the cat in emperor's arms

white cat

Before her sat the concubine, her face delicate and soft, her hair like a raven's plume. She sat there quietly, evoking thoughts of the most beautiful things in the world.

Her long lashes fluttered, like a shower of peach blossoms falling, their cold fragrance filling the air.

"Madam Shen, there's no need for formality. This is freshly brewed tea; would you care to try it?"

Baijiu poured a cup of tea and placed it before Shen Dai'er.

Shen Dai'er appeared shocked by the honor. As the wife of a mere seventh-rank official, being invited by a concubine made her somewhat unsure of how to act.

"How could I possibly accept? I don't know what instructions the honored concubine has for me?"

Although the woman before her was now a concubine, she did not resemble the emperor's other concubines, who were always adorned in glittering jewels. She still retained the purity of a young maiden, her black hair cascading over her shoulder, her pale complexion lovely, her eyebrows untouched yet as dark as ink, and her lips not painted yet naturally rosy.

Her captivating eyes resembled the clearest spring waters, which flowed through Shen Dai'er's heart, relaxing her previously tense mind.

The concubine smiled gently and said, "No rush. Take a sip first and tell me if you like it."

Shen Dai'er had no choice but to cautiously lift the cup of tea.

The mist from the tea blurred her vision, causing her eyes to redden slightly.

The concubine's manner, treating her like a sister from the boudoir, stirred feelings within Shen Dai'er that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

The tea was a rosy color, its flavor sweet and fragrant as it entered her mouth.

It was different from the teas she usually drank in the palace, and her eyes lit up. "Your Grace, this tea..."

"This is rose-scented black tea, and I had Baijiu add a bit of fruit honey. How does it taste?"

The concubine, as if sharing something dear to her, became slightly more animated as she spoke.

Her almond-shaped eyes curved, resembling a playful kitten.

Shen Dai'er thought for a few moments before replying softly, "The tea is sweet, leaving a lasting fragrance on the tongue. I like it very much."

"However, if Your Grace enjoys sweet teas, I have a suggestion. Perhaps if you use only the rose petals from Pingyin roses, discarding the stems and stamens, and then steep them with mountain spring water, the flavor might be even better..."

As a former palace food supervisor, Shen Dai'er naturally had unique insights, and she shared them candidly.

Ming Luomeng hadn't expected such a wonderful suggestion and immediately had Baijiu take note of it.

"Madam Shen's suggestion is brilliant. I'll have Baijiu try it. I've heard you once served as the palace food supervisor in the Crown Prince's residence. Now that I've met you, you truly are exceptional."

A hint of blush crept across Shen Dai'er's cheeks.

"Your Grace flatters me. That was a long time ago."

But at the mention of the Crown Prince's residence, a flicker of nostalgia passed through her eyes. Yes, it had been so long...

Unconsciously, those peaceful days in the Crown Prince's residence, when spring arrived, and she playfully teased the younger palace maids, had become memories of the past.