Chapter 41: Throwing a Tantrum
The next morning, after Hongyu finished helping the Empress Dowager with her washing and dressing, she wiped her hands and presented her with a cup of hot tea.
"Is Yin'er awake yet?"
"You're up. The young lady woke up early this morning and has been waiting outside."
"Why are you letting her stand outside? Quickly let her in, lest she catch a cold."
The Empress Dowager took a leisurely sip of tea, and upon hearing this, she suddenly looked up, waved her hand, and sent Hongyu out to fetch Yuan Siyin.
Perhaps because it was early in the morning, her hair was damp, with a hazy, watery feel, and even the peony she was holding, which was about to wither, was adorned with a few crystal-clear dewdrops.
"Si Yin greets her aunt."
Yuan Siyin greeted him, but didn't speak immediately, as if she was waiting for something.
The Empress Dowager, having spent many years navigating the complexities of the palace, remained composed even when faced with her own niece, with whom she shared blood ties.
Neither of them spoke, and the stalemate continued. Even though Hongyu had seen a lot of the world by following the Empress Dowager, she was now sweating profusely.
Before long, Jade entered quickly, her hands clasped together, looking hurried, clearly having just returned from outside.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager, greetings to Miss Yuan."
Jade first curtsied, then brushed the dew off her body and explained with a smile, "Miss Yuan instructed me to pick some lotus seeds this morning to make lotus seed and lily soup."
The Empress Dowager smiled enigmatically, speaking to the jadeite but her gaze lingering on Yuan Siyin: "Can it be picked?"
"We've succeeded, but the people in the other palaces don't even know yet."
"What a delicious lotus seed and lily bulb soup."
He gave the order: "Once it's ready, send two bowls to the Crown Prince's palace."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly and waved to her. Emerald responded with a curtsy and left.
Yuan Siyin couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Thankfully, it didn't crash.
"Alright, this is what you wanted. The matter is settled. Are you still going to throw a tantrum at your aunt?"
The Empress Dowager gave her a look that seemed both reproachful and scornful. Perhaps it was because of her age, but as the saying goes, an old man is a child, and she would occasionally show some childlike side.
"Siyin dares not, but I sincerely want to thank my aunt."
As she spoke, she knelt down, her head hitting the cold ground with a crisp sound, while still holding the peony in her hands.
At the Empress Dowager's glance, Hongyu quickly helped her up, took the peony, and withdrew.
"Come sit next to me."
As soon as Yuan Siyin obediently sat down, the Empress Dowager took her hand and gently stroked it again and again.
"You're not quite the same child as before."
Yuan Siyin smiled slightly, not flustered: "If Aunt says it's different, then it is. I just don't know what has changed?"
"It's like he suddenly grew up overnight and has his own opinions."
The Empress Dowager sighed, withdrew her hand, and took another sip of tea.
People always have to grow up, and Yin'er is no exception.
Is Aunt disappointed by Yin'er's behavior yesterday?
"On the contrary, I am very satisfied."
She put down her teacup, the ceramic base making a crisp sound as it struck the table.
“This palace is a place that devours people. Today it’s either you scheming against me, or tomorrow I’ll scheming against you.”
There are many people in this harem whose hearts you've never met. I'm old and can't protect you every moment. At least this way, I feel more at ease."
"aunt……"
Yuan Siyin finally couldn't hold back any longer and nestled in her arms like a child.
"Yin'er doesn't want to marry the Crown Prince, nor does she want to marry anyone else. Yin'er only wants to stay by her aunt's side, and when Father comes back, our family will be reunited and everyone will be well."
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