Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

Chapter 126 Let Me Handle It

Deep in the quiet abode of Imperial Concubine Pinglan, the maids gathered together. Quan Wushuang's gaze was as sharp as a hawk. He slammed the table with a deafening roar and demanded sternly, "What secret is hidden here?"

There were several bottles of spices and condiments on the table, all of which were secretly searched out from the food workshop.

These spices have a subtle aroma when alone, but when mixed together they create an overpowering scent that is difficult to tolerate.

The maid, Chang Nannan, seemed to still be surrounded by the lingering fragrance of these spices, a scent she had never experienced before.

Perhaps it was because of this that she was able to avoid being deprived of these treasures that were considered taboo like other maids.

Even if that weren't the case, with her cleverness, she would surely be able to hide these items cleverly.

Nannan closed her lips tightly, lowered her eyes, and remained silent, like a quiet jade sculpture.

(Obviously, she chose silence in response to this sudden questioning.)

The charges she faces include not only the secret possession of prohibited items such as spices and condiments, but also the use of these materials to prepare unknown ingredients.

As for the act of isolating the palace maids in the food workshop, it is probably difficult to be a strong accusation against her.

After all, isolating patients from the public is a reasonable measure to prevent food poisoning.

However, in the harem, cooks were scarce, the palace maids' meals were often delayed, and the imperial kitchen became a place for eunuchs to leisurely drink tea.

Even if the palace maid was sent to the food workshop, there was no guarantee that she would be properly cared for, because there were always people who held prejudices against women cooking.

What's worse is that this practice may result in the death of the palace maids, but it is also a helpless move.

The lives of palace maids always seem so insignificant in this place.

Quan Wushuang obviously knew this very well, which is why he put the evidence in front of her. He can always find a pretext to accuse her of a crime.

However, the head maid named Nannan acted as if she was oblivious to everything.

She was born into a royal family and had a noble status. Perhaps no matter how sharp Quan Wushuang's words were, she could use her status and position to appeal to higher authorities.

What puzzled Lin Zhiruo was Concubine Pinglan's attitude. She frowned and just stared at the head maid quietly, her face full of worry and concern.

Nannan never lowered her head, but looked firmly at the eunuch who questioned her.

(She has such strong will and courage.)

If it were any other palace maid, facing such fierce questioning by Quan Wushuang, she would probably have fainted long ago.

However, in front of this head maid, Quan Wushuang's methods seemed to have little effect.

"I really don't know what you're talking about." Nannan's voice was firm and powerful. She continued, "Yes, I ordered the palace maids to be moved to the food shop. However, compared to what I did, these two people broke in without permission, rummaged through the boxes and cabinets, and attempted to see Madam Pinglan. Isn't that even more rude?"

Admittedly, the items were found in the food shop, but this does not directly prove that it was Nannan's doing.

There was a patient in the food shop, so people should only approach it when delivering food. However, on the other hand, it would not be surprising if anyone entered.

"In that case, I will go and ask the palace maid in the food shop." Quan Wushuang's voice sounded coldly.

"How credible can you be about the words of a palace maid who has a high fever and is unconscious?" Lin Zhiruo immediately retorted.

There was a hint of disdain and anger in her voice.

"So the head maid knew that she had a high fever." Lin Zhiruo said immediately.

There was a hint of sarcasm and questioning in her tone.

Nannan's face suddenly changed, and she might have cursed in her heart: "Stop meddling in other people's business!" However, she did not say these words out loud.

"The head maid is so kind-hearted that she even went to visit a palace maid." Lin Zhiruo continued indifferently.

There was a hint of sarcasm and provocation in her voice.

"In that case, it's only natural that the head maid would have some scent of spices on her body." Lin Zhiruo picked up a small bottle from the table and shook it gently.

Her eyes were full of provocation and disdain.

(No! I can’t force myself to take the lead again!) Although Lin Zhiruo warned herself in her heart, her body moved involuntarily.

The resentment in my heart has reached its peak. Some infuriating things are enough to make people forget their identity and position.

She wanted to reach out and grab Nannan's sleeve, but Nannan pushed her away.

As she waved, Nannan's long nails left a bloody mark on Lin Zhiruo's cheek.

Amidst the uproar, Lin Zhiruo wiped the blood off her face with her thumb.

Although the wound was shallow, it was enough to make people feel sad and angry.

She said calmly, "Don't blame me, Head Maid. I'm just a palace maid. How dare I touch someone as noble as you? Let's ask someone else to check."

At this moment, everyone's eyes in the room were focused on Nannan.

Nannan clenched her teeth, her eyes were bloodshot, and an unpleasant smell of sweat filled the air.

Her pupils also dilated, revealing her inner tension and anxiety.

(I’m only a hair’s breadth away from taking that crucial step…) Just as Lin Zhiruo was about to take that decisive step…

"That's it. Leave the rest to me."

There was an unquestionable pride and authority in the voice, but it did not sound arrogant.

Concubine Pinglan, who was sitting on General Zhimou's bed, slowly stood up, letting her long skirt drag on the ground, and walked slowly towards Lin Zhiruo... No, to be more precise, towards Nannan who was further ahead.

(Huh?) The clothes worn by Imperial Concubine Pinglan are quite similar to the styles that Imperial Concubine Yuyao wears recently.

If she bought this dress when the caravan entered the palace, then there is nothing wrong with it.

However... Lin Zhiruo couldn't help but feel a little confused and curious.

"What crime do you want to accuse her of?" Concubine Pinglan's voice was soft but firm, and she looked at Quan Wushuang with sharp eyes.

"Mrs. Pinglan..." Nannan spoke, her eyes seemed to contain complex emotions and struggles.

However, she did not beg for mercy or forgiveness.

"If the head maid intends to prepare food that causes abortion, it would be tantamount to murdering the royal bloodline." Quan Wushuang stopped talking and closed his eyes without saying anything.

There was a hint of coldness and determination in his voice.

"Really? Is it the same for all concubines, regardless of their rank?" Concubine Pinglan asked.

There was a hint of doubt and dissatisfaction in her voice.

"No matter if they are concubines of higher or lower ranks, they are all treated equally," Quan Wushuang replied.

His voice was firm and powerful.

Concubine Pinglan lowered her eyes and fell on Nannan.

(I see… a complex feeling and emotion welled up in her heart.)

"Li" and "Nan" seem to be names made in heaven.

Lin Zhiruo couldn't help but think in her heart... She didn't think that this head maid with a single name "Nan" lacked wisdom and talent, but there were too many smart but foolish people in this world.

They often make big mistakes because of their emotions.

Lin Zhiruo felt that Nannan was one of them.

In the end, Concubine Pinglan also came to the same conclusion.

"Even if it's just targeting me, is it still like this?" There was a hint of helplessness and sadness in Concubine Pinglan's voice.

She seemed to have a premonition of what was about to happen and the possible consequences.