Tang Yi did not continue the topic of "understanding."
He shifted his gaze instead, slowly surveying the small kitchen before him.
The space wasn't large, but it was impeccably organized. The stove was polished clean, cookware arranged neatly in its places. Firewood was stacked tidily in the corner, and on the windowsill sat several pots of lush green herbs, close enough to be plucked at any moment. Beyond the aroma of food, the air carried a faint warmth of everyday life—quiet, grounding, reassuring.
"I've heard," he said suddenly, his tone returning to its usual calm, as if his earlier near-confession had never happened, "that you've stirred up quite a bit of activity in the Imperial Kitchen lately. 'Demand slips.' 'Rotational extra meals.' And… an 'Imperial Chef Academy'?"
Here it comes.
Qing Tian's heart shot straight into her throat.
She had known her actions in the Imperial Kitchen would never escape the emperor's notice. What she didn't know was how he viewed these clearly overreaching moves.
Approval? Displeasure? Or dismissal—thinking her restless, meddlesome, making mountains out of molehills?
She took a slow breath and answered carefully."Yes. Your Majesty is wise. This concubine merely thought that if the Imperial Kitchen better understood each palace's needs, matters would run more smoothly, with fewer misunderstandings and blame. As for the 'extra meals' and the 'academy'…"
She paused, her voice softer now, but laced with quiet resolve.
"The kitchen workers labor tirelessly every day. If they can eat a little more, stay a little warmer, they'll naturally work with more strength—and more care. As for the academy… it is only this concubine's small selfish wish. If some are willing to learn basic skills, perhaps they may one day gain another path forward. That would benefit both them and the Imperial Kitchen."
She lowered her head.
"These are humble thoughts, unworthy of attention. If any have violated palace rules or disturbed order, this concubine is willing to accept punishment."
Silence fell over the kitchen.
Only the faint crackle of firewood breaking in the stove could be heard.
After a long moment, the emperor finally spoke.
"Punishment?" Tang Yi shook his head lightly, his gaze landing on her hands, clenched tight from tension."These so-called 'humble thoughts' of yours are far more practical than many of the long-winded, grand-sounding memorials I heard in court today."
Qing Tian looked up in shock.
Was… the emperor praising her?
Even if the words were indirect, the meaning was unmistakable.
Tang Yi did not look at her startled expression. He continued calmly,"At the very least, you're genuinely trying to solve problems—rather than creating them. Or worse… covering them up with false peace."
His tone shifted, gaining weight.
"However, tall trees catch the wind. Your 'practical' ideas have touched certain people's rules—and offended certain eyes. Recently, Noble Consort Liu has been paying you… considerable attention."
Qing Tian's heart tightened.
She understood the warning instantly. Noble Consort Liu's targeting had never ceased—it had only grown more subtle.
She bowed deeply."This concubine understands. I will act with greater caution and will not bring trouble to Your Majesty."
"Trouble?" Tang Yi shot her a sidelong glance, amusement flickering in his eyes."Haven't you caused enough already? Ever since that bowl of 'Truth Noodles,' you, this 'Shan Meiren,' haven't let the inner palace rest for a single day."
Qing Tian's cheeks warmed, and for once, she didn't know how to respond.
"But," Tang Yi continued, his expression turning serious again,"since I granted you the title of Shan Meiren and the authority to enter and manage matters of the Imperial Kitchen, I allowed you to do things. To observe. To try."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear—solemn, deliberate.
"But you must know your limits. Know what can be touched—and what must be avoided. Do not move too fast. The waters of the inner palace run deeper than you imagine, and the undercurrents beneath are far swifter than what you can see."
Those words were more than a warning.
They were tacit approval.
Even… a form of authorization.
Qing Tian felt her eyes sting slightly as gratitude, responsibility, and pressure surged together in her chest. She lowered her head deeply."This concubine will remember Your Majesty's teachings and proceed with utmost caution."
Tang Yi nodded, seemingly satisfied.
He lingered a moment longer, his gaze drifting to the pot of chicken and chestnut cream soup still more than half full. Then, casually, he said,"This soup is good. Tomorrow… after the evening meal, send a bowl to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."
Qing Tian responded immediately."Yes. This concubine obeys."
Without another word, Tang Yi turned and left—silent as when he arrived.
"This concubine respectfully sees Your Majesty off."
Only after his steady footsteps vanished into the night did Qing Tian slowly rise. Her legs felt weak as she leaned against the stove, letting out a long, quiet breath.
Only then did she realize her back was soaked through with cold sweat.
This sudden late-night visit had seemed casual on the surface, yet it carried an overwhelming amount of meaning—enough to set her heart racing, long after the night had gone still.