After stepping outside, she saw that the Shun-Ying Sisters had already changed into their daily attire—it was obvious they were planning to go out together as well.
“I think, having more familiar faces around you will help you relax, especially if you’re not alone with me,” Luo Wuhen approached from behind and explained.
Su Qianqian nodded. This was certainly true. It seemed Luo Wuhen did have some basic self-awareness.
Although it was entirely expected, seeing Su Qianqian so obviously unwilling to be alone with her still made Luo Wuhen’s eyes dim slightly.
Then, in the minds of the Shun-Ying Sisters, Luo Wuhen’s voice sounded:
“How are the preparations for the Market coming along?”
“We’ll definitely be done by the time it ends.”
Luo Wuhen understood, then sent another message to the sisters, her feelings mixed:
“You two, do your utmost to make My Empress happy. Right now, she might only have no defenses left toward you…”
“Mmm… We want to do that ourselves anyway!”
After the covert sound transmission, two shadows drew closer to the dazed Su Qianqian, who was still lost in thought, waiting to depart.
She snapped out of it and looked at the two in confusion.
First was Shun, who was best at lifting the mood.
With an exaggerated gesture, Shun assured Su Qianqian:
“Empress, I promise this outing will be absolutely delightful! The Market in the Imperial Palace has gotten much livelier since you left!”
“Mhm, I’m looking forward to it.” Su Qianqian forced a smile in response.
Shun saw the reluctance behind Su Qianqian’s smile and rubbed the back of her head in regret.
But then there was Ying, who excelled at reading people. If she wasn’t mistaken…
“Empress, I heard the Author of ‘Reincarnated as a Spider Demon, Getting Stronger Just by Drinking Water’ suddenly updated a lot, releasing three whole new volumes at once. We can stop by and get them on the way.”
“Eh? Really? Is that true?” This time, Su Qianqian’s interest was genuinely piqued. She truly liked this novel.
By chance, the Shun-Ying Sisters had brought a copy for her when she was brought here, and she had just reached an exciting part.
Seeing Su Qianqian’s spirits lift, Shun gave her younger sister a big thumbs-up in her heart. As expected, when it came to the important things, she could always be relied on!
Shun couldn’t help but exclaim, “What luck! Just when Her Majesty’s feeling low, her favorite novel gets a big update!”
But only Ying knew it wasn’t simply that the author had updated.
She’d never lost contact with the Intelligence Network.
Recently, she heard a colleague had made a lot of money writing books and then went into Retirement from a Life of Crime. The title? This very one.
She remembered the Empress seemed to like this novel, so she traced the author by following the clues and… used a few little tricks to force a complete update…
“I originally wanted to give Her Majesty a surprise, but now… well, hopefully this can cheer her up a bit… I think, buying something you like while strolling around should feel good.”
Ying sighed inwardly. She really was worried about Su Qianqian’s state. But on the surface, she remained calm and composed.
She was determined to use this chance to improve Su Qianqian’s mood!
“But, are we going to the Mortal Market or the Cultivator Market…?” Su Qianqian had some concerns, so she asked with a hint of doubt.
“Since Your Majesty wants a livelier place, how about the Mortal Market? Business is booming and bustling there right now, with lots of interesting things.”
“Then, hide your horns and don’t call me Empress or her Emperor. I don’t want to attract attention.”
“Th-then, how about… Young Miss and Second Miss?” Shun asked hesitantly. Seeing Luo Wuhen nod in agreement, she finally relaxed.
“Let’s get going, then! I can’t wait to shop together with… Young Miss and… Second Miss!”
Shun really knew how to set the mood, though suddenly changing titles was still a bit awkward.
Beside them, Luo Wuhen watched Su Qianqian regain some spirit thanks to a novel.
She felt gratified, and thoughtful—perhaps rebuilding Su Qianqian’s favor toward her could start from this angle…
When everything was ready, the group arrived at the entrance of a bustling Market. Shun hadn’t lied—this place truly was lively beyond compare!
Shun looked around in confusion; even she was a bit surprised by how busy it was today. “Eh? Is there some festival today? It feels even livelier than usual…”
Meanwhile, Su Qianqian breathed in the air of “freedom.” Even if it was just for a moment, it felt precious—like a prisoner locked away for years finally seeing the sun again.
Just being outside made the pressure on her body ease…
Of course, this trip revolved around Su Qianqian. Her satisfaction allowed the rest of the group to breathe a sigh of relief as well.
Once they were truly inside the Market, they could appreciate just how bustling it was—crowds of people, clamorous voices.
Fortunately, the streets had been designed much wider than usual, so it wasn’t crowded.
Also, something was odd. Upon closer inspection, many shops had been covered with festive red paper, and even the streets bore decorations of the same.
This usually only happened during wedding celebrations…
Su Qianqian frowned and looked at Luo Wuhen, but Luo Wuhen only shook her head in confusion and looked to the sisters, who were also at a loss—they hadn’t arranged for this!
“Um, Young Miss, Second Miss, could you wait a moment? I’ll go find out what’s going on!”
Shun quickly ran to a small shop. This shop was also covered with red paper—surely they would know why.
“Oh, such a beautiful customer! Would you like something to eat? Our shop’s Nuo Mi Cake is delicious. How about a few taels?”
As soon as she arrived at the entrance, the proprietress enthusiastically promoted her goods. But Shun could only wave her hands awkwardly.
“No, actually, I just wanted to ask—is there some special occasion today? Why do so many shops have red paper?”
“Oh… Yes, there is! The son of our town’s most famous merchant is getting married—a perfect match, handsome and beautiful! The merchant was so overjoyed, he handed out a considerable sum to most of the shops on this street, letting us put all our goods on discount so everyone can celebrate together!”
“I see, thank you.”
“As thanks, why not buy some Nuo Mi Cake? Seventy percent off today~” The proprietress refused to give up on her sales pitch.
Soon, under the watchful gaze of the group, Shun paid for a box of Nuo Mi Cake and ran back!
“Um… Young Miss, Second Miss, I found out the reason!”
“Mhm, we heard as well.” Ying stopped Shun from repeating the explanation—after all, with their keen hearing, they’d already heard everything from a distance.
“Oh, okay… So, does anyone want some Nuo Mi Cake?”
Su Qianqian, seeing Shun looking a bit forlorn, helplessly took a piece from the box in her hand and popped it into her mouth.
The taste didn’t compare to that of the Palace, but this flavor of the common folk was nice in its own way…
“Dear Young Miss, remember to reimburse Shun when we return. Don’t let your subordinate pay out of pocket.” Su Qianqian ate another Nuo Mi Cake as she spoke.
“Mm.”
Su Qianqian’s words were still icy, with even a hint of sarcasm.
But no matter what, the fact that she was taking the initiative to speak was already a good start. Patience was her strong suit…
As they walked on, the deeper they went, the more raucous and lively it became—there were even street performers on the corners.
To Cultivators, these performances held little technical value, but the lively atmosphere around still affected Su Qianqian.
Many children had gathered, and there was a sense of nostalgia—almost like she was back in a small town…