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

Quan Wushuang, the elegant and powerful nobleman, was much busier than Lin Zhiruo had expected.

She had thought that as a eunuch, his duties were limited to the trivial affairs of the harem, but she had never expected that he would also have to deal with important matters in the court.

Quan Wushuang had a serious face and sharp eyes as he examined the documents on the table intently, while Lin Zhiruo was in a corner of the room, silently sorting out the discarded papers.

She learned that Quan Wushuang would be buried in the study all day today, so she had no choice but to take on the burden of cleaning alone.

Those high-quality papers recorded boring laws, but because no one was interested in them, they eventually became waste paper.

Even the most boring laws, once they become waste paper, can no longer be used and can only turn into ashes.

(What a shame! If I could sell it, I could get some pocket money.)

Although a trace of greed flashed through Lin Zhiruo's mind, she immediately reminded herself that it was her duty and ultimately decided to send them to be burned.

Leaving Quan Wushuang's study and stepping into the vast world of the palace, in an inconspicuous corner, near the military training ground and warehouse, is the garbage incineration plant.

(The military government...)

Lin Zhiruo really didn't want to go, but it was her duty.

She reminded herself again that this was work, and just as she was about to stand up, a piece of clothing was gently draped over her shoulders.

"It's cold outside, please wear this."

Gao Zhongcheng, who is diligent and considerate, adds a warm coat to Lin Zhiruo.

Outside the window, fine snow was flying and the cold wind was howling, but the room was warm as spring because of the fire, making people forget that it was the end of the year and the beginning of the next year, the coldest time of the year.

"Thank you, Sir Guard."

Lin Zhiruo's heart was filled with gratitude. It was a pity that such a talented person had to be confined to the position of a eunuch.

The feeling of coldness is very different with or without this cotton jacket.

Lin Zhiruo put her arms into her plain sleeves, but found that Quan Wushuang was staring at her intently, no, to be more precise, he was glaring at her.

(Did I do something to displease him?)

Lin Zhiruo tilted her head in confusion, but Quan Wushuang's gaze didn't seem to be directed at her, but at Gao Zhongcheng.

Gao Zhongcheng seemed to notice Quan Wushuang's gaze and his shoulders trembled slightly.

"...This was given to you by General Manager Quan. I am just passing it on."

Gao Zhongcheng's hands and feet were a little flustered, and he seemed to be looking for an excuse in his words.

(Is it because he is not allowed to make decisions on his own?)

However, do I need to get his consent to give a cotton-padded jacket to one of my servants?

High loyalty is really hard to achieve.

"I see."

Lin Zhiruo thanked Quan Wushuang, then picked up a basket full of waste paper and set off for the garbage dump.

(If Father were here, he could also receive this gift.)

Lin Zhiruo sighed softly.

Although the outer court is several times larger than the harem, there are very few plants that can be used as food. All Lin Zhiruo can find are some common things such as dandelions and mugwort.

She also discovered Lycoris radiata.

Lin Zhiruo likes to soak the bulbs in water and eat them, but the bulbs are poisonous and will cause abdominal pain if not handled properly.

The madam often scolded her and told her not to eat such things anymore, but Lin Zhiruo was hard to change because of her nature.

(That's pretty much it.)

It is already difficult to find plants in winter, and if you continue looking, you probably won’t get much.

Lin Zhiruo secretly wondered whether she should secretly plant some seeds.

On the way to the garbage dump, Lin Zhiruo ran into an acquaintance.

The place is away from the buildings lined with study rooms, located on the side of several stucco-walled warehouses.

The man had a handsome appearance, extraordinary temperament, and a gentle look, as friendly as a large dog - it was Liu Wu.

The color of his belt was different from before, and Lin Zhiruo realized that he might have been promoted.

Liu Wu was discussing something with several of his subordinates.

(He is indeed a diligent person.)

Lin Zhiruo heard that Liu Wu would go to Chunfeng Pavilion every day when he had a rest day to drink tea and discuss Taoism with the apprentice prostitutes.

It is true that the person he really wants is Princess Ai Ling, but if he wants to get close to her, he will have to spend the money of half a year's labor of the common people.

Those men who have tasted the sweet rain from heaven often linger in Hongxia Tower, just hoping to catch a glimpse of the unattainable beauty of the famous prostitute through the gap in the curtains.

Perhaps Liu Wu was moved by Lin Zhiruo's compassion, so he waved and ran towards her, like a large dog, with the strands of hair scattered by her headscarf fluttering in the wind like a tail.

"Hey, are you here with the concubines today, or do you have something else to do? It's hard to see you leaving the harem."

Liu Wu didn't know that Lin Zhiruo had been demoted from her position in the harem, so he asked her this.

Lin Zhiruo had just returned to the Flower Willow Lane and had not met Liu Wu there for long.

"No, I have left my position in the harem and become a personal maid to a certain master."

Lin Zhiruo did not want to explain the dismissal, so she kept it brief.

"Personal maid? Which lord has such a taste?"

"Oh, it's really unique."

Although Liu Wu's words were inappropriate, this is normal.

Who would hire a girl with freckles all over her face and who looks like a dead tree as a personal maid?

Up to now, Lin Zhiruo had no intention of wearing freckles makeup again, but if her master ordered her to do so, she had no choice but to obey - for some reason, Quan Wushuang still ordered Lin Zhiruo to maintain this makeup.

(What exactly does this lord mean?)

Lin Zhiruo thought that it was difficult to guess the heart of a noble person.

"By the way, it seems a high-ranking official recently redeemed the prostitutes in your area."

"It's true."

(Being misunderstood like this is unavoidable.)

When Lin Zhiruo was hired, the ladies dressed her up carefully, put on her treasured clothes, tied up her hair, and put on heavy makeup. I guess she didn't look like a new servant at that time.

Lin Zhiruo still remembered that her father watched her leave with the same look as if he was watching a calf being led away.

It was rare for a girl dressed as a prostitute to enter the palace. Coupled with Quan Wushuang's prominent status, Lin Zhiruo attracted much attention and felt very uncomfortable.

Although she changed her clothes quickly, she was already seen by many people.

(Let’s talk)

This person was right next to him, but Liu Wu was completely unaware of him and continued talking to himself. He was truly extremely stupid.

"Speaking of which, my Lord seems to be busy with some affairs. Would it be a problem for you to leave now?"

"Yeah, just some trivial matters."

The subordinates approached Liu Wu, seemingly observing his expression.

These military officers, who had meager salaries, usually seldom had women as their companions. When they saw Lin Zhiruo appear, they were all delighted at first, but after seeing her appearance clearly, they all showed disappointment.

Lin Zhiruo had anticipated this, but she still felt a little uncomfortable.

"There's a small fire over there."

Liu Wu pointed his thumb in the direction of the huts and saw that one of them had been blackened and the ground was covered with spilled water stains.

I think Liu Wu is investigating the cause of this small fire.

(The cause has not yet been determined.)

It is really embarrassing that when encountering such a thing, others are not allowed to intervene.

Lin Zhiruo nimbly passed between the two military officers and headed towards the small house.

"Hey, don't get too close."

"know."

Lin Zhiruo responded to Liu Wu, but her eyes were carefully looking at the surrounding buildings.

The plaster walls were covered with cracks and stained with coal.

Fortunately, the fire did not spread to other cabins.

(Huh)

If it was just an ordinary small fire, there would be some doubts.

If it was just a small fire, why would Liu Wu need to take action personally?

Just send an official of lower rank to handle it.

Furthermore, although it was only a small fire, the building debris all over the ground made it look more like an explosion.

It is not difficult to imagine that someone must have been injured as a result.

If an ordinary warehouse was burned, it might not be a big deal, but since this happened inside the palace, it had to be taken seriously.

Although the country is generally peaceful, not everyone is convinced.

Border ethnic groups often invaded, and famine and drought occurred from time to time.

Although relations with foreign countries appear to be harmonious on the surface, it is difficult to predict whether they can be maintained in the long run....

It is actually internal and external troubles!