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

Hualiu Lane.

This name stirred ripples in Lin Zhiruo's heart.

It holds too many memories for her, both sweet and bitter.

"Are you missing home again?" Liu Wu was leading the horse and caught a glimpse of a trace of loneliness in her eyes.

"That's impossible." She forced a smile. "I was just remembering some old memories."

While the inner and outer imperial cities were as vast as a small city, the inner city encompassed both areas. Flower and Willow Alley lay to the east of the palace, accessible via several dark alleys and paths.

"It would be too conspicuous to go in a sedan chair."

She whispered to herself, secretly glad that she only brought Liu Wu with her today.

Although the young military officer was simple-minded, he also understood that this trip was unusual. He had seen her letters and knew that what she said was true.

Although they were known as famous courtesans, they were very different from ordinary women. Some seduce men with their beauty, while others charm them with their art. The more renowned a courtesan, the rarer they are to see. They would spend all their money on a cup of tea, let alone anything else.

These admired beings, like pearls from heaven, became the dream of countless young ladies. Many young ladies from wealthy families longed to become their disciples, but only a few could truly enter their inner world.

Zuixianlou was the most famous of the brothels, home to a variety of renowned courtesans. Lin Zhiruo gazed at the familiar vermilion-lacquered gate, feeling a mixture of emotions.

From the swaying sedan chair, the streetscapes gradually passed by. Willows swayed gently along the canal bank, vendors carrying baskets hawked fresh seasonal vegetables. Naughty children, kites in hand, chased and played in the streets.

"Not much has changed here." Lin Zhiruo said softly, her eyes sweeping across the familiar shops on the street.

Passing through the vermilion lacquered gate with carved beams and painted buildings, the view suddenly opened up. It was noon, and there were only a few visitors. Several famous courtesans were standing by the carved railings on the second floor, gently waving their round fans. When they saw her approach, they all smiled meaningfully.

"It seems you are very popular here." Liu Wu said honestly.

Lin Zhiruo didn't answer, but quickly walked towards the hunched old woman at the door. "Aunt, it's been a long time."

She looked at the thin old woman clutching a sandalwood pipe, a pang of bitterness welling up in her heart. Once the capital's most celebrated courtesan, she was now gray-haired, like a withered autumn chrysanthemum. She had given up the chance to redeem herself, having spent most of her life in the brothel, now the head of the household, the one who had the final say.

"It's been a while since I last saw you, you ignorant girl." Although the old woman's tone was harsh, a hint of concern flashed in her eyes.

Lin Zhiruo's chest surged, the familiar sour feeling bringing back too many memories. The honest Liu Wu didn't understand what was going on and simply patted her back gently.

"Is this the distinguished guest you were talking about?" The old woman looked at Liu Wu, a shrewd glint in her eyes. "He is tall and strong, with an extraordinary appearance. I heard that he is very important in the army?"

"Aunt, it's not appropriate to say this to my face." Lin Zhiruo interrupted quickly. She knew the old woman's temperament too well.

The old woman didn't care and called a young cook over: "Go and ask Yuqin to come over. She should be in the kitchen researching new dishes."

"Yuqin..." Liu Wu muttered to himself. This was the capital's most renowned gourmet, even the emperor was said to be full of praise for her food.

Lin Zhiruo gently poked the dazed Liu Wu and asked, "Sir, do you know how to appreciate delicious food?"

"I don't quite understand, but I've always had a big appetite." Liu Wu smiled naively.

"That's good, please enjoy it," she said meaningfully. This was her way of thanking Liu Wu for accompanying her.

After Liu Wu was taken away by the young cook, the old woman's face immediately darkened: "Zhiruo, how dare you not have any news from me for ten months?"

"I can't help it. I work in the palace." She pulled out a purse from her bosom. "This is a small gift from me."

"That's all?" The old woman glanced at her purse.

"I didn't expect you to ask Sister Yuqin for help..." Lin Zhiruo bit her lower lip. This silver was half of her monthly salary saved in the palace, specially advanced.

"Silly girl, considering his size, how could Yuqin only make a few side dishes?"

“Even if it’s force majeure…”

"Nonsense, I will keep this account in mind." The old woman slammed the table.

Lin Zhiruo frowned. Even with the remaining monthly salary, it still wouldn't be enough. What should she do?

"It's not that hard. If you can't afford it, just become a cook. It's no different from working in the palace to working in the kitchen. Even if you're a half-baked person, there's always someone willing to teach you."

She had heard this countless times. In the old woman's eyes, improving cooking skills was the greatest pursuit in life.

"I shall remain in the palace for another year."

"Then bring more distinguished guests with good taste. No rough ones, but those who can appreciate the food like today."

Lin Zhiruo sighed inwardly, as expected, she was going to be ripped off again.

She thought of Eunuch Quan, but quickly rejected the idea. He was so picky that he'd probably even find fault with Sister Yuqin's cooking. As for Gao Zhongcheng and the imperial physician, she couldn't bear to let them spend money.

"Zhiruo, it's getting late. Your father should be waiting for you at home." The old woman suddenly changed the subject.

"Oh, I see."

Walking through the back alley of Zuixianlou, heading west, I crossed just one street before the bustling atmosphere vanished without a trace. The streets were lined with low, thatched huts, beggars in groups clutching broken bowls, and ragged homeless people huddled in corners.

Pushing open the wooden door of the most shabby hut, she saw her father grinding spices. He was a kind-looking old man. Although he was not her father in her previous life, he gave her the same warmth.

"I'm back."

"You're back so late," the old man said gently, hobbling off to prepare tea. He brewed the tea in a chipped old teacup. The tea had a bland flavor, but it made Lin Zhiruo feel a little warm.

She recounted in detail what she had seen and heard in the palace, and the old man listened quietly, nodding occasionally. After eating a thin porridge mixed with wild vegetables and pumpkin, she prepared to go to bed.

Curled up on the simple bed covered with coarse cloth, Lin Zhiruo heard the old man sighing softly while grinding spices:

This is fate."

The sigh gradually disappeared into the night, but lingered in her heart for a long time.