Jiang Yunshu believed she had fully recovered, yet the imperial physician still prescribed her half a month’s worth of bitter herbal decoctions, so foul they made her frown in distaste.
Though young, Yuancheng was incredibly thoughtful, visiting Jiang Yunshu every day. Seeing her pained expression after drinking the medicine, he brought all his favorite candies and preserved fruits for her to eat.
Jiang Yunshu was surprised. "You’re willing to part with these?"
Yuancheng adored sweets, but due to his age and the risk of tooth decay, he was only allowed one piece every other day. Each time he received candy, he couldn’t bear to eat it immediately, instead carefully storing it in his little box. Watching the collection grow day by day filled him with immense satisfaction.
Yet now, without hesitation, he offered his treasured sweets to Jiang Yunshu, generously telling her she could have as many as she wanted.
Touched, Jiang Yunshu accepted his gift and in return gave him a small cream cake. She had long since taught the imperial kitchens how to make whipped cream, and baking a small cake was no challenge for them—soon, the dessert was delivered.
The moment Yuancheng tasted the cream, his little face first registered disbelief, then lit up with pure delight, beaming with joy.
"Mother Empress… this is delicious!"
Jiang Yunshu gently patted his head. "You may have one every ten days, but you must brush your teeth thoroughly afterward."
Yuancheng nodded eagerly, his excitement unmistakable.
After he left, Xie Lin spoke up, his tone oddly strained. "Your Majesty hasn’t ordered the kitchens to make cream pastries for this servant in quite some time…"
Jiang Yunshu blinked in disbelief. "Is the Chief Eunuch jealous of his own son?"
At her words, an uncharacteristic flicker of flustered panic flashed in Xie Lin’s eyes. "What son…?"
His expression remained composed, but his ears turned a telltale shade of pink, betraying him entirely.
Was Xie Lin… embarrassed?
She never thought she’d live to see the day the mighty Nine Thousand Year would blush!
Jiang Yunshu stared at him for a long moment, watching as his eyes darkened with irritation, his expression turning almost predatory, before she reluctantly looked away.
Smiling, she said, "Yuancheng calls me Mother Empress, so naturally he’s my son—and yours as well…"
Before she could finish, Xie Lin actually fled, his retreat nothing short of frantic.
Jiang Yunshu watched his fleeing figure, laughing for ages. It was the first time she’d ever seen Xie Lin so utterly discomposed.
Clearly, he had no idea how to handle intimacy.
Her thoughts drifted to his childhood and youth, and she sighed softly.
There was no rush. They had all the time in the world.
Xie Lin was always awkward around Yuancheng, though when it came to killing, he was far more practiced.
Before the New Year arrived, he swiftly executed those who deserved death and punished those who warranted it.
The Prince of Yanbei, Marquess Xiping, and Duan Jinxing were torn apart by five horses.
Empress Dowager Wu was sentenced to hanging.
The Lady of Marquis of Xiping and Duan Jinxing’s Mother, after investigation, were found unaware of their husbands’ and son’s rebellion and were exiled to the southwestern frontier.
The children, innocent in all this, were spared. Tai An and Jiang Zhaohua’s child with Duan Jinxing were too young to remember anything—one was sent far to the northeast, the other to the northwest.
Tai An would change hands multiple times, and those who eventually delivered him would never know his true identity. He would live his entire life unaware of it.
After the executions, Xie Lin rewarded many who had distinguished themselves in battle, granting titles to military officers and their families.
The atmosphere in the capital shifted abruptly from one of fear and solemnity to jubilant celebration.
As an afterthought, Xie Lin also ennobled Concubine Qiao, bestowing upon her the title of First-Rank Lady of Honor.
He explained to Jiang Yunshu, "This way, she may visit you in the palace whenever she wishes."
Jiang Yunshu was stunned. "But… isn’t this improper?"
If she wanted to see Concubine Qiao, she could summon her. "A First-Rank Lady of Honor should have notable achievements…"
Xie Lin smiled. "Who says she lacks achievements?"
"The dances and songs performed at this year’s New Year’s banquet were all choreographed by Concubine Qiao…"
Jiang Yunshu drew a sharp breath, her eyes shining with excitement. She couldn’t wait to see the performances Concubine Qiao had arranged!
From Xie Lin’s tone, it seemed her work was exceptional enough to merit such a high honor.
With a mysterious smile, Xie Lin added, "Your Majesty will see for yourself on the day of the banquet."
Jiang Yunshu felt both anticipation and nerves. The New Year’s banquet would be the first formal appearance for both her and Yuancheng.
There, Yuancheng would sit upon the throne as emperor, and she as empress dowager, receiving the bows of countless officials and noblewomen.
