In the years of famine, I led a comfortable life with my husband

Xu Wanqing gestured to Su Zhizhi to open it and take a look. On the equally black velvet hairpin, there lay a snow-white jade hairpin. The hairpin was well-maintained, and the head of the hairpin was inlaid with many jewels, making it look particularly noble.

Xu Wanqing took the jade hairpin in her hand, stroking it constantly, her eyes full of cherishment. "This was given to me by the Empress Dowager on the day I came of age. I've never worn it in all these years, but now that I'm a bit older, it's no longer suitable for me to wear. I might as well give it to you. I think this hairpin suits you very well."

As she spoke, Xu Wanqing casually inserted the hairpin into Su Zhizhi's head.

Su Zhizhi quickly knelt down in front of Xu Wanqing. "How could Your Highness entrust such a valuable item to a humble woman? I am terrified."

"Since I gave it to you, it's yours. Why should you be afraid?" Xu Wanqing chuckled and reached out to pull Su Zhizhi up.

Seeing this, Su Zhizhi was no longer polite. She knew in her heart that Xu Wanqing was just trying to win people's hearts. If she refused again, it would be a loss of face for her.

Su Zhizhi sat down again and said to Xu Wanqing with a smile, "Your Highness is so kind. I will definitely not let you down and will visit you more often in the future."

Seeing that her goal had been achieved this time, Xu Wanqing changed the subject and began to chat with Su Zhizhi about some family matters. Both the host and the guests had a great time, and neither of them mentioned what had happened before.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Xu Wanqing finally said, "It's getting late today, Zhizhi should go back early. Someone, please send Miss Su home safely for me."

Su Zhizhi stood up and said goodbye, "Thank you, Your Highness. I am very happy to be here today. I have no way to repay your kindness. Laiyunlou has also prepared many dishes today. I will host you in a few days and I dare to invite you to come and taste them. I hope you will do me the honor."

"Since Zhizhi has invited me, I will go. Just be at ease."

Seeing that Xu Wanqing agreed, Su Zhizhi turned around and left the princess's mansion with satisfaction.

When I got home, Xie Chengjin was already waiting for me.

As soon as she entered the door, Su Zhizhi quickly took off the hairpin on her head and carefully put it back into the box in her hand. Then, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Xie Chengjin was stunned by Su Zhizhi's smooth movements, and only then he noticed that he seemed to have never seen the jade hairpin in Su Zhizhi's jewelry.

Xie Chengjin was very curious and couldn't help but ask, "Did the princess give this to you?"

Su Zhizhi pinched her stiff neck and nodded. "Yes, she called me over today and gave me this hairpin. Although it's a good thing, I can't accept gifts without merit. But I don't know what the princess needs me to do now."

Su Zhizhi expressed her worries, and Xie Chengjin comforted her, "Don't worry. There will always be a way out. We should take one step at a time. The most urgent matter now is the matter of the imperial kitchen."

When Su Zhizhi heard the word "Imperial Kitchen", her brows furrowed. "Imperial Kitchen? What's going on in the Imperial Kitchen?"

Xie Chengjin then remembered that he had not told Su Zhizhi about the news he had received. "I almost forgot to tell you. I just heard today that the imperial kitchen in the palace has a lot of rules. New chefs must first go to the palace for ten days of training to learn all the rules of the palace."

Su Zhizhi took a deep breath and looked gloomy when she heard this. "How come I have to learn the rules to be a chef? It's really troublesome."

Xie Chengjin couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. "After all, we are in the palace, and the rules are strict. The emperor and the concubines all have power. Learning some rules can at least help you protect yourself in the palace."

"I understand. When will you enter the palace?" Su Zhizhi understood the logic, so what she said was just to vent her temper.

Xie Chengjin recalled for a moment and said, "If I remember correctly, it should be three days later. The Imperial Kitchen seems very anxious this time. I have prepared some silver for you. Take it with you to the palace and make some arrangements. I can't say how much preferential treatment I can give you, but at least I can ensure that you are not excluded in the palace. The people in the palace are unpredictable and basically only care about money. You don't have to be frugal. If it's not enough, I will ask someone to send you more. Don't worry."

Xie Chengjin kept talking, fearing that Su Zhizhi had been wronged in the palace.

Su Zhizhi took the purse handed to her by Xie Chengjin. It was bulging and felt quite heavy in her hand.

The next day, Su Zhizhi began to pack the things she was going to take to the palace. Someone from the palace came to convey the order and gave Su Zhizhi a list.

Su Zhizhi packed the things bit by bit according to the list, and then she breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, there were not many things, and they were just a small package, which was completely enough for a girl.

Xie Chengjin came in and saw Su Zhizhi's bag. He felt a little reluctant to leave. "Have you packed everything? Try to keep the valuables close to you. It would be bad if someone spots you."

Su Zhizhi smiled and nodded. "I know. No need to tell you. I've been hearing so much about it these past few days that my ears are almost callused. I should be entering the palace tomorrow. During my time in the palace, Laiyun Tower will depend on you. Laiyun Tower has just opened not long ago, so we need to be careful everywhere. I think a lot of people are watching me. I'm afraid that when I enter the palace this time, some people will look for an opportunity to make a big move."

Xie Chengjin's expression also became serious. "Don't worry, with me here, nothing will happen to Laiyun Tower."

Soon it was the day for Su Zhizhi to enter the palace. At the doorstep, Xie Chengjin watched Su Zhizhi get on the carriage to the palace. Only until the carriage disappeared on the street did Xie Chengjin's face become stern and he returned to his expressionless look.

Xie Chengjin knew very well that if Su Zhizhi stayed alone in the palace, she would not be able to find out the cause of her mother's death and would easily put herself in danger.

After much deliberation, Xie Chengjin decided to go to the palace himself to accompany Su Zhizhi.

But as Su Zhizhi said, Laiyunlou's business is so booming that if he withdraws now, he might push Laiyunlou into the spotlight.

After much deliberation, Xie Chengjin called his most trusted subordinate to his side.

"Master, what do you want me to do?" The confidant knelt in front of Xie Chengjin, lowered his head and waited for Xie Chengjin to speak.

Xie Chengjin didn't know what he was thinking. After a long moment, he finally spoke, "I'm going to the palace. I don't have the energy to look after Laiyun Tower, so I'm leaving it entirely to you. If anyone causes trouble, you'll handle it. If you can't solve it, you know how to find me. In short, during my time in the palace, Laiyun Tower can't have any problems. Do you understand?"