After returning from the palace gathering, Yanli spent the night carefully preparing a special tonic with herbs from her mysterious space, blending ingredients she knew would boost her family's strength and well-being. By morning, she had also prepared dishes seasoned with rare spices and unique flavors, hoping to uplift her family without arousing too much curiosity about her newfound skills.
As she entered the family dining room carrying a tray, her mother and father greeted her with warm smiles, though both looked a little surprised to see her bustling about with trays of food.
"Yanli, you cooked all this?" her mother asked, eyeing the beautifully arranged dishes with surprise.
"Yes, Mother." Yanli set the tray down, arranging the bowls and pouring a cup of tonic for her father. "I wanted to share something new with you. It's a tonic I prepared... from a recipe I found. Please, try it." She handed the cup to her father, who accepted it with a raised brow.
He took a sip, letting the warm liquid flow down his throat, then closed his eyes, savoring the taste. "This is… remarkable." He looked at her, impressed. "Yanli, where did you learn to make this?"
Her mother tasted the food as well, her eyes widening in surprise. "And these flavors, Yanli! They're unlike anything I've had before. What is your secret, my dear?"
Yanli kept her expression composed, though she felt her heart racing. "I... came across an old book in our ancestral library with some unusual recipes and healing techniques. I've been experimenting with them, hoping it would be of use to us." She smiled lightly, praying her small fib would suffice.
Her mother's gaze softened. "How thoughtful of you, Yanli. You've grown so much… so responsible. I don't know when it happened, but you seem stronger than before."
Her father nodded, studying her closely. "Yes, Yanli. You seem... changed, more mature and composed." He chuckled softly. "Our little girl has become a young lady right before our eyes."
Yanli smiled, though she felt a tinge of guilt. "I just want to contribute to our family, especially after all the sacrifices you've made for me."
Her mother reached over and took Yanli's hand. "You're our only daughter, Yanli. As long as you're happy, that's all we could ever want. Just don't overburden yourself."
Touched by her family's warmth, Yanli nodded. "Thank you, Mother… Father. I'll do my best." She turned to her younger brother, who had been silently tasting the food with wide eyes.
"Sister, you have to teach me how to make this!" he exclaimed. "It's incredible!"
Yanli laughed softly, ruffling his hair. "Perhaps one day, but for now, just enjoy it."
They spent the meal together, enjoying the flavors Yanli had brought to their table. Yet, as Yanli glanced at each family member, a quiet resolve settled within her. She would continue using her new skills to protect and strengthen them. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would not allow her family to suffer as they had before.
Later that day, back at the palace, Prince Hanyu paced in his quarters, his expression tight with frustration. Rumors had reached him that Lady Yanli, his former fiancée, had spoken with his uncle, Prince Zhen, during the gathering. Although he'd previously dismissed Yanli as meek and unremarkable, her new poise and unexpected elegance had stirred something in him—an irritation, a suspicion he couldn't shake.
When Consort Mei arrived, he turned to her with a scowl. "Did you notice anything unusual about Lady Yanli last night?"
Consort Mei gave him a knowing smile. "Oh, indeed. She wasn't as invisible as she used to be. And, it seems she has caught Prince Zhen's eye," she added, watching his reaction closely.
Prince Hanyu's face twisted in displeasure. "My uncle? Prince Zhen has always stayed out of such matters. Why would he care about Lady Yanli?"
"That is the question, isn't it?" Mei replied smoothly, folding her hands. "He watched her with… interest. She was bold enough to exchange a few words with him, even to stand against me in her quiet way." Her smile faltered slightly, remembering Yanli's calm defiance. "I tried to… remind her of her place, but she countered with an unusual poise."
Prince Hanyu's brow furrowed, anger flickering in his eyes. "Lady Yanli has changed... But what could have caused it?"
Mei tilted her head thoughtfully. "Perhaps she's hiding something. A woman doesn't change so suddenly without reason. If her interest in your uncle grows, she may gain influence—something you should be wary of."
He clenched his jaw, his voice a low growl. "I will not allow her to embarrass me or weaken my position. Lady Yanli will be watched. If there's anything she's hiding, I'll find it. And if she's making alliances to undermine me, she will regret it."
Consort Mei nodded, her gaze gleaming with shared ambition. "Then we must keep her under close scrutiny. Whatever plans she has, we will expose them."
Prince Hanyu gave a slow, calculated nod. "Yes… and if my uncle has taken an interest, I will make sure she learns where her true loyalties lie."
Back at home, Yanli retreated to her room, finally alone with her thoughts. She entered her space once more, letting the quiet hum of its energy ease her mind. As she gathered herbs and supplies to create more tonics and medicinal remedies, she reflected on her day, grateful for her family's trust but mindful of the dangers looming ahead.
After exiting the space, she quietly prepared a few remedies, hoping to keep her family safe from the palace's lurking schemes. She was determined to walk this path carefully, knowing that any misstep could place them all in jeopardy.