These words instantly made Shen Qingwu tense up again.
She had already circulated her Neili through her acupoints to make her performance appear more genuine and devoid of nervousness.
Her master had once said: show fear, and you lose.
Over the years, she had honed this disguise to perfection.
“Although this humble girl did not grow up in the capital, I have often heard my father speak of Your Majesties’ benevolence and virtue. My heart is filled only with admiration, how could I be nervous?” She smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
The Crown Prince sipped his wine lightly, smiling without a word.
Shen Qingwu lowered her gaze. To have maintained his position as heir apparent for so long, he was clearly no ordinary man. She ate in small bites like a docile rabbit, but never let her guard down.
As the music and dance temporarily ceased, the gift presentation began.
When it was Shen Qingxi’s turn, she stepped forward holding a sandalwood box, curtsying gracefully before the Emperor and Empress:
“Your servant Shen Qingxi wishes Her Majesty the Empress eternal youth and endless blessings.” Her voice was sweet as she elegantly opened the box. “This is a longevity gift I specially prepared for Your Majesty.”
Inside was an embroidery piece that emitted a soft golden glow under the palace lanterns, drawing everyone’s attention.
“This is the gold thread embroidery ‘Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’.” Shen Qingxi carefully unfolded the embroidery, revealing birds in various poses surrounding a central phoenix. “Every stitch was done by my own hand.”
She had spent three full months preparing this embroidery.
The Empress leaned slightly forward, her phoenix eyes showing appreciation: “This gold thread seems rather special?”
“Your Majesty has keen eyes.” Shen Qingxi replied respectfully. “I had craftsmen grind a piece of family heirloom Golden Jade into powder to dye the silk threads for this embroidery.”
“This Golden Jade, I recall…” The Empress seemed to remember something.
“Exactly!” Shen Qingxi said. “It’s the Shen family’s Golden Jade, passed down through three generations, known for its ability to nourish both body and mind.”She bowed her head at just the right moment, her voice carrying a perfectly timed sob: “During my confinement, I worked day and night on this piece.” Every time I remembered my deceased uncle and cousins, I felt deeply how precious our current peace is. Your Majesties work tirelessly for the kingdom, and should take better care of your health.”
The Empress was visibly moved: “Truly worthy of a Marquis Estate daughter. I accept this heartfelt gift.”
Seizing the opportunity, Shen Qingxi immediately knelt and prostrated herself: “I deeply regret my previous misconduct and have reflected daily during my confinement. Though this embroidery is trivial, it represents my sincere heart. I beg Your Majesties to grant me a chance to redeem myself.”
Her kneeling prompted several noble ladies to step forward and kneel in plea:
“We beg Your Majesties to forgive Qingxi!”
“Qingxi is usually so kind-hearted, that day she was just momentarily confused…”
“She has already recognized her mistake…With everyone speaking at once, the atmosphere became subtle.
The Empress looked troubled toward the Grand Princess. She genuinely liked the gift and wanted to demonstrate mercy during her birthday celebration, but the confinement hadn’t been her order to begin with.
She and the Grand Princess had always maintained mutual non-interference.
The Grand Princess looked serious, without a trace of smile: “Qingwu, you’re the wronged party.” This matter shall be your decision.”
Suddenly, all eyes focused on the quiet figure beside the Crown Prince.
Shen Qingwu pressed her lips together. The Empress clearly intended to pardon Shen Qingxi, while the Grand Princess disliked Shen Qingxi’s performance yet couldn’t openly contradict the Empress.
So the one who would have to endure the injustice would be her.
“Cousin, I truly know I was wrong,” Shen Qingxi pleaded, her tone bordering on supplication.
Shen Qingwu rose and performed a ceremonial bow. “The severity of punishment matters less than genuine repentance.” She turned to the Grand Princess and cupped her hands respectfully. “Thank you, Grand Princess, for speaking up on my behalf. Since my cousin sincerely regrets her actions, I request that her house arrest be lifted.”
The Empress beamed with delight. “Truly worthy of General Shen’s daughter—such magnanimity!”
The Grand Princess nodded slightly. “But she must continue copying the scriptures to completion as a demonstration of sincerity.”
“Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty, Empress, and Grand Princess!” Shen Qingxi joyfully expressed her gratitude to each in turn, then bounded over to Shen Qingwu, tugging at her sleeve. “Cousin, haven’t you been preparing medicine for Her Majesty every day these past few days? Hurry and present it!”
“Oh? This humble one has heard you were raised in Medicine King Valley,” the Empress remarked with anticipation. “The Medicine King’s skills are unparalleled throughout Da Sheng. Surely Eldest Miss Shen’s medical abilities must be extraordinary as well.”
Shen Qingwu was practically pushed forward by Shen Qingxi to stand before the imperial dais. Under the watchful eyes of all, she withdrew a palm-sized wooden box from her robe and presented it with both hands:
“This is a Youth Preserving Pill that this commoner has formulated for Your Majesty. May Your Majesty—”
“That can’t be right?” Shen Qingxi interrupted. “I heard Cousin was preparing medicine to regulate Her Majesty’s health. How did it become a Youth Preserving Pill? Are you too embarrassed to admit it?”
The Empress had initially lost interest upon hearing “Youth Preserving Pill”—such things were far too commonplace. But Shen Qingxi’s words reignited her curiosity. “Regulate what?”
Shen Qingwu’s eyes darted nervously. “Wh-what regulation? This commoner prepared only the Youth Preserving Pill.” She uncomfortably averted her gaze. “Your Majesty may have the Imperial Physicians verify it after returning to the palace.”
“It’s clearly not a Youth Preserving Pill,” Shen Qingxi insisted relentlessly. “Why not… summon an Imperial Physician to examine it now!”
How could she let such a perfect opportunity slip away?
Shen Qingwu frowned, instinctively hiding the box behind her back. “Cousin, you—”
Shen Qingxi swiftly snatched it and directly presented it to the Empress. “Your Majesty, aren’t you curious what medicine this truly is?”
At a nearby seat, the Seventh Princess slammed her wine cup onto the table in displeasure. “Shen Qingxi, how impertinent!” How dare she cause a commotion at her mother’s birthday banquet.
The Empress raised a hand with a soothing smile. “It’s of no consequence.” Maintaining her regal composure, she tilted her head and asked cheerfully, “Shall we summon an Imperial Physician?”
The Emperor showed little concern. “It’s your birthday—you may decide.”
The Empress immediately dispatched someone to fetch an Imperial Physician. While waiting, she reviewed several other gifts, all largely indistinguishable from previous years’.
Soon, the Imperial Physician arrived. The Empress ordered the wooden box delivered to him for examination. Shen Qingxi promptly pulled Shen Qingwu aside to wait, her eagerness palpable.
After meticulous inspection, the Imperial Physician’s hands trembled slightly. “This… who prepared this?”
Shen Qingxi hastily pushed Shen Qingwu forward. “It was my cousin. Her medical skills are exceptional. Physician, what medicine is this?”
In the next moment, the Imperial Physician dropped to his knees, his voice trembling with emotion:
“Your Majesty, Your Highness… this is no Youth Preserving Pill!”