The time it takes to drink a cup of tea passed.
Yu Shiyan’s face was pale, fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and his body swayed unsteadily, yet he still gritted his teeth and held on.
Yuan Siyin desperately wanted to plead for him, but she had already spoken up for Yu Shiyan earlier, which was unusual enough. If she said more now, she feared everyone would notice something amiss.
“Enough, grant him a seat.”
Amid the silence, the Empress Dowager suddenly relented and picked up her chopsticks again to serve Yuan Siyin some dishes. “Are you at ease now?”
Yuan Siyin hurriedly nodded, smiling with exceptional obedience. “At ease, at ease. With Auntie by my side, how could Yin’er not be at ease?”
Yu Shiyan stumbled slightly but still maintained an air of calm composure. He thanked the Empress Dowager before taking his seat.
Watching Yuan Siyin’s obedient and well-behaved demeanor in front of the Empress Dowager, his eyes darkened.
She was adept at putting on one face in front of others and another behind their backs—no wonder the Empress Dowager held her in such high regard.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Yu Shiyan out of the corner of her eye. He was neither humble nor arrogant, his posture upright and proper. He seemed quite commendable.
In the past, she had only thought of him as powerless and without influence, and since Yin’er didn’t get along with him, she had never paid him much attention. “Feicui, serve Little Seventh.”
“Yes.”
Feicui bowed gracefully and walked over to Yu Shiyan, placing food into the bowl before him.
Yu Shiyan smiled and thanked the Empress Dowager before picking up a bite and putting it into his mouth.
It was cloyingly sweet.
He lifted his gaze to Yuan Siyin, who was eating with evident relish.
He wondered how that woman could stomach such food.
“Auntie, try this meatball—it’s delicious! I want to have it again tonight!”
“You mischievous monkey, always so unruly. Have you forgotten the rules I taught you? ‘No talking during meals, no speaking while resting?’”
“Oh, Auntie, there are no outsiders here anyway. Come on, try it, please!”
Yuan Siyin eagerly brought the meatball to her lips. The Empress Dowager had no choice but to open her mouth and swallow it. “Be careful with your hands—don’t bump them against the table.”
Listening to their conversation, Yu Shiyan remained silent, quietly eating his food.
Although all the imperial princes addressed her as “Imperial Grandmother,” in terms of blood relation, even his father had been adopted into her lineage.
So it wasn’t that there were no outsiders—he was, in fact, a true outsider.
“By the way, I recall that Yin’er injured you earlier. How is your wound now? Do you still need medicine?”
The Empress Dowager looked up and began inquiring after Yu Shiyan’s well-being.
“Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, your grandson has already recovered and no longer requires medication.”
The Empress Dowager nodded. “That’s for the best. However, I see your complexion is still quite pale. Feicui, instruct the Western Kitchen to prepare a pot of Black Chicken Soup. It must be simmered slowly over a low heat. Once it’s ready, have someone deliver it to Changbai Hall. Also, I remember there is some ginseng in the storeroom. Weigh out five taels and send it along.”
“Yes, this servant has taken note.”
“Thank you for your grace, Imperial Grandmother.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, fixing her gaze on him. “I have long been aware of the incident where Yin’er injured you. But as both of you are dear to me, I could only turn a blind eye. Can you understand my dilemma?”
“Your grandson understands.”
“Good, it’s best that you understand. You have always been sensible and never caused any trouble since childhood. That brings me great comfort.”
“Thank you for your praise, Imperial Grandmother. You are wise and discerning—it is only because of your excellent guidance that your grandson dares not overstep even slightly.”
The Empress Dowager could detect the flattery in Yu Shiyan’s words and smiled faintly. “You certainly know how to please.”
He lowered his head slightly to conceal the mockery in his eyes. “Your praise is undeserved, Grandmother. I merely speak the truth.”
Yuan Siyin watched the two exchange pleasantries, realizing she couldn’t interject, and could only bury herself in eating.
Each meal might be her last—who knew when her time would come?
Before that day arrived, she might as well enjoy some good food.