Chapter 452: Do You Like My Master?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Xiaoxiao did not think that the Empress would only come up with such a small trick with such great fanfare. However, she could only take it one step at a time to predict the future. It was impossible for her to see the smart disciple cum hard working laborer who she had finally found get implicated because of this. Xiaoxiao glanced at the expensive ingredients in the kitchen again and narrowed her eyes with a smile.

A mosquito’s leg was still meat. It would be a waste not to take so many points. “By the way, my good disciple, have I not taught you how to cook at banquets?” Furong’s eyebrows twitched. Of course. She had just handed in a few snacks and left behind a few recipes when her mysterious little master disappeared It took her a long time to find out that she had actually gone to the border.

Not to mention banquet dishes, even if it was home-cooked dishes, her master did not care to teach her, okay?

But looking at the carefully bandaged wound on her wrist, Furong pursed her lips and swallowed her words.

Before she started cooking, Xiaoxiao got someone to take her token to the Imperial Hospital to invite the imperial physician. The palace servants did not make things difficult for her and obediently did as they were told. Just as Xiaoxiao nimbly prepared the ingredients she needed later, the “Imperial Physician” that the palace servants went to invite also came.

Coincidentally, it was an acquaintance.

“Doctor Gongsun, why is it you?”

Gongsun Zhongjing, who was more mature and looked much steadier than before, carried the medicine box. “I happened to come to discuss the next batch of patent medicine. I heard that you were going to invite an imperial physician so I came over.”                     ’

His tone was calm, but his gaze quickly swept across Xiaoxiao’s face neck wrists, and palms. “Where are you injured?”

Xiaoxiao pulled Furong over. “It’s not me, it’s her. I just cleaned her wound and used some conventional medicine. Doctor Gongsun, please take a closer look at her.”

Furong obediently stretched out her hand and let Gongsun Zhongjing examine her. She answered all his questions, but her gaze couldn’t help but shift between him and Xiaoxiao.

Gongsun Zhongjing affirmed Xiaoxiao’s treatment of her injuries. There was no need to apply any medicine. He told Furong some simple things to take note of, such as not touching water or working hard. She could not even hold chopsticks with this hand for the time being. Otherwise, not to mention cooking, even her daily life would be affected in the future.

Furong listened attentively as it concerned her future, but her attention kept drifting in Xiaoxiao’s direction.

She was skimming the broth. As she skillfully removed the foam and excess oil she asked without turning around, “Have you eaten, Doctor Gongsun?” Furong turned her gaze back to the doctor who had nothing else to say other than telling her what to take note of during care.

His lips curved slightly. “Not yet.”

Xiaoxiao scooped a large bowl of broth. “Do you want noodles or steamed dumplings?”

Gongsun Zhongjing’s smile widened. “Do you have prawn dumplings?” Xiaoxiao smiled. “Doctor Gongsun’s preferences are really as usual.” “Do you have anything else later? If not, sit here for a while. They’ll be out of the steamer in about an incense stick of time.”

Furong’s eyes widened. Was Master getting along so naturally with genius doctor Gongsun?

The ingredients that the Empress used to hold the banquet were naturally top-notch. However, to be safe, the food that Xiaoxiao prepared for Gongsun Zhongjing was secretly taken out of her space. Be it freshness or nutrition, it was definitely not inferior to anything in the Empress’ kitchen.

Gongsun Zhongjing did not look at anything else at all. He just sat at the kitchen door and closed his eyes to rest under the sun until Xiaoxiao said “It’s done.”       ’

The crystal prawn dumplings were placed on a porcelain-white plate Beside them was a small plate of freshly mixed dip.

Like Rong Yan, Gongsun Zhongjing did not like food that smelled strongly so the dipping sauce was Xiaoxiao’s special seafood vinegar. Gongsun Zhongjing narrowed his eyes in satisfaction after taking the first bite.

Xiaoxiao did not even turn around. The sound of the chopping board and kitchen knife colliding kept coming. “How does it taste?”

Gongsun Zhongjing swallowed the prawn dumpling in his mouth. “Delicious as ever.”

Xiaoxiao shook her head happily. “Of course.”

Furong couldn’t help but look at the two of them again. She had a bold thought but she didn’t dare to say it.

After eating the prawn dumplings, Gongsun Zhongjing took out a small cloth bag from his medicine box. Then, he waited for Xiaoxiao to finish her work and turn around before saying naturally, “I made a small thing for you.” Xiaoxiao, who was distracted, covered the pot. “What?”

Gongsun Zhongjing unfolded the cloth bag and pointed at a few silver needles inside. “These are the medicinal needles used to test for toxins.”

“Ordinary silver needles can only detect poison, and there aren’t many poisons that can be detected. This set can almost detect everything that’s not good for the body.”

As a princess now, she had to interact with all kinds of people often. She had to be even more careful in everything. After thinking about it and trying several times, he finally made a set of self-defense silver needles.

“Tell me when you’re finished with them. I’ll change the needles for you.”

As for how complicated the silver needles’ production was and how rare the materials were, he did not mention a word.

Xiaoxiao took the things curiously and thanked him sincerely. Then, she put away the small cloth bag without hesitation and continued to cook. ’

This was the first time Furong despised her master. Wasn’t she too slow?

Who would give such a considerate gift to an unrelated person? Moreover, he carried it with him! Was it so that he could give it to his master at any time? Oh my god, what kind of love was this?!

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Xiaoxiao mutter, “I wonder if I can get someone to send this to Little Big Brother Ah Yan. He should be leaving court soon.”

Furong’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Gongsun Zhongjing again, but the latter was calm. “He would come to pick you up.”

Xiaoxiao nodded. “That’s right. I’ll warm it up for him.”

Furong couldn’t stand it anymore, so when Gongsun Zhongjing stood up and ade farewell, she took the initiative to send him off. When they were about to reach the entrance of the courtyard, she finally couldn’t help but say, “Genius Doctor Gongsun, do you… like my master?”

Gongsun Zhongjing stopped in his tracks. From his expression, he seemed to be thinking.

Not long after, he said to Furong, “There’s no need for her to know.”

Furong sighed when she went back. However, before she could finish sighing she realized in shock—

Master, have you dealt with so many ingredients?”

Xiaoxiao lied without thinking. “Maybe the palace maids did it before they left.” Of course not. She asked the space to make them when Furong left. It was fast and convenient to process the ingredients in batches.

She was not stupid. If she finished the entire kitchen alone, would she still want her hands at night?

Furong did not believe that those people were so kind, but the truth was right m front of her. She had no choice but to believe it. She could only mutter and prepare to roll up her sleeves.

She was halfway through raising her hands when Xiaoxiao glared at her “Try moving?”    ^y

Furong was conflicted. “But Master, there are so many dishes… The Empress They’re clearly making things difficult for you.”

Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows.. “Do you think I’m afraid?”