Start an interactive session in gnuplot and execute some commands when it opens

When I execute my script, it should

1. Open a terminal with gnuplot (interactive session)
2. Execute some gnuplot commands.
3. The interactive session stays open. (user can execute commands)

I've tried the -e flag which executes code, but the terminal closes and is not interactive.

The -p flag lets the plot window survive, which is less than I need.

I've also tried loading a gnuplot script in the -e-flag, hoping that that would start an interactive session, but no avail.

My current workaround is sending keystrokes using xte, which works, but is a bit hacky. Are there better solutions?