Chapter 1094: The Return of an Old Friend (2)

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Gu Yu and Jingzhe were both shocked. Uncle Tang quickly asked, “What’s wrong, Madam?”

Shen Miao shook her head. “I probably caught a cold last night. The flavor is too strong. I don’t want to drink it anymore.”

“In that case.” Uncle Tang pondered for a moment. “I’ll get the servants to bring some medicine back later. Don’t drink it for now, in case you feel uncomfortable. Later, I’ll go to the kitchen to make some light soup.” Shen Miao nodded, grabbed her cloak, and said to Jingzhe and Gu Yu, “Let’s go.”

MO Qing and Cong Yang had already prepared a carriage outside. The two of them did not follow Xie Jingxing to go to war. They stayed in Long Ye to help Shen Miao.

When she entered the palace, Empress Xiande was waiting for her in Weiyang Palace. She smiled and said, “You’re a little late today.”

“Something happened before I came out.” Shen Miao smiled and asked, “Is His Majesty feeling better these days?”

“Not bad. Yesterday, he even walked around the garden with me. However…” Empress Xiande smiled sadly.” Perhaps he’s putting up a tough front to deceive me. Anyway, he always likes to fool me and doesn’t tell me the truth.” Shen Miao said, “His Majesty is probably afraid that you’ll be worried.”

“Maybe.” Empress Xiande smiled. “Let’s not talk about this. I got new tea leaves yesterday and even made osmanthus cakes in the kitchen. According to the ancient books, the scholars ot the previous dynasty put tea leaves in the osmanthus cakes to obtain the fragrance of the tea leaves. I think it’s not bad. Today, I thought that since you were coming, I instructed the royal kitchen to make it.”

“You’re really flattering me.” Shen Miao smiled. “I’m from a military family and have always been rough. I don’t know anything about these elegant things.”

“You must be joking with me.” Empress Xiande said, “Even those civil servants in Long Ye who think they are well-read are not as knowledgeable as you. If you’re rough, won’t you be mocking all the civil servants in Long Ye?” She handed the teacup to Shen Miao. “Try it first.”

Empress Xiande liked to make tea. She liked to see the tea leaves boiling in the water. The water temperature, the tea leaves, and spring water had to be just right. As the empress, she did not seem to be impatient with these trivial matters at all. It seemed that it was precisely because she had been practicing making tea consistently that her personality was so calm. Shen Miao liked to be with Empress Xiande because her calm temperament made people feel that time was peaceful and enjoyable.

Shen Miao said, “Thank you.” She picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was very fragrant and slightly bitter, but the aftertaste was sweet. Just as Shen Miao was about to speak, she suddenly felt nauseous. Her hand trembled, and half of the teacup spilled. She covered her mouth and retched.

Empress Xiande was stunned and quickly took the teacup from her hand. Seeing that Shen Miao did not look good, she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Shen Miao felt that the churning in her stomach had subsided a little. Then, she shook her head and said, “I’m fine. I’m sorry, I probably have caught a cold and am not feeling well. When I went out today…” Her voice suddenly stopped, and a look of disbelief appeared on her face.

At first, Empress Xiande did not understand.. When she saw Shen Miao’s expression, she seemed to have thought of something and said in shock, “Don’t tell me you…”