The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

The weather gradually turned cold, and when the first snow fell in the Capital, the family letter from Wuyuan arrived.

The letter was personally written by Mr. Wei, informing Xiao Yuan that most of the Miao Family’s servants had been sold, leaving only Chu Hong and a few others at the Wei Family, and asking Anning how she would like to handle them.

He also mentioned his marriage, saying Xin Lan had already entered the household, noting that Xin Lan was gentle and very filial to the Old Madam. He suggested meeting Xiao Yuan after the Imperial Examination and upon his return.

After reading the letter, Anning asked Xiao Yuan to write a reply on her behalf, addressing the servants who remained at the Wei Residence.

In the letter, she stated that Chu Hong could either be sold or given in marriage, while the remaining servants could stay, as she held their contracts of servitude. These people had come as part of a dowry together, and were no longer related to the Miao Family, hence could be kept for use.

Additionally, she mentioned the new Madam’s arrival. They had missed the wedding, which was very rude, and she requested Mr. Wei to explain on their behalf, stating they would visit to pay respects next year.

The letter was not the only thing sent; some specialties from the Capital were included as well.

Once the letter was dispatched, Anning and Xiao Yuan got ready to settle in for the winter.

Winter in the Capital is very cold, with a dry chill, and the wind is particularly strong. Spending time outside, the cold wind can make your face feel like it’s scrunched up.

Anning, feeling bored at home, made some medicinal oils and cosmetics.

After preparing them, she specially sent some to the Noble Consort Chu, who praised them and requested Anning to make more for her when convenient, also reminding her to send any new varieties if available.

Of course, the Noble Consort Chu did not take them for nothing.

After using Anning’s cosmetics, she sent many things to Anning through a young eunuch, including various types of silks presented inside the palace, many gold and jade ornaments, and some rare fruits as well as vegetables grown in the hot spring manor during winter.

On a snowy day like today, Anning and Xiao Yuan stayed home with nothing much to do, and both fancied having hotpot.

Anning had previously placed some fine lamb outside to freeze, made some meatballs, and prepared tofu skins.

Xiao Yuan procured a large cabbage, cut some kelp, and even mixed his own sauce.

The two did not have the cook handle it, and instead spent half the day busy in the kitchen themselves. Once everything was ready, they set up a small brass brazier in the room, put a pot on top, added the broth and water, and started waiting for the hotpot to boil.

The young couple sat by the stove, chatting softly as they watched the water come to a boil, until they heard footsteps from outside: ”What are you eating here?”

It was Bai En, lifting the curtain as he entered the house.

The snow outside was heavy, and his cloak was covered with snowflakes.

Anning promptly went over to help him remove the cloak and shake off the snow: ”Why did father come on such a snowy day?”

Bai En smiled: ”I have a day off today, so I wanted to come over. I can rest for two days this time, and since it’s snowing heavily tonight, I plan to stay here with you.”

Anning smiled and leaned on a pillow on the chair before inviting Bai En to sit down: ”I will have the servants warm up the kang bed; no matter how heavy the snow, father must stay here tonight.”

Bai En was gleeful: ”Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

He then looked at the table: ”Is this hotpot?”

”Yes.”

Anning nodded: ”It’s so cold outside, so we thought of eating something warm.”

”Then I’m in luck.”

Xiao Yuan stood up and brought over a pot of wine: ”Father, this is freshly warmed peach blossom wine; let’s have a drink together later.”

”Good, I’ve been craving this.” Bai En watched as the water reached a full boil, and he picked up the chopsticks: ”I’m already hungry, so let’s eat quickly.”

The three of them sat around enjoying the hotpot, and Anning cooked plenty of meat for Bai En.

Bai En waved it off: ”Just a little for me, later make something lighter for me, so I don’t end up with a lingering taste.”

Anning continued to serve him meat and vegetables: ”Don’t worry, I made some medicine; just take a pill before entering the palace, and there won’t be any taste left.”

”Such a good thing exists.”

Bai En was intrigued: ”Is it easy to make this medicine? If you have extra, give me some. Inside the palace, we don’t dare to indulge; fearing any smells might offend the masters. Yet some still crave strong-flavored foods, and if this item gets into the palace, it could definitely be exchanged for many things.”

Anning realized the truth in his words.

Eunuchs indeed had it hard, severed from having descendants, which twisted their minds somewhat; hence, they pursued other enjoyments.

However, when it came to food, they had to exercise restraint, only able to eat bland, boiled dishes. That might be tolerated short-term, but enduring it for years or even decades was unbearable.

If they couldn’t indulge in food or beauty, what could they pursue? All they could do was seek wealth or be ruthless, finding satisfaction in the misery of others.

If eunuchs could freely eat, maybe they wouldn’t be so twisted.

”Alright, I’ll prepare some for father later.”

Anning agreed with a smile: ”Father, just enjoy your meal and make sure you eat your fill today.”

”Alright, as my daughter says.”

After finishing the hotpot, Xiao Yuan took a trip outside, and Anning and Bai En continued their quiet conversation.

Bai En softly said to Anning: ”This heavy snowfall has caused disasters in many places, Qingjiang County included. An orphanage built long ago has collapsed, and bandits took advantage of the situation, robbing a wealthy local in Qingjiang County, whose distant kin happens to be the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.”

Anning listened attentively: ”I understand, Father.”

”Understand what?”

Bai En asked Anning with a smile.

In a low voice, Anning replied: ”The orphanage must have been built when the Miao-named person served as county magistrate. I recall that the orphanage in Qingjiang County was established by him before he left for Wuyuan Prefecture. It was a large project, earning him much public praise. When he left, many locals saw him off. The fact that it collapsed in just a few years indicates he embezzled funds, cutting corners during construction and leading to many potential revelations. Moreover, the bandit incident is related to him, as he was no honest person, probably colluding with bandits during his tenure.”

Bai En clapped in admiration: ”Good, good, as expected of my daughter, wise beyond your years, genuinely remarkable.”

Anning laughed: ”Father, you flatter me. I understand that you seek justice, and it’s because of that I thought in these terms. Without your hint, I wouldn’t have figured this out.”

Bai En affectionately patted Anning’s hair: ”No need for modesty with your father. I know you’re smart, and your husband is good too. Father seeks to enjoy the blessings from you both in the future.”

Bai En then inquired: ”When will you give me a grandchild? Once I have a grandson, I’ll retire and live with you, helping you with the children.”

”I’m still young.”

Anning blushed: ”There’s no rush, it’ll happen when it happens, but you’ll definitely have a grandchild to hold.”

While the father and daughter conversed, Xiao Yuan returned from outside.

Upon entering, he remarked: ”The snow got heavier outside, it seems the heavens want father to stay. I just had some hot food prepared and arranged two rooms with heated kang beds for father’s attendants.”

Anning pulled Xiao Yuan to sit: ”Since father rarely visits, let’s make dumplings tonight. We won’t have servants make them; the three of us will. I’ll clear up the kang, and we’ll make dumplings there, cooking some over a small stove as we handcraft more, enjoying them fresh.”

”Sure, I’m great at making dumplings.”

Bai En was excited and urged Anning to prepare quickly; he wanted to help knead the dough and grind the fillings.

After some discussion, they decided on three types of dumpling fillings: chive and egg, radish and lamb, and cabbage and tofu.

Being winter, there wasn’t much variety in vegetables, so they could only choose fewer fillings. In summer, Anning could come up with a dozen different fillings.