Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) first dried the perilla leaves over charcoal and ground them into a powder for later use. Then, she ground cinnamon, dried tangerine peel, licorice root, and galangal into a fine powder, ensuring each particle was delicate. Next, she poured all these powders into a pot, added dew collected that morning and sweet well water, and simmered over high heat.
Once the herbs and water in the pot boiled, she added some honey for flavor. She then reduced the heat to a slow simmer until the flowing water turned into a slightly viscous paste. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Xiao Wenqiang took a small cup, scooped a spoonful of perilla paste into it, poured in boiling water, and stirred it evenly. She gently scooped up a spoonful, blew on it, and then drank it. Yes, this was the feeling.
Xiao Wenqiang turned to Chu Li and said, "Xiao Li, I succeeded! Hurry and help me pack it up. I'm going to give it to the Emperor!"
Chu Li looked at the sky outside the window. "Miss, it's already time for dinner. You've been simmering for so long; why not eat and rest first?"
Xiao Wenqiang only then felt the emptiness in her stomach. She had been so engrossed in making it that she had completely forgotten about time. "Alright, I'll send it to the Emperor after dinner!"
After a hasty dinner, she learned from Wang You that Situ Chuanqiong had not visited any other concubines in the past few days. He had quarreled with Leng Yuanxiang and confined her, so he had been working in the Imperial Study until late before returning to his sleeping quarters.
"Your Majesty, the Empress is here to see you?" Wang You bowed to Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) and then went to report to Situ Chuanqiong.
"Cough, cough, cough!" Before Situ Chuanqiong could speak, a fit of coughing ensued. "Did the Empress say what it was about?"
"Your servant does not know, but judging by the Empress's maid carrying a food box, she is likely bringing some snacks for Your Majesty!" Wang You guessed.
"Then... cough, cough, cough... Please invite the Empress in!" Situ Chuanqiong thought it might be scallion oil noodles again. Although he had been lacking an appetite lately and didn't want to eat much, it was rare for the Empress to visit, so he had to show her respect.
"Yes, Your servant will go and invite her!" Wang You responded and went out.
Soon, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) entered the Imperial Study alone, carrying the food box.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty!" She bowed to Situ Chuanqiong upon entering.
"Empress, you may dispense with the formalities. Be at ease in private... cough, cough, cough... just be at ease!" Situ Chuanqiong couldn't help but cough a few times with each sentence.
"Has Your Majesty caught a cold?" Xiao Wenqiang quickly stepped forward to show concern.
"It's nothing. Perhaps I accidentally kicked off the quilt at night a few days ago!" Situ Chuanqiong even made a joke.
"Has a physician seen you?" Xiao Wenqiang continued to express her concern.
"Yes, I have. Other symptoms are... cough, cough, cough... mostly gone, it's just my throat... cough, cough, cough... it's still uncomfortable, and it itches badly if I speak."
"Your Majesty manages affairs of state daily, but you must also take good care of your health!" Xiao Wenqiang opened the food box and took out the drink she had prepared at the right time. "Then my perilla water today is made at the right time."
Situ Chuanqiong leaned his head to look. It was crystal clear yellow-purple, and it smelled strongly of ginger. He picked it up and took a shallow sip. It was sweet, soothed his throat, and warmed his entire body. He then lowered his head and drank several more gulps, quickly finishing the cup of perilla water.
Situ Chuanqiong felt very comfortable. His throat, which had been itching frequently, seemed much better. "This perilla water of the Empress is truly miraculous. I feel very comfortable drinking it."
"I'm glad Your Majesty likes it. It was worth my hard work all day!" Xiao Wenqiang said casually, hinting at her efforts.
"Oh, this was personally brewed by the Empress?" Situ Chuanqiong was truly surprised this time. "I didn't expect Lan'er to have such skills now! That's wonderful!"
"Your Majesty is too kind. I was just bored and fiddling around with it after reading some books." Xiao Wenqiang took out the packaged perilla paste and prepared another cup for him in front of Situ Chuanqiong. "Medical texts say that perilla paste is effective for throat blockages causing goiters. I thought that since the weather is cold recently, I could make some for Your Majesty to drink daily."
"Lan'er, you are thoughtful. I like it very much." Situ Chuanqiong took the teacup and drank it down again, feeling refreshed all over. He picked up the jar containing the perilla paste, intending to have another cup.
Xiao Wenqiang reached out and stopped him. "Your Majesty, although perilla water is good, it contains medicinal herbs. Please do not drink too much."
Situ Chuanqiong stopped drinking, pulled Xiao Wenqiang's hand, and led her to sit down. "Lan'er, you are truly considerate now. But I remember you weren't this meticulous before!"
Xiao Wenqiang lowered her head and smiled faintly. "I used to only love wielding swords and spears and never thought about studying these things. Besides, back then we were in the military camp, and we had to ride out to battle. How could I have had time for this?"
The woman lowered her eyes, her tears seemingly making the mole beneath her left eye glisten. "But now it is a time of peace, so naturally, I have found other amusements for myself. After all, life must go on, and people must look forward."
Situ Chuanqiong involuntarily reached out and caught the tear beneath her mole. "Regarding the matter of the Chu family, I failed to consider your feelings, and I was wrong! Only then did he realize how excessive he had been. Lan'er loved him so much, yet he had caused her such deep pain.
"Your subject knows that Your Majesty is not to blame! Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation. If my Chu family had truly betrayed the country, your actions would not have been wrong." Xiao Wenqiang buried her face in Situ Chuanqiong's hand and mumbled, "I couldn't understand at first, which is why I offended Your Majesty. But now that I understand, I don't know if it's too late."
"It is not too late. Of course, it is not too late." Situ Chuanqiong embraced the woman. "I have always known how Lan'er treats me. In the future, I will treat you just as well!"
Xiao Wenqiang nodded. "Lan'er only has Your Majesty as family now. If Your Majesty also rejects me, Lan'er truly doesn't know the meaning of living."
Situ Chuanqiong gently patted Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang)'s back and softly comforted her. He gradually began to regret his actions. He didn't know what had possessed him to want to exterminate the Chu family and depose the Empress.
But upon reflection, the Chu family were indeed loyal and brave. They had supported him since he was the second prince and had never wavered in their loyalty. Chu Yulan, in particular, always thought of him and cared for him in every way. She was a woman who loved him so much that she lowered herself to the dust. How could he have the heart to hurt her like this? To order the execution of her entire maternal clan?
What Situ Chuanqiong did not know was that this was the power of the plot. Once he fell in love with Leng Yuanxiang, he could no longer see any other woman. The appearance of Xiao Wenqiang began to disrupt the plot, and Situ Chuanqiong started to regain his senses.