A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 356: Chapter 358: Finally Arrived, Huh?

Zhao Junyao found her brimming self-confidence both amusing and exasperating.

”You even know how to rid the people of a scourge? Truly clever!”

Xia Ruqing was full of pride.

”That’s because... I am indeed very clever!”

Zhao Junyao was speechless. This little thing! He really didn’t know what to say to her!

He patted her shoulder and said with a smile, ”Get up. I’m hungry. Accompany me for some supper!”

Xia Ruqing’s eyes instantly lit up.

”Supper? Great!”

When it came to food, she was always so excited.

The displeasure that had been accumulating in Zhao Junyao’s heart all day was dispelled by just a few words from Xia Ruqing.

Li Shengan stood at the doorway. He heard food being ordered inside and Xia Jieyu serving the Emperor, their meal clearly a lively and enjoyable one.

He was truly impressed. At a time like this, Xia Jieyu could still make the Emperor laugh? He, Li Shengan, was thoroughly in awe! Had it been any other consort, who knows how cautiously she would have had to act. Look, this is what it means to be favored. There’s just no helping it!

「That night, the Emperor did not stay overnight but went to Jiaofang Hall instead.」

The Empress had already washed up and was ready for bed when she heard someone outside shouting, ”The Emperor has arrived!”

The Empress was stunned, thinking she had misheard. Moments later, distinct footsteps approached.

With an excited expression, the Empress went out to greet him. Zhao Junyao was already in the corridor.

”Your Majesty, this concubine failed to greet you. Please forgive this concubine!”

Zhao Junyao looked at her and said indifferently, ”Rise!” Then he entered the inner chamber.

The Empress followed him in cautiously. Over where Zhao Junyao stood, Palace Attendants were already helping him remove his outer garments.

The Empress, snapping to attention, immediately stepped forward to personally help the Emperor undress.

Her heart raced with nervous joy, her hands trembling. The Emperor clearly intended to stay the night! The Empress nearly burst into tears.

How long had it been since the Emperor had come on a day that wasn’t the first or fifteenth of the lunar month? Why the sudden change? Could it be... he had been to Qingya Residence this afternoon? Regardless, serving the Emperor well was now the priority.

After his outer clothes were removed, Palace Attendants served tea. Zhao Junyao took a couple of sips before setting down the teacup.

The Empress cautiously asked, ”Your Majesty, you...” She had been about to ask why he had come, but she opened her mouth and then stopped herself. She was the Empress, after all; the Emperor could come whenever he wished, right?

After bathing and changing his attire, Zhao Junyao went to bed.

The Empress, dressed in her nightgown, neatly lay on the inner side of the bed, while Zhao Junyao slept on the outer side.

Though husband and wife, it was as if a whole world lay between them.

Zhao Junyao remained silent. The Empress wanted to say something but hesitated.

What could she say? She couldn’t bring herself to speak soft, tender words, nor did she want to learn. Engage in flirtatious banter to curry favor? She was the legitimate wife; she must never stoop to the tricks of those vixens. So, there truly was nothing to say. As for pleading on behalf of her second brother? She understood the Emperor’s temperament all too well. Not pleading would be better; pleading would only drag herself down as well. So, in the end, the Empress didn’t mention a word.

The execution was set for early in the ninth month; this was the last chance. But after much contemplation, the Empress decided not to intervene. Why should she bear the consequences of her second brother’s mistakes? All her life, their mother’s affections were lavished on her two brothers, especially the second, who was spoiled to the point of lawlessness. She showed no love toward her, this younger sister, and even frequently tormented her. Now that he was on the brink of death, their mother suddenly remembered her. Hmph... As if things were that simple. Having just reconciled with the Emperor, she wouldn’t ruin her future over this.

With her mind made up, the Empress pursed her lips and also closed her eyes to sleep.

「A night passed without a word.」

The next day, the Emperor rose to attend court. The Empress awoke even earlier, personally attending to the Emperor as he dressed and washed.

As she saw the Emperor out, the Empress maintained a smile that was both dignified and befitting her status.

”Your Majesty, I have had the morning meal prepared. Please come and dine!”

Zhao Junyao glanced back at her and said, ”I know,” then strode off.

The Empress turned, and Yu Lan approached. ”Your Majesty, why not sleep a little longer? It’s still early!”

The Empress shook her head. ”I’m not sleeping anymore. Let’s go to the small kitchen and take a look!”

She heard the Emperor favored Lady Xia because the food from her quarters was novel and flavorful, things the Emperor had never encountered before! Perhaps... she could also prepare some tasty new dishes for him to try. What if the Emperor liked them? She wasn’t seeking the same level of favor as Lady Xia. Just enough respect to secure her position as Empress would suffice. After all, status is always the most important thing!

Thus, the Empress, as if inspired, spent the morning busily working with the Palace Attendants and Kitchen Maids in the small kitchen.

After court, Zhao Junyao returned to the Imperial Study Room to review memorials.

It was Li Shengan who reminded him, ”Your Majesty, didn’t you promise the Empress you would join her for the morning meal?”

Zhao Junyao, pen in hand reviewing memorials, didn’t even lift his head. ”I know,” he said again.

He continued writing, seemingly lost in thought. Clearly, the matter hardly occupied his attention.

「When it was time for the morning meal, Zhao Junyao indeed went.」

The Empress had the dishes served. They were all meticulously prepared by her and the chefs, beautifully carved and exquisitely arranged.

However, faced with such a table of dazzlingly presented dishes, Zhao Junyao had no appetite whatsoever.

They looked appealing and were certainly extravagant, but the taste... was merely passable.

However, Zhao Junyao was long accustomed to this. With an indifferent expression, he ate a few bites and then put down his chopsticks.

The Empress was even more perfunctory, merely eating a few shrimp before claiming she was full.

She personally served him tea and asked with a smile, ”Your Majesty, I made some of these dishes myself. What do you think?”

As it was customary not to speak during meals, the Empress waited until she had rinsed her mouth after the meal to speak.

Zhao Junyao’s lips curved slightly. ”You have worked hard, Empress.” After saying that, he took a sip of tea and stood up. ”I still have matters to attend to!”

The Empress escorted him to the door and curtsied with dignity. ”Respectfully sending off Your Majesty!”

Zhao Junyao strode away without a backward glance.

「From the end of August to the beginning of September, for three or four days,」

Zhao Junyao continuously stayed with the Empress.

This was something that hadn’t happened in all the years since the Empress had entered the palace.

The Empress was so excited she was on the verge of tears. ”Has the Emperor... truly forgiven me?”

Sister Ji was ecstatic. ”Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations!”

Holding a handkerchief, the Empress cried tears of joy. ”Sister, I’ve finally persevered! After all, I am the Empress!”

Look, the position of Empress is that important; there’s always a chance to turn things around, no matter what. And Noble Concubine Shih? Once she loses the Emperor’s favor, she’ll be nothing. Isn’t she now relying on Honored Lady Shih?

Speaking of Honored Lady Shih, the Empress sneered inwardly. Noble Concubine Shih, you want to eliminate the mother to keep the son? Dream on! I won’t let you succeed! Of course, these are matters for later.

For now, the Empress had another concern that troubled her.

”Sister, hold off on your congratulations!” she said, lowering her head as if she had more to say but hesitated.

Sister Ji was anxious. ”Your Majesty, with the Emperor’s favor, what is there to worry about?”

The Empress hesitated for a moment, dismissed the servants, then pulled Sister Ji aside and said, ”The Emperor... he never actually...”

He hadn’t slept with her at all, had he? Sister Ji, being an experienced woman, understood immediately and was aghast. ”How can this be?”