"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince requests an audience outside," a palace maid reported upon entering the inner chambers.
"Please have him wait in the outer hall for a moment. I shall be there shortly!" Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) calculated the time, thinking that Situ Zixian should have brought her the red-tasseled spear.
Chu Li quickly tidied her mistress's hair and makeup. "We are no longer in the cold palace. Upon returning to Kunning Palace, you must assume the demeanor of an Empress."
Refusing the more elaborate hair ornaments that Xiao Lili wanted to add, Xiao Wenqiang said, "Xiao Li, let's keep it simple."
"Your Majesty, how can that be! You must now project the Empress's authoritative presence. Otherwise, those who looked down on us before will not take you seriously at all. They'll truly think you're a pushover and can be bullied at will!"
Having returned to Kunning Palace, Chu Li consciously reverted to calling her "Your Majesty," determined to establish authority for her most respected lady.
"Whether one has authority or not does not depend on outward appearances. Xiao Li, I know what I'm doing. Rest assured," Xiao Wenqiang said gently, aware of the palace maid's genuine concern for the original owner's well-being.
When Situ Zixian saw Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) emerge, his eyes lit up.
The woman stood in the opulent Empress's palace, dressed in a bright red court gown with a floor-sweeping hem. A deep red cloud belt cinched her slender waist, accentuating its delicate curve. Her hair was styled in an elegant chignon, and her face was as lovely as the moon. Most striking was the teardrop mole beneath her left eye, which, when she lowered her gaze, subtly exuded a demure allure.
Completely different from the spirited and vivacious appearance she displayed in her capable, close-fitting attire at the cold palace, today she appeared graceful, noble, and elegant.
Situ Zixian found himself staring, questioning if his memory had faltered. Although the woman's appearance was unchanged, he felt she was different from the Empress he remembered.
The former Empress, while beautiful, had never garnered more than a passing glance from him. Perhaps it was because he now knew Chu Yulan was his true savior, that he subconsciously viewed her through the lens of gratitude.
"Zixian? Why aren't you speaking?" Xiao Wenqiang broke Situ Zixian's reverie.
"Greetings, Empress! Zixian is here to bring you the red-tasseled spear," Situ Zixian quickly replied, regaining his composure. He then opened the long, slender box on the table behind him, revealing a brand-new red-tasseled spear, its tip gleaming sharply.
A look of excitement crossed Xiao Wenqiang's face as she eagerly leaned forward, caressing it from tip to tail. "Thank you, Zixian. In private, you may address me as Imperial Sister-in-law. There's no need for such formality."
Observing the woman who could display a child-like satisfaction with just a red-tasseled spear, Situ Zixian's gaze deepened. He responded readily, "As long as Imperial Sister-in-law likes it!"
"I like it very much!" Xiao Wenqiang took it out and casually performed a flourish, testing its balance with a few familiar stances. She grew more pleased with every passing moment. "Zixian, this red-tasseled spear feels similar in weight to my original one. It's very comfortable to use. Thank you so much!"
Situ Zixian indeed knew that this red-tasseled spear was very similar to her original one, as he had specifically sought out the master craftsman who had made her previous spear. This craftsman had retired and even had grandchildren, but Situ Zixian had visited him multiple times before persuading him to come out of retirement to custom-make this one. Seeing the recipient's genuine delight brought him great joy; after all, she had once been his benefactor!
"Zixian, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Is there any reward you desire?" Xiao Wenqiang carefully placed the red-tasseled spear back into its box and looked up.
"Zixian requires no reward. I am happy to do something for Imperial Sister-in-law!" Situ Zixian repeatedly refused.
Xiao Wenqiang knew Situ Zixian was not lacking in possessions, but having just moved into Kunning Palace, she was unsure of what suitable gifts to offer. Giving something too valuable might seem impersonal, while not giving anything would fail to express her gratitude.
Finally, Xiao Wenqiang, a little sheepishly, took out a pouch from her embrace and handed it to him. "This is something I made in my leisure time. If you're interested, Zixian, please try it!"
Situ Zixian had initially intended to refuse, but upon hearing that she had made it herself, he took it with a stunned expression. When he opened it after leaving Kunning Palace, he found it filled with individually wrapped, multicolored lychee preserves.
He unwrapped one and popped it into his mouth. It was quite sweet. Perhaps it was because he hadn't eaten preserves in a long time, or perhaps it was because his benefactor had made them herself, but Situ Zixian found them far more delicious than any preserves he had tasted before.
"I never imagined she enjoyed making such sweet little things! I always thought this woman only knew how to wield swords and spears," he mused with amusement, unable to resist popping another into his mouth.
...
After another day of rest, Xiao Wenqiang, having organized all her belongings, instructed Chu Li to prepare the necessary items for the small kitchen.
"Your Majesty, why not just order the chefs in the imperial kitchen to prepare whatever you wish to eat? Why trouble yourself with cooking?" Chu Li did not quite understand.
"The imperial kitchen may not be able to make exactly what I desire. Besides, I intend to make this to present to His Majesty. Don't you think a dish made with one's own hands carries more sincerity?" Xiao Wenqiang decided to accelerate her strategy to win over Situ Chuanqiong.
"Understood, I shall go and prepare immediately!" Chu Li excitedly ran off. Her mistress had finally come to her senses and was taking the initiative, which was wonderful!
Chu Li didn't quite understand. The Empress and the Emperor had been quite well before, so why had she become so reserved and dignified after entering the palace as Empress? She had to endure the pain of arranging for the Emperor to marry daughters of other officials as consorts. Even if her heart ached, she couldn't show it. Every time Chu Li saw her weeping silently in solitude at night, her own heart ached with her.
She much preferred the Empress as she was now. Although others might find her less composed, Chu Li greatly admired this Empress who could express herself and actively pursue what she desired.
Chu Li quickly gathered all the items her mistress needed. Looking at the pile of perilla leaves, dried tangerine peel, cinnamon, and galangal on the counter of the small kitchen in Kunning Palace – a mixture of ingredients and medicinal herbs – she asked, bewildered, "Your Majesty, what delicious dish are you planning to make?"
"Perilla plaster, have you heard of it?" Xiao Wenqiang had learned about it from a historical drama set in the Song Dynasty from her modern-day life. She had found it to be very effective and had tried making it herself a few times at home, with some experience.
"No, Your Majesty. I've only heard that perilla leaves can treat colds and are a good medicinal herb," Chu Li shook her head and watched her mistress's operations with great curiosity.