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Nanny Qi lifted her eyelids and glanced at Zhang Qing, saying, "Thanks to His Majesty’s grace, this old woman’s body is still quite robust, but Eunuch Zhang seems to have progressed even more."

Zhang Qing began to sweat, swallowed, and said, "I am ashamed, truly ashamed..."

Nanny Qi did not waste further words with him and said, "Then step aside."

"Yes." Zhang Qing wiped his cold sweat and stepped aside, not daring to make another sound. Master Lian, he had done all he could; the rest was up to fate. He could hardly protect himself, and his capabilities were limited.

He had been overwhelmingly weary today. He had only gone out once to report back, but unexpected problems kept arising.

Xiao Jizi felt that something was not right. It seemed that Steward Zhang did not want him to show the fish to Nanny Qi. What was going on?

Without waiting for him to think further, he heard Lian Hua urging, "Xiao Jizi, what are you dazing for? Bring it here quickly."

As Lian Hua said this, she walked a few steps forward intending to take the bucket when Nanny Qi’s eyelid twitched. This girl was now two months pregnant; how could she be acting like this? She quickly patted Pang Ya’s hand beside her.

Understanding the gesture, Pang Ya also wanted to see how fat the fish was, whether it was fatter than those in the Yixiang Palace lake. She moved swiftly, grabbing the bucket containing the fish, and quickly brought it to Nanny Qi, saying, "Nanny, look, it indeed is fat."

Nanny Qi glanced at the fish in the bucket, then at the eunuch attire of Zhang Qing and Lian Hua’s group, along with the items they held, and she had her suspicions.

Turning her gaze back to the eager young woman in front of her, who looked at her with eyes as earnest as a puppy, seemingly seeking her approval.

Nanny Qi composed her expression and asked lightly, "Where did this fish come from?"

Lian Hua replied somewhat boastfully, "Just fished it out of Huaqing Pool, Grandma Qi you don’t know, we caught so many.

Afterwards, Steward Zhang said we couldn’t eat that many and it’s better to put them back to breed and catch later when we want to eat.

This one is really big, look at it," she urged.

She could not help but stretch her hand into the bucket and poke at the fish, which opened and closed its mouth, breathing.

Nanny Qi’s frown deepened. This girl still calls her Grandma Qi. She couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Qing upon hearing "Steward Zhang," and then seeing the girl directly handling the fish, it was impossible for her frown to relax.

The mere sight made Zhang Qing feel panicked and short of breath.

He couldn’t help but cover his chest, inwardly screaming, Master Lian, please be more cautious.

The nanny in front of you is not some kind-hearted old grandmother; how could you so openly expose yourself, you’ll have much to regret later!

And, Master Lian, could you clarify your words, not making it sound like he was your accomplice? Was it his idea to catch them later? Could you be clear about that, oh, his ancestors!

Seeing Nanny Qi remain silent, Lian Hua started to boast again, "Grandma, you have no idea, the fish from Huaqing Pool have become very cunning after being caught so often, they are very difficult to catch.

Fortunately, I know a lot and taught them a new method, which is how we managed to catch them. "

Pang Ya couldn’t help but nod and agree, "The fish really learn after being caught often."

Hearing Pang Ya say this, Lian Hua felt like she had found a kindred spirit and began to speak more enthusiastically, "Exactly, they can really hide now. Ordinary bait no longer works on them. I recently created a new kind of fish bait, cooked and dried; it’s really fragrant, and a handful thrown in the water ensures the fish can’t resist—"

Catching a glimpse of Nanny Qi staring at her silently from the corner of her eye, Lian Hua realized her mistake: "Oh my, where was I? Wrong, wrong, I went off track, Grandma, what do you think about steaming the fish? It tastes great and is good for the body too."

After finishing, she looked eagerly at Nanny Qi.

Nanny Qi was well aware of what kind of person this girl was and what good deeds she had done.

This girl switched from addressing her as Grandma Qi to just grandma in a few sentences, trying to cozy up, but it was ineffective on her.

She lowered her eyelids and said indifferently, "The matter of meals is arranged by those below. Master Lian, you only need to wait, Yuan Yuan, go."

The girl called Yuan Yuan nodded her head at these words, picked up a water bucket, and walked away, asking through the crowd, "Where is the kitchen?"

Xiao Qing glanced at Lian Hua, who faintly nodded her head, and then she led Pang Ya away.

Once they were gone, Nanny Qi, with a stern face, continued, "Master Lian, you are pregnant now, you need to take good care. From now on, this old servant will serve at Canglan Court."

Upon hearing this, Lian Hua snapped out of her daze, exclaiming with joy, "Ah, really? That’s wonderful!"

With such a formidable presence guarding Canglan Court, who would dare to bully her in the future, huh?

Nanny Qi did not respond to her reaction and instead said, "The rules of Canglan Court need to be established. Since you are indisposed, this old servant will manage on your behalf."

"Ah? What rules?" Lian Hua was thoroughly confused. This was not what she had expected.

Nanny Qi ignored her and spoke to the group of shrinking eunuchs, "Canglan Court on one side, and Star Palace on the other."

These young eunuchs were adept at reading the room. Except for Xiao Linzi, all from Star Palace were shrewd. They sensed something was amiss when Steward Zhang dared not speak, each shrinking back, now somewhat terrified when called upon.

The two groups separated; from Canglan Court, Xiao Linzi had not yet returned, Xiao Qing had gone to the kitchen, leaving only Xiao Jizi standing alone on one side.

Nanny Qi addressed Xiao Jizi, "Is it just you from Canglan Court?"

Xiao Jizi hurriedly shook his head, respectfully replying, "Nanny Qi, besides me, there’s also Xiao Qing who took someone to the kitchen, and Xiao Linzi, who hasn’t returned from Star Palace."

Nanny Qi understood; there were only three servants. With Beauty Lian’s condition worsening, the manpower was insufficient. No wonder His Majesty had sent her: looking around the courtyard, all misfits, the master like a child, such a large garden without a proper leader.

She then addressed Eunuch Zhang, "Eunuch Zhang, I cannot discipline those from Star Palace. Take them back with you. If they are still not in order, bring them to me in a few days, and I will help you ’see’ to them and check which ones still do not understand the rules."

Eunuch Zhang hurriedly chuckled, "That won’t be necessary, it shouldn’t bother Nanny Qi. When I return, I will certainly teach them well." If Nanny Qi intervened, those boys would indeed have their hides stripped.

Nanny Qi hummed in response, "That is good."

Having said this and seeing they were still lingering, her expression became stern as she said, "What now, are you still here for something? There’s no meal prepared for you.

Go back and tell His Majesty that this old servant has arrived and will not let anyone be wronged.

You need not stay here any longer. It’s better you stay by His Majesty’s side and serve him well. "

Eunuch Zhang, as if granted a pardon, repeatedly said "Yes," hastening to call his people to put down their tools and led them away, leaving Canglan Court soon devoid of people.