Qianxue was stunned, and subconsciously glanced at her master. Seeing him carrying the little dumpling and alighting from the carriage, a flicker of joy crossed her eyes. "Yes!"
She had followed her master for so many years, and finally, they would have a festive celebration that felt truly joyous!
Upon entering the General's Mansion, the estate was brightly lit.
The three young brothers were neatly dressed and lined up before the main hall.
As soon as they saw Zhou Wanyou return, they all rushed over.
"Mother, where are our red envelopes?"
Zhou Wanyou chuckled and ruffled Su Siyuan's head. "You're already waiting for red envelopes before I've even entered the house. Who taught you such manners?"
Su Siqi's eyes sparkled. "It's the festival today, so we don't need to be so formal, right, Eldest Brother?"
Su Sizhuo nodded emphatically, mimicking his two younger brothers, and earnestly raised his hands.
"Mother isn't giving out red envelopes today. If you want red envelopes, someone else will give them to you." Zhou Wanyou stepped aside, revealing the person behind her. "His Highness Prince Yu is celebrating the festival with us today."
The three young brothers looked at Ye Jingyu and were momentarily taken aback, failing to process it immediately.
Ye Jingyu stood still, his arm holding the little dumpling instinctively tightening.
This was the first time he had been stared at so directly in such a situation.
The little dumpling, with its small hands around his neck, patted his shoulder and turned to its three elder brothers. "Brother Yu said whoever is the most enthusiastic today will get the biggest red envelope!"
The three brothers exchanged glances, and the next second, Su Siyuan lunged forward.
He directly bumped Ye Jingyu, causing him to stumble back two steps, almost falling to the ground. "Your Highness Prince Yu, give me a red envelope, give me a red envelope!"
Su Siqi also obsequiously made a 'please' gesture. "Third Brother, don't cause trouble. Let His Highness Prince Yu enter first."
Last time, this person had given out thousands of taels. Today, wouldn't he make a fortune!
Ye Jingyu shook his head helplessly and stepped into the main hall.
A long table laden with food had already been set up inside.
Everyone invited Ye Jingyu to be seated.
The dumplings were served.
The two elder brothers rushed to grab them first, only to have their hands swatted away by Su Sizhuo.
He first took a bowl, served Zhou Wanyou, and brought it to her. Then, he served one for the little dumpling, and finally, he served one and handed it to Ye Jingyu with a solemn expression.
"Your Highness Prince Yu, don't forget to give me a big one later."
Ye Jingyu responded with an "Alright" and looked down at the little dumpling in his arms, his eyes filled with a hint of doting and tenderness.
Perhaps today would be the happiest festival of his life.
Qianxue stood outside the hall, watching the lively scene inside. A bowl was brought to her.
Lü Luo leaned in with a smiling face. "You must be Sister Qianxue. Miss has mentioned you many times. You've taken good care of our Miss, and we all want to thank you."
Qianxue was somewhat surprised.
Lü Luo took her hand. "Come, everyone else is waiting for you. You're celebrating the festival with us today."
In a small house not far away, Linlang and the others were gathered around.
A flicker of emotion crossed Qianxue's eyes, and she followed them in.
The mansion and its surroundings were bustling with activity. People on the streets were setting off firecrackers, and everyone was in high spirits.
However, this festive cheer was blocked outside the imperial palace gates.
Inside the Imperial Study.
Emperor Ye Yao lifted his head from the pile of memorials on the desk and closed his eyes, rubbing his temples.
Eunuch Chang entered with a cup of tea. "Your Majesty, please have some tea and rest for a moment."
Emperor Ye Yao leaned back on the soft seat covered with a wool blanket, his gaze falling on the window. "What time is it now?"
"It's already the hour of Xu (7-9 PM). Her Majesty the Empress sent someone to urge you twice." Eunuch Chang placed the tea down. "Your Majesty, today is a significant day. You must go to Her Majesty's palace."
The tea slowly emitted hot steam.
Emperor Ye Yao closed his eyes. "Go and tell the Empress that His Majesty is busy with official duties today and will not be going to her palace. Send someone to deliver some items to her, so she doesn't become unhappy."
Eunuch Chang sighed, having expected this. "Then, shall I bring the dumplings to you here?"
Emperor Ye Yao opened his eyes, a hint of confusion flashing in their depths. "Dumplings? I recall which consort in the harem loves dumplings the most."
Who was it?
Eunuch Chang shook his head with a complex expression and did not reply.
Emperor Ye Yao then stood up. "No need. Accompany me for a walk. Just you and me, no need for anyone else to follow."
Eunuch Chang said, "Yes," and draped an outer robe over him.
Emperor Ye Yao left the study and headed directly towards the rear garden.
This place was spacious, and one could faintly see the brilliant fireworks in the distant sky.
Emperor Ye Yao walked towards the fireworks, his mind blank, as if in deep thought yet thinking of nothing.
The palace was very quiet; there wasn't even the sound of insects on the path.
Eunuch Chang watched the direction he was instinctively walking and wanted to call out to him but hesitated.
Finally, Emperor Ye Yao stopped and stood before the entrance to the Cold Palace.
A faint light appeared in his clouded eyes.
That's right, Xue'er loved dumplings the most. xxs1
Every winter solstice, she loved to cook herself. Her culinary skills were poor, yet she always insisted on doing it herself, and she always ate more than anyone else.
Her home country did not have dumplings, so she was particularly fascinated by them.
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Chang suddenly called out.
Emperor Ye Yao snapped back to reality, only to realize he had already pushed open the door of the Cold Palace.
Eunuch Chang: "Your Majesty, if Her Majesty the Empress finds out, there will likely be another uproar."
Emperor Ye Yao's hand clenched. He took a deep breath and withdrew his foot.
"Your Majesty?" Yi Zuo, carrying a basin of hot water, passed by and was also surprised to see Emperor Ye Yao. He quickly knelt to pay his respects.
Emperor Ye Yao took a deep breath, and his withdrawn foot could not be pulled away no matter what. "What is Consort Liang doing?"
Yi Zuo lowered his head, looking somewhat nervous. After a moment of thought, he said, "Her Highness has not woken up today. If Your Majesty wishes to see her, it might not be possible."
"What do you mean, not woken up today?" Emperor Ye Yao frowned. "What happened to her?"
Did the Empress trouble her again?
He had said back then that even though he had relegated her to the Cold Palace, her daily life should never be neglected. Were those people disregarding his words?!
Yi Zuo paused. "Her Highness has been ill for some time. Although she has taken medicine, she has mostly recovered, but her body still needs to be nurtured. She usually sleeps more than she is awake."
Emperor Ye Yao clenched his fist.
That's right, he had forgotten that she had been poisoned with the Soul Devouring Soup.
Eunuch Chang said softly, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. Let's go back."
Emperor Ye Yao nodded, turned, and walked out.
"Yi Zuo? I'm hungry." A soft call came from inside the room.
Yi Zuo's eyes lit up. "Her Highness is awake."
Emperor Ye Yao abruptly stopped, almost uncontrollably turning around and striding into the Cold Palace.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Chang called out twice. Ye Yao did not look back. He shook his head helplessly and sighed, bowing to retreat.
Emperor Ye Yao followed the faint light to the door. There were faint voices speaking inside.
He reached out and tested the door for a moment before finally pushing it open and entering.