Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 442

Time passed quickly as Gu Yin and Empress Zhou enjoyed their conversation and shared various activities. Gu Yin, having previously received the finest bird’s nest from Empress Zhou as a gift, now wished to reciprocate. It was clear that conversation alone would not suffice. Therefore, she extended an invitation to Empress Zhou to visit the massage department downstairs.

Concerned that Empress Zhou might feel uneasy on her first visit, Gu Yin personally accompanied her. They washed their hair and received a massage together, followed by a consultation with a maid well-versed in the latest fashions from the capital, who applied beautiful makeup on them.

As evening approached, it was time for Empress Zhou to return to the palace. It was then that she understood why the restaurant had so many female guests. The place was genuinely comfortable, and its appeal lay not only in its decor but also in its delectable food and impeccable service. Everyone, from the owner Gu Yin to the manager, waitress, massage department attendants, and even regular guests like Mrs. Lu, exuded a rare sense of warmth and relaxation that permeated the atmosphere.

“I’m sorry that the tickets for the fifth-floor plays are sold out today, and we couldn’t find any extra seats for you,” Gu Yin personally saw Empress Zhou off, expressing her regrets. “I apologize for any inconvenience.”

Empress Zhou assured her that the afternoon had been incredibly enjoyable, and there was no need to apologize.

Understanding that Empress Zhou needed to return to care for Lu Zhao, Gu Yin didn’t delay her further and escorted her to the intersection.

Qian Sansi gestured for the group to proceed, and they made their way back to the palace. When it was time to transfer to a sedan chair upon returning to the palace, Empress Zhou politely expressed her gratitude to Qian Sansi, acknowledging that he had waited downstairs for quite some time.

Qian Sansi didn’t mind at all. While he had waited for a considerable duration, he hadn’t found it tiresome.

Gu Yin, upon seeing Empress Zhou, inquired about Qian Sansi’s presence.

The previous day, Gu Ye had mentioned his desire for Huaiyang cuisine, which coincidentally aligned with Gu Yin’s need for a cook specializing in Huaiyang dishes. So She sought information from Manager Zhou and hired a new chef.

Rather than mentioning that the cook had been thinking about him specifically, Manager Zhou simply informed Qian Sansi that the restaurant had hired a new chef and invited him to taste the food.

When the authentic Huaiyang dishes arrived at the table, Qian Sansi recognized the flavors of his hometown, and it became apparent to him that a restaurant like ‘Food of Heaven’ wouldn’t hire just any chef. The fact that the dishes tasted like home couldn’t be a mere coincidence.

The only person who could have knowledge about his hometown, understood his longing for its flavors, and have a connection with ‘Food of Heaven’ was Gu Ye.

Qian Sansi had positioned himself on the frontline because Concubine Feng had treated eunuchs like him with disdain. In contrast, Gu Ye’s politeness and respectful attitude towards everyone made him more deserving of assistance and trust.

In reality, their relationship was unattainable, as Gu Ye had been officially recognized and returned to the palace the previous month. However, what happened had left a significant impact on Qian Sansi.

Subsequently, Manager Zhou approached Qian Sansi, inquiring if he wished to take the chef away, as the cook was effectively just running errands. Whether the chef worked at ‘Food of Heaven’ or in Qian Sansi’s household made no difference.

Qian Sansi declined the offer, explaining, “This chef is highly skilled. Having him cook exclusively for me at home would be excessive. Let him stay here, and I can come here whenever I have free time.”

By making such a choice, Qian Sansi intended to show his favor and lower himself to build a closer relationship. The more often he visited, the closer their bond would grow.

Consequently, after Empress Zhou had finished speaking, Qian Sansi responded respectfully, saying, “This servant would never dare to complain about the tasks assigned by Your Majesty. Not only did the Empress enjoy the food, but this servant also took great pleasure in it.”

He continued, “So this isn’t a burdensome job but a delightful one! If the Empress decides to visit again, please remember this old servant.”

Empress Zhou paused for a moment, then asked thoughtfully, “Will we return here next time? Could it be inconvenient given my status in the palace?”

Qian Sansi glanced around, ensuring that their conversation remained discreet, and continued in a hushed tone, “Although the empress holds a high position, in the past…” He signaled for those nearby to step back and then proceeded to say, “His Majesty occasionally left the palace to visit His Royal Highness Prince Lie. The Empress Dowager has also ventured out of the palace a few times to attend the theater. Furthermore, His Royal Highness Prince Lie is a filial and virtuous person. He would undoubtedly be delighted to know that the Empress and the general’s wife have formed a strong bond.”

Empress Zhou recollected that the first time she met Gu Ye was in the palace. However, Gu Ye was not a stranger to Emperor Zhengyuan and the Empress Dowager; they had seen him outside the palace.

Qian Sansi’s words were accurate, and it was clear that her eldest son would find happiness in such a situation. In the past, it had been her eldest son who had consistently considered her well-being and made sacrifices for his younger brother. As a mother, it was her turn to do something that would bring him joy.

Recalling the warm and inviting ambiance of Elegant Hall, Empress Zhou couldn’t help but smile and said, “That’s understandable.”