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The three-year-old Yinyin had just learned the etiquette of paying respects, lispingly saying, "Grandson pays his respects to Imperial Granny."

The Empress saw him and lifted her handkerchief to cover her smile, "Yinyin has also learned the etiquette of paying respects. Although it’s not as good as Yunyun’s, he is only three years old. By the time he’s five, he will certainly do much better."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the praise," chuckled Concubine Yun with pride, glancing at Yunyun, "When Yinyin turns five, he will surely know much more than just paying respects."

The Empress nodded in agreement, "Of course, Yinyin is smart and lively; by five, he will undoubtedly be very impressive."

Concubine De heard this and felt very displeased in her heart. What’s so great about being five? Yunyun knew a lot when she was five too!

"Yunyun began reciting ancient poetry when she was three and showed no interest in the butterflies in the Imperial Garden."

Concubine Yun, naturally hearing the mockery from Concubine De about Yinyin chasing butterflies, immediately shot back, "Concubine De, I’m not criticizing you, but while learning is indeed important, children also need time to play. Otherwise, what good is it to become a bookworm?"

Concubine De huffed, "Even if a bookworm, that’s still having been well-versed in poetry and books. What if chasing butterflies leads to frolicking among flowers like Prince Cheng did at a young age?"

Seeing the two weren’t clashing fiercely enough, the Empress chimed in, "Although Prince Cheng frolicked among the flowers, he did father Yinyin."

Concubine De snorted coldly, "So he fathered Yinyin. Let’s see Prince Cheng father another."

The Empress added fuel to the fire, "Three were miscarried, although all by the accidental hand of Prince Rui..."

Concubine Yun immediately retorted, "That’s still better than miscarrying several times."

Concubine De didn’t want to show weakness either and retorted, "It’s just that Prince Cheng cannot have children."

The Empress covered her mouth with her handkerchief and snickered, enjoying how the two flaunted themselves. Enjoy your boasting then.

After walking away, the Empress ordered her maid, "Find an opportunity to let the Emperor know about the deep sisterly affection between Concubine De and Concubine Yun."

"This servant understands and will go immediately," Bi Rou turned and went directly to the Imperial Study Room.

The eunuch Li, standing at the entrance, saw Bi Rou and took the initiative to greet her, "Miss Bi Rou, what brings you here?"

"Eunuch Li, greetings. I have just come from the Imperial Garden, where I saw the little Royal Grandson chasing after butterflies. Quite impressive."

Eunuch Li grinned, "Oh, is that so? The little Royal Grandson is becoming more and more lively."

The Emperor had just finished his work in the Imperial Study Room and heard their conversation as he stepped out. Preoccupied with state affairs, it had been a long time since he had seen Yinyin.

"To the Imperial Garden."

"As you command," Eunuch Li bellowed, "The Imperial Carriage to the Imperial Garden."

A crowd of people moved majestically toward the Imperial Garden.

Having achieved her goal, Bi Rou took her leave.

As they approached the Imperial Garden, the Emperor, wanting to play with his grandson, told them to stay back; he would proceed with only Eunuch Li.

"What have you given birth to, a domestic abuser!"

"Your son is great, too great, to the point of becoming extinct. Watch over Yinyin well, if you lose him, you’ll have nothing left."

"You needn’t worry. You should be concerned about your own son and the day he goes mad and strikes Yunyun."

The moment the Emperor arrived, he overheard the conversation between Concubine Yun and Concubine De and immediately became furious, "What is the meaning of this?"

Concubine De and Concubine Yun turned to see the Emperor standing not far away, their faces turning pale in fright, and in unison they exclaimed, "Your Majesty."

"This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Imperial Grandpa."

Seeing the Emperor, both Yunyun and Yinyin ran over.

Being older, Yunyun ran faster, and in the process accidentally pushed Yinyin to the ground, causing him to burst into tears.

Maidens immediately stepped forward to help Yinyin up.

The Emperor, upon seeing this, became even angrier, "You who hold the position of concubines speak so vulgarly and corrupt my grandchildren, failing to even understand the virtue of respecting the elderly and cherishing the young. Confine yourselves for a month and forfeit three months’ allowance."

Neither Concubine Yun nor Concubine De dared utter a word of resistance.

*

The Empress entered the Hehuan Hall, finding the environment and setting far superior to that of the Xiyun Pavilion, with a lotus pond in the yard and a plum tree.

Shen Chuwei must certainly be very pleased with the arrangements made by the Empress, not only being allowed to move into the finest Hehuan Hall but also living next door to the Crown Prince.

Seeing the Empress arrive, Chun Xi and the others hurriedly knelt down to greet her.

"Thousands of blessings and safety to the Empress."

The Empress replied indifferently, "Rise."

"Thank you, Empress."

Chun Xi and the rest stood up, their heads bowed and nodding.

The Empress glanced around and, not seeing Shen Chuwei, asked, "Where is Lady Shen?"

"This maid will go in and call Lady Shen out right away."

Just as Chun Xi was about to go in, the Empress stopped her, "No need, I will go in and see for myself."

After speaking, the Empress walked in with a dignified and elegant gait.

Shen Chuwei had just finished packing, thinking it rare to step out and deciding to bring along some extra food to eat on the way.

The Empress caught sight of Shen Chuwei busying herself as soon as she entered. She approached and said, "Lady Shen, what are you busy with?"

Shen Chuwei halted her packing and turned to see the Empress. She quickly performed a curtsy, "Concubine pays respect to the Empress, may the Empress be blessed with safety and peace."

Looking at the Empress who had suddenly arrived, Shen Chuwei inquired, "Does the Empress seek this concubine for some matter?"

The thought of her visit being motivated by a craving for instant noodles made the Empress somewhat embarrassed.

"It has been some days since I’ve tasted your cooking, and today I would like to have a taste," the Empress said, unusually tender.

Shen Chuwei suddenly realized that the Empress was craving instant noodles.

To want to eat it after already having it three times.

It’s often said that one accustomed to delicacies of every kind can hardly enjoy simple, plain food.

Yet, it isn’t always so, as a bucket of instant noodles could even leave a mother of the nation craving.

"Empress, let’s not have instant noodles today. How about fried rice instead?"

The Empress expressed skepticism, "Fried rice?"

"Hmm, please wait a moment, this concubine will be right back."

Having said this, Shen Chuwei went to the small kitchen.

With the Empress personally requesting a taste of her cooking, she had no choice but to cook it herself.

There was some leftover rice from lunch, still warm, which was perfect for frying now.

Fried rice and instant noodles are simplest to make; once the ingredients are prepared, she began stir-frying over a high heat.

Chun Xi watched the heat carefully.

In no time at all, a fragrant dish of fried rice was ready. She took out two plates of side dishes and brought them before the Empress.

The Empress thought she would have to wait a long time, but just after two sips of tea, Shen Chuwei arrived with the fried rice.

"Empress, it is ready to eat."

The Empress looked down at the steaming dish before her; it smelled very fragrant, and having eaten only a few bites at lunch, her appetite was piqued.

She scooped up a spoonful of the dish and chewed thoughtfully, finding it much tastier than plain rice.

After eating three spoonfuls, the Empress looked up at Shen Chuwei and couldn’t help praising, "What kind of rice is this? Why is it so delicious?"

Shen Chuwei replied, "It’s made from some leftover rice from lunch, stir-fried with ingredients such as eggs and sausage."

Leftover rice?

The Empress looked at the still steamy fried rice, finding it hard to believe that such a delicious fried rice was made from leftover rice.

A mother of the nation having never eaten leftover rice?