The Crown Prince awkwardly spoke up in a loud voice,
“This son greets Grandmother and Mother.”
The Prince of Runan and the Prince of Duan also stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
That single voice startled everyone. They all turned at once.
A flash of shock appeared in Gu Ruizé’s eyes. After quickly regaining his composure, he immediately cupped his hands and bowed.
“This son greets Grandmother and the Empress.”
The rest of the people also bowed respectfully.
“Greetings to the Dowager Empress and the Empress.”
The five workers were completely stunned.
They never imagined their shop owner was this powerful. The Crown Prince, the Dowager Empress, and the Empress—people they could barely ever hope to see—were all here at once. Just what kind of background did their boss have to attract so many powerful figures to her small shop?
They had only worked here for two days, but the job was easy, they got off work on time, and most importantly, the food was unbelievably delicious. Unlike their previous employers, no one here picked on them or deducted their wages. If there were leftovers, they were even allowed to take them home for their families.
If Mu Jianxi knew what they were thinking, she would definitely roll her eyes.
“I came to the capital alone just trying to run a business properly, but somehow I ran into a strange prince who brought four greedy secret guards to freeload every day. My shop hasn’t even fully opened yet, and my reputation has already been spread everywhere.”
“Rise,” the Dowager Empress said.
The Dowager Empress and the Empress entered the courtyard and walked straight to Mu Jianxi. Their eyes rested on her, filled with deep scrutiny.
The young woman before them was stunningly beautiful—slender waist, long limbs, eyes like water yet faintly cold, with an almost otherworldly aura.
The one who could invent the method to refine salt and produce fine salt was clearly no ordinary person.
After a moment, the Empress spoke first.
“Miss Mu, I heard you proposed the salt refining method that solved a great worry for His Majesty. As Empress, I came especially to thank you.”
“It was nothing. Just what I should do,” Mu Jianxi replied calmly.
“You’ve traveled far. Please sit first.”
They nodded.
Mu Jianxi exchanged a glance with Zhao Fohua, who immediately understood and hurried into the kitchen. He soon returned with a tray carrying double skin milk and milk tea, placing them in front of them.
“Dowager Empress, Empress, these are newly made red bean double skin milk and taro pearl milk tea. Please try them.”
“Alright.”
Both of them took a small spoonful of the double skin milk. The cold, refreshing texture immediately pleased them, and satisfied smiles appeared on their faces as they continued eating.
Gu Ruizé did not wish to disturb his grandmother’s enjoyment, so he excused himself and returned to the manor to continue handling official matters. The Crown Prince, Prince of Runan, and Prince of Duan also found it inappropriate to stay and followed him back to the Xuanyou Prince’s residence, planning to return for dinner later.
After they left, the Dowager Empress and the Empress relaxed further. Their affection toward Mu Jianxi grew stronger, and the Dowager Empress gestured for her attendants to bring forward gifts.
She took Mu Jianxi’s hand kindly and opened a wooden box, revealing a purple jade twisted bracelet, which she personally placed on her wrist.
“This is a gift I prepared for you. You must accept it. Rui’er grew up by my side, and I know his temperament well. If he ever does anything wrong, you must be more tolerant of him.”
“It’s fine. The prince is actually very good. He is quite patient and takes good care of people.”
“I heard your name is Mu Jianxi. May I call you Xi’er from now on? The moment I saw you, I liked you very much. You remind me of myself when I was young.”
“Yes,” the Empress added. “Back then, Her Majesty also had a unique personality, which was what made the late Emperor fall for her. Seeing you is like seeing her younger self.”
“Alright then. Please call me Xi’er, Dowager Empress.”
The Dowager Empress smiled warmly.
“Dowager Empress, Empress, since you’ve come today, it’s quite a coincidence. I actually have something that suits you perfectly. Please wait a moment—I’ll be right back.”
Mu Jianxi stood up and returned to her room.
The system had just issued her reward: a set of cosmetics and skincare products—perfect for gifting. She was planning to enter this market anyway, so letting them experience modern beauty products in advance would be ideal.
After all, the best money to earn… is always from women.
She summoned Bao Bao.
“Master, Bao Bao is at your service. What do you need?”
“Bring out the reward from earlier. I need it urgently.”
“Yes!”
In an instant, four large boxes appeared on the table. Mu Jianxi carried them back out.
The Dowager Empress and Empress looked at the colorful boxes with unfamiliar writing, filled with curiosity.
Mu Jianxi slowly opened them, revealing neatly arranged bottles and jars along with various unfamiliar items.
“These are cosmetics and skincare products that women in my hometown love to use. Would you like to experience their charm?”
Hearing that it could make them more beautiful, both of them immediately became interested and nodded without hesitation.
“Yes!”
Mu Jianxi asked Zhao Fohua to bring two basins of warm water. The Dowager Empress and Empress washed their faces with cleanser, dried them, and then applied face masks. The cool sensation made them feel extremely comfortable.
After a quarter of an hour, they removed the masks and rinsed their faces. Next came skincare products.
They watched Mu Jianxi’s every step carefully, determined to remember everything so they could follow it later.
Then came makeup.
As Mu Jianxi worked, the Dowager Empress did not feel impatient at all. Instead, she trusted her completely, naturally following her instructions, as if instinctively believing she would not be disappointed.
After two quarters of an hour, the final touch of lipstick was applied.
The Dowager Empress now appeared completely transformed in everyone’s eyes.
Even the Empress was stunned.
“This…”
The Dowager Empress picked up a mirror and looked at herself in disbelief.
“Is this really me?”
An elderly attendant stepped forward.
“Your Majesty… you look at least ten years younger.”
Mu Jianxi didn’t interrupt, letting her continue admiring herself. Then she turned to the Empress and began applying makeup for her.
In less than two quarters of an hour, the Empress’s makeup was also complete. She eagerly looked into the mirror.
“Oh my! This is exactly how I looked when I was young! I never thought I could see myself like this again!”