But today, Eunuch Pan seemed to have changed into clean clothes before coming—there was no longer any trace of that greasy kitchen smell on him.
Four young eunuchs followed behind, carrying quite a few items. Lin Wanyi glanced at them, curiosity in her eyes.
"Eunuch Pan, what brings you here?"
"The young lady has just entered the palace, and I don't have anything grand to offer. But I noticed Xiao Luzi going to the kitchen early this morning to ask for flour. I was worried the servants might not handle things properly, so I personally gathered some better items for your use."
As he spoke, the eunuchs began setting down various utensils and ingredients essential for a small kitchen.
Chunqi's eyes sparkled at the sight of it all. She turned to look at her young lady, silently asking for permission.
Lin Wanyi couldn't help but laugh. She hadn't expected the imperial kitchen staff to be so attentive.
Eunuch Dong had just sent side dishes earlier, and now the imperial kitchen followed suit with more provisions. While the gesture clearly carried some flattery, it was also a timely convenience.
She nodded and said warmly to Eunuch Pan,
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I enjoy cooking at home. I'd only asked her to make a few snacks to satisfy my cravings—I didn't mean to trouble you."
"What trouble? I'm glad to be of service! If you ever need anything, just have Xiao Luzi come find me. I'll make sure everything is taken care of."
"In that case, I thank you in advance, Eunuch Pan!"
Lin Wanyi asked Chunqi to bring over a small purse. Though it wasn't heavy, Eunuch Pan's expression brightened immediately. It likely contained silver notes—more valuable than loose silver.
It seemed Yihua Palace was a good place after all. This young lady wasn't just gentle and polite, but also generous. Since Eunuch Dong had collected the side dishes personally, there was no doubt His Majesty was fond of her.
He couldn't let this opportunity to curry favor slip by.
He accepted the purse with a smile and added,
"I'll send some charcoal and a stove later. On my way in, I noticed the side room by the entrance. It would make a fine small kitchen."
A personal kitchen? For a newly appointed concubine of low rank, wasn't that a little much?
"It would be convenient, but the palace rules…"
Before she could finish, Eunuch Pan quickly interjected with understanding.
"No need to worry, young lady. Eunuch Qin himself said it's permitted."
That was reassuring.
When Lin Wanyi looked at Eunuch Pan again, with his round frame and cheerful smile, she found him rather endearing.
Thanks to this timely "generosity" from the imperial kitchen, the Left Hall suddenly had plenty to do.
After lunch, Lin Wanyi went to rest. Meanwhile, Chunqi, Xiao Luzi, and Xia An busied themselves in the side room, managing to convert a small corner into a fully functional kitchen.
It was compact, but fully equipped.
They now had everything to prepare Lin Wanyi's daily meals—soups, dishes, snacks, and more.
The rice jar was full, the flour container well-stocked. Seasonal fruits and vegetables filled the basket, and even fresh meat had been delivered.
Meat was harder to preserve, so Chunqi sliced and marinated it, then hung it by the window to dry. In two or three days, she could prepare braised meat with fried bamboo shoots—a dish best eaten with rice. Back home, when she made it, the eldest and third young masters would always eat two extra bowls.
Remembering those days in the Prime Minister's residence, Chunqi felt a pang of homesickness. It had only been two days since they left, but it felt like two months.
She wondered how the eldest miss was faring. Were the old madam and the second lady giving her a hard time?
Xiao Luzi, noticing Chunqi's change in expression, asked curiously,
"Sister Chunqi, what's wrong?"
"Just missing home a little. What about you? You've been in the palace for years—don't you miss your family?"
At her question, Xiao Luzi's eyes briefly clouded over, but he quickly forced a grin and replied with forced cheer,
"Not really. My family's gone. Missing them doesn't change anything."
Chunqi looked at his faintly sorrowful expression and felt an odd kinship. She patted him on the shoulder with a smile.
"I'm the same. My young lady is my family now—along with the eldest master, eldest miss, and the young masters. They're all good people!"
"Good people?" Xiao Luzi doubted that. The good ones rarely lasted in this palace.
Still, work was work.
"I'll go fill the water tank. Can't have the young lady without water tonight."
"Alright, be careful on the way."
She handed him a parcel wrapped in oil paper.
"This is white jade cake—perfect to keep you going. I put in plenty of filling, so you're in for a treat."
Xiao Luzi looked at her in surprise.
"For me?"
"Take it. This was the young lady's idea too."
For the first time, Xiao Luzi felt warmth—not from a master's reward, but from someone caring.
He clutched the bag to his chest and grinned, scratching the back of his head.
"Please thank the young lady for me, Sister Chunqi. I'll do my best."
His honest tone made Chunqi chuckle. This little eunuch really was simple and easy to win over.
She returned to the small kitchen to start stewing the health tonic soup that Lin Wanyi often drank.
The afternoon slipped away in the soft warmth of a sunbeam.
When Lin Wanyi awoke, it was already late afternoon.
She had slept soundly and felt much more refreshed.
Xia An came in carrying a basin of hot water and smiled when she saw her getting up.
"My lady, let me help you freshen up."
"Alright."
After a simple wash and change of clothes, Lin Wanyi casually put on a peachwood hairpin. The simplicity only emphasized her graceful temperament.
"The small kitchen is almost done. Chunqi is simmering your favorite soup. You'll be able to have some soon."
"Oh? So many preparations?"
"Eunuch Pan was very thoughtful. Everything he brought is high-quality. Chunqi's so happy she finally has the chance to use her skills."
As Xia An spoke, Lin Wanyi was momentarily reminded of the peaceful days in the small courtyard at the Prime Minister's residence.
But she no longer went to pay respects to her parents each morning—now, her daily visits were to the imperial concubine.