Xu Qiu’er took the box from Ning’er and handed it to Xiao Ju. Curious, Xiao Ju opened it to find pastries. Surprised, she looked at Xu Qiu’er. Xu Qiu’er smiled softly, “Don’t you like these?”
Ning’er wrinkled her nose, “These were personally made by Your Highness. She went to the small kitchen early this morning to make them for you.”
Xiao Ju hugged the box, “Thank you, Young Miss.”
Xu Qiu’er smiled, “Silly girl, do we need to be so formal between us?”
Before leaving, Xu Qiu’er handed a copper lock to Xiao Ju, instructing her to secretly place it under the Emperor’s chair during the banquet. Although Xiao Ju did not understand the reason, she nodded and cautiously ate a small piece of pastry. The Emperor rushed over and, noticing Consort Ye eating so carefully, asked, “My beloved, what are you eating that you didn’t notice my arrival?” He took a piece and found it delicious.
Xiao Ju patted the back of her head as the Emperor laughed, “Stop hitting yourself, you’re already clumsy enough.”
Xiao Ju pouted, “Your Majesty, this concubine is clumsy.”
Amused, the Emperor embraced her, saying, “Today is your birthday, so you’re in charge. What would you like to eat? I’ll have them prepare it for you.”
Xiao Ju shook her head, “Your Majesty, isn’t this pastry delicious?” The Emperor replied, “Not bad.”
Xiao Ju smiled, “This is no ordinary pastry. It was made by the Crown Princess herself.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, “Xu Qiu’er?”
Xiao Ju nodded, “Only our young lady has such a delicate heart. The other concubines wouldn’t know how to make these.”
In fact, she didn’t know how to cook either, but for me, she went to the kitchen. Your Majesty, how should we reward her?”
The Emperor sighed, “I’ve told you to change how you address her. How would it sound if you called her ‘young lady’?”
“Anyway, no one knows. Your Majesty, how should we reward her?”
“You decide.”
The birthday of the Emperor’s favored consort was significant. The entire palace was bustling, with palace maids and eunuchs working frantically. Before the evening banquet, a long queue of twenty people carried the Emperor’s gifts into the Fu Qiu Hall.
“The Emperor rewards Consort Qiu…” “The Emperor rewards…”
