A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 2

6

"Yes. Geez, for these few tiny dishes, the entire kitchen was turned upside down. How could it be easy to prepare Gui Le dishes in such a short time in this kind of place?" The matron raised her head and looked further into the room, whispering, "How is it now?"

The mention of this made Hongqian worry again. "How is it now? I'm worried to death, but she's super relaxed. Let me tell you, according to the Duke, if something happens to her...." She pointed towards the main room inside, "not just me, but the entire kitchen's lives are at stake."

The matron paled.

"Leave this food container to me." Behind the two people, an unfamiliar face suddenly popped out.

Hongqian was startled, clutched to her chest and jumped back. She hadn't opened her mouth yet when Zuiju had taken the heavy food container off her. "The Duke has ordered that, from now on, I will look after Miss Bai. Hongqian is to remain here, to help me familiarise how serving works here. You can just call me Zuiju."

Although Hongqian was shocked, but was happy to have someone replace the pressure of failure. She lowered her head, saying, "Yes."

"The kitchen still has work to do, so I'll get going. The food container does not have to be returned to the kitchen, as I'll come to get it myself. Just put it on the table in the side room." The matron hurriedly excused herself, then stepped into the thick snow, going back the way she came.

Moran walked towards them. "Take them to her, or the dishes will get cold."

Zuiju nodded her head and headed for the main room. She pushed open the door with one hand, the other holding the food container. When she turned, she saw that Hongqian had followed her. She whispered, "You don't have to come in, I'll deal with her myself."

Hongqian knew Pingting's stubborness, her immense ability to hold her opinion regardless of how much one cried or begged. But seeing Zuiju's utter confidence, she wasn't sure what to say. She gave her a look, nodded and went into the side room.

Zuiju lifted the curtain and stood at the door, not making any other steps. She just quietly observed Pingting reading on the couch.

It was a while before she walked towards the table and opened the food container. One by one Zuiji took out the dishes, still steaming hot.

Two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, steamed chicken soup with cloud ears, a bowl of well-boiled rice porridge and four other Gui Le side dishes.

Ten things in total, completely covered in colour, flavour and taste. Each was mouthwatering.

Zuiju spread out the dishes, stood by the raised platform and carefully sat down. "Your servant, Zuiju, due to the Duke's order, has specifically come to serve Miss Bai."

Pingting continued to have her head lowered, reading. Her slightly drooping neck, delicate white skin, was undescribably touching.

"I know persuasive words have all been used by Hongqian already, and even if the food on the table is limited delicacy of the mountains or seas, Miss feels no desire to eat." Zuiju slyly smiled, saying, "Miss' desire is to simply have the Duke by Miss' side. Due to the Duke's temper, surely only an extreme measure of the last resort can soften it? To me, if it really becomes the last resort, even if the Duke agrees to come, Miss can no longer hold up either. This 'I test you, you test me' will be a waste of your life and cause grief to the Duke forever. Miss is a wise person, so why continue such a foolish act?"

Pingting's gaze finally lifted off the book and swept towards Zuiju.

Zuiju saw her movement and went a little closer, intentionally lowering her voice. "Miss' love for the Duke is very deep and can't bear to leave the Duke alone right? You have to look after your body so that you can gain the Duke's love in the future. I have a bottle of special medicine, a family secret recipe. Taking one can replace the meals for the day. As for the dishes on the table, Miss does not have to worry about them. Just return them the way you used to. Like this, in less than two days, the Duke will definitely be distressed and will naturally come to see Miss."