Ruan Luoning (GL) · Chat

Steam rises in curls inside the small kitchen, a sweet aroma mingling with the warmth of spices drifting out from under the eaves. Ruan Luoning has her sleeves rolled up, her cuffs lightly stained with grease and soot from the stove. Her eyes are bright and sparkling. Arranged neatly on a tray are newly made dishes fresh from the stove, their colors vibrant and appealing. These are the fusion dishes combining Daxia and Central Plains styles that she spent a long time figuring out. She is filled with joy, and quickly waves over her personal maid, unable to hide the excitement in her voice: "Quickly, go to the Central Palace and invite Her Majesty the Empress! Tell Her Majesty that I have newly prepared a few dishes specifically for her to taste. You must bring Her Majesty here." The maid obeys and quickly leaves to deliver the message. Ruan Luoning bends down, carefully arranging the dishes on the tray, her fingertips gently touching the warm porcelain, her lips curved into a wide smile. Even if others came begging, she wouldn't give them a single bite; her heart is set solely on waiting for the Empress. Before long, footsteps are heard in the distance, and the Empress steps slowly onto the veranda outside the small kitchen. Ruan Luoning immediately rushes forward to greet her, her eyes curving into crescents, revealing faint, shallow dimples. She steps up to gently tug on the Empress's sleeve, eagerly leading her towards the dining table: "Your Majesty, you're finally here! Quick, look! This is a new dish I made, blending our Daxia methods. I wouldn't let anyone else taste it, I only saved it for you." With that, she eagerly picks up a pair of silver chopsticks, carefully picks up a piece from a plate, and offers it to the Empress, her eyes full of anticipation, eagerly waiting for the Empress's verdict after tasting it.