After the courtroom confrontation, I felt as if I was about to collapse.

Oh my, demonstrating my taste ability in front of the Emperor was truly exhausting! Although I successfully cleared Consort Grace's name, now I just want to hurry back to my little room and get a good night's sleep.


"Miss Fenglin, you've worked hard today," Starson said to me at the palace gate. "Go back and rest early."

"Mm, thank you for your concern, Starson," I forced a smile, trying to regain my spirit. "I'll head back now."

The night was deep, and the palace lanterns swayed in the evening breeze, casting a dim yellow glow. Dragging my exhausted body, I walked along the familiar path toward the Imperial Kitchen's residence.


The usually lively palace was exceptionally quiet at this hour, with only the occasional sound of the night watchman's drum and the distant footsteps of patrolling guards. I yawned, my mind still replaying everything that had happened today.

Noble Consort Lewis has been demoted to the cold palace... Although she did do something wrong, seeing her look of utter despair in the end made me feel a bit uneasy. Ah, the struggles in the palace are truly terrifying; someone as simple-minded as me, who just loves to eat, can't understand those complicated schemes.


However, what matters most is that Consort Grace's innocence has been proven, and the second prince is slowly recovering his health. Thinking of this, my mood has improved a little.

Just as I was about to turn a corner, several black shadows suddenly rushed out from the wall and surrounded me.

"It's her! This wretched maid is the one who caused our Noble Consort to be sent to the cold palace!"

"You little wretch, do you think you're so great just because you've done something good?"

"Tonight, we'll make you taste our power!"

Ahhh! My heart instantly leapt to my throat! These eunuchs looked fierce and menacing, clearly Noble Consort Lewis's lackeys, and now they were here to seek revenge on me!

"Gentlemen... esteemed gentlemen, let's talk this through..." I stammered, backing away, but with the wall behind me, there was nowhere to escape, "I... I was just testifying based on the facts..."

"Facts? Hmph! You wretched maid clearly framed our lady on purpose!" The chief eunuch said viciously, "Tonight, we shall avenge our lady's grievance!"

I'm done for, my fragile body is no match for these eunuchs! And it's the middle of the night, even if I scream my lungs out, no one will come to rescue me!

My legs started trembling, my mind went blank. What to do, what to do? Am I really going to meet my end here tonight?

At this critical moment, a shadow appeared before me like a ghost, silent and without a sound.

Before those eunuchs could react to what was happening, they had all fallen to the ground, unconscious.

I widened my eyes, barely able to believe what I was seeing. In that brief moment, the black shadow moved so fast that I couldn't even make out its movements—several grown men were effortlessly dealt with just like that?

"Don't wander around the palace alone at night."

A deep voice sounded in the darkness, and only then did I see the face of the newcomer—it was Ashen, the eunuch!

Under the moonlight, his expression remained cold, as if everything that had just happened was a trivial matter.

"A-Ashen, sir..." I stammered, "Th-thank you for saving me..."

Ashen didn't respond, only gave me a faint glance before preparing to turn and leave.

But just then, my keen sense of smell caught something.

From Ashen, I detected a faint scent of blood, and... the smell of aged medicinal herbs?

The smell of blood was fresh, indicating it had been smeared not long ago. And that herbal scent... it was Golden Sore Medicine, used for healing! I had seen this formula in medical books before; it was specifically for treating sword and knife wounds.

Does this mean... Ashen just went through a battle before coming to rescue me, and was even injured?

"Ashen, are... are you injured?" I couldn't help but ask.

Ashen paused for a moment, glanced back at me, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Your nose is quite keen," he said indifferently. "But this has nothing to do with you. Remember my words: do not walk alone in the palace at night."

After saying this, he vanished into the darkness as if he had never been there.

I stood frozen in place, a mix of emotions surging in my heart.

Ashen... who exactly is he? Why did he appear in the palace late at night? What was the story behind the smell of blood and herbs on him?

From his movements just now, he was definitely no ordinary eunuch. That speed and strength were almost like that of a professionally trained martial artist.

Moreover, why did he save me? We had no prior connection...

As I pondered, I suddenly realized something. If Ashen Eunuch carried the fresh scent of blood and healing medicine, it meant he had just been in a fight. And at this time, what battles could there possibly be in the palace?

Could it be... that he was secretly protecting someone? Or was he quietly eliminating some threat?

Regardless, one thing was certain—this seemingly ordinary eunuch had actually been carrying out some dangerous mission in the shadows.

At this thought, an indescribable emotion welled up in my heart. Gratitude? Sympathy? Or... worry?

I couldn’t quite explain it, but there was a strong urge inside me to do something for him.

Early the next morning, I began to busy myself.

Although the fright from last night kept me up late, I still woke up early to start preparing some special ingredients.

"Fenglin, you're up so early." Jade yawned as she walked into the kitchen. "Wasn't the victory banquet over yesterday? Is there something special to prepare today?"

"Hmm, I want to make some medicinal pastries," I said while selecting herbs. "They have calming and blood-activating properties."

"Who are they for?" Jade asked curiously.

"For... for a friend," I replied somewhat shyly. "He’s been through a lot lately."

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if Ashen could be considered a friend, but I didn’t know how else to describe our relationship.

I carefully selected a few herbs: sour jujube seeds to calm and aid sleep, angelica to activate blood circulation, poria to strengthen the spleen and calm the mind, along with some honey and osmanthus for flavor.

During the process of making it, I put in extra care. Every step followed the medicinal cuisine recipe recorded in ancient texts strictly, ensuring the full potency of the remedies.

"This scent smells quite special," Jade remarked beside me. "There’s a faint herbal aroma, but it’s not too bitter."

"Yes, I specifically blended it this way," I said, looking at the golden pastries in the oven with satisfaction. "It needs to have medicinal effects without compromising the taste."

After the pastries were baked, I carefully packed them into an exquisite food box.

"Jade, do you know any eunuchs stationed at the imperial guards' camp?" I asked.

"Yes, I have a cousin who works there. Why?"

"Could you ask him to deliver something for me?" I handed her the food box. "Just say it’s for the general who patrolled last night—no need to include my name."

Jade looked at me, puzzled. "The general who patrolled last night? You know the imperial guards’ general?"

"Not... not exactly acquainted, just..." I stammered. "Anyway, please help me out!"

"Alright, alright, I'll have my cousin deliver it right away." Jade shook her head with a smile. "You're such a strange one, making something delicious but leaving no name."

To be honest, I wasn't sure if Eunuch Ashen was a general, but his skills and demeanor last night were definitely not ordinary. Besides, the imperial guards’ camp was likely where he would most likely appear.

In the afternoon, Jade’s cousin returned to report.

"The item has been delivered," he said. "However, the general didn’t say anything after receiving it. He just nodded and went inside."

"Did he... did he eat it?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I don’t know about that, but from the way the lord looked, it seemed he accepted it."

Hearing this news, I felt an inexplicable sense of relief in my heart.

Actually, I'm not sure if Marshal Ashen would eat the pastries I made, as we don't have a particularly deep relationship. But thinking about how he saved me last night, wounded as he was, I couldn't help wanting to do something for him.

Expressing care and gratitude through food might be the only way I know how.

In the evening, while I was sorting ingredients in the kitchen, I suddenly heard footsteps outside.

"Is Miss Fenglin here?" A familiar voice called out.

I looked up and saw Marshal Ashen standing at the kitchen door. Now dressed in casual clothes, he appeared less imposing but still carried an air of solemnity.

"Mar... Marshal Ashen!" I quickly set down what I was doing. "What brings you here?"

Ashen stepped into the kitchen, his gaze sweeping around before finally resting on my face.

"Did you make the pastries today?" He asked directly.

My face instantly turned red, and I stammered, "I... I just wanted to thank you for saving me last night..."

"Why didn’t you sign it?"

"Because... because I thought you might not like being disturbed..." I said softly, "and I wasn’t sure if you’d eat what I made..."

Ashen looked at me quietly for a moment, then said, "The pastries tasted good, and the medicinal effect was just right."

Hearing this, a wave of joy surged in my heart. He actually praised my cooking!

"Um... your injury..." I hesitated for a moment but still asked, "It’s nothing serious, is it?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Ashen’s eyes again: "How did you know I was injured?"

"I... I smelled it," I said somewhat sheepishly. "The scent of the wound medicine is quite distinct, and there’s also the smell of blood on you..."

Ashen fell silent for a while, then said, "Your nose is indeed very sharp. But these matters have nothing to do with you."

"I know it's none of my business," I gathered my courage and said, "but if you need any medicinal dishes, I can help prepare them. Although I don't understand martial arts, I have some knowledge about dietary therapy."

Ashen looked at me deeply, his expression somewhat complex.

"Why?" he asked, "We don't really have any connection."

This question stunned me. Indeed, why? We truly don’t have any special relationship; his saving me was just a coincidence.

But for some reason, I couldn’t help wanting to care for this mysterious man. Perhaps it was his aura of loneliness, or perhaps I sensed the warmth hidden beneath his cold exterior...

"I... I don't know why either," I answered honestly. "I just feel that it must be very hard for you, fighting alone in the darkness. Although I can't help much, at least I can make sure you eat well..."

Ashen's expression grew even more complicated. He gazed at me quietly, as if trying to see through me.

"You're a strange girl," he finally said, "but... if you're willing, it’s fine to make some medicinal dishes occasionally."

"Really?" I asked excitedly, "Is there anything specific you need? Something to treat internal injuries or replenish qi and blood?"

Seeing my excitement, Ashen’s lips seemed to curve upward slightly, though his indifferent expression quickly returned.

"No need to prepare anything special," he said, "What you made today is just fine."

After speaking, he turned to leave but paused at the door.

"If you encounter danger again in the future, shout for help immediately. The palace patrol will hear you."

"Yes! I understand!" I nodded vigorously.

Watching Ashen's figure disappear into the night, I felt an extraordinary sense of joy.

Although I don’t know what dangerous work he is engaged in, nor what kind of relationship might develop between us, at least for now, I can care for him in my own way.

The next morning, I got up early to start preparing a new medicinal dish. This time, I selected some gentle and nourishing herbs, suitable for long-term body conditioning.

"Fenglin, you've been making medicinal dishes every day lately. Who are they for?" Jade asked curiously.

"It's... just for a friend," I said shyly. "He works very hard and needs to take good care of his health."

"A friend?" Jade blinked her eyes. "Is it perhaps someone you have a crush on?"

"No... it’s not like that!" My face instantly turned as red as an apple. "He’s just an ordinary friend!"

"Hehe, your face is red, and you still deny it," Jade teased with a sly smile. "But whoever it is that makes our Fenglin put so much effort into preparing medicinal dishes must be a really good person."

He's indeed a very good person... Although he appears cold and aloof, he steps forward to protect others at critical moments. How can a man like that fail to make hearts flutter?

Wait! What am I thinking? He just happened to save me by chance, how can I have such strange thoughts!

I slapped my cheeks hard, forcing myself to focus on preparing the medicinal cuisine.

Regardless, being able to help Chief Ashen with my culinary skills is already very satisfying. As for other matters... let nature take its course.

After all, in this complex palace, having someone trustworthy and caring is already a precious thing.