Chapter 142: Investigation of Dong Gong

Volume One Chapter 142 Investigation of Dong Gong

Early the next morning, Han Xinglan was to go watch the military drill, and Rong Luoge also needed to reorganize Dong Gong today, so the two of them got up early.

Rong Luoge fastened Han Xinglan's belt, smiled at him, and said, "The drill today will probably be very lively, Your Highness, you must be careful not to be caught in the crossfire like a fish in a pond."

Han Xinglan reached out and wrapped his arms around Rong Luoge's waist, his forehead pressed against hers.

Rong Luoge felt a little uneasy and laughed, "What are you doing?"

Han Xinglan could hardly understand his own action; as the saying goes, lovers see beauty everywhere, and no matter how he looked at Rong Luoge, she seemed wonderful, giving him a desire to tuck her into his pocket and carry her around.

Thinking that way, he felt embarrassed himself, and of course he couldn't tell Rong Luoge, so he said, "I just wanted to hug you."

Rong Luoge was at a loss, half laughing, half crying, and wrapped her arms around his waist in return.

After seeing Han Xinglan off, Rong Luoge summoned Yuan Bao and asked, "How is the matter progressing?"

Yuan Bao replied immediately, "I have already organized the rosters of each palace, and also sorted the list of the kitchen staff. I have carefully checked every imperial chef in the kitchen; their backgrounds are clean, and each of them has been with Your Highness since he first entered Dong Gong, and over all these years there have been no issues."

Rong Luoge took the roster Yuan Bao handed over, skimmed it briefly, and was surprised to see the kitchen had over two hundred people. "So many people in the kitchen?"

Yuan Bao, hearing Good Lady ask, immediately said, "Yes, the imperial chefs do not handle other trivial tasks; those are done by others. Moreover, the kitchen's division of labor is strict, each step is overseen by someone, which also facilitates later inquiries."

Yuan Bao gave a brief explanation of the kitchen affairs, and Rong Luoge learned that besides the master chef overseeing the stove, other tasks such as chopping firewood, stoking the fire, washing dishes, and slaughtering chickens and ducks each have dedicated staff. There are also messengers who deliver meals; all together, the number of people is indeed not large.

Rong Luoge hadn't expected a kitchen to be so complex, and looked at Yuan Bao, asking, "If that's the case, does it mean this matter is easy to investigate?"

Yuan Bao replied at once, "I am secretly screening suspicious candidates. Although each step is supervised, because kitchen staff are each responsible for their own duties, they may become too busy to pay much attention to others' tasks. If a schemer knows the kitchen thoroughly, there will still be opportunities to act."

Rong Luoge understood: those who can act, dare to act, and can seize the chance must be people who have been in the kitchen for many years.

"Has there been any news from Dong Liang?" Rong Luoge asked again. The investigation must be thorough, but it should be done discreetly, trying not to cause panic in Dong Gong, lest Consort Ming and others find leverage to attack Han Xinglan.

"Not yet," Yuan Bao said.

Rong Luoge nodded, "Continue investigating the kitchen matters, and don't focus solely on the imperial chefs; the perpetrator could very well be an unnoticed person in the kitchen."

Yuan Bao thought this reasonable, "Good Lady said that those who can become the head chef of Dong Gong have passed several examinations; bribing them is truly difficult, but the other laborers in the kitchen are a different story, and the small folk are inconspicuous, so most people won't pay attention to them."

"That's the point. First, investigate the background of the kitchen staff, especially to see if anyone has ties to Hou Gong," Rong Luoge said, looking at Yuan Bao. "Also check who has connections with Consort Ming's side."

"Yes, I've noted it," Yuan Bao nodded.

"You go handle your tasks first," Rong Luoge said.

Yuan Bao hurriedly took his leave; the job was not easy, it was a huge project, and time was of the essence.

After sending Yuan Bao away, Rong Luoge looked at Rong Xin and Que Cai and said, "From today onward, all regulations of Dong Gong must be established. Who originally oversaw this matter in Dong Gong?"

"Originally it was Zhao Mama who managed it. When Good Lady entered Dong Gong, Zhao Mama happened to be ill and was recuperating outside the palace. Later Good Lady didn't summon her back, so Zhao Mama remained waiting outside," Rong Xin said.

Rong Luoge was startled, "There's also this? How come no one informed anyone?"

Rong Xin replied, "It just so happens that Zhao Mama, after recovering from a serious illness, still needs to convalesce and can't come in for a while. Does Good Lady intend to summon her back?"

Rong Luoge nodded, "Send someone to go and deliver the message."

"Yes." Rong Xin turned and walked out, sending someone to convey the message to Zhao Mama.

She guessed that Zhao Mama had been anxiously waiting at home these days, and would be delighted to return to duty.

Rong Xin was right; Zhao Mama arrived quickly. Upon seeing Rong Xin, Zhao Mama immediately walked over warmly, "Miss Rong, we haven't seen each other these days; are you well?"

Rong Xin, who got along well with Zhao Mama, smiled and asked, "Grandma, are you feeling fine?"

"Very well, I can return to serve the master again," Zhao Mama said, still unsure of Rong Good Lady's temperament, and quietly probed Rong Xin a few questions, lest she inadvertently upset Good Lady and jeopardize the assignment.

Rong Xin looked at Zhao Mama and said, "Good Lady is a very good person; as long as the tasks assigned are handled properly, there's no one more easy‑going and generous than Good Lady."

Hearing this, Zhao Mama felt reassured; Rong Good Lady is a person who gets things done, which is just perfect.

Zhao Mama thanked Rong Xin, then entered the main hall to meet Rong Good Lady.

This was also Rong Luoge's first time seeing Zhao Mama; she was neatly dressed, her eyes clear black and white, her speech orderly. Rong Luoge felt very satisfied—so long as she is capable, it would be perfect.

Zhao Mama, hearing that Good Lady wanted her to inspect every hall of Dong Gong and verify the people on the roster, said it was a routine matter; she does it every year, and immediately said, "I'll go right away; it can be finished in half a day."

Rong Luoge was pleased with the efficiency, "Then thank you, Mama. As for Song Good Lady's side, if they do not cooperate, you may say it's at the Crown Prince's behest."

Zhao Mama felt a chill in her heart; indeed, Dong Gong had two Good Ladies, suggesting the two masters were at odds.

Zhao Mama agreed, immediately gathered her small team, and began the investigation starting from Yanxia Pavilion.

Qin Feng, the lowest‑ranked staff at Yanxia Pavilion, is like the saying 'pick the softest persimmon'; Zhao Mama knew that starting with Qin Fengyi would involve fewer troubles.

When Qin Fengyi of Yanxia Pavilion saw Zhao Mama entering with a group, his face turned pale with fear; upon hearing her purpose, he dared not oppose her and ordered everyone in Yanxia Pavilion to be summoned.

Since Qin Fengyi entered Dong Gong, he has never seen the Crown Prince, and being of the lowest rank, he has lived with his tail between his legs. Fortunately, Good Lady ignores them, so his days are relatively comfortable.

But what is being done today?

Is Good Lady about to act against them?