Jing Lingyu’s eyes flashed sharply: "She’s most likely jealous."

In Jing Lingyu’s view, if that woman named Ashui was truly talented and accomplished, yet was sent by Qiann Yan to the kitchen to cook, it must be due to jealousy.

Such a beautiful woman, bought for a hefty sum, who would let her toil in the kitchen?

Only a heartless wicked woman like Cheng Qiann Yan would do such a thing.

"Find a chance to bring that woman to see the King." His injury would take some time to heal, and during this period, allowing Cheng Qiann Yan to roam freely was unacceptable to him.

"Master, the accountant has relayed a message that the Princess Consort has withdrawn Fifty Thousand taels of Silver again." Someone rushed in from outside, whispering, making Jing Lingyu almost cough up blood from anger.

He slapped the bed forcefully and said bitterly, "This wicked woman, there’s no end to it."

The people around him were all Jing Lingyu’s confidants, and seeing him so stifled, they were also very angry.

"Master, she cannot be allowed to continue like this, perhaps find an opportunity..." The person next to him gestured at the neck, "As long as it’s done cleanly, no one will suspect the Master, especially since the Master is gravely ill now."

"The King also wishes to, but recently Second Brother’s people are watching this place, it’s difficult to act. Last time, when Second Brother came and spoke those words, the King did not forget them, he definitely has arranged people to observe. One slip, these matters get exposed, and the King will be the target of public criticism."

"That way, it would truly benefit my good Second Brother."

Suddenly, Jing Lingyu’s words shifted: "But today the King has found an opportunity. The newly entered mansion woman named Ashui seems to be someone with great self-esteem, and being arranged by that wicked woman to cook, she must be unhappy."

"What does the Master mean?"

"Find a way to avoid that wicked woman, the King wants to meet her personally. If she can remove that wicked woman, the King will grant her a concubine’s position."

"I understand."

In three days, the small kitchen in Qiann Yan’s courtyard was completed.

Ashui had also learned about half of the culinary skills from the cooks in the kitchen.

To learn everything, it would probably take about a month, after all, the cooks knew quite a few dishes.

If not for Ashui’s incredible intelligence, it truly would not be possible to learn so much in such a short time, grasping the essence after seeing it once, few people could do that.

Ashui’s performance also shocked the cooks, secretly lamenting but not daring to refuse teaching, everyone had experienced the Princess Consort’s ferocity, no one dared to provoke her.

On the fifth day of Ashui’s learning, she began cooking in the small kitchen for Qiann Yan. Fortunately, she only had to make food for Qiann Yan, which was manageable.

As for the other people in the courtyard, Ashui was not so accommodating, she absolutely refused to cook for them.

Seeing Qiann Yan not reprimanding, Ashui became even more self-assured.

Luckily, the people in the Prince Mansion now did not dare to skimp on meals, when it’s time, everyone can eat. Qiao Xin’s mood wasn’t good upon learning Qiann Yan had bought a few people back.

Especially knowing that Ashui was such a beautiful woman, she became even angrier.

However, hearing that Ashui, proficient in all arts like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, was sent to the small kitchen to cook made her very happy.

She often went out to have fun, mingling closely with Bi Ye, completely unaware of the situation in the courtyard.

Wu Liang and Wu Zhi both knew that except for Qiann Yan, no one could wield authority over Ashui. Both were former dart masters, having seen numerous people, understanding that this Miss Ashui was not someone to offend, always being courteous towards her.

Qiao Xin did not know.