Li Yao shyly touched the bridge of her nose and said obediently, "Father is ill, and Yao'er promised to make him lotus pastries. Grandmother, I've already made three—please try them."
With that, Li Yao took the Empress's hand and led her inside. As soon as the Empress sat down, Li Yao came trotting over with a small blue porcelain plate holding three pink lotus pastries. Their shapes were uneven, looking rather clumsy.
The Empress took a bite. The taste was ordinary, but she still praised, "Delicious. How did you learn to make these at such a young age?"
Li Yao's eyes curved happily. "Aunt Shen taught me! Hers are even better. Aunt Shen is so good to me—she pushes me on the swing, teaches me calligraphy, and even finds mistakes in my account books to correct together."
Mentioning Shen Wei, Li Yao wore a joyful smile, her words brimming with affection and admiration.
The Empress frowned inwardly. Was Shen Wei indulging the child in play, trying to lead her astray?
