My Daughter is the Empire’s Lucky Charm

In the ancient palace, where tools and methods were limited, making a cake with steamers was naturally far more troublesome than using an oven.

Fortunately, in Fengyang Palace, there were skilled chefs specially assigned to prepare all manner of desserts. Though none had ever encountered this thing called "cake" before, once they received the full recipe from Yun Shu, they quickly mastered the process.

At first, Yun Chuhuan was annoyed at how long the cake took to make and grew impatient.

But when the finished cake was finally brought out, a rich and indulgent sweetness filled the air, completely overwhelming his earlier displeasure. Surprise lit up Yun Chuhuan's face as he exclaimed, "Fifth Sister, your cake smells so powerful! I dare say it's more tempting than all the pastries on both floors of Lianxin Zhai combined!"

"Lianxin Zhai?" Yun Shu paused mid-bite as she popped a grape into her mouth. "That's outside the palace?"

"Of course!" Yun Chuhuan could hardly wait as he reached out and helped himself to a giant slice of cake. "It's the most famous dessert shop in the capital. Before I tasted your cake, their golden leaf crisps were my absolute favorite."

"Sounds like you've been outside the palace." Yun Shu swiftly smacked his hand away before he could reach for more and passed a piece to the obedient Cen Yiyi, who had been waiting silently at the side. "Do you go often?"

"Not often, how could I? Most of the time, I just have Ziming bring things back for me."

With a sheepish smile, Yun Chuhuan took a bite of cake. The light and airy texture melted in his mouth, filled with rich sweetness and a hint of fruity fragrance. He froze for a second, then stopped talking altogether and began devouring the cake like a man possessed.

The noble manners cultivated by Noble Consort Liu over the past eight years completely collapsed under the onslaught of deliciousness. He made more of a mess than when he was gnawing on fried chicken, even getting a dollop of cream on the tip of his nose.

Yun Shu said nothing. She merely stared at him in silent judgment.

At this rate, was she about to turn the future tyrant into a plump little dumpling?

Hopefully, Noble Consort Liu would not come demanding answers later.

Clicking her tongue in disdain, she shoved a handkerchief into Yun Chuhuan's face and continued her questioning. "So how did you get out of the palace last time?"

"I just asked Mother Consort to speak on my behalf. After she talked to Father Emperor, I got permission to go," Yun Chuhuan replied vaguely while wiping his face. Just as he was about to return to eating, a sharp, high-pitched voice rang out from the corridor, drawing closer.

"An imperial edict!"

At the announcement, everyone present had to go out and receive it.

No matter how badly Yun Chuhuan wanted to eat, he could not disobey protocol and followed Yun Shu to the front steps.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, His Majesty decrees: For her meritorious contribution in presenting the printing method, Fifth Princess Yun Shu shall be granted a pair of jade ruyi scepters, a fan embroidered with the Pearl Mountains and Rivers, a crown inlaid with East Sea dragon pearls... and ten thousand taels of silver. Thus is the imperial will!"

As the eunuch finished reading the decree, an impressive array of dazzling treasures were carried into Fengyang Palace by the eunuchs and palace maids behind Li Dehai.

With a warm smile, Li Dehai stepped forward and handed the edict to Yun Shu. "This humble servant congratulates Your Highness."

"Thank you for the trouble, Lord Li," Yun Shu replied with courtesy.

After receiving several rewards from Emperor Xuanwu recently, Yun Shu was no longer stingy with necessary courtesies. She turned her head slightly and cast a meaningful glance at Ting Xue, who immediately understood and stepped forward to present a small embroidered pouch.

"Lord Li, this is a token of appreciation from our princess."

"Then this servant humbly accepts." Palace etiquette was always complex. Had Li Dehai declined, it would have seemed improper.

He took the pouch with a bright smile, deeply moved in his heart.

He had served by the Emperor's side for over twenty years. How could he not see that the Fifth Princess had truly earned His Majesty's favor?

In just half a month, she had gone from overlooked to exalted, rising like a dragon riding the wind.

This Fifth Princess was not simple.

Thanks to years of mastering the art of reading people, it took just a few gentle compliments to bring a delighted smile to Yun Shu's face. Sensing that he had likely left a good impression, Li Dehai began preparing to excuse himself.

"This humble servant has been out for some time. His Majesty awaits my return. Your Highness, I shall now take my leave—"

"Lord Li, a moment, please."

Remembering what Yun Chuhuan had just told her about getting permission to leave the palace, Yun Shu quickly called him back. "I happened to have a fresh cake made here and was thinking of personally delivering some to Father Emperor. I wonder if..."

"Such filial devotion will only gladden His Majesty." Li Dehai chuckled knowingly. "If Your Highness is willing, then do accompany me."

"I shall trouble Lord Li to wait just a moment, then."

With that, Yun Shu turned and hurried into the palace, intending only to retrieve the cake. However, upon entering, she saw Yun Chuhuan crouching suspiciously beside the freshly delivered ten thousand taels of silver.

"What was that rascal doing?"

She tiptoed over to find him fiddling with her money and smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"N... nothing." Yun Chuhuan jumped, clearly startled. He stood up awkwardly. "I was just looking."

Of all the possible rewards Father Emperor could bestow on Yun Shu, he had to pick ten thousand taels of silver?

Ten thousand taels of silver was equal to one hundred taels of gold.

And what had happened to him earlier today? He had been fined one hundred taels of gold for stepping out with his left foot first!

Was this... was this the same money?

No, impossible. Even though Father Emperor's personal treasury was said to be modest, it could not be that—

Hahaha, no way. Even if it were true, it didn't matter. His maternal family was wealthy. He himself was also quite rich.

He was definitely not upset. Hahaha. A mere ten thousand taels? He could not care less.

Hahaha... sob... the cake really was delicious...

(╥╯^╰╥)

Completely unaware that a certain cake-smeared prince was quietly nursing a wound to his pride, Yun Shu confirmed the safety of her silver and set off toward the imperial study, carrying the cake with her.

By the time she arrived, it seemed Emperor Xuanwu had just finished discussing the printing method with his ministers. Several high-ranking officials were leaving the hall and cast lingering glances her way.

The last among them, a man of about fifty in a teal robe, walked straight up to her with a look of deep emotion.

"This humble subject greets Your Highness."

Yun Shu blinked.

Wait, did she know this person?