Inside the imperial palace in Beijing, the Cining Palace resembled a tranquil and solemn harbor, permeated by the delicate scent of sandalwood. The Empress Dowager sat leisurely on a carved chaise longue, toying with a vibrantly colored parrot. The parrot's lively eyes darted around, and from time to time, it chirped, adding a touch of life to the otherwise quiet palace.

At this moment, Su Jinli, with light and graceful steps, slowly entered the hall. She was dressed in a pale pink brocade robe, her sleeves fluttering like a flower in bloom on a spring day, fresh and beautiful. Seeing the empress dowager focused on the parrot, Su Jinli quickly bowed and whispered, "Empress Dowager, may you be well." Her voice was gentle and pleasant, like the sound of a clear mountain spring.

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother turned around, a kind smile immediately appearing on her face. She gently waved her hand and said, "Girl, come here and try the rose pastry I just made. I specially ordered the imperial kitchen to make this, and it tastes really good."

Su Jinli walked lightly to the side of the empress dowager, picked up a piece of pastry, and bowed again to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Her Majesty Dowager, for your kindness." She gently bit the rose pastry, and immediately, a rich rose aroma spread in her mouth. The pastry broke between her teeth, sweet but not greasy, and had an excellent taste.

The Queen Mother looked at Su Jinli, her eyes filled with love and concern, and suddenly said, "I have heard about Liu's affairs. You have done well, girl."

Su Jinli was slightly stunned, a complex emotion welling up in her heart. She raised her head and looked at the Queen Mother, wanting to say something but stopping herself: "Queen Mother..."

The Queen Mother sighed softly, a flicker of reminiscence in her eyes as she slowly spoke, "I know you've been holding back a lot of anger these past few years. When your biological mother was still alive, she loved playing chess with me. She was clever, gentle, generous, and a master at chess. She left so suddenly, and I've always harbored doubts." The Queen Mother paused briefly, a hint of regret and sorrow in her eyes. She turned and picked up an account book from the table beside her. She handed it to Su Jinli and said, "This is the Imperial Household Department's medicinal material account from that year. Take a closer look."

Su Jinli's heart tightened, and she hurriedly took the account book. She carefully flipped it open, her eyes quickly scanning the pages. It clearly stated that Liu had indeed requested oleander leaves from the Imperial Hospital, the reason given being "to repel insects from the flowers in the courtyard." Seeing this line, Su Jinli felt a surge of anger. She gripped the book tightly, her fingertips turning white from the pressure, and her body trembled slightly.

"It's all over, child." The Queen Mother patted Su Jinli's hand gently and said soothingly, "Now that you are doing well and living a happy life, it is the best consolation for your biological mother." The Queen Mother paused slightly, then changed the subject, a smile appearing on her face again, "I heard that you and that boy Jiang Yan are getting married?"

Su Jinli's cheeks flushed instantly when she heard this, as charming as the sunset glow in the sky. She lowered her head and said softly, "Yes, thank you, Queen Mother, for granting us this marriage. Without the Queen Mother's grace, how could Jinli and Jiang Yan have such a happy marriage?"

"I've always treated Jiang Yan as my own grandson," the Queen Mother said with a smile. "Don't be fooled by his serious appearance. He's actually quite clever. You have to take good care of him from now on and don't let him bully you."

At this moment, the palace door was banged open, and the emperor rushed in with a pile of memorials in his arms, shouting, "Mother! Su Jinli, guess what? That idiot Jiang Yan actually wants to take a wedding leave. Tell me, do I approve it?"

The Queen Mother glared at the Emperor and said in feigned anger, "Yes! Of course! I'm still waiting to drink their wedding wine! You boy, don't make trouble here."

Su Jinli couldn't help but smile as she watched the mother and son. In her mind, the emperor was always dignified and solemn, and the empress dowager dignified and solemn, but she had never imagined they had such a lovely side in private. This heartwarming scene filled Su Jinli's heart with warmth, as if she had felt the warmth of home.

Coming out of the palace, the afterglow of the setting sun was like a golden veil, spreading across the streets and alleys of the capital. Jiang Yan, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe and riding a tall horse, was quietly waiting at the palace gate. He stood tall and straight, like a pine tree, and was particularly eye-catching in the crowd. Seeing Su Jinli coming out, he immediately dismounted, walked quickly to Su Jinli's side, reached out and gently helped her onto the saddle, and asked with concern: "The Queen Mother didn't make things difficult for you, did she? I've been very worried, worried that you've been wronged in the palace."

"No," Su Jinli shook her head gently, her eyes full of smiles, "The Queen Mother is very kind to me. She also asked me to take good care of you."

Jiang Yan couldn't help but chuckle when he heard this. He held the reins and walked slowly, saying as he walked, "Then you have to take good care of me and don't let me run away. My future life will be determined by your arrangements."

The setting sun's rays stretched their shadows long, interweaving them together like a heartwarming painting. Su Jinli sat on horseback, gazing at Jiang Yan's upright figure, a sense of security welled up in her heart. In this life, she had weathered many hardships and finally avenged her mother, while also gaining the love of her family and the companionship of her loved ones. All the grievances she had endured now vanished like a passing cloud, replaced by overflowing happiness and sweetness, truly transforming into sweet, sweet memories.

"Jiang Yan," Su Jinli suddenly spoke softly, with a hint of anticipation and tenderness in her voice, "When we get married, please accompany me to burn some incense for my mother. I want to tell her that I'm doing well now, so she can rest assured."

Jiang Yan stopped and turned around, his eyes full of tenderness and determination. He said softly, "Okay. From now on, I will go with you every year. I will always be with you, and no matter what we encounter, we will face it together."

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