Chapter 51 Shen Ruoli's "Return Gift"

The next morning, Shen Ruoli took Runyue to pay her respects to Empress Sun.

I was turned away.

She didn't pay any attention and went to visit Empress Dowager Shen again.

That day, after returning from Shou Kang Palace, she realized that Empress Dowager Shen was hiding something from her.

However, she did not notice anything unusual for several days in a row.

Therefore, Shen Ruoli had no choice but to have Runyue secretly go to the Imperial Hospital every day to inquire about and keep a close eye on Shou Kang Palace.

"Your Highness, this servant thinks the Empress Dowager is in good spirits today. You must be worrying too much."

After leaving Shou Kang Palace, Runyue muttered to herself.

"I hope so."

Shen Ruoli's eyes flickered slightly.

She felt that although Empress Dowager Shen was in good condition today, the fatigue and weakness between her brows could not be concealed.

"Your Highness, shall we return now?"

Leap Month muttered again, "The Crown Princess went to pay her respects to the Empress, but she couldn't even get through the door! When I was little, I heard my mothers say that the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is the most difficult to get along with."

"I thought it was an exaggeration, but it turns out it really is true!"

Fortunately, she never planned to get married in her life, so she stayed with Shen Ruoli and wouldn't be troubled by the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship!

"It was I who disliked it first."

Shen Ruoli frankly admitted, "Over the years, because of my personality, I've made quite a few enemies. It's my own fault that the Empress Dowager doesn't like me!"

Leap month: "..."

Isn't our Crown Princess a little too candid?

"I was supposed to come and pay my respects to the Empress Dowager every day. But since she doesn't want to see my face, I won't bother trying to get close to her."

She should at least wait until she has completely won over Xie Xuanyin before resolving the conflict with Empress Sun.

Shen Ruoli understands Xie Xuanyin.

If she could completely win him over, all her problems with others would be solved!

All the current conflicts stem from the messy love triangle between her, Xie Xuanyin, and Xie Xuansong.

Therefore, it is understandable that Empress Sun and others disliked her.

"Once the Crown Prince and I are on good terms, everything will be fine."

Xie Xuanyin will resolve these conflicts himself.

"Moreover, I did not come here today to see the Empress Dowager."

Shen Ruoli turned and walked towards the Imperial Study. "Have you found out? Is Father still busy right now?"

"Your Highness, Feng Qing just came to report that His Majesty is unwell today, and the Crown Prince is presiding over the morning court session. His Majesty is currently in the Imperial Study reviewing memorials."

"Um."

Shen Ruoli nodded, looking at the food box in Runyue's hand, and the two of them walked towards the Imperial Study.

It was still early, and the morning court session had not yet ended.

The doors to the Imperial Study were tightly shut, and apart from a young eunuch dozing on the steps, the surroundings were quiet and seemed deserted.

Hearing footsteps, the young eunuch quickly stood up.

"Princess."

Seeing that it was Shen Ruoli, he was somewhat surprised. "Why have you come? Do you have something to discuss with His Highness the Crown Prince? His Highness is currently in the Hall of Supreme Harmony! Should I go and report back?"

"Little Yu Zi."

Shen Ruoli smiled.

This young Yu Zi is the apprentice of Wang Lu Hai, the chief eunuch serving Xie Yuan He.

Although still young, he is clever and quick-witted.

Shen Ruoli liked him very much.

"I am not here to see the Crown Prince at this moment."

She glanced at the palace gate. "I heard that Father Emperor is unwell, so I prepared a medicinal meal."

Xiao Yuzi glanced at Runyue and said, "Your Highness, please wait a moment. This servant will go in and inform you."

Shen Ruoli stood outside the door.

Soon, Xiao Yuzi came out, and even Wang Luhai came out.

"Oh, the Crown Princess!"

After paying his respects, Wang Luhai smiled and invited Shen Ruoli inside, saying, "His Majesty was just saying that he hadn't seen the Crown Princess for a while. And here she is!"

Shen Ruoli practically grew up in the palace.

Therefore, she was a little girl whom Xie Yuanhe and Wang Luhai watched grow up.

Although she was a bit aloof, she never deliberately caused trouble.

Having seen all sorts of people, Wang Luhai admired her cold personality even more.

If it weren't for the later incident involving her and Xie Xuansong...

Wang Luhai also firmly believed that Shen Ruoli was the only choice for the Crown Princess!

Sure enough, Shen Ruoli became the Crown Princess.

It's just that the method used seems less than "honorable".

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Wang Luhai, Shen Ruoli inquired about Xie Yuanhe's situation with concern before entering the Imperial Study.

Their voices reached Xie Yuanhe's ears clearly.

The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was solemn, and the scent of ambergris lingered for a long time.

Shen Ruoli obediently knelt down in front of the table, "Your daughter-in-law greets Father Emperor."

Xie Yuanhe sat on the dragon throne, his face obscured by the folded document in his hand, making it impossible to see his expression.

"Um."

After a while, a deep and majestic voice sounded above her head. Shen Ruoli then raised her eyes and looked straight ahead. "I heard that Father Emperor has been unwell these past two days, so I have prepared a medicinal meal for him."

"oh?"

Xie Yuanhe then put down the memorial.

This little girl is usually so cold, but she actually has this side that shows she knows how to be warm and caring.

Although Xie Yuanhe is nearly fifty years old, his facial features are strong and smooth, exuding a dignified air, and he does not show many signs of aging.

He even looked a few years younger than Xie Yuanxun!

Nevertheless, it exudes the aura of an emperor!

His gaze was sharp, fixed directly on Shen Ruoli's face. "You can cook?"

Others may not know, but Xie Yuanhe knows better than anyone else that Empress Dowager Shen treasures this little girl like the most precious thing!

Shen Ruoli was raised with her own hands, never lifting a finger!

"I am ashamed."

Shen Ruoli smiled awkwardly, "These past two days, I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince was worried about the Emperor's health, so I specifically sought out Physician Chen to understand the situation and learned from him how to prepare medicinal cuisine."

"I wonder if it suits Father Emperor's taste."

As she spoke, she gestured for Runyue to hand the food box to Wang Luhai.

"Since you cooked it yourself, I'd like to have a taste."

Xie Yuanhe became interested.

Once the food box was opened, the aroma of porridge mixed with the fragrance of medicine immediately filled the entire hall!

Wang Luhai couldn't help but exclaim, "The Crown Princess must have put a lot of thought into this! This medicinal cuisine looks and smells delicious, no less than what's served in the Imperial Kitchen."

He tested it and, after confirming it was non-toxic, respectfully presented it to Xie Yuanhe.

"Wang Luhai is a connoisseur of food. To earn his praise, this medicinal cuisine must be quite good."

Xie Yuanhe laughed heartily. After just one bite, his brow relaxed. "Hmm! This tastes really good! Not only can I not taste the bitterness of the medicine, but it also suits my taste perfectly."

"I've been taking medicine these past few days, and my tongue is numb! This medicinal food is sweet and refreshing, I like it!"

Seeing that he was pleased, Shen Ruoli breathed a sigh of relief.

After Xie Yuanhe offered him a seat, Shen Ruoli waited for him to eat two bowls of medicinal food before taking the brocade box from Runyue's hands.

"Your Highness said that Father has been feeling irritable and unable to sleep these past few days. Your daughter-in-law has just acquired several pieces of fine mutton fat jade! I've heard that mutton fat jade can clear heat and relieve fever, cultivate one's character, and promote the body's harmonious functioning."

She smiled as she opened the brocade box. "Yesterday, the Princess Consort of Chu sent it to the Chu Prince's residence. I thought this mutton-fat jade would be beneficial to Father Emperor's health, so I took the opportunity to present it to him as a token of my respect!"

However, after opening the brocade box, Shen Ruoli's expression changed slightly. "How could this be?"

She glanced at Xie Yuanhe with a hint of panic, then quickly took out the contents of the box. "Didn't the Princess Consort of Chu say that she specially sent me several pieces of the finest mutton-fat jade?!"

"This, how could this be..."

Shen Ruoli had just picked up a stone when suddenly her body went limp and she collapsed to the ground, falling into a coma!