Li Ying gave a gentle smile and cast her eyes once again on the lava cake brought to the queen.
"My lady, this is my idea," she said.
Seeing the queen still looking puzzled, she didn't keep her in suspense any longer. Instead, she softly asked, "My lady, when you hear the words 'lava cake', what comes to your mind?"
Empress Pei replied, "Naturally, it's a volcano."
Li Ying nodded and continued, "The grand birthday celebration for the empress dowager ended up in a fiasco, causing quite a stir in the city. Although it seemed that the blame fell solely on the imperial textile commissioner, both the emperor and the empress dowager must have been unhappy about it.
"Volcanic hot springs are rich in various minerals. Taking a hot - spring bath can not only help the empress dowager recuperate but also relieve the emperor's daily fatigue from handling state affairs. It couldn't be more suitable.
"The scenery on the island is quite different from that of fishing villages. The sea breeze is cool, and the seafood is delicious. If the emperor goes on a southern tour, he can not only observe the local customs along the way but also let the people know that he is benevolent and that they can enjoy the grace of the emperor."
Before she finished speaking, the queen looked hesitant and whispered to stop her, "A Ying, be careful with your words."
The harem is not allowed to interfere in state affairs. Whether the emperor intends to go on a southern tour is not something a concubine can casually discuss.
Empress Pei didn't know what more bold words Li Ying would say, so she quickly dismissed the attendants.
However, Li Ying remained calm. She lowered her voice and looked straight into the queen's eyes.
"My lady, it's not that I don't know my place.
"My lady, think about it. The national uncle is very prestigious and at the peak of his power. When the emperor ordered him to defend the southern border, do you think the emperor had no suspicions at all?
"This southern tour, first of all, is to make up for the shortcomings of the empress dowager's birthday banquet. Secondly, it can show the emperor's virtue and benevolence towards the people, reassuring the officials and the common people.
"Thirdly, it can also let the emperor see with his own eyes that the national uncle is dedicated, loyal, and a pillar of the country without any ill intentions!"
Although Li Ying's voice was not loud, every word she said was forceful. There seemed to be two smoldering fires burning in her eyes.
Empress Pei stared at her, lost in thought.
After a long while, she finally sighed deeply.
"A Ying, what we've discussed in secret today must never be mentioned to anyone else.
"Go back and prepare with peace of mind. Wait for my news. The emperor's southern tour is no small matter. I need to think it over carefully before taking action."
Li Ying naturally bowed and readily agreed.
She and Empress Pei understood each other without saying a word, but they both knew well.
Since the emperor had a legitimate son, he would surely announce it to the world and offer sacrifices to the gods.
The queen was currently in great favor. For the prosperity of the Pei family, she would surely give her full support. Taking this opportunity, she would whisper a few words in the emperor's ear. There was a high chance that the southern tour would come true.
Li Ying then asked after the queen's health, inquiring whether she felt any discomfort during the essential - oil therapy. Seeing that the queen was all right, she felt relieved and bowed to take her leave.
If the emperor went on a southern tour, Lu Xunguang would have to make thorough arrangements along the way. She would also have to accompany the emperor, so she must prepare carefully.
Just as she was about to get up, Empress Pei called her back.
"A Ying, it's still early since you entered the palace today. Stay and chat with me for a while longer."
Li Ying didn't know what the queen had in mind, but she had to agree with a smile on her face.
Empress Pei took her fair little hand and chatted casually about skin - care methods for a while. Then, seemingly casually, she asked, "A Ying, how old are you this year? It seems to me that you're about the same age as my younger sister."
Li Ying felt a pang of nervousness in her heart—here it comes.
On the surface, she still smiled. She answered the queen's question fluently, but she had already secretly steeled herself.
Sure enough, in a moment, she heard the queen's soft voice, "A Ying, I'm quite envious that you and Lord Lu are deeply in love with each other."
The queen subtly mentioned that the royal family was heartless and the emperor's favor was unpredictable. Then, she changed the subject.
"My elder brother is already over thirty, but he still hasn't gotten married. Now he's about to go to the southern border. I'm really worried about him...
"The emperor mentioned to me recently that he couldn't bear to see my elder brother alone and lonely while defending the southern border. He intends to bestow a marriage on him before he leaves the capital. I've been troubled by this matter these days. I really don't know which girl the emperor has in mind..."
Although Empress Pei seemed to be chatting casually, her phoenix - like eyes were sharply fixed on Li Ying, sizing up her expression.
Li Ying immediately understood.
She had helped the national uncle Pei prepare military rations and beer, and the national uncle had treated her very kindly.
Empress Pei must have heard some rumors. Knowing that Li Ying's marriage to Lu Xunguang had encountered obstacles, she was probably suspicious that Li Ying might change her heart and marry the national uncle instead.
Li Ying was very smart. She quickly smiled and said, "My lady, you're over - thinking. The emperor values the national uncle, so the woman he chooses must be a well - bred young lady of a family of equal status, who can share the national uncle's worries.
"Then, she self - deprecatingly laughed and said, "The national uncle is defending the country's border. He's an example for all men in the world. I admire him very much, but I'm not worthy of him. I only regret that I'm a woman. I can only rack my brains to relieve the soldiers' worries in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities. If I were a man, I would surely follow the national uncle on battles in the south and be willing to die on the battlefield!"
With just a few words, she made it clear that she had no improper thoughts about the national uncle Pei, but only admiration.
Seeing that she was so sensible, Empress Pei finally felt relieved and showed a gratified smile.
After testing Li Ying's true feelings, she softly comforted her, "A Ying, you're as smart as ice and snow, and Lord Lu is deeply in love with you. Although there are some obstacles now, don't worry. I will surely mediate for you and Lord Lu in front of the emperor."
Li Ying was naturally extremely grateful. She thanked the queen repeatedly. After drinking two cups of tea, she finally managed to leave the palace.
She looked at the patch of blue sky between the palace walls on all sides. The gentle breeze was blowing, which should have made people feel refreshed, but she only felt depressed.
The emperor was heartless, and his mind was unpredictable.
The queen, who seemed amiable, was actually not easy to deal with.
She promised to speak to the emperor about the southern tour, but it was only for the prosperity of her own family.
She wanted to use Li Ying, make her loyal, and let her come up with all her ingenious ideas. At the same time, she was also on guard against Li Ying having improper thoughts, fearing that she might attach herself to the national uncle Pei, even as a low - ranking concubine, which was unacceptable to these noble families.
Li Ying sighed deeply. In this capital city, it seemed that there was a thick wall everywhere. She was trapped in it. Although she had earned a fortune, she didn't know when she had unconsciously locked her true heart in a cage.
She took a few steps, looked back at the palace gate, composed herself, and secretly made up her mind.
It was urgent for her to return to her hometown.