Consort Zhuang doesn't want palace intrigue; she just wants to raise her child and live a caref

Upon hearing this news, the Empress merely smiled and said nonchalantly, "No need to worry about it. Since the Emperor is willing to send it off, let him be. After all, it's all being used from his own private treasury. By the way, has Jingyun woken up yet?"

Ying Qiu quickly stopped what she was doing and respectfully replied, "His Highness the Crown Prince has already woken up and is currently drinking milk in his room."

The Empress nodded slightly to indicate that she understood, and then instructed, "After Yun'er finishes his milk, have the wet nurse bring him to see me."

Ying Qiu quickly replied, "Yes."

Now, Canglan Jingyun is almost three years old. Despite his young age, he has a unique habit—every time he wakes up, he must happily drink a bowl of rich and creamy milk.

After Ying Qiu slowly withdrew, the Empress sat alone quietly at her desk, holding a brush in her hand, silently copying the heavy scriptures.

The reason she was so focused on copying these scriptures was that she wanted to calm her restless heart.

Only when her mind is at peace can she calmly and seriously consider the future path for herself and her son.

At this moment, in the Cuiwei Palace.

"Your Majesty, the Empress's birthday is on the eighth day of next month! We need to start preparing birthday gifts for the Empress," Jinse whispered, reminding her softly.

"Don't worry, I have already made arrangements for this matter and am currently preparing for it," Su Nuannuan replied calmly, nodding slightly.

It turns out that after successfully creating the exquisite kingfisher feather phoenix crown to present to the Empress Dowager, Su Nuannuan immediately threw herself into another task—she selected red feathers with a gradient of red and meticulously crafted a phoenix hairpin with nine phoenixes adorned with kingfisher feathers.

Now, the feather-decorated part of this phoenix hairpin has been successfully completed, and only the final crucial step remains: skillfully assembling the nine exquisite phoenix heads together.

Hearing Su Nuannuan's reply, Jinse breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Since Your Majesty has already made up your mind, then this servant is at ease."

At this moment, Su Nuannuan couldn't help but sigh softly: "After the Empress's birthday, the annual Reunion Festival will be just around the corner."

In the Azure Kingdom, this so-called Reunion Festival was actually quite similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival she knew from her previous life. However, there were neither beautiful and moving legends like Chang'e flying to the moon, nor sweet and delicious mooncakes to enjoy. On this day, people usually ate a food similar to wedding cakes to celebrate family reunions and happiness.

"Sigh, I wonder how the palace will organize this year's Reunion Festival?" Su Nuannuan murmured softly as she gently patted her son's small back.

The little guy was just thrashing around on the cot, but now he's probably exhausted. After blinking a few times, he drifted off to sleep again.

Seeing that her brother had already fallen asleep, Jingyao seemed to be infected by his sleep. She opened her mouth wide, gave a cute little yawn, and then, like a well-behaved kitten, slowly closed her eyes. Before long, she also drifted into a sweet dream.

At this moment, Yue Niang, standing by the bed, looked at the two sleeping children with a smile on her face and couldn't help but praise, "Your Majesty, look at these two little masters, they are so easy to take care of!"

Just then, Zhixiang quickly walked up to Su Nuannuan, curtsied slightly, and reported, "Your Majesty, all the dried vegetables have been prepared."

Su Nuannuan nodded, pondered for a moment, and then instructed, "Well, then move them all to the west side hall first. Oh, right, Zhixiang, remember to pick out two bundles of gourd strips and keep them. We'll use them to make a delicious gourd strip stew with braised pork for lunch today. By the way, do you have any fresh pork belly in the kitchen?"

Zhixiang quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department just sent us two pieces of the finest pork belly this morning."

"Okay, Zhixiang, remember to soak the gourd strips in a bit. Once they're fully soaked, cut them into small pieces about half a finger's length. Let's start by cooking the braised pork. When the broth has reduced to only half, quickly pour the soaked gourd strips into the pot. Then continue simmering until all the broth has evaporated, and then it's ready to serve." Su Nuannuan explained the cooking steps methodically.

"Yes, Your Highness, I'll go prepare right away." Zhixiang agreed with a happy face, picked up the two large bundles of gourd strips with both hands, and ran excitedly towards the small kitchen.

At the same time, Su Nuannuan turned to look at Li Quan, who was standing to the side, and said softly, "Li Quan, before lunchtime, go to the Hall of Diligent Governance and invite the Emperor to have lunch here. Remember to tell the Emperor that I had someone make braised pork with gourd strips today."

"Yes, Your Majesty." After Li Quan answered respectfully, he quickly turned around and directed several eunuchs to move quickly and carefully deliver the dried vegetables to the west side hall for safekeeping.

After arranging these matters, Su Nuannuan turned her gaze to Jinse and instructed her with a smile, "Jinse, later take some gourd strips out of the palace and deliver them directly to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. When you do, don't forget to explain to them in detail the method of making it that I just mentioned."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty," Jinse replied crisply.

Then she turned to Yue Niang and Hong Lian beside her and gently instructed them, "You two, quickly and gently carry the children back into the house."

After responding, the two carefully picked up the two sleeping little masters and carried them back to their room.

Yaoqin, quickly go and inform Zhixiang. This noon, besides the portion that I and the Emperor ate, we will also serve two extra bowls of braised pork with gourd strips to the Empress Dowager and the Empress, so that they can also enjoy this delicious dish.

As for the rest, you can share them! Everyone works hard every day, so let's all enjoy this rare delicacy today.

Don't forget to clearly explain the portion sizes to everyone, so no one gets left out and feels unhappy. Alright, Yaoqin, hurry up and go!

"This servant thanks Your Highness on behalf of everyone." Yaoqin smiled and slightly curtsied to Su Nuannuan.

"Go on!" Su Nuannuan returned the greeting with a warm smile and gently waved for Yaoqin to leave. She was always generous and lavish towards those close to her, never stingy with rewards and care.

She wasn't worried that the Empress Dowager and the Empress wouldn't eat it. After all, even the Emperor ate it, so how could they possibly consider themselves more noble than the Emperor?

Su Nuannuan slowly stood up, stretching her arms like a lazy cat, relaxing her body to the fullest. Just as she turned around, about to step into the inner hall, a clear and melodious female voice suddenly drifted from the palace gate.