Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

Liu Yunshu felt dizzy and her vision blurred as the swing swayed her.

Her almond-shaped eyes, shimmering with moisture, were almost impossible to focus, and her long, fair neck was forced to arch in a graceful yet delicate curve, like a swan stretching its neck.

Sunlight filtered through the swaying flower branches and windowpanes, creating dazzling, leaping spots of light before her eyes, interwoven with bursts of breathtaking white light.

Han Fei chuckled softly, looking at the delicate and helpless woman in his arms, completely at his mercy, and his mischievous teasing thoughts were finally satisfied.

He completely withdrew his strength, using only skillful force to guide the opponent.

The swing, still lingering in the air, slowly came to a stop, swaying gently like ripples on a still lake.

He reached out and gently plucked a wisteria petal from her sweat-dampened temple with his fingertips.

His fingertips brushed casually across her smooth, hot cheek skin, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Feeling dizzy?"

His voice was extremely soft, filled with deep pity and doting afterward, completely different from his "rascal" persona just moments before.

"Then we won't swing anymore."

He used a little force to lift her limp body off the swing and let her lean against him.

Her legs were already weak and she could barely stand.

"Let me carry you to that soft couch over there to rest, have some hot tea, and calm down, okay?"

He asked in a low voice, his tone full of consideration.

Liu Yunshu had not yet fully recovered from the dizzying and extremely stimulating experience she had just had.

My head was still spinning, and my whole body felt like it had been ripped out of its bones, so I couldn't muster any strength and couldn't respond at all.

Just instinctively, like a koala seeking shelter and reliance, she stretched out her aching arms and wrapped them even tighter around his neck.

She buried her burning cheek in the crook of his neck and let out a soft, indistinct nasal sound.

Han Fei adored her completely dependent look and chuckled softly.

He slipped his arms under her knees and back, and with a slight effort, lifted her steadily into his arms.

The breeze outside the warm pavilion seemed gentler, carrying the rich fragrance of wisteria blossoms, silently drifting past the window.

The gentle embrace and envelopment of the two figures, so closely intertwined and inseparable, enveloped them.

It was as if they were creating a sweet and private eternal world just for each other.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

That day, Liu Yunshu lifted her skirt and tiptoed into the imperial study.

Han Fei was sitting upright at his desk, staring intently at the letter in his hand.

She smiled, held her breath, and quietly moved to his side.

Just as she was about to reach out and startle him, she was suddenly pulled into his arms.

How did you know it was me?

She gasped softly and looked up at him.

Han Fei chuckled and pulled her closer.

"Besides my little Nanfeng, who else would dare to be so presumptuous in the Imperial Study?"

Liu Yunshu gave a soft snort, but her gaze fell on the letter in his hand: "This is...?"

"Sent by my mother."

Han Fei unfolded the letter and spoke in a gentle tone.

"A few months ago, she went to Mount Wutai to pray for her father's well-being and stayed for a while. Now that the year is coming to an end, she will soon be setting off to return to the palace."

"Is the Empress Dowager... coming back?"

Liu Yunshu lay on his chest, looking at him pitifully, her fingertips unconsciously fiddling with the buttons on his collar.

"Will she look down on me... look down on me because of my unknown origins, because I was kicked out of the Marquis's mansion with the stigma of being a 'fake heiress,' and because I used to be a laundry maid..."

Han Fei put down the letter in his hand and grasped her mischievous fingers.

He looked down at her, his eyes filled with a tenderness that could drown a person. His thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, soothing her unease.

"With me here, what is there to fear?"

His voice was deep and resolute, carrying a reassuring power.

"The Empress Dowager has always been reasonable and kind-hearted."

"Besides, I have never been interested in women, and she longs every day for someone who understands and is compatible with me by my side."

"Now that I know I have such a beautiful woman like you, I'd be overjoyed, how could I possibly find fault with you?"

"But I... I'm not from a noble family, nor do I have a respectable background. The Empress Dowager..."

Before he could finish speaking, Han Fei gripped his wrist even tighter.

He kissed her trembling long eyelashes:

"My empress doesn't need a prestigious family background to make an impression."

The tone was domineering yet extremely gentle:

"I am the Emperor. If I say you are worthy, then you are worthy. If I say you are the best woman in the world, then no one dares to utter a single word of dissent."

Liu Yunshu buried her face in his chest, the faint scent of ambergris on his clothes lingering around her nose, her heart filled with a bittersweet feeling.

She said sullenly, "But if the Empress Dowager really doesn't like me, Junhuai will be in a difficult position."

Han Fei chuckled softly, reached out, lifted her chin, and forced her to look up into his deep eyes.

Those eyes held only her image, so intense it was impossible to separate them.

"Is it difficult?"

He raised an eyebrow, his fingertips caressing her soft lips.

"Nanfeng, remember, I will never make things difficult for you. Don't worry, your mother will like you."

Liu Yunshu felt a sweet warmth fill her heart and reached out to wrap her arms around his neck.

A smile spread across her face, revealing a pair of dimples that were so sweet they touched one's heart.

"Junhuai, you're so good to me."

Han Fei lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

"It's my duty to be good to you."

His voice was deep and tender.

"Things will only get better from now on."

The two embraced quietly for a moment before Liu Yunshu pulled away from his embrace.

As she stepped out of the imperial study, she caught sight of Li De waiting outside the door. Her eyes flickered, and she beckoned to him.

Li De quickly stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "What are your orders, Master?"

Liu Yunshu glanced furtively into the imperial study, only to see Han Fei already engrossed in writing memorials.

He then pulled on Li De's sleeve and moved a few steps toward the pillar.

Li De glanced at the top of his head with a bitter face, then looked at his cuffs, his heart pounding with anxiety:

If His Majesty sees this...

"Eunuch Li, I'd like to ask you something..."

Liu Yunshu lowered her voice, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"What are the Empress Dowager's usual likes and dislikes?"

Li De was slightly taken aback: "This... why doesn't Your Majesty ask His Majesty directly?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yunshu glanced at the Imperial Study, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"I want to give the Empress Dowager and Junhuai a surprise."

Li De suddenly realized, and lowered his voice to laugh:

"Your Majesty is very kind. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty will surely be pleased to know of this sentiment."

He pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"This servant is reminded of someone—Granny Qin."

"She was an old nanny who served the Empress Dowager for over twenty years. She knew the Empress Dowager's likes and dislikes better than anyone else."

"When the Empress Dowager set off for Mount Wutai, the old nanny accidentally injured her leg and stayed in the palace to recuperate. If Your Highness asks her, you will surely be right."

Liu Yunshu's eyes lit up: "Where is that old woman now?"

"She is recuperating in the warm pavilion of the West Garden."

Liu Yunshu's eyes lit up: "Father-in-law, would you mind taking me?"

Li De quickly waved his hand: "What if Your Majesty..."

Liu Yunshu glanced quietly into the imperial study and saw that Han Fei was still focused on reviewing documents.

"Don't worry," Liu Yunshu whispered, "Jun Huai has plenty of memorials to submit. Let's go and come back quickly; he might not notice."

Li De had no choice but to bow and lead the way, guiding her along the corridor to the West Garden.

On the way, Liu Yunshu couldn't help but ask:

"Is Granny Qin a good person? Will my sudden visit disturb her rest?"

Li De chuckled softly in response:

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. The old nanny is gentle and kind. She's overjoyed to know you are the Empress Dowager."

As they spoke, they had already reached the outside of the warm pavilion.

Li De gently knocked on the door: "Granny, it's me, Li De, I've come to see you."

An aged yet gentle voice came from inside the door: "Eunuch Li, please come in."

Upon entering, the furnishings are simple.

Granny Qin leaned against the soft couch, covered with a thick brocade quilt.

He was slightly taken aback when he saw Liu Yunshu, then nodded with a smile: "This... could it be Master Liu?"

"Does Granny recognize me?" Liu Yunshu asked, slightly surprised.

Granny Qin looked her over with gentle eyes, her smile deepening:

"How could I not recognize her? It's already spread throughout the palace that His Majesty has found someone he cherishes dearly."

"Besides, with Li De personally accompanying you, this old servant immediately guessed it must be you."

Liu Yunshu's cheeks flushed slightly, and her fingertips curled gently on the handkerchief.

She took two steps forward, her gaze earnest:

"I heard that the Empress Dowager is about to return to the palace. I would like to prepare some gifts for her in person, but I am afraid that I do not know her preferences and would be impolite."

Aunt Qin's eyes were full of smiles.

"Your Majesty's kindness is more precious than any jewel. If the Empress Dowager knew, she would surely be delighted."

She paused for a moment, then explained in detail.

"Her Majesty has been a devout Buddhist for many years, preferring tranquility and elegance and disliking extravagance. She was born in Jiangnan and her favorite dish is sweet lotus root with osmanthus."

"Select the crisp middle section of lotus root, peel and blanch it, then simmer it with rock sugar over low heat until soft and tender. Finally, sprinkle it with freshly picked osmanthus from Jiangnan. It is sweet but not cloying, just the taste that the Empress remembers."

She paused, then added gently:

"Her Majesty enjoys copying scriptures in her spare time. If Your Majesty would be so kind as to personally copy a scroll of the Heart Sutra, Her Majesty would probably be more pleased than receiving any jewels or jade."

Liu Yunshu listened attentively, and a knowing smile gradually spread across her eyes.

Granny Qin said kindly, "Your Highness will surely be pleased with your thoughtfulness and care."

"Thank you, Granny."

Liu Yunshu bowed respectfully.

"Yunshu has noted it all down. Granny's leg injury hasn't healed yet, please take good care of yourself. I'll come to see you again when I have time."

Qin Mama's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded repeatedly: "Your Majesty is kind-hearted; it is this old servant's blessing."

After exchanging a few more intimate words, Liu Yunshu took her leave.

Li Dehou waited outside the door and quietly led her back the way she came.

From then on, Liu Yunshu quietly got busy.

She kept it a secret from Han Fei, and spent her days learning how to make sweet osmanthus lotus root from the imperial chef.

He then washed his hands, burned incense, and copied the scriptures stroke by stroke under the lamp.

Han Fei noticed that she had been visiting the Imperial Study much less often these days, which was quite unlike her usual playful nature, and he began to have doubts.

That day, feeling particularly anxious, he returned to the Qianqing Palace.

They discovered that she was hiding in a side hall, intently writing something at her desk.

Han Fei raised an eyebrow and quietly approached, only then realizing that it was a neatly written Heart Sutra in regular script.

I couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke the top of her head, my voice tinged with laughter:

"Nanfeng always surprises me; his calligraphy is excellent."

"Jun Huai!"

Liu Yunshu was startled and quickly looked down to examine the papers, then gently touched her chest and pouted.

"You came without making a sound, almost defiling the scriptures."

Han Fei was amused by her appearance, and used his fingertips to tidy up the stray hairs by her temples, brushing them across her slightly flushed cheeks.

"To copy the Heart Sutra and offer it to the Empress Dowager?"

Liu Yunshu blushed even more and gently pushed him away: "How did you know...?"

"Silly Nanfeng, the Empress Dowager loves the Heart Sutra the most. How could I not see how much effort you've put into it?"

He smiled and reached out to take her outstretched hand, but Liu Yunshu hissed softly and abruptly withdrew her hand.