The Empress Dowager smiled broadly and personally bent down to help Han Guiren up: "Good child, then let us go."
The palace attendants had already laid out the meal on the table.
The Empress Dowager’s meals were made in the small kitchen, different from everyone else’s, she only consumed vegetarian meals, even Consort Zhuang in the harem didn’t eat vegetarian every meal every day.
"Han Guiren, what I eat here is tasteless, sorry to put you through this,"
After the meal, the Empress Dowager rinsed her mouth and said to Han Guiren with a smile.
Han Guiren also rinsed her mouth, and softly responded: "What you said, Empress Dowager, is not true. I genuinely think the chef in your small kitchen has exquisite skills, and the vegetarian meals taste very authentic. The last time I had vegetarian meals this delicious was at Chan Mountain Temple."
"Han Guiren, you have also been to Chan Mountain Temple?" The Empress Dowager was intrigued.
"Yes, my grandmother loves to worship Buddha, and she always goes to Chan Mountain Temple to listen to Master Yongyan’s teachings. When I was in the boudoir, I often accompanied my grandmother there as well."
"I have heard of this matter. Madam Han is a frequent visitor to Chan Mountain Temple. Speaking of which, this chef in my small kitchen who makes vegetarian meals also came from Chan Mountain Temple and used to make vegetarian meals there."
"No wonder," Han Guiren’s eyes lit up upon hearing this: "I was wondering why the taste was somewhat familiar, but I didn’t dare to speak rashly in front of the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager was amused by Han Guiren’s words and kept laughing.
"Madam, the Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau, Eunuch Zhang, has arrived," Chen Jing walked over slowly and said softly.
Zhang Jian, what is he here for?
The Empress Dowager’s smile faded.
"Since you have matters to attend to, I will take my leave first," Han Guiren discerningly stood up.
"Is Han Guiren unwilling to spend more time with this old lady?" The Empress Dowager said with a gentle smile.
Han Guiren hurriedly apologized: "Forgive me, Empress Dowager, that was not my intention."
She slowly walked to the Empress Dowager’s side, supporting the hand the Empress Dowager raised, and walked with her towards the main hall.
Han Guiren helped the Empress Dowager to the main seat and stood to the side herself.
As Chen Jing lifted the curtain, Zhang Jian, with a pale face and bent waist, walked in from outside. Once inside, he didn’t even look to see who was sitting up there before he went straight to kneel on the ground.
"This servant greets the Empress Dowager, wishing the Empress Dowager auspiciousness."
Zhang Jian prostrated on the ground, knocking his forehead on the floor three times.
"Eunuch Zhang, please rise. Now is a busy time for the Internal Affairs Bureau. How do you have the time to come to my Cining Palace?" The Empress Dowager asked warmly.
"Empress Dowager, please save this servant. I inadvertently learned some matters regarding Lady Li, offended her, and even if I don’t lose my head, it’s difficult to stay in the Internal Affairs Bureau..." Zhang Jian cried out in distress.
"Oh?" The Empress Dowager changed her sitting posture: "What did you find out about Lady Li that has you so flustered?"
Zhang Jian, sniffling and tearful, recounted the events of yesterday and today. He did not dare to say that the Emperor intended to punish him, instead exaggerating and omitting parts to say that Lady Li was extremely picky when dining, having the entire table of dishes removed and replaced just because she didn’t like them.
"Is this true?" The Empress Dowager’s expression was displeased, and she asked in a low voice.
Zhang Jian knocked his head while crying: "Empress Dowager, every word I say is true. The Imperial Kitchen sent meals to Luaxin Pavilion twice in a row, and many in the palace saw it. The Empress Dowager only needs to send someone to inquire a little to know whether what I say is true or false."
The Empress Dowager’s face darkened: "How dare Lady Li be so extravagant!"