"This dish was the favorite of Empress Xiaoxian when she was still alive..." Hongli's voice trembled slightly, and a glimmer of tears appeared in the corners of his eyes.
Seeing this, Wei Yanwan felt a surge of joy in her heart. She stepped forward and softly said, "Your Majesty, this dish was made by me. I heard that you liked it, so I specially learned how to make it. I hope you enjoy it."
Hongli lifted his head and looked at the gentle and considerate woman before him, warmth flooding his heart. "Good, good, you are thoughtful."
That night, Hongli made an exception and stayed overnight in Wei Yanwan's palace.
Wei Yanwan nestled in Hongli's embrace, a victorious smile playing on her lips. She knew she had finally taken the first step toward revenge.
However, she maintained a perfectly measured expression of concern as she gently stroked Hongli's back and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. Empress Xiaoxian is watching over you from above; seeing you work diligently must bring her great comfort."
Hongli grasped her hand in return, complex emotions flickering in his eyes. After a long moment, he sighed deeply, weariness evident in his tone. "I know, but every time I think of Empress Xiaoxian, my heart cannot help but feel sorrow."
"Your Majesty," Wei Yanwan hesitated slightly before cautiously suggesting, "I have heard that Empress Xiaoxian was gentle and virtuous. If you miss her, why not do more things she enjoyed during her lifetime? It would be a way to comfort her spirit."
Upon hearing this, Hongli pondered for a moment and slowly nodded. "You speak wisely; Xiaoxian loved to copy scriptures during her lifetime. Tomorrow, I shall go to the Buddhist hall to copy scriptures for her blessing."
The next day, Hongli indeed went to the Buddhist hall while Wei Yanwan personally cooked a vegetarian feast to send over.
"Your Majesty, please try this; I specially made it according to Empress Xiaoxian's favorite flavors," Wei Yanwan said as she served him a bowl of Eight Treasure Porridge with both hands.
Hongli accepted the bowl and took a sip; it was indeed the taste he remembered, stirring deeper feelings within him.
"You've put in much effort," Hongli set down the bowl and looked at Wei Yanwan with increased appreciation in his gaze. "You are just as understanding as Xiaoxian."
Wei Yanwan lowered her eyes to hide her satisfaction and softly replied, "It is my fortune to share your burdens, Your Majesty."
From then on, Wei Yanwan intentionally imitated Empress Xiaoxian's mannerisms and behaviors—everything from dressing style to music and arts—she excelled at all of them.
When Hongli reviewed memorials, she would quietly grind ink beside him and occasionally brew him a cup of hot tea while gently asking if he needed an extra layer of clothing.
When Hongli felt troubled, she would play the piece that Empress Xiaoxian loved most during her lifetime, soothing him with her gentle voice.
Unbeknownst to him, Hongli's dependence on Wei Yanwan grew deeper by the day; at times he even felt an illusion that Empress Xiaoxian had never left his side.
And all of this was observed by Jin Zhong.
"The Empress truly has a remarkable strategy. The Emperor is becoming increasingly attentive to you," Jin Zhong said, standing behind Wei Yanwan, his tone laced with admiration.
Wei Yanwan set down her teacup and turned to look at Jin Zhong, a cold smile playing on her lips. "This is far from enough. What I desire is supreme power, not fleeting affection."
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I will do my utmost to help you achieve your wishes," Jin Zhong replied, bowing deeply, ambition gleaming in his eyes.
He understood that Wei Yanwan's ambitions extended far beyond this. And he was willing to give everything for her.
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