The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 29 - Xiu Momo

After Zhang Gonggong left, Chun Yu was puzzled. "My lady, why are you being so polite to him?" She truly didn't understand.

Given the high status of the consort, why be so courteous to a mere enuch?

Bai Jingxian remained silent and looked at Chun Feng.

Chun Feng gave Chun Yu a gentle tap on the forehead. "You, every day, I don't know what you're thinking. Zhang Gonggong might be just an eunuch who is in charge of supplying ingredients but don't forget, they are the only ones who can leave the palace."

With these words, Chun Yu suddenly understood.

It is said that once you enter the palace, it is like entering the depths of the sea. Unless granted great favor by the Emperor, it is nearly impossible to see the outside world again.

And many things come from outside the palace. If...

Chun Yu didn't dare to think further.

"Your Highness, I understand now. I will make sure to teach Zhang Gonggong well," Chun Yu said.

Seeing her understanding, Bai Jingxian couldn't help but laugh, "Don't be too obvious. Just interact normally. If you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to trouble him a bit. After all, the favor granted this time is quite significant."

"I understand. I heard that there's a new kind of embroidery thread in the capital, with multiple colors on a single thread. Chun Feng wanted to make some beautiful clothes for you, so I'll go talk to Zhang Gonggong about it tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, the three people in the room all laughed.

Wang Momo returned in the afternoon the next day.

This time, she wasn't alone; she was accompanied by an older mama with a scarred face, looking at least ten years older than Wang Momo.

Bai Jingxian personally met the older sister mentioned by Wang Momo.

She administered the poison antidote to her. The older momo was also quite clear-headed, knowing how much her good friend had sacrificed for her. She didn't dare to cause trouble and obediently took the medicine.

"Your Highness, I know this time I've put you in a difficult position. I can only repay you with my old life." After taking the pill, Xiu Momo immediately pledged her loyalty.

Bai Jingxian, enjoying her tea leisurely, didn't respond immediately to Xiu Momo's pledge.

The tea swirled in her mouth before she slowly swallowed it. The tea gifted by the Emperor was indeed quite good.

"Get up, it's useless for me to take your life. If you have this intention, you might as well help me do something."

This person couldn't be kept within the palace.

Bai Jingxian turned her gaze to Wang Momo. "Although I don't know how you got Xiu Momo out, you understand she can't stay in the palace."

Xiu Momo was of great use; Bai Jingxian hoped she hadn't misjudged her.

Wang Mama knelt down. "Your Highness, don't worry. I've made arrangements. Xiu Momo is considered dead. If she weren't unable to leave the palace, I wouldn't have let you be troubled."

"In that case, I have a task for you, Xiu Momo. I'm not sure if you're willing to help me with it?"

 Since the preliminary matters were settled, it was time to discuss the real business.

"Your Highness, please speak."

Mama Xiu raised her eyes to look at He Liangdi. As long as she could leave the palace and wasn't required to give her life, she was willing to do anything.

After years of torment, she could barely endure any longer.

"It's not a difficult task. You know my background is shallow, and my family is unreliable. Survival in this deep palace requires some money. I don't have many ways to earn money; I can't rely solely on the Emperor."

The message was clear. "Xiu Momo, you seem stable. Since you're leaving the palace with nothing to rely on, how about I provide some capital for you, and you help me earn some money?"

Upon hearing this, Xiu Momo and Wang Momo exchanged relieved glances.

Making money was a small matter; she had the capability to help her mistress earn money.

After all, she came from a wealthy merchant background.

"Your Highness has found the right person. You may not know, but this old sister of mine came from a wealthy merchant family. Her business was quite successful. It was due to this success that she was sold into the palace." Wang Momo explained Xiu Momo's background to Bai Jingxian.

Bai Jingxian was unaware of this. "Oh, I didn't know that. It seems I've been lucky to encounter such a capable person."

"Indeed. When Xiu Momo was at home, she often helped manage the family business. Being the only daughter, she was targeted and sold into the palace." Wang Momo said, becoming emotional.

What a fine young lady, reduced to a criminal's fate.

It was truly unfair.

Bai Jingxian didn't inquire further into how she was betrayed. Once she had the means, she could seek revenge herself.

"It seems I saved the right person. In that case, Xiu Momo, prepare yourself. In a couple of days, someone will take you out of the palace."

She needed to arrange some things to provide Xiu Momo with start-up capital.

Money is essential, and also recipes for soap and other items.

The first step, of course, was to get money from women's pockets.

After the two women left, Chun Feng approached. "Mistress, Xiu Momo might be a troublesome person. Can you trust her with the business affairs?" Aside from her appearance, would anyone buy things from her?

"Do you have a better candidate?" Bai Jingxian knew very well; despite her capabilities, as Chun Feng mentioned, there could still be many troubles.

Chun Feng was at a loss for words. If she had a better candidate, she wouldn't let her mistress be in such a predicament.

Seeing her expression, Bai Jingxian knew she had no other options. "Alright. She has taken the poison, so I'm not afraid of her betraying us. Since she has experience in this area, let's give her a chance."

Finding a capable manager in ancient times was not easy, especially for a woman.

"By the way, how is the teaching going? Have you been approached by the imperial kitchen?" Bai Jingxian wasn't keen on discussing Mama Xiu's affairs further.

Chun Feng looked helpless. "They came to ask, but I had Chun Yu teach them. I'm not comfortable letting anyone else handle it."

The imperial kitchen was full of pretentious people. If they hadn't seen the barbecue skills from Qianqing Palace, they might still look down on the consort's barbecue.

"Make sure you don't let them shortchange you. If they're so clueless, don't let us be at a disadvantage." Of course, it was just a joke.

Due to the barbecue and hotpot, the four senior palace maids and the servants from Qianqing Palace had become quite friendly.

Even the Empress had rewarded them with gifts, indicating that the fine food had won over the nobles' refined tastes.

As Bai Jingxian was arranging for Xiu Momo to leave the palace, she had to involve Zhang Gonggong. Since he was from the purchasing office, arranging for someone to leave the palace was no issue.

However, it would require significant coordination.

A couple of days later, after spending another night with the Emperor, Bai Jingxian managed to persuade him to set up a small kitchen in Lan Yue Pavilion.

Her reasoning was to ensure the Emperor could enjoy fresh food when he visited.

The Emperor had no objections. He was quite interested in his favored consort.