Twelve year old Jiang Yanli crept through the kitchen door, feeling strangely nervous.
It hadn't occurred to her before she got there that the servants in Koi Tower might not be as willing to accommodate her presence in their domain as the ones in Lotus Pier. All she could do was hope that they would.
She wasn't quite sure if she should be doing this, but- but Madam Jin told her to consider herself at home; and this was something she did at home, something that helped her feel more settled. An extended visit to Koi Tower; being allowed to stay in the family wing… it was all very exciting and flattering – and intimidating. Cooking was soothing and relaxing – and she really did need to relax very badly.
Standing in the doorway, watching the servants bustling about as they worked, she fidgeted.
A youth spotted her and was quick to draw one of the older women in charge of things aside to point her out discretely. Yanli flushed heavily under the gazes that turned to her, wondering feebly if perhaps this hadn't been the best idea.
"Are you lost, dear?"
There was a gentle-looking, slightly wrinkled older woman smiling at her kindly, and Yanli was quick to shake her head.
"N-no," she stuttered, blushing again. "I was just- I hoped that maybe I could make something? Or even just help out for a bit?"
A number of the servants within earshot sent her confused or startled looks at hearing her words, and she began to despair that her face might be permanently stained bright red.
"I just meant- not if I'd be a bother, or get in the way, or- but I do know how; I often help out in the kitchens at home. It- it relaxes me, and calms me; and I like it, I really do. So the servants at home are used to me coming and helping out or working on my own recipes; but if it's too much trouble to do that here I understand."
Several more glances were exchanged over her head or around the room, but she noticed that the looks directed to her afterwards were just a bit softer; more amused and approving – almost fond, really – rather than sceptical and resigned.
She bit her lip.
"I really do want to help," she said, as earnestly as she could. "It would help me feel more at ease here; less out of place. And since Jin-gongzi is my betrothed, one day this will be my home. I hope to get to know all of you and work well with you then."
She offered a respectful salute to the room at large, turning herself slowly to face first one side of the room, then the other in an effort to try to include everyone as she bowed in each direction.
"Ah, Jiang-guniang," the older woman placed a hand on her elbow, urging her to straighten back up. "That's really not necessary. There's no need to be so formal with us. None of us have titles."
"Yet without all of your hard work, nothing would get done around here," Yanli asserted. "A gesture of respectful appreciation is the least I owe you for your time."
The older woman smiled warmly at her, patting her arm.
"Bless you, child. I don't know that anyone else in your position would agree with that sentiment; but we do appreciate your recognition of our efforts. And if you truly do want to stay, you're welcome to do so."
"So you'll let me help?"
She couldn't keep the hopeful, eager note out of her voice.
A chuckle answered her, the servant nodding her head. "If that's what the little mistress wants, who is old Qinue to argue?"
Yanli smiled, a radiant, delighted thing.
"Thank you, Qinue-furen!"
The woman – Qinue, apparently – let out a startled laugh.
"Oh, none of that young Jiang-guniang!"
She shook her head. "Just call me Qinue-po; everyone does here."
"Qinue-po," Yanli agreed, nodding her head respectfully; earning her another amused look from the woman.
"Come with me, young mistress; I'll help you get settled in."
That was how Jiang Yanli was first introduced to the servants at Koi Tower.