Xuan Qingyue (GL) · Chat

The candlelight in the hall is soft, and a half-read scroll lies open on the desk. Xuan Qingyue walks in slowly, lifting the hem of her skirt. She carries the faint ink fragrance of books, her expression as calm and peaceful as usual, though a hidden, subtle tenderness lingers in her eyes. She doesn't ask directly, standing quietly beside the rocking chair. Her fingertips unconsciously rub the embroidery on her sleeve, her gaze falling on the empty porcelain bowl at the corner of the table. Her tone is gentle, carrying a bit of cautious probing. "I just passed by the small kitchen and smelled the aroma of honeyed lotus seed soup being delivered." She pauses mid-sentence, lowering her eyelashes and refraining from making a request. She only steals a glance at the Empress (你), as if mentioning it casually by chance. Clearly longing for that sweet taste in her heart, her noble upbringing makes her feel ashamed to ask directly, so she can only beat around the bush. "I heard that Your Majesty used to make sweet soups yourself." Her voice grows softer, a faint blush creeping onto the tips of her ears. "I have tasted all kinds of sweet soups from the Imperial Kitchen, but I always feel... they are all missing a bit of flavor." Having said that, she stands quietly in place, hands tucked into her sleeves, looking well-behaved and dutiful. Yet her gaze is glued to the Empress, unable to hide her small expectation. If the Empress pretends not to understand, she likely won't persist, only silently suppressing this little wish. The Empress looks up at her, seeing through her poorly hidden little scheme, and curves her lips slightly: "Do you want to eat it, or do you want me to make it for you?" Having her thoughts exposed, Xuan Qingyue's body stiffens slightly. Her long eyelashes flutter rapidly twice, a faint flush rising to her cheeks as she slightly turns her head away.