Chapter 206 Petting the Dog
Jiang Huan watched He Ling go from being elated to being at a loss, and then looked at the scarf in her hand, finding it somewhat amusing.
Wasn't it shocking enough that they pulled out a modernly packaged burn ointment last time?
This time they've come up with another scarf; are they trying to stage a scene where I run a supermarket in ancient times?
Jiang Huan tried her best to keep a straight face, not intending to expose her, but deliberately showing a curious expression, her gaze falling on the scarf.
"What? Is this also an item from the Western Regions? It looks quite unique."
As she spoke, she poked the soft yarn.
He Ling's hand trembled, and she almost slipped down with her scarf.
She hurriedly caught it, stammering, "Your Majesty, this is...this is a little thing I made in my spare time, it's called...it's a scarf! Yes...it's a craft that came from the Western Regions, haha..."
[Oh no, even the Empress can apply what she's learned to other situations, while I'm still making silly mistakes.]
[This name is too modern. Won't you think I'm making it up?]
Ugh! How could I be so stupid!
Jiang Huan almost burst out laughing, and quickly covered her face with her sleeve and coughed twice.
Look how anxious the child is, he's practically on the verge of exploding.
However, there is one thing that deserves praise for He Ling.
This scarf has dense stitches and a soft color scheme; the craftsmanship is truly excellent.
He Ling's eyes welled up with tears when she saw Jiang Huan staring at her without saying a word.
"Your Majesty, I... I just thought it was getting cold, so I was thinking of knitting something to protect my neck from the wind and cold..."
She spoke softer and softer, her fingers twisting the tassels at the edge of her scarf, filled with unease.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Huan was afraid that she would be teased to tears, so she suddenly realized and patted her forehead.
"Oh, so it's a neck protector. That's a thoughtful thing, but I've never seen this weave before. It's thicker than a regular shawl."
"Yes, yes, Your Highness can keep it for now, and when it gets colder, take it out and wrap it around yourself; it will keep you warm."
He Ling secretly glanced at Jiang Huan's expression, and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Jiang Huan didn't suspect anything.
At this moment, Xiao Zhao and her maids brought out the breakfast.
Exquisite pastries, soft and sticky rice porridge, and a few refreshing side dishes—the aroma is irresistible.
He Ling's eyes lit up immediately, and she couldn't take her eyes off the food.
Jiang Huan could tell from the girl's face that her thoughts were written all over her face.
She graciously pointed to the seat next to her: "Sit down and have some with us."
"Huh? Really?" He Ling was flattered and her eyes widened.
[Having breakfast with the Empress?]
Wow, what a treat!
[System, I feel I'm one step closer to becoming the Empress's confidant!]
"Of course." Jiang Huan couldn't help but smile as she looked at He Ling's surprised and delighted expression.
He Ling immediately sat down below Jiang Huan, her movements so swift that there was no trace of the half-dead state she had been in just yesterday.
Xiao Zhao added a bowl and chopsticks for He Ling, and He Ling's mouth watered as she looked at the food in front of her.
This breakfast is so lavish! These crystal shrimp dumplings are so translucent.
This osmanthus-flavored lotus root is sweet, fragrant, and soft.
These pickled cucumbers look so crunchy!
[System! I feel like my life is complete.]
"...Host, please mind your manners."
[Okay, okay, I know. When faced with delicious food, manners take a backseat.]
He Ling was overjoyed. She picked up her chopsticks and ate with her eyes squinting, looking completely satisfied.
Jiang Huan ate and listened attentively, just like listening to a crosstalk performance.
Breakfast ended in a relaxed atmosphere.
The palace maids cleared away the bowls and plates and served tea.
He Ling touched her belly contentedly, feeling warm all over.
She looked at the scarf placed on the small table beside her and remembered why she had come.
"Your Highness, do you like this? If you do, I can teach you how to weave it!" He Ling's voice was filled with undisguised excitement.
[Hehe, teaching the Empress myself will surely bring us closer, won't it?]
[I'm so clever, System, praise me!]
System: "...Beep, the system has detected that the host is actively developing relationships with characters who are not the main target of the romance. Warning: Deviating from the main storyline."
"Oh, I know, I know, this is just a roundabout way to achieve our goal!"
[If you cultivate a good relationship with the Empress, you'll be able to speak to the Emperor more effectively in the future, won't you?]
This is called a strategic detour!
system:"……"
Jiang Huan raised an eyebrow as she listened to her inner theory.
They came up with pretty good excuses to avoid the mission.
However, judging from her expectant look, as if she were presenting a treasure, if she said she wasn't interested, she would probably end up with a dejected little He Ling.
"That sounds interesting. Would you be willing to teach me?" Jiang Huan asked deliberately.
"Yes! Of course I'm willing!" He Ling was overjoyed when she heard Jiang Huan agree. As if afraid that Jiang Huan would change her mind, she quickly took out the two thin knitting needles and a small ball of leftover yarn from her sleeve.
"Your Majesty, you see, it's actually not difficult! It mainly involves a few steps..."
As she spoke, she quickly began, her fingers flying nimbly, the steps clear and the stitches even.
“Look, like this, the needle goes through here, the thread goes around once, and then you pick it up again…” He Ling slowed down her movements and patiently explained, occasionally looking up to see Jiang Huan’s reaction.
Jiang Huan leaned closer to look, and following her example, picked up another pair of knitting needles and yarn, and tried to start a stitch.
On my first attempt, I almost pricked my finger with the needle, and the yarn got all crooked and twisted.
Hey, Jiang Huan was a little skeptical.
A hand capable of carving dragons would not be defeated by a mere ball of yarn!
Again!
"Pfft..." He Ling couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at Jiang Huan's slightly clumsy yet persistent demeanor.
But realizing it was inappropriate, he quickly covered his mouth.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me! I didn't mean to..."
Jiang Huan didn't care and focused intently on working with the yarn in her hands.
"It's fine, I don't believe it. Tell me again, what are the techniques again?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He Ling breathed a sigh of relief, and became bolder, moving closer to guide him step by step.
"Your Majesty, look, you should hold the needle like this, relax your wrist a little, yes, like this, apply a little pressure when wrapping the thread, otherwise it will loosen... Oh, right, Your Majesty, you learn so quickly."
Under He Ling's careful guidance, Jiang Huan quickly mastered the basic techniques.
Although the first row of stitches was crooked and looked like a drunken caterpillar, Jiang Huan still felt quite accomplished looking at the result she had woven herself.
"Look, I can knit too!" Jiang Huan held up the short piece of her work, her tone slightly smug.
"Your Highness is truly amazing! To knit like this on your first try is far better than I ever did," He Ling praised sincerely, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "With a few more practice sessions, you'll definitely be able to knit even faster and better!"
The two sat head to head, focused on the yarn and knitting needles in their hands. For a moment, only the crisp sound of needles clattering and occasional whispers and soft laughter could be heard in the side hall.
Sunlight streamed through the window and fell upon them, creating a tranquil and warm scene.
After knitting for a while, Jiang Huan felt a soreness in her neck, so she put down the knitting needles and rubbed the back of her neck.
He Ling also stopped what she was doing, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the corner.
"Huh?" she exclaimed softly, her eyes instantly lighting up. "Your Majesty, is that your dog?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com