tallest building

Chapter 331 A Clear Mind

The Empress was delighted because the Emperor had asked for more rice during the meal, and his appetite was much better than usual.

"Go and call Zhang Ma over. Tell her that His Majesty and I both want to reward her," the Empress instructed with a smile. "Speak slowly, don't frighten her."

Yu Lu personally went to invite Zhang Ma, and when they met, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile: "Zhang Ma, congratulations! His Majesty ate your cooking and praised it highly. You've really hit the jackpot this time!"

The others in the imperial kitchen also congratulated Zhang Ma, as they had never encountered such incredible good fortune.

In the past, even if there were rewards, it would only be a matter of a eunuch delivering a verbal order and distributing the reward money.

Although one is supposed to express gratitude, it's nothing more than kowtowing outside the palace gate, and they might not even be summoned.

They would simply kowtow to their master's bedchamber and that would be it.

"I'm covered in soot and smoke, it's not appropriate for me to go and meet the Emperor, is it?" Zhang Ma tugged at her clothes. "It would be so disrespectful."

“Then quickly change your clothes and wash your face,” Yu Lu said. “We can’t linger too long, otherwise it will really be disrespectful.”

After tidying up a bit, Zhang Ma followed Yu Lu out.

As Yu Lu walked, he instructed him, "When we get to the palace, wait outside. I'll go in and report. If the Emperor calls you in, then go in. If he doesn't, just kowtow and express your gratitude from the outside. But I reckon he will have to go in. Don't be afraid, His Majesty and the Empress are both kind and understanding, and besides, you have rendered meritorious service."

Upon arriving at the Empress's palace, Yu Lu instructed him to wait in the shade at the foot of the steps while he went in to deliver his message.

"Zhang Mama has arrived and is waiting outside!" Yu Lu reported to the Emperor and Empress.

Generally, the person receiving the reward can express their gratitude outside, or kowtow through a curtain in the outer room.

But today the Emperor said, "Let her come in and receive her reward in person! She's quite capable to prepare such a meal."

"Your Majesty is in high spirits and would like to see the chef. It would be good if we could meet the chef. In the past, Wenhui Jun learned the way of health preservation from seeing the butcher Ding butchering an ox. Zhang Ma is well-versed in cooking and must also have some knowledge of health preservation." The Empress felt that her analogy was very apt.

Yu Lu came out and whispered to Zhang Ma, "You've really stepped up this time! His Majesty wants you to go and thank him in person! In all these years, there hasn't been a royal chef meeting the Emperor. Go in quickly! Slow down, keep your head down, and don't look up."

He thought Zhang Ma was just a country bumpkin who hadn't seen much of the world and had never met the emperor, so he kindly gave her a few words of advice in case something went wrong.

"Thank you for your advice, Steward Yu," Zhang Ma nodded. "I will be careful."

The curtain of golden rattan and Xiangfei bamboo was lifted, and the fragrance of green orange and amber filled the air, a scent blended by Wen Mingqian.

Over the years, the furnishings in the Empress's palace have remained unchanged; only the people in the palace have aged.

"This servant, Zhang, greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress." Zhang Ma knelt on the ground, her head bowed low. "I am a simple countrywoman, unfamiliar with royal etiquette. I beg Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress for your forgiveness."

"Rise!" the Emperor said. "Your cooking is excellent. I wish to reward you. Is there anything you desire?"

“This old servant has no relatives or friends, and is all alone, with only the Fourth Young Master Gong as my master. If Your Majesty allows this old servant to ask for a reward, please give it to the young master!” Zhang Ma said, straightening up slightly.

The dialogue was almost exactly the same as it had been back then, except that the master Zhang Ma referred to was now Gong Chang'an instead of Consort Shen.

The Emperor understood everything; Zhang Ma was none other than Wei Fu. "I command you to rise and raise your head," the Emperor said. "Chang'an will have its own rewards, but today your reward is equally indispensable."

For many years, I have been reluctant to drink, only managing a few meals. Today, your meal has greatly whetted my appetite; you have done me a great service.”

Zhang Ma slightly raised her head to look at the Emperor. She saw that his temples were graying, his brows were furrowed, and he was much thinner than before. She couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

But seeing Gong Chang'an standing right next to him, with his noble appearance and extraordinary demeanor, he felt extremely gratified.

After ten years of enduring hardship and biding his time, he finally managed to send the child to the emperor's side.

When the emperor saw him, he was completely different from what he used to be, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

After calming down a bit, he said, "I bestow upon you the rank of a fourth-grade palace maid. From now on, you must serve me wholeheartedly so as not to fail my praise."

Zhang Ma immediately knelt down to express her gratitude.

The Empress, not forgetting to add to the occasion, said with a smile, "Zhang Ma, this is the first time I've met you, so I'll reward you with four palace flowers, four sets of palace robes, and four auspicious purses!"

"This old servant thanks Your Majesty for the reward." Zhang Ma kowtowed to the Empress again on the spot.

"Alright, you've worked hard too, go and rest. His Majesty should also take a good nap." The Empress felt she had already given Zhang Ma a lot of face, so she told him to lead her away.

Zhang Ma thanked him again and came out, and Yu Lu saw him out once more.

"Steward Yu, did I do anything rude just now?" Zhang Ma deliberately feigned a flustered expression. "You don't know, my palms were sweating profusely."

"Oh my, Aunt Zhang, I never expected you to behave like this on your first meeting with the Emperor. I underestimated you before," Yu Lu said with a smile. "You were truly impeccable."

"It's good that nothing serious happened. We're also grateful for your advance notice." Zhang Ma thanked him.

"Oh, you're being too polite! You'll have to help me out more in the future," Yu Lu said quickly. "It's clear that our masters can't do without you!"

"Steward Yu, please don't say that," Zhang Ma quickly waved her hand. "I'm just an old man with limited knowledge and experience. If I ever do anything wrong in the future, please remind me. I would be extremely grateful!"

“You’re too kind, Mingqian. We’ve always been close, like siblings. Now that you’ve entered the palace, aren’t we all on the same side? I admire capable people the most, and you and your servant are both remarkable,” Yu Lu knew that there was no harm in building a good relationship with them.

Where isn't it a case of people carrying each other in a sedan chair?

"Steward Yu, please don't say that, it's too kind of me. All I know in my life is to serve my master wholeheartedly, I know nothing else. Fortunately, I've been lucky and have met many good people. A benefactor like Steward Yu has always helped and supported me, ensuring that I don't make any major mistakes." Zhang Ma said with a smile, "When I have some free time someday, I'll prepare a feast and invite you there, that would be an honor."

"Of course, of course. I'd love to have such a good thing." Yu Lu thought that Zhang Ma was not a simple person; she was a person who was rough around the edges but shrewd inside.

Gong Chang'an and Ying Shan also went back to rest.

The Empress smiled and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, after drinking the digestive tea, would you like to take a bath before lying down? In weather like this, you should sleep more. The bath water has been prepared, and Qi Yu and the others can serve you."

"Very well, I ate a bit too much for lunch today, so I'll lie down if I feel unwell." The Emperor nodded. "Your Majesty, please rest first!"