After she asked, the little boy’s eyes filled with tears. Feeling close to her, he hugged her waist and sobbed softly, “Wuwuwu…”

“What’s wrong?” Yan Qiushu hugged him back gently, her tone softening as she looked at the palace maid accompanying him.

This palace maid was sent by the deposed Crown Prince, now Prince Chang, to look after his son. She should know something.

Seeing the boy’s distress, the palace maid sighed and said, “Miss Yan, the young master is upset because of the news regarding His Royal Highness Prince Chang.”

Yan Qiushu wanted to ask more, but the maid avoided her gaze, indicating it was a sensitive topic.

There are always things the royal family cannot share.

Taking Zhou Zhaoheng’s hand, she suggested, “Why don’t we go to my place to talk?”

“Okay,” he replied, looking downcast.

Once in the courtyard and alone, Yan Qiushu asked, “Can you tell me what’s going on with your father?”

Zhou Zhaoheng wiped his tears and whispered, “My father was poisoned. I miss him and my mother, but he won’t let me go back…”

Poisoned?!

Yan Qiushu felt a jolt of realization; she expected this. In the story, the deposed prince died the following year, causing the emperor to fall seriously ill from anger. The remaining princes caused chaos, but the old emperor had no energy to stop them.

If it were anyone else, Yan Qiushu might ignore the situation.

But now the Xiao family was closely tied to Prince Chang, and the situation was openly acknowledged. She didn’t know if they were bold or trying to lure out their enemies.

In this scenario, the better Prince Chang fared, the better the Xiao family would do.

Yan Qiushu’s breath quickened. She felt she should help but was unsure how.

She had learned some basic medical knowledge from the mansion’s doctors and could handle minor ailments, but anything more complex was beyond her.

Diagnosing with her senses was ineffective.

Unless—she could make the medicine!

By using her special ability to enhance the medicinal properties, she could improve treatment. Even food supplements could strengthen the body.

Thinking this, Yan Qiushu looked at the child.

Zhou Zhaoheng nervously tugged at his clothes and asked, “A-Sister Shu, what’s wrong?”

Yan Qiushu smiled and asked, “Do you want to see your father?”

Zhou Zhaoheng, trusting her, nodded eagerly. She was gentle and could cook delicious food, making her the person he felt closest to. “I want to! Nanqi said it will rain in two days. My father is sick, and the rain will hurt him. He must be suffering from the poison…”

He hesitated, adding, “But my father said I can’t go back. He said things are complicated at home, and I’m safer here until he sorts things out.”

Yan Qiushu smiled. “You can visit him briefly and come back. It won’t take long, right?”

Zhou Zhaoheng’s heart stirred, and he nodded vigorously.

“Do you want to make medicine for your father yourself?” she asked.

He nodded again, eyes filled with hope.

“Then you go first…” Yan Qiushu leaned in and whispered a plan in his ear.

Zhou Zhaoheng’s face flushed, but his eyes lit up. “Okay, I’ll go now!”

Yan Qiushu stopped him, saying, “Wait! The others haven’t returned yet. Let’s talk more tonight. I’ll teach you how to make sweet cakes. The medicine is bitter, but if you make this, your parents will be very happy.”

Zhou Zhaoheng beamed with excitement. “Okay!”

At the Xiao Mansion, it was past 3 p.m., just in time for dinner.

The second branch of the family had returned today, gathering for a meal. With the New Year celebrations still ongoing, all the Xiao family members were present.

Even though Shen Pingyu was absent, Xiao Pingsong was there, bringing joy. It was New Year’s Day, so they opened some wine.

The men drank stronger liquor, while the women had fruit wine with less alcohol.

The charcoal stoves around kept the atmosphere warm and inviting as they enjoyed their meal.

Xie Qingyun took a sip of wine and noticed that Song Mingdai and her son were quiet. She asked, “Sister-in-law, did you and Pingsong enjoy the dishes Shu made for lunch? Was it good?”

The honest young boy replied, “Yes, it was delicious! Sister Shu’s cooking is amazing. I’m so full I have to practice martial arts for an hour to feel better.”

Song Mingdai glanced at the stranger who was listening and coldly said, “Not bad.”

Xiao Huaiwu scoffed, “Is that all? Is Second Sister-in-law’s cooking better? Why not have her cook for us another day?”

Song Mingdai’s expression turned icy, and she seemed ready to argue.

Xiao Pingsong laughed, saying, “Fourth Aunt, my mother is great! You don’t know—she ate so much she didn’t even rest at noon. She just kept watching me practice martial arts!”

Xiao Huaiwu, eager to provoke a reaction, chuckled. But then, unexpectedly, Song Mingdai’s stern demeanor softened, and her ears turned red. “Pingsong!” she scolded, but her tone lacked severity.

Xiao Pingsong, confused, lowered his head, not wanting to say anything more.

Xiao Huaiting found the situation amusing. Only his second brother and Pingsong could manage to get a reaction from his second sister-in-law. He shook his head and drank more wine, feeling a warm sensation flow through him. As he enjoyed his drink, he noticed a pair of wide eyes watching him.

“Ah Heng? What’s the matter?” Xiao Huaiting called out.

At that moment, Yan Qiushu quickly signaled with her eyes.

Zhou Zhaoheng discreetly pinched his thigh, his eyes watery, his mouth pouting, looking incredibly pitiful as if he were about to cry. He then turned to Xiao Huaiting and said in a soft voice, “Uncle Xiao, I really miss my parents. Can I go back to see them? I’ll be back soon!”

This sorrowful expression startled the slightly tipsy boy into full sobriety. It was just a look, and nothing too troublesome, but he also wanted to help. He nodded and said, “How about… tomorrow?”

Success!

Zhou Zhaoheng eagerly nodded and then timidly added, “Can I go with Sister Shu? My parents will definitely love the food she makes!”

Xiao Huaiting was speechless. He glanced at the woman beside him. Before he could ask, she nodded. He nodded in agreement as well and said, “Okay.”

Zhou Zhaoheng’s small body relaxed, and a wide smile spread across his face. “Thank you, Uncle Xiao Liu!”