guessed that the woman was the Empress Dowager.

The young empress dowager was completely different from the majestic emperor. She walked gracefully while having someone ring bells, like a fairy walking out of a painting.

"Where is the Queen Mother going?" Xiao Cui asked in a low voice, with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

At some point, she had quietly hidden in the shadow of the building and knelt there like a lurking kitten.

"Why are you hiding here?" Lin Zhiruo asked curiously, her eyes full of confusion.

"Didn't Lin Zhiruo do the same?" Xiao Cui asked back with a mischievous smile on her face.

After hearing what she said, Lin Zhiruo was speechless for a moment, and an inexplicable embarrassment surged in her heart.

Was it instinct? Lin Zhiruo also knelt behind the pillar, bowing her head with everyone else as a sign of respect.

The palace maids received strict instruction since childhood and knew that they had to perform this great etiquette when a distinguished person passed by.

Logically, Lin Zhiruo should also perform this etiquette towards Quan Wushuang and others, but she has often forgotten it recently, as if she was being pulled by some force and lost her way.

(This is not acceptable. We must remain awake and respectful at all times.)

The boundaries between superiors and inferiors must be clearly defined. Lin Zhiruo shook her head and reflected deeply, determined to abide by the rules next time and not make the same mistake again.

"That seems to be the direction of the food shop?" Xiao Cui put her hand on her forehead, looking at the Empress Dowager's back, with curiosity flashing in her eyes.

Indeed, that group of people were heading towards the food shop.

"Food shop?" Lin Zhiruo tilted her head, her heart full of doubts and confusion. She didn't understand why the empress dowager would specially go to this informal place in the harem.

Finally, Xiao Cui cleared up Lin Zhiruo's confusion: "I heard that the food shop was originally founded by the Empress Dowager. At that time, the Empress was in power, so it might not have been convenient to openly establish it, so it still follows the old system."

At this point, Lin Zhiruo suddenly understood.

Everyone said that the Empress Dowager was kind-hearted. Lin Zhiruo also heard that the current Emperor stopped employing eunuchs and strictly prohibited slavery after ascending the throne, all because of a word from the Empress Dowager.

The abolition of eunuchs and slavery were both major reforms.

From a humanitarian perspective, some may regard this as a good deed, but the negative issues that come with it cannot be ignored.

Slavery has become a kind of transaction. If it is abolished hastily, it will inevitably cause difficulties in many aspects.

Furthermore, how to define the identity of slaves is also a thorny issue.

There is no doubt that those slaves who were driven like cattle and horses were enslaved, but if it was those who borrowed money with themselves as collateral, some of them were enslaved in a form similar to a mercenary contract.

If these are included, then prostitutes who are considered legal today might also be considered a type of slave.

Lin Zhiruo recalled that a few years ago, the madam and others had argued endlessly about this matter. Her face turned pale, as if she had experienced a nightmare.

Therefore, although slavery has disappeared on the surface, it has actually just changed its name and is still closely related to people's lives. This is a well-known fact.

However, Lin Zhiruo was not very interested in this, so this was all she knew.

"It's about time for me to go back." Xiao Cui picked up the insect cage and said softly, as if she didn't want to disturb the tranquility.

"Lin Zhiruo is the same. If she hangs out outside for too long, she might get scolded." Lin Zhiruo agreed, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss in her heart.

"That's absolutely right." Xiao Cui nodded, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

Lin Zhiruo thought to herself that the reason why the Empress Dowager went to the food shop might be related to what happened in the Liuli Palace a few days ago.

Now that the Empress Dowager has come forward, there may be a change in the food ingredients in the harem.

Lin Zhiruo really wanted to go and eavesdrop, but if she was discovered, the consequences would be disastrous.

Besides, if I go back too late, Caiwei will definitely scold me.

Lin Zhiruo crossed her arms over her chest and fell into deep thought.

The images of the maids who had been glaring at her in recent days appeared in her mind, and an inexplicable fear and uneasiness surged in her heart.

"Oh... let's go back." Lin Zhiruo said softly, as if trying to convince herself.