Shen Yunxi didn't know what to say. Her feelings were very complicated. She realized there must be something wrong, but that bastard Junxuan didn't bother to investigate.

However, she now feels there is more to the story, but doesn't know how to convince Junxuan to investigate.

Shen Yunxi knew very well that she couldn't investigate everything that happened more than ten years ago. Only Junxuan could investigate it himself. Only then would he know that he had misunderstood the Empress Dowager and hurt someone who was good to him.

As for what happened between her and him, Shen Yunxi didn't care at all. After her rebirth, she never thought that Jun Xuan would fulfill the marriage contract and take her into his harem.

Of course, Shen Yunxi cared so much about this matter not because of Junxuan, but because the Empress Dowager was so good to her. She didn't want the Empress Dowager to be misunderstood by Junxuan. It was best to clear up any misunderstandings so that she could put her mind at ease and no longer worry about the Empress Dowager.

However, knowing that Junxuan's attitude towards her was likely due to a misunderstanding of the Empress Dowager, Shen Yunxi felt equally bad and became even more resentful towards him.

Because of a mere misunderstanding, he trampled on her sincerity so wantonly. Naturally, Shen Yunxi could not forgive him easily.

Once everything is clear, she wants to see how Junxuan will react.

Shen Yunxi took a deep breath, not wanting to show it in front of the Empress Dowager, mainly because she didn't want her to worry, so she smiled.

"Your Majesty must be tired. You've been talking for so long. Please rest." Shen Yunxi carefully adjusted the thin blanket covering the Empress Dowager.

She felt a little depressed at this moment. After the Empress Dowager took her afternoon nap, she went out to prepare some snacks for her. The Empress Dowager had only had a bowl of porridge for lunch and would be hungry soon, so it would be good to prepare something in advance.

The Empress Dowager did look somewhat tired. She nodded and said, "I understand. Yunxi, you should also get some rest. If you miss home, you can go back. There are people here to serve you. Now that you have let go of your obsession with the Emperor, staying in the palace will inevitably remind you of the past. I understand that."

Shen Yunxi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. You should rest now."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager agreed and closed her eyes to rest.

After confirming that the Empress Dowager was asleep, Shen Yunxi carefully got up and walked out of the front hall.

The tightness in my chest that I felt earlier has eased considerably since I came out. It really takes some effort not to show anything in front of the Empress Dowager, but now I can finally relax.

"Miss Yunxi, you can go and rest now. Your room has never been touched. Her Majesty arranges for someone to clean it every day." Granny Tian came over carrying a tray with the Empress Dowager's clothes on it.

Shen Yunxi shook her head slightly. "Granny, you don't need to worry about me. I'm not tired and don't need to rest. I didn't get up early today either. Her Majesty is taking a nap inside right now. I was thinking that she only ate a bowl of bird's nest porridge and might feel a little hungry when she wakes up, so I was planning to make her something to fill her stomach. I originally wanted to make some pastries, but I thought that it's hot in summer and pastries are hard to swallow, so I'd better make something else."

Granny Tian's smile grew even brighter. She could see the Empress Dowager's affection for Shen Yunxi, and she could also feel Shen Yunxi's concern for the Empress Dowager. All she could say was that the Empress Dowager's concern for Shen Yunxi was worthwhile.

“Miss Yunxi is so kind. Her Majesty will be so happy. These past years, Her Majesty has actually been quite lonely. Of course, as a servant, I shouldn't say such things, but I feel that Her Majesty is always happy when Miss Yunxi comes, at least she has someone to keep her company. Her Majesty treats Miss Yunxi like her own daughter and hopes that Miss Yunxi can be happy. No matter what decision you make, Her Majesty will always be on your side.” Granny Tian paused, looking embarrassed, “Miss Yunxi, please don't mind. I've said too much today; you don't need to take it to heart.”

Shen Yunxi knew, of course, that Granny Tian was loyal to the Empress Dowager. She was the Empress Dowager's dowry maid and had been by her side for decades, never marrying.

Hearing Granny Tian's words, Shen Yunxi smiled.

"Don't worry, Granny, Yunxi won't overthink it. I know you and I share the same thoughts and both hope that Her Majesty is well," Shen Yunxi said.

"Miss Yunxi, you must be joking. By the way, yesterday I heard Her Majesty say that she wanted to drink lotus seed soup. However, since it was getting late, she did not instruct the Imperial Kitchen to make it. Her Majesty was also worried that it would be difficult for her to digest if she ate it so late." Granny Tian suddenly remembered this matter. Yesterday, the Empress Dowager suddenly wanted to eat lotus seed soup, which is why she told Shen Yunxi.

Shen Yunxi immediately agreed, "Okay, then I'll prepare some for Your Highness. I happen to know there are lotus seeds nearby, I'll go pick some."

"Miss Yunxi can have the palace maids pick them; there's no need for her to do it herself," Granny Tian said worriedly.

After all, it was by a pond. Although the ponds in the palace were not very deep, it was still somewhat dangerous for a woman to pick lotus pods. Falling into the water would be troublesome.

Even if there are no outsiders in the palace, falling into the water is still not a good thing.

Shen Yunxi gently shook her head, "No, it's better for me to pick them myself. I know what kind of lotus seeds I need. Besides, picking lotus pods and then peeling them open to get the lotus seeds is actually a very interesting thing. I encountered some trouble during the previous lotus viewing festival and didn't get to experience it, but I can make up for it now."

Since Shen Yunxi insisted on this, Granny Tian naturally didn't say much, understanding that she wanted to prepare it for the Empress Dowager herself.

After that, Shen Yunxi went to a pond not far from Cining Palace.

There are also many lotus flowers in the palace ponds, but they are just ordinary lotus flowers, and there aren't that many varieties. Only the varieties grown in each palace are different.

However, this is just right for making lotus seed soup, as it is made with ordinary lotus seeds.

If other types of lotus pods are used, the original deliciousness of lotus seed soup will be lost. Therefore, the most exquisite things are not necessarily the most suitable. Only the most suitable things are the best.

In that instant, for some reason, Shen Yunxi thought of her and Jun Xuan.

Perhaps, Junxuan was an unsuitable object for her, even if it was priceless, it was simply not right for her.

In a daze, Shen Yunxi, carrying a bamboo basket and preoccupied with her thoughts, walked to the water's edge.

This place was not exactly deserted within the palace; many eunuchs and palace maids came and went, and they naturally bowed to Shen Yunxi when they saw her.

Shen Yunxi nodded in return to each greeting, but upon closer inspection, she discovered that many of the lotus pods near the water had already been picked, presumably stolen by the eunuchs and palace maids who were greedy during the night.

In fact, such things were common in the palace. Shen Yunxi didn't intend to cause any trouble and carefully picked two large lotus pods.

At this moment, a tall, slender figure walked towards Shen Yunxi.