Second Prince Mansion.
The fragrance of eight treasures duck enveloped in steam rose from the blue brick stove; in the vermilion lacquered cupboard, official kiln porcelain bowls were stacked into a tower.
Under the eaves hung dried deer legs, smoked geese, cured meat...
The kitchen maids sliced the prepared dishes into shreds, the silver knives tapping rhythmically on the cutting boards.
Footsteps could be heard from outside.
A maid entered from outside, her face lightly powdered, hair neatly combed, and wrists adorned with heavy gold bracelets.
She glanced around and, disliking the kitchen smoke, stopped at the doorway.
Seeing this, the kitchen maids hurriedly approached with ingratiating smiles: "Zi Juan has arrived? What would the Princess like for lunch?"
Zi Juan lifted her chin: "The Princess has lost her appetite and has eaten little these past few days, looking noticeably thinner. It's your fault for having such crude skills."
This...
