The fragrance of meat that filled the air made the concubines instantly drop their guard, feeling their mouths watering.
"You've arrived," Xie Qianyun greeted them.
Everyone quickly stepped forward, "Your humble concubine greets the Empress."
"We are all sisters here, no need for formalities," Xie Qianyun said, "I called you all today to apologize. Last time, I caused you to be grounded, and I truly feel uneasy about it. So, I had the Palace Attendant prepare a barbecue feast for everyone. This is my favorite dish from my time at the border."
The concubines naturally noticed the open-air grills in the courtyard with whole lambs and lamb skewers on them, sizzling with oil and aroma, making one drool.
"Come on over, everyone," Xie Qianyun called to them again, "Grilled meat tastes best when you cook it yourself."
"Your humble concubine cannot grill; what if we get burned?"
"Empress, it's better to let the servants grill. We can just enjoy eating."
