By the time he neared the Eternal Spring Palace, the sun had slanted westward, and a faint wash of dusk was slowly spreading across the sky.
Fu Su hurried along. The moment he stepped through the palace gates, he eagerly called out:
"Mother, your son has come to see you!"
His voice echoed through the spacious palace, brimming with excitement and eagerness.
Before his words had faded, Fu Su had already darted into the palace like a cheerful little bird.
But then his gaze fell upon the dressing table inside.
Seated before it was a beauty who seemed carved from ice and sculpted from jade.
Her beauty seemed to transcend the boundaries of time, as though the years had left not the slightest trace upon her.
Her lovely face resembled that of a sixteen-year-old maiden. Her skin was white as snow and fine as porcelain, like the first snowfall steeping pale celadon, radiating a translucent beauty.
Her eyes were like a cold pool reflecting snow, clear and chilly, with moonlight-cold frost gathered at their corners.
When her lashes trembled slightly, they resembled falling snow brushing softly across ice on a winter night, lending her a cold, mysterious allure.
Her hair resembled silver threads spun from moonlight, falling smoothly over her shoulders and drifting gently in the breeze, as though dancing to a silent melody.
Her snow-white face bore a hint of cool, solitary pride, like a snow lotus blooming alone on a mountain peak, beautiful yet not to be lightly profaned.
At that moment, the woman held needles and yarn, absorbed in knitting a scarf.
Her nimble fingers moved through the yarn, each stitch imbued with delicate affection,
as though the needles and yarn in her hands were weaving not merely a scarf, but a tender story.
When she heard Fu Su calling, she turned her head slightly and gave him a gentle smile.
That smile was like the first breeze of spring, soft and warm. It instantly swept away every shadow in Fu Su's heart, leaving him comfortable and happy, as though bathed in a spring breeze.
"Su, you're here! Come over to Mother and let me see whether you like the scarf I knitted for you, and whether it fits."
Empress Zhao spoke with a face full of indulgent affection.
Hearing his mother's voice, Fu Su immediately hurried forward and threw himself into Empress Zhao's arms like a cheerful little bird.
He hugged her arm tightly and wheedled:
"I like it! I love it! Anything my dear mother prepares for me, I love more than anything!"
As Fu Su looked at the fluffy, fiery-red scarf, he could not help being drawn to its adorable appearance.
He eagerly took it and gently stroked its soft fur, savoring its warmth and comfort.
Then Fu Su impatiently wrapped the scarf around his neck a few times. Its length was just right, allowing it to wind perfectly around his neck into a lovely muffler.
Empress Zhao watched you turn around excitedly a few times, a satisfied smile appearing on her face as she said gently:
"This was made from the soft fur taken from several Red Fox prodigies of the Fox Tribe. Not only is it wonderfully warm,
it also has a certain illusion effect, which can help train your willpower, my child..."
As Empress Zhao spoke, she gently stroked your head, her eyes filled with indulgence and motherly love.
After hearing his mother's words, Fu Su clutched the scarf even tighter and said happily:
"Even if it were the most ordinary scarf, I would still love it as long as Mother gave it to me!"
His words were like a spring breeze, warming Empress Zhao's heart until she could not help covering her mouth and laughing.
You, too, burst into laughter at Fu Su's innocent charm, and the entire room filled with joy.
Just then, hearty laughter suddenly rang out at the doorway. It boomed like a great bell, making everyone's eardrums hum, followed by these words:
"What has you two so happy? Tell me as well, so I can share in your joy."
Along with that laughter, steady, powerful footsteps approached from the distance.
Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a tall, powerfully built man of imposing bearing appear in the doorway.
He exuded an authority that inspired awe without the slightest show of anger.
This was none other than the most exalted figure in the Great Qin Dynasty-Fu Su's father, the reigning emperor!
The instant Fu Su saw his father, delight bloomed across his face, and he cried excitedly:
"Father! Father! You haven't eaten with me for days!"
As he spoke, his little mouth unconsciously puckered into a pout, making him look rather aggrieved.
Seeing this, the emperor's lips curved into a mild smile, and he said softly:
"There, there, Fu Su. Don't blame your father.
Today, as soon as I finished dealing with court affairs, I thought of you and the empress and hurried over to dine with you."
With that, he also cast a meaningful glance at the senior eunuch beside him.
The senior eunuch understood at once. He bowed, then turned and left, evidently going to make further arrangements.
Your family sat together in warm harmony. Fu Su told the emperor about all the amusing things he had experienced and witnessed over the past few days, while the empress listened with keen interest, laughing from time to time.
For a while, cheerful voices and laughter rose one after another, enveloping the entire palace in a joyous atmosphere, as though time itself had slowed at that moment.
Before long, a group of palace maids and eunuchs filed in. Carrying exquisite dishes and pastries, they carefully set them on the table.
The food delighted the eye, nose, and palate, making mouths water. Though there were not many dishes on the table, there were exactly ten-an auspicious number symbolizing perfection in every respect.
Each dish resembled a work of art, offering enticing colors, aromas, and flavors that made everyone's mouth water.
The most eye-catching of all was the Dongpo Pork placed directly before Fu Su.
It resembled an exquisite handicraft, its glossy red pieces arranged neatly on the plate. Their tempting aroma stirred the appetite and made one swallow hungrily.
Empress Zhao took in every bit of Fu Su's reaction. She smiled faintly, then glanced at the emperor seated beside her.
Fu Su's father seemed to understand and gave a slight nod.
Seeing this, Empress Zhao gracefully picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of Dongpo Pork, and gently placed it in your bowl.
Then she smoothly picked up another piece for the emperor.
Fu Su had been waiting for this signal to begin eating. Unable to contain his excitement any longer, he quickly lifted the Dongpo Pork from his bowl.
The pork was so tender that the moment the tips of his chopsticks touched it, the piece trembled slightly, as though telling you just how delicious it was.
Fu Su carefully brought the meat to his mouth and chewed gently.
The fat was tender as rich cream, melting in his mouth without the slightest greasiness; the lean meat was soft without being dry, while the skin was yielding and sticky against his lips, as though a thousand years of flavor had been condensed within it.
The sweet and savory sauce blended perfectly with the delicate meat, its rich oils flowing freely through his mouth like a warm, lustrous bead of amber blossoming on his tongue.
Every bite brought incomparable pleasure, leaving you utterly enchanted.
In just a few bites, you had polished off the Dongpo Pork in your bowl, but its marvelous flavor lingered between your lips and teeth, filling you with immense satisfaction.
No talking while eating, no speaking when retiring. Throughout the meal, Empress Zhao spent most of her time serving you food, giving you almost every dish, while she herself stopped after only a couple of bites.
By the end of the banquet, your belly was round and your mouth glistened with grease, which Empress Zhao kept wiping away for you.
As soon as the banquet ended, you became a curious little child, bombarding your father with questions about cultivation and learning.
His Majesty was patience itself. Not only did he explain every question clearly, but he also demonstrated things personally for Fu Su to observe closely.
Your mother, too, imparted all kinds of knowledge to you, constantly reminding you of this and cautioning you about that.
Before anyone realized it, the night had grown late. Darkness gathered on all sides, and cicadas called one after another, as though painting a beautiful picture beneath the starry sky.
At that point, Fu Su still wanted to linger beside the empress and was reluctant to leave so soon.
Fu Su's father grew a little annoyed,
"Fu Su, you're already a big boy. You must learn to be independent. It's late, so hurry back to your own sleeping quarters and rest."
Hearing this, Fu Su grew so anxious that his lips puckered into a pout. It's been so long since I slept beside Mother.
Like a stubborn little rascal, Fu Su clung to his mother's hand and refused to let go.
At last, Fu Su's father lost his patience as well and shouted toward the door:
"Green Bamboo, hurry up and take Fu Su back to his sleeping quarters to rest!"
Green Bamboo answered, "Yes," hurried inside, and took hold of Fu Su, intending to lead him out.
Fu Su held tightly to his mother's hand and would not let go, no matter what.
Left with no choice, Green Bamboo glanced at the emperor's somewhat displeased expression, steeled herself, and scooped Fu Su up, carrying him straight outside. No amount of shouting from Fu Su made any difference!
Watching Fu Su's swiftly receding figure, Empress Zhao could not help covering her mouth and smiling.
The emperor hurried over to shut the door.
Before long, the candlelight inside gradually dimmed, and now and then, faint, delicate moans drifted out...