"This," the Empress Dowager hesitated, then said, "Actually, it's just my old ailment, I'm fine."
"Then, regarding Mother's condition, I will have to trouble the Grand Tutor further."
"Alright!"
The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement.
Xuanyuan Yi looked around but did not see Su Qianmo. He frowned and asked, "Mother, where is Prime Minister Su?"
"Oh, him. Last night he couldn't hold his liquor and has already returned home to rest."
"Then your son will not disturb you further."
After speaking, Xuanyuan Yi turned to leave.
"Wait, my child, why are you leaving so abruptly?" the Empress Dowager called out.
"Your son has other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave."
"Alas..." the Empress Dowager sighed and looked at Su Momo beside her. "You escort the Emperor."
"Yes, this servant obeys your decree."
"Mother, your son will depart now and will visit you again another day."
"Go, go!"
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, signaling him to leave.
Xuanyuan Yi took a few steps, then stopped and looked back at the Empress Dowager.
Watching Xuanyuan Yi's retreating back, the Empress Dowager's eyes revealed deep disappointment, and a faint sorrow welled up in her heart.
This child, although he resembled her late brother Xuanyuan Hao greatly.
However, that child was gentle and kind, treating others with benevolence, never having harmed anyone. In contrast, this one, from childhood, had been ruthless and cruel.
And her own son, was an Emperor of deep schemes.
His thoughts, no one could fathom.
In the Imperial Garden.
"Master, look at this peony, it's so beautiful. Would you like to give it to Miss Su?"
"Give it!"
Su Qianmo plucked a peony and handed it to the young maid beside her, then plucked another.
The young maid quickly held the peony in her palm, protecting it with great care.
"Master, this servant still feels that this peony is more suitable for you. Look, the petals of this peony are dewy and vibrant, emitting a charming fragrance. Furthermore, there is a small pearl on the stamen, so it will not wilt or fall off..."
Hearing the young maid's description, Su Qianmo couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile.
"Very well, give it to her."
"Thank you, County Princess!"
The young maid was overjoyed.
"What is your name?" Su Qianmo asked.
"Replying to the County Princess, this servant's name is Zizhu."
"Mm! Zizhu, go and summon Miss Su for me."
"Yes!"
After Zizhu ran off, Su Qianmo tucked the peony into her sleeve and looked up towards the pavilion ahead.
Before long, a maiden in a blue silk dress gracefully arrived.
"Greetings, County Princess!"
"Rise!" Su Qianmo said with a smile, "Miss Su, are you here to admire the flowers?"
"Yes! This servant just returned from abroad this morning and heard that the Emperor is hosting a grand banquet in the Imperial Garden today, so I rushed back immediately."
Su Qianmo smiled, "Miss Su is truly diligent and studious!"
"The County Princess flatters me."
"Heh heh!"
Su Qianmo smiled, then asked, "This County Princess remembers that Miss Su's father is the Minister of Revenue. Minister Su held a significant official position in court, so why did he not continue serving in the Ministry of Revenue and instead resigned to live in seclusion?"
As soon as Su Qianmo finished speaking, Su Zhiyao knelt on the ground. "The County Princess's sharp discernment truly shames this humble daughter!"
"Miss Su, please rise quickly." Su Qianmo reached out and helped her up.
"Thank you, County Princess!"
Su Zhiyao stood up, a blush on her face.
Su Qianmo looked at her, feeling a touch of envy.
Girls like this, they were truly wonderful!
"Miss Su, are you here today specifically to attend the banquet?" Su Qianmo asked.
Su Zhiyao nodded, "Indeed."
"Does Miss Su have a man she fancies?"
"Yes, yes!"
"That's good." Su Qianmo smiled, "This County Princess will now have someone find a suitable candidate for Miss Su!"
"Really?" Su Zhiyao excitedly grabbed Su Qianmo's hand. "County Princess, what kind of candidate are you referring to? Which young master would be so fortunate to marry a beauty as stunning as our Miss Su? It would be a blessing accumulated over three lifetimes!"
Su Qianmo's face flushed slightly. She coughed twice and said, "Miss Su, this is a joyous occasion, you mustn't speak like that!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, County Princess."
Su Zhiyao quickly apologized.
"Alright, Miss Su, let's not dwell on such trivial matters anymore!" Su Qianmo said. "How about this, this County Princess will introduce someone to you. If he meets your approval, this County Princess will personally propose and arrange for your marriage to him."
"County Princess, this absolutely cannot be done. Wouldn't this ruin this humble daughter's reputation?"
"What's there to worry about? This County Princess is a person of her word."
"But..."
"No buts!"
Su Qianmo's tone was firm. "If you don't believe what this County Princess says, you can ask your personal maid, Zizhu."
Zizhu immediately walked to Su Qianmo's side and corroborated, "Miss Su, the County Princess is a trustworthy person. What she says, she will absolutely not go back on!"
Seeing this, Su Zhiyao could only compromise.
"Alright, since that is the case, then I shall trust the County Princess!"
"Good, then you two follow me."
Su Qianmo led them to another pavilion in the Imperial Garden. Inside the pavilion, a stone table was set, laden with pastries and fruits, along with a pot of tea.
"Come, taste my culinary skills."
"Thank you, County Princess!"
"County Princess, shall this servant pour you a cup of tea first?"
"Mm!"
Zizhu poured her a cup of tea and placed it beside her.
"Miss Su, please enjoy your tea. Later, I will send someone to inform you. Once you are ready, you can enter the banquet."
Su Qianmo raised her teacup and took a sip, savoring the sweetness on her tongue.
"Miss Su, please enjoy."
Su Zhiyao picked up her teacup and took a sip, then nodded in praise, "Mm, it's really delicious."
Su Qianmo looked at Su Zhiyao's rapturous expression and a smile flickered across her lips.
It seemed her cooking skills hadn't declined!
"Then this County Princess shall take her leave. If I have the time, I will invite you to the palace again."
"Thank you, County Princess!"
"Miss Su, you are too polite."
Su Qianmo stood up and walked out of the pavilion.
After leaving Cining Palace, Su Qianmo went to the Imperial Kitchen.
She intended to make some pastries for the Emperor.
Su Wan'er had said that to win over Jun Mohan, one had to show the utmost sincerity.
And this time, it was the only way she could express her feelings, so she didn't want to miss it.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Kitchen, Su Qianmo found a few masters and asked them to teach her how to make pastries.
"Miss Su, what are you planning to make?" asked a master of elder years.
"Making pastries."
"What ingredients are your pastries made from?"
"They are homemade. Please teach me, as long as I can make delicious pastries, I will reward you handsomely!"
"Oh, I see!" The master smiled. "I will teach you!"