(The girls are too passionate. There's another update tonight!)

When they heard that Third Young Madam was going to make some new food, the maids all giggled and busied themselves. The small kitchen had already been emptied.

Making mooncakes wasn't complicated. As long as the right ingredients were prepared, it was much easier than making Jingba.

Because of the limited ingredients, Chu Lian only made egg yolk filling, ham filling, red bean paste filling, and pine nut and jujube filling.

She had Xiyan take out the pastries she made before. After wrapping the filling, she carved auspicious patterns on the soft surface of the mooncakes and baked them.

Cantonese style mooncakes were easy to shape and the outer skin was soft and pleasing to the eye.

Because they weren't a must-have snack for the Great Wu Dynasty's Mid-Autumn Festival, Chu Lian didn't make much in fear of taking the cake. This time, she didn't deliver them to the various branches either. She was going to keep them in her courtyard as snacks to satisfy her cravings.

The mooncakes Chu Lian made this time were only about the size of lychees. With the filling mixed in, one could eat a piece in two or three bites. It was very convenient.

After making the mooncakes, Chu Lian changed into a fifth-ranked village ruler's court robe and let Jing Yan put on a set of jewelry for her. By the time she finished tidying up, Qingyuan Hall's Senior Nurse Liu had already come over to invite her to the front courtyard.

Before leaving, Xiyan looked at the mooncakes on the table and asked, "Third Young Madam, do you want to bring some mooncakes to eat on the road?"

Chu Lian thought about what Senior Nurse Liu had told her. She probably wouldn't be back until nightfall from the palace today, so she had to bring everything she needed. The palace wasn't like the estate, so there were many rules and inconveniences. Chu Lian nodded, "Bring some, and bring spare clothes too."

Xiyan used an intricate food box to put a plate of mooncakes on the road. Then, she took out a lotus colored pouch embroidered with the blooming of summer lotus and stuffed three mooncakes into it. She gave it to Chu Lian.

When Chu Lian saw this servant girl's actions, she burst out laughing, "What, are you afraid that your master will be hungry?"

Xiyan's face turned red. Actually, one couldn't blame Xiyan for her habit of bringing snacks for Chu Lian. It was just that Chu Lian had always been a foodie. Whenever she went out, she would always bring some food with her. Those exquisite little pouches were made by Xiyan and the other maidservants. Wasn't it Chu Lian herself?

Chu Lian took the embroidered pouch and put a few pieces of dried meat in it. Gui momo's forehead started to sweat as she looked at her. She reminded her helplessly, "Third Young Mistress, it's getting late. We should set off."

When they arrived at the front courtyard, the housekeeper had arranged for the carriage and horses. Matriarch He was already waiting in the Flower Hall. Behind her stood the chief maidservant Mu Xiang and Zhou momo. Below her sat the eldest sister-in-law, Zou shi.

Zou shi hadn't changed into her official robes yet. The mid-autumn banquet in the palace was in the afternoon. She would only enter the palace in the afternoon. The reason why Matriarch He had accompanied Chu Lian to leave in the morning was because she was afraid that something would go wrong when Chu Lian first entered the palace to thank the Emperor. Secondly, she could use this opportunity to chat with the Empress Dowager and bring her youngest granddaughter-in-law to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.

When Zou shi saw Chu Lian enter the Flower Hall with her maidservants, she couldn't help but look her third sister-in-law up and down.

Chu Lian was wearing the official robes of a country lord. Although it was only fifth-rank, it was very different from the official robes of an official.

The official robes of an official were first-rank to the lowest, seventh-rank. They were all dark colors. Because the style was modeled after the previous dynasty, they were old-fashioned and old-fashioned. Little girls would look old-fashioned when they wore them.

However, the official robes of the women of the Imperial Clan, such as princesses, junzhu, xianzhu, and country lords, were the popular styles of the current dynasty. The country lord's official robes had a pale-lotus color as the base color. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with small golden flowers, and the skirt was a bright red jacquard peony brocade. The combination of these fresh and tender colors set off Chu Lian's youth and tenderness. A wide belt was cinched around her waist, setting off her slender waist.

On her head was a set of jadeite headgear that the Emperor had bestowed upon her. The dignified bun suppressed Chu Lian's jumpiness, causing her to shed the last trace of tenderness due to her young age.

Matriarch He was clearly stunned by Chu Lian's formal attire today and nodded inside. She was happy that San Lang's wife really was a little beauty.

People of this era loved beauty, and Matriarch He was no exception. She laughed and waved at Chu Lian. "San Lang's wife, hurry and come in front of grandmother. Let grandmother take a good look."

Chu Lian bowed to Matriarch He and Zou shi, then quickly walked in front of the old matriarch.

The old matriarch looked around with satisfaction and helped her adjust the slightly crooked jade hairpin in her hair.

Although Zou shi's face held a trace of a smile, her heart was not as good as her face. She suppressed her anger and said, "Since third sister-in-law wants to enter the palace today to give thanks, then you should prepare early. How can you let grandmother wait in the front hall?"

Chu Lian was startled. She didn't think that Zou shi would embarrass her in front of the old matriarch.

In reality, it wasn't that she was late, but that the old matriarch had ordered her to come to the front courtyard at this time and leave together with them.

The old matriarch was old and less tired, so she had arrived a little earlier.

The hand that the old matriarch was using to tidy Chu Lian's hair also paused.

Chu Lian sighed inside and felt a bit helpless. If she had known this day would come, she wouldn't have meddled with the fire in the kitchen.

They were about to enter the palace, and Chu Lian didn't want to cause any unhappiness at this time. She turned around and bowed to Zou shi. "Eldest sister-in-law is right. Sister-in-law will pay attention next time."

Seeing Chu Lian, who was wearing the court robes of a fifth-rank village ruler, bow and apologize to her so humbly, Zou shi felt a perverse sense of satisfaction. She immediately put on a kind sister-in-law's face and personally helped Chu Lian up. "Third sister-in-law, I didn't want to scold you, but grandmother is old and can't endure this kind of torment. You should pay attention in the future. Otherwise, sister-in-law won't let it go just like this."

Chu Lian's slightly lowered face instantly turned cold.

The old matriarch's shrewd eyes blinked. "Alright, it's time. San Lang's wife, let's go."

Zou shi watched as Chu Lian helped Old Matriarch into the carriage and returned to the estate. The lake-green handkerchief in her hand had long since been crumpled up.

Chu Lian helped Old Matriarch off Count Jing 'an's carriage in front of the Vermillion Bird Gate. Then, they entered the soft sedan the old empress dowager had sent. When they reached the southern gate of the inner palace, they were invited down and led by a eunuch into the inner palace.

Red tiles, green walls, overhanging eaves, and glazed tiles sparkled with resplendent light under the clear sky, displaying the glory of the Great Wu Dynasty's inner court.

Old Matriarch was about to go with Chu Lian to see the emperor and thank him when a middle-aged eunuch stopped them.

"Old Matriarch, you should come with me to the Empress Dowager's palace. The Empress Dowager has been waiting for you since morning."

Old Matriarch sighed. In reality, she had already known this would happen and had warned Chu Lian in the carriage. Right now, she could only comfort Chu Lian by patting Chu Lian's soft white hand and ease her heart.

Even Old Matriarch couldn't see the emperor, let alone servants like Xi Yan and Gui Nanny. They were left in the side hall. Only Chu Lian was led by a young inner court eunuch towards the majestic palace ahead.

The golden brick floor beneath her feet was incomparably smooth, so smooth that one's reflection could be seen. Chu Lian didn't dare to walk too fast for fear of tripping, so the journey seemed even longer and more boring.

She was about to meet the number one ruler of the Great Wu Dynasty, the emperor of the country who held the power to decide life and death. How could she not be nervous?

She wasn't born in this era. Although she respected imperial power, she didn't fear it.

"Eunuch Sun, where are you taking Jinyi Xiangjun?"

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out from behind them. Chu Lian and the eunuch leading the way turned their heads at the same time and saw a tall and straight man standing on the white marble steps. The man's blue eyes were really too special. How could they be easily forgotten?

Eunuch Sun bowed to Prince Jin. "Prince Jin, this servant is taking Xiangjun to see the emperor."

Prince Jin's light-colored gaze fell on Chu Lian. He was clearly casually sizing her up, but it made Chu Lian feel uncomfortable. "Today's clothes are somewhat presentable."

Chu Lian was startled, her almond-shaped eyes widening. What?

Was Prince Jin appraising her clothes?

When had she become so familiar with Prince Jin?

Chu Lian didn't want to get involved with the people of the imperial family at all, especially the princes and princesses. They were the center of imperial power, and her goal was not to mediate among them.

Although she had unintentionally helped Prince Jin a little last time, it was still better to stay as far away from him as possible.

Chu Lian bowed to Prince Jin as a way of thanking him for his praise.

"If Prince Jin has nothing else, this servant will take Xiangjun away," Eunuch Sun said respectfully.

Chu Lian was just about to turn and leave when Prince Jin unexpectedly took a few steps closer and then glanced at Eunuch Sun. Eunuch Sun hurriedly lowered his head and silently retreated a few steps, standing guard at the side.

Prince Jin was about the same size as He Changdi. When he suddenly stood in front of Chu Lian, it was as if a dark cloud had suddenly appeared in front of Chu Lian.

Prince Jin lowered his head to look at her. His face was expressionless, and his voice sounded very calm. However, the meaning behind his words made Chu Lian stiffen for a moment.

"Jinyi, you're actually able to help this king, so I'm sure you're well aware of this. There are some things that this king advises you not to do. Even if you have any thoughts, you should first weigh them in your heart and think carefully before making a decision."

Chu Lian frowned. "What are you saying, Prince Jin? I really don't understand."

"If you don't understand, then think carefully!" Prince Jin glanced at Chu Lian again with those unfathomable eyes of his.

Although Chu Lian's face was expressionless, she was already pounding the wall in her heart. What was this?!

In the end, what did he do to make Prince Jin suspect him? Is he sick?

Chu Lian felt that ever since she came to the Great Wu Dynasty, she really hadn't done anything to harm anyone. To be framed like this by Prince Jin, who she had only met once, even a clay figurine had some stubbornness!

Chu Lian didn't want to be nice to Prince Jin. She puffed up her cheeks and glared at Prince Jin. "I will go back and think carefully about Prince Jin's words. You don't have to worry about me."

After she finished speaking, she turned and ran, leaving Prince Jin dumbfounded.

Eunuch Sun was a little embarrassed. After bowing to Prince Jin, he chased after her and shouted, "Xiangjun, slow down. You're going the wrong way. Not that way!"

Chu Lian had no choice but to change to another side. Who knew that the ground was too slippery? She was walking too fast, and her formal attire was too complicated. She accidentally stepped on the hem of her skirt and fell to the ground …