“Okay!” He took her hand, and they proceeded to the kitchen together.

In ancient times, medicine was typically administered between breakfast and lunch. They arrived at just the right moment. The kitchen staff was preparing to make medicine for King Chang, and they all seemed startled upon seeing the trio, greeting them one by one.

“Everyone, please rise.” Princess Chang, now with a more dignified demeanor, said calmly: “Prepare the medicine for His Highness and leave the rest.”

“Yes.” The palace servants quickly stood up and busied themselves.

Those who were cleaning resumed their tasks, while others prepared food.

Princess Chang smiled and said, “Ah Heng, do what you need to do.”

“Yes!” Zhou Zhaoheng looked around the kitchen, excitement bubbling within him as he prepared to cook for his father. He was a bit nervous and began counting on his fingers what he needed.

He surveyed the ingredients in the kitchen to ensure they were all available, then took a portion and placed it on the table, realizing he didn’t have enough of the rest.

After hesitating for a moment, he decided to run over to Yan Qiushu and said, “Sister Shu, could you help me get it?”

From childhood, no one had ever bossed him around, and he was unsure how to instruct others, so he sought help from someone close.

The kitchen was Yan Qiushu’s domain, where she provided him with the utmost comfort.

So he naturally turned to her.

Yan Qiushu went over to retrieve the items for him. Watching with a smile, Princess Chang froze for a moment before looking away, revealing a touch of sadness.

Although the Fifteenth Princess had a challenging personality, it was a reflection of how royal children are spoiled. Her son, who was undeniably the emperor’s grandson, couldn’t even instruct the palace staff. In comparison, she felt a pang of guilt.

Yan Qiushu also felt a sense of emotion. After witnessing the behavior of children like the Fifteenth Princess and Zhou Zhaoqin, seeing Zhou Zhaoheng felt like encountering an angel on earth!

Once everything was in order, Zhou Zhaoheng began his task. He sorted the prepared medicinal ingredients according to the doctor’s instructions, adding them in the correct order.

Naturally, Yan Qiushu assisted with this process.

This was also the reason for her presence.

Her involvement ensured that the medicinal properties would be maximized. If it were a detoxifying herb, it would help King Chang recover more swiftly.

“Finally, it’s Fangfeng^[1]also known as Saposhnikovia divaricata, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.…” The schoolboy carefully examined the doctor’s notes, following each step. Yan Qiushu added Fangfeng to the mixture according to his directions.

Then they covered it and waited for the cooking time to elapse.

With the medicine ready, the next step involved making sugar cakes.

This was a straightforward process: adding boiling water to flour, stirring it into a fluffy consistency, scooping it out, and kneading it into a smooth dough. Naturally, Yan Qiushu had to handle the kneading.

Afterward, she cut it into smaller pieces.

The filling for the sugar cake was white sugar or brown sugar, mixed with a bit of flour and wrapped like a dumpling.

Since Zhou Zhaoheng was only seven and had small hands, the portions of dough Yan Qiushu handed him were extra small. After wrapping them, they resembled only half the size of his palm.

The next step would be for Yan Qiushu to take over, but they chose not to start immediately, preferring to wait for the medicine to boil.

When the medicine was nearly done, they began the final step: frying the prepared sugar cakes until they were golden brown and puffed in the middle, signaling they were ready.

At this point, the medicine could be poured out. The kitchen filled with the bitter aroma of the herbs. Just the smell made one’s mouth pucker. Many palace servants with little to do discreetly retreated to ventilated areas.

Zhou Zhaoheng also caught a whiff and stuck out his tongue, his large eyes filled with sympathy for his father. It truly seemed unfortunate that he had to drink such bitter medicine.

Fortunately, he had a sugar cake brimming with sweetness, sure to mask the bitterness and make the experience more palatable.

In the inner chamber, a pale-faced man reclined on the bed, speaking softly, “Are you certain the Song family has been in contact with Sixth Elder?”

“Yes.” The official-looking man casually leaned on the couch, his posture relaxed as if he were at home. He spoke in a light tone: “It doesn’t matter; this isn’t important.”

“We’ve been too arrogant. They will join forces against us!” King Chang smiled, pretending to be scared, but his face showed excitement.

Xiao Huaiting glared at him. “You’ve been so honest for so long that no one takes you seriously. I believe that even if they all unite, none can match your wickedness.”

Prince Chang shrugged without replying, lowering his gaze to say, “The Shen family…”

Xiao Huaiting’s expression became a little serious. “They’re still the same, living happily and peacefully. Even without official jobs, no one dares to bother them. Pingyu is doing well there, so you don’t need to worry.”

Prince Chang shook his head in regret. “I feel sorry for Shen”

Xiao Huaiting’s gaze turned cold. “It’s none of your concern.”

King Chang smiled bitterly. No matter how much he wished to deny it, he was related to them by blood. He took a deep breath.

At that moment, the strong smell of medicine filled the air.

He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “Being sick is exhausting. I have to smell these things all day long.”

“Who told you to poison yourself so severely? Even if you’re cured, you still need to take care of your body,” Xiao Huaiting replied calmly. “That’s the medicine the doctor prescribed to remove dampness and cold. It’s good for you to drink. I have to leave in a couple of days; take care of yourself.”

“I understand.” Prince Chang nodded, curling his lips slightly in distaste for the medicine.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Prince Chang said, and Xiao Huaiting sat up straight. They looked to see a seven-year-old boy enter.

They smiled simultaneously. “Ah Heng, what’s wrong?”

Seeing his father and Uncle Xiao looking at him, Zhou Zhaoheng smiled awkwardly and shyly approached his father, followed by two palace servants carrying two items.

One was a bowl of bitter soup, and the other was a snack no bigger than half his palm.

“Dad, this is the medicine I made for you and the sugar cakes I prepared. Sister Shu helped with the dough and pancakes, but I did everything else!” Zhou Zhaoheng carefully handed over the bowl, looking at his father as if presenting a treasure. He coaxed him, “Drink it quickly. After you do, I’ll give you the sugar cakes. They’re sweet, and you won’t notice the bitterness…”

His tone made it seem as if he were the adult, coaxing his father, who needed persuasion to take medicine.

But it was true that Prince Chang didn’t like taking medicine. He would only drink a bit after being convinced several times.

However, at that moment, looking at his son’s sincere little face and the black medicine that seemed intensely bitter, he felt conflicted. He wanted to put it off but couldn’t bear to deny his son’s intentions.

“Ahem…” Xiao Huaiting tried to stifle his laughter, shrugging his shoulders and covering it up with a cough. He turned his head but didn’t forget to encourage, “Your Highness, the young prince is sincere. Drink it quickly, or it will get cold.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhaoheng eagerly held out the bowl. “Dad, drink it fast, or it won’t taste good when it cools down!”

Prince Chang thought, “…” 

Child, the medicine tastes worse when it’s hot.

Hot and bitter!