Shi Min turned to the twins, who were already tugging at his sleeves. "Come on," he said with a smile. "Let's make something special for Mom."

They walked together through the quiet corridors of Peonies Castle, the twins skipping beside him like little shadows. When they entered the kitchen, the scent of dried herbs and polished wood greeted them.

Butler James, ever vigilant, appeared instantly from the pantry. "Young Master," he said, bowing slightly. "Do you need anything? Shall I call the chef?"

Shi Min shook his head. "No need. I want to cook a tonic soup for Mom personally. She's exhausted, and I want her to rest without worry."

Butler James's eyes softened. "I understand. Then please, let me know if you require any ingredients or assistance. I'll remain nearby."

He stepped aside respectfully, allowing Shi Min full access to the kitchen.

A Son's Offering: The Tonic of Gratitude

Shi Min rolled up his sleeves, his movements calm and deliberate. The twins climbed onto stools, watching with wide eyes as he began selecting ingredients from the apothecary cabinet—each herb chosen with care, each action infused with quiet devotion.

Most importantly, each herb was chosen not just for its medicinal properties, but for its harmonic resonance with Ling Li's cultivation stage, as if each herb sang its own unique note in a symphony of healing.

He fetched the rare herbs from his spatial ring, while the others were available from the kitchen's pantry.

This soup wasn't just a tonic.

It was a son's offering.

And a moment the twins would remember forever.

With his sleeves rolled up, his expression was a blend of calm determination and quiet resolve. The kitchen enveloped him in a serene stillness, broken only by the soft patter of the twins' small feet as they trailed behind, their wide eyes sparkling with curiosity that mirrored the vibrant world around them.

Shi Min arranged the ingredients meticulously upon the counter, the colors and textures forming a beautiful tapestry:

Snow Lotus petals, delicate and pale gold, whispered promises of restored spiritual vitality and alleviated qi fatigue.

Black Spirit Ginseng, finely shaved and glistening, exuded a warmth that replenished core energy and stabilized the flickering soul flame within.

Red Date slices, rich and ruby-hued, added notes of nourishment and comforting warmth to the mix.

Goji berries, vibrant and jewel-like, shimmered with vitality, enhancing eyesight and calming restless nerves.

Astragalus root, sturdy and earthy, beckoned with strength, promising to bolster the immune system and harmonize the flowing meridians.

A pinch of Phoenix Tail Mushroom powder, rare and fragrant, poured like powdered sunlight, known to restore aura balance in the hearts of high-level cultivators.

As he filled a clay pot with crystal-clear spring water drawn from the castle's underground reservoir, it seemed almost alive, enriched with trace minerals and imbued with a captivating spiritual energy. The fire beneath the pot crackled eagerly, its flames dancing in anticipation as Shi Min added the ingredients one by one, each carefully timed addition a testament to his reverence for the process.

The twins stood transfixed, their gazes wide with awe.

"Big Brother, you cook like a master!" Kim Kim whispered, his admiration bubbling with each passing moment.

"Is this soup magic?" Chin Chin asked, her eyes sparkling like stars, full of wonder.

Shi Min allowed a gentle smile to grace his lips. "It's not magic. It's care. Every herb has a purpose. Every step is a promise," he replied, his voice a soothing balm.

He stirred slowly, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld, releasing an enticing aroma that wrapped around them like a warm embrace — earthy, sweet, and infused with floral notes. It was the unmistakable scent of healing, legacy, and unconditional love.

After thirty minutes of anticipation, the tonic was finally ready.

Shi Min ladled it into a porcelain bowl, elegantly etched with the Li family crest, its rim adorned with protective runes that seemed to hum with energy. The bowl was placed upon a lacquered tray, accompanied by a silk napkin that caught the light with its soft sheen. Turning to the twins, he said softly, "Let's go."

Together, they moved through the hushed halls, Shi Min's hands steady as he balanced the tray, while the twins tiptoed beside him like little guardians of a sacred treasure.

In Ling Li's room, the air remained tranquil, the curtains drawn to create a peaceful sanctuary. She lay on her side, enveloped in soft, flowing robes, her hair cascading gently around her like a silken waterfall. Her face, serene yet pale, spoke volumes about her fatigue.

Shi Min entered quietly, the atmosphere heavy with a comforting hush.

"Mom," he said, kneeling beside her bed, his heart swelling with love. "I made you a tonic. Please drink it while it's warm."

Ling Li's eyes fluttered open slowly, a faint smile gracing her lips, a flicker of light igniting in her gaze. "You didn't have to…"

"I know," Shi Min replied, the sincerity in his voice resonating deeply. "But I wanted to."

With tender care, he lifted the bowl and assisted her to sit up gently. The twins climbed eagerly onto the edge of the bed, their reverence palpable in the stillness.

Ling Li took the bowl, inhaling the fragrant steam that wafted upwards, and her eyes softened with appreciation. "You used Phoenix Tail Mushroom?" she inquired, genuinely surprised.

Shi Min nodded. "Just a pinch. I know it's rare."

As Ling Li sipped slowly, the warmth of the tonic spread through her chest, soothing the exhaustion that had settled like a heavy fog after her acupuncture ritual. "This is perfect," she said, her voice a soft whisper against the stillness. "Thank you."

Shi Min smiled, his heart brimmed with joy.

Kim Kim leaned in, his small voice filled with wonder. "Mom, Big Brother said every herb is a promise."

Chin Chin chimed in cheerfully, "And the soup is made of care!"

Ling Li laughed softly, her fatigue melting away, replaced by warmth and gratitude. "Then I'm truly surrounded by promises and care," she said, pulling the twins into her arms, the bond between them radiant.

Having finished the tonic, she handed the empty bowl back to Shi Min, who adjusted the tray with a gentle smile. "Rest now, Mom. I'll take care of everything," he assured her.

Ling Li nodded, her eyes misting with emotion. "I know you will."