In a serene courtyard in the outskirts of the capital, a figure in blue clothing was engaged in swordplay. Her movements were carefree but precise, delivering lethal blows without the slightest of extra movement. It was just that her somewhat swollen body didn’t quite match her killing moves.

Empress Li’s voice rang out from the side, “Still practicing the sword in your condition?”

The sword wielder was Li Kuanglan. She returned the blade to its sheath after hearing those words and said, “I feel uncomfortable if I don’t move about a bit.”

Empress Li sat down on one of the stone chairs and ordered the maid to prepare tea and refreshments. “Come and try some, I made these myself. The ingredients are all quite rare.”

Rather indifferent, Li Kuanglan walked over in large strides and stuffed a piece in her mouth without even taking her seat. She was just about to swallow it in one go when her expression transformed into an interesting state.

Empress Li chuckled. “How does it taste?”

Li Kuanglan raised her head and swallowed hard. “That tasted so bad!”

Empress Li said, “This isn’t so bad, considering I’ve never cooked my entire...