At this moment, Baker once again offered especially gentle comfort, clearly expressing goodwill and protection, which indeed made people feel close to her.

However, getting close to Baker was currently beneficial and harmless for her, so she might as well go along with it.

So after picking out the fabric, Henry Faulkner sent Alice Green to Weiyang Pavilion to deliver a sachet she had embroidered herself to Faulkner.

In the evening, after Brian Parker returned to the residence, he learned of this matter.

“Baker and Faulkner are getting close?”

“After paying respects at Wutong Courtyard today, Lady Faulkner accompanied Consort Baker to Weiyang Pavilion for a short visit, and then Lady Faulkner gave Consort Baker a sachet,” Robert Holmes reported truthfully.

Brian Parker took a sip of tea. “Since entering the residence, Baker has always been kind to others.”

That was true.

After Baker entered the Eastern Palace, she first sent fine tonics to the Crown Princess, then sent a set of hair ornaments to Lady Harris, and for Lady Carter, she sent some things for the child. As for Henry Faulkner's share, that goes without saying. In short, the general feedback throughout the Eastern Palace now was that Consort Baker was friendly, generous, and straightforward.

“Go deliver the message. Tonight, I’ll go to Weiyang Pavilion,” Brian Parker put down his teacup and instructed.

Robert Holmes immediately nodded and turned to make the arrangements.

On Baker’s side, upon receiving the news, she was naturally delighted and immediately had dinner prepared.

Baker even personally entered the small kitchen and cooked two of her specialty dishes.

By the time Brian Parker arrived, she had already changed into a scallion-green dress, her hair bun set high, looking fresh and neat.

“Your Highness, this concubine greets Your Highness.”

“Rise.” Brian Parker smiled faintly, looking her up and down. “This color suits you—like a lotus emerging from clear water.”

Baker smiled gracefully, showing none of the usual shyness of young ladies, and performed a courteous bow with poise.

“Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. Dinner is ready. Please come in and try this concubine’s cooking.”

Brian Parker nodded and entered the room with her.

On the table, there were not only dishes but also a pot of wine and two cups.

Usually, no one in the inner courtyard drank with Brian Parker unless he brought it up himself, but Baker was an exception.

This was quite novel for Brian Parker. He glanced over and had the cups filled.

The two ate and drank together, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

After a few rounds of drinks, Brian Parker noticed a blush on Baker’s cheeks and asked,

“Did Faulkner come by today?”

“Yes.” Baker nodded, seeming a bit tipsy. She rubbed her waist, took out a sachet, and said, “Look, Your Highness, Sister Fang’s embroidery is excellent. There are dried flower petals inside—both beautiful and fragrant.”

Brian Parker took it and examined it. The embroidery was indeed exquisite.

He returned it and asked with a smile,

“How did you end up talking with her? I’ve noticed that everyone in the inner courtyard seems to avoid her.”

As he spoke, a dark glint flashed in Brian Parker’s eyes, like an eagle eyeing its prey.

But Baker seemed not to notice, her face showing clear sympathy, tinged with a bit of nervousness, as she spoke softly,

“I think Sister Fang is pitiful too. Although her family... I also grew up in the inner residence and have seen many women’s hardships, so I looked after her a little. Please punish me, Your Highness.”

“Why would I punish you?” Brian Parker smiled, withdrawing his gaze. “The Marquis of Nanning’s family is loyal and righteous. You are kind-hearted. Faulkner is afraid of me, so you can look after her on my behalf. If anything happens, come and tell me.”

“Yes.”

Baker nodded and smiled as she poured more wine for Brian Parker.

That night, Brian Parker naturally stayed at Weiyang Pavilion, which made quite a scene at Jinxiufang, where Lady Harris threw a big tantrum.

“Since His Highness returned, I’ve only served him once, but Baker and Faulkner have both had two turns! These vixens are just here to go against me!”

“Don’t be upset, my lady. Although you’ve only served him once, His Highness has dined with you several times. He still keeps you in his thoughts, so please don’t harbor resentment,” her close maid Hope Faulkner comforted her gently.

Lady Harris’s expression improved slightly, but the worry in her eyes did not fade.

“Though His Highness thinks of me, you know I want a child. Just look at that Carter—what’s her background? She just happened to bear a son and now stands equal with me in the Eastern Palace. She’s long since lost favor, but for the sake of the eldest son, His Highness hasn’t forgotten her.”

“Now that so many newcomers have entered the Eastern Palace, affection will only be spread thinner in the future. How can I be at ease!”

Seeing her troubled, another maid named Summer Reed stepped forward.

“If my lady doesn’t mind, I have a foolish idea that might help ease your worries.”

Chapter Seven Problem

The next day, at lunchtime.

Today, it was the second-class maid Evelyn Lane who went to fetch the meal, and she returned much earlier than usual.

“Why are you back so early today?” Alice Green asked as she helped set the table.

Evelyn Lane replied, “Usually, if I go late, there are too many people at the kitchen. Today I went earlier so my lady wouldn’t have to wait and go hungry.”

Alice Green nodded and didn’t ask further, turning to the inner room to call Henry Faulkner out for the meal.

Just as she entered the room, a commotion of footsteps sounded in the courtyard outside, followed by the sharp voice of Lady Carter.

“Faulkner, come out here!”