The wedding hall incident was like a brief, intense storm. Afterward, the sky cleared, and the days following the wedding were like an overturned honey pot, its sweetness flowing freely and intoxicatingly, as if the entire world were immersed in this rich, sweet atmosphere. Su Jinli devoted herself wholeheartedly to the management of Jinyun Bookstore. Under her meticulous management and careful care, the bookstore flourished, like a gleaming pearl, shining a unique and captivating light amid the flourishing cultural landscape of the capital.

Inside the bookstore, shelves are stacked high, the air overflowing with the fragrance of books. Each book is like a mysterious treasure waiting to be opened, carrying countless wisdom and stories. Su Jinli moves among them like a spirit guarding a treasure, meticulously selecting each book for the shelves and carefully decorating every corner of the bookstore. Her bright eyes gleam with longing and hope for the bookstore's future development. It's as if she sees the bookstore, thanks to her efforts, becoming a cultural center of the capital, attracting countless scholars and writers.

After handling the complexities of government affairs at court each day, Jiang Yan, like a weary bird returning to its nest, could not wait to return to the bookstore. His heart had long been drawn to the busy and beautiful figure within. The moment he stepped into the bookstore and laid eyes on Su Jinli, his eyes filled with tenderness and doting. He would always quickly walk to her side, sit side by side, and together they would review the account books and discuss strategies for the bookstore's development. Their figures, interwoven in the warm candlelight of the bookstore, formed a warm and beautiful scene.

On this day, the sun shone through the carved window lattices of the bookstore, casting patches of golden light. Jiang Yan sat at his desk, flipping through the account book attentively. The ever-increasing profit figures in the account book were like jumping notes, playing the melody of the bookstore's vigorous development. The corners of his mouth unconsciously lifted slightly, and a smile of relief and pride slowly blossomed on his face. He raised his head, his eyes as gentle as water, like the softest spring breeze, gently falling on Su Jinli. At this moment, he was like a child eager for a reward, and he started to act coquettishly: "Madam, today's accounts have been settled. Can you give me something as a reward?" There was a hint of playfulness and expectation in his voice, as if he had returned to the innocent days of his youth.

Su Jinli raised her eyebrows slightly, a sly glint flickering in her lively eyes, like a shooting star twinkling in the night sky. A smile played on her lips as she softly asked, "What reward do you want?" Her voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, tinged with a hint of teasing and curiosity.

Jiang Yan opened his arms, a playful smile on his face, as bright as a flower blooming in spring: "I want a hug." His eyes were full of innocence and desire, as if a hug could bring him the whole world.

Su Jinli's cheeks flushed slightly, like the gorgeous sunset glow on the horizon. She gently hit Jiang Yan and scolded him, "You're so unruly!" However, that gentle blow was filled with endless tenderness and love. Her eyes also shone with happiness, the sweetness of being doted on by her lover.

In this warm and sweet moment, the door slammed open with a thud, like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, shattering the tranquility. Young Marquis Su burst in like a vibrant little cannonball, waving a letter that fluttered in his hands like a joyful butterfly. He excitedly called out, "Sister! Brother Jiang Yan! The Queen Mother sent a message, asking you to come into the palace and play chess with her!" His voice was clear and resonant, like the chirping of birds in the morning, brimming with energy and joy.

Jiang Yan sighed helplessly, smiled wryly, and said, "I have to listen to the Queen Mother nagging about having a grandson again." He shook his head slightly, a hint of helplessness on his face. However, within that helplessness, there was also respect and closeness for the Queen Mother.

Su Jinli laughed, her laughter was as clear and sweet as a silver bell: "Let's go, and by the way, we can take a look at the new rouge that my elder sister has made for the empress dowager." There was a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes, and she was very happy to enter the palace and reunite with her family.

Hand in hand, the two entered the palace, slowly walking along the bluestone path leading to the palace. The flowers and plants along the path swayed gently in the breeze, as if offering their blessing. Stepping into the solemn yet magnificent palace, it felt like stepping into a world of mystery and majesty. The palace walls were covered with exquisite murals, recounting the glorious history of the dynasty; the beams and pillars within were carved with lifelike dragons and phoenixes, highlighting the royal nobility and majesty.

The Queen Mother had been waiting in the palace for a long time. She was dressed in gorgeous attire, sitting on the throne in the hall, like a blooming peony, graceful and elegant. Seeing Su Jinli and Jiang Yan enter, she immediately greeted them with a smile that was as warm and friendly as the spring sun. She walked quickly to Su Jinli, took her hand, and smiled from ear to ear: "Girl, I heard that you have brought the old subordinates of the Liu family under your rule into obedience. You did a great job!" The Queen Mother's eyes were full of admiration and satisfaction, as if she had seen her own daughter.

Su Qingyao stood by like a child presenting a treasure, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She hurriedly handed over an exquisitely decorated box, inlaid with dazzling gemstones that shimmered with multicolored light in the sunlight. "Empress Dowager," she said, "this is my newly concocted 'Mantanghong' rouge. Would you please try it?" Her voice tinged with nervous anticipation, hoping the Empress Dowager would like her creation.

The Queen Mother took the rouge and gently opened the box. A delicate fragrance filled her nostrils. She gently dipped her finger into the rouge and applied it to her face, then looked carefully in the mirror. Her face was rosy and she seemed several years younger. The Queen Mother's joy grew as she looked at it. "Qingyao is really a skilled hand," she said with a smile. Her smile was filled with satisfaction and admiration, and she praised Su Qingyao's craftsmanship endlessly.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!