A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 523: Chapter 523: We Still Have to Live, Right?

After making small talk for quite a while, the Empress gradually let her smile fade.

Actually, she had been joking, but also mocking.

Mocking Honored Lady Jiang for taking so long to come.

Honored Lady Jiang knew she was at fault and thus remained silent.

The Empress took pleasure in her sharp tongue for a while, but then there was nothing more she could do.

Afterward, she went straight to the point!

”These days, the Emperor will probably grow tired of Consort Xian Pin. This is a good opportunity!”

No matter what, ascending to a higher position is always good!

”You have served him several times already; by now, you should have some experience!”

”This time, you must find a way to give birth to a prince. Then, not only you, but I will be able to stand tall as well!!”

If Honored Lady Jiang could truly give birth to a prince for her to raise.

Then... she would have both a son and a daughter. By then, with both a son and a daughter, she would be able to secure her position fully and no longer have to be as passive as she is now. It was even unbelievable that sometimes, she had to compete for favor with the insignificant concubines!

This time, Honored Lady Jiang was very obedient. She meekly nodded and agreed.

After all, were it not for the Empress’s repeated support, she would not be living the life she is living now.

Yesterday, during the Double Ninth Festival, she sat in the foremost position among the honored ladies; even the favored Honored Lady Cheng was placed behind her.

Furthermore, the clothes and jewelry awarded to her by the Empress were the most and the best among all the honored ladies.

Last night, the Empress even specially awarded her several dishes.

It must be said that she is now much more dignified than those favored ladies. So what about the favored Honored Lady Cheng? Without the uplift from the Empress, her life would be just as it is. Just look at Honored Lady Liang and Honored Lady Li, what sort of life are they leading? In yesterday’s banquet, they did not have a single presentable outfit. TSK, TSK! The Empress is not the same as before; she’s not someone who can be ingratiated with by just anyone. Honored Lady Du had wanted to come much earlier, but the Empress dislikes her, doesn’t she? So she has been...

”COUGH, COUGH!”

The Empress above cleared her throat with a couple of coughs.

”Prepare well in the next few days. I will definitely find you a good opportunity and recommend you once more!”

”You must seize this opportunity!”

”It would be best if you can make the Emperor remember you!”

It would be best if he could completely forget about that Consort Xian Pin. If this really works out, then wouldn’t the Harem become her own kingdom?

The Empress narrowed her eyes, as if she was imagining the day she would dominate the Harem. All the women would be obediently serving by her side. And she, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Emperor, would look down upon them from high above! This perspective, this feeling... it was simply too wonderful!

”Yes!”

Honored Lady Jiang answered with gentle obedience.

”If there’s nothing else, this servant will take her leave!”

The Empress, a little too pleased with herself, casually waved her hand.

”Go on, go on!”

Having said that, she went off towards the Little Princess’s western chamber.

But before she reached the western chamber, Yu Lan came in to report.

”Your Highness, Honored Lady Du requests an audience!”

The Empress’s steps halted abruptly.

”Honored Lady Du?”

”Why has she come again!”

Suddenly, as if she remembered something, she sneered.

”HMPH! She really knows how to ingratiate herself! She must be desperate for favor!”

”I will not see her. Send her away!”

Having spoken, she moved towards the western chamber.

Suddenly, Sister Ji changed her tune.

”Your Highness, perhaps... you should see her!”

The Empress frowned, incredulous.

”Sister, what’s the point of seeing an unfavored and impertinent Honored Lady?”

She clearly remembered that this Honored Lady Du, upon entering the palace, had aligned herself with Noble Concubine Shih’s faction. In any case, Honored Lady Du hadn’t come to pay respects to *me*, but she certainly paid numerous visits to the Noble Consort.

Sister Ji persisted in persuading.

”Your Highness, usually... those who are too anxious often resort to unscrupulous means!”

”Your Highness, it would be best if you could take advantage of this.”

”If Your Highness can win them over, then make use of them like a knife when they prove useful. If not, then use them as a shield! That’s not bad either!”

Cheap and effective! The price is negotiable! No matter how you look at it, it’s not a losing deal.

The Empress pondered for a while before frowning and saying,

”This Palace will think it over!”

After speaking, she then went to see the Third Princess.

After the noon meal, the Empress took a nap, then sent for Honored Lady Du.

Honored Lady Du knelt on the ground before the Empress, her face full of piety!

”Empress, your servant...”

The Empress sneered coldly. She can’t even speak a full sentence properly, yet she has the audacity to be envious of Honored Lady Jiang? What use is beauty? The Harem lacks beauties the least!

Sensing the Empress’s impatience, Honored Lady Du quickly got straight to the point.

She closed her eyes, made up her mind, and stated her purpose.

”Empress, your servant earnestly wishes to serve by Your Highness’s side, but...”

”Your servant is useless, never favored!”

”Empress, your servant...”

Before she could finish, the Empress raised her hand to stop her.

”No need to say any more, this Palace knows already!”

Honored Lady Du certainly didn’t dare to continue.

The Empress took a sip of tea, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

”How about this: if you are truly sincere, then present your pledge of loyalty to this Palace yourself. Otherwise...”

”How could this Palace know your sincerity?”

Honored Lady Du was stunned.

A pledge of loyalty? She had nothing to her name; what could she possibly offer? But... the Empress is right! To expect a promotion for no reason at all? How could that be possible? Not everyone has Honored Lady Jiang’s good fortune! SIGH!

Honored Lady Du kowtowed, ”Your Highness, your servant understands!”

The Empress smiled and said,

”Sister Du, after all, was personally chosen by the Emperor to enter the palace! Presumably, the Emperor is not displeased with you!”

”This time, you must grasp the opportunity well!”

Honored Lady Du kowtowed.

”Thank you for your support, Empress!”

The Empress was very satisfied.

After finishing her tea, she slid a bracelet off her wrist.

”This is a token of this Palace’s regard. I will watch over you and wait for your token of sincerity!”

Having said this, she stood up.

”If there is nothing else, you may leave!”

Honored Lady Du kowtowed in agreement and withdrew.

The morning weather was good, but in the afternoon, it turned overcast.

Then, in the evening, a sudden downpour began with a loud SPLASH.

Xia Ruqing slept all day.

She couldn’t sleep in the morning, and even in her sleep, she wept in her dreams.

By afternoon, she was dead to the world.

In the evening, listening to the PITTER-PATTER of rain, she actually felt awake.

So she chatted with Zi Yue and Zi Su.

The atmosphere in Qingya Residence wasn’t very good.

With their master and the Emperor at odds, it would have been a miracle if the mood was good!

Zi Yue hesitated but still tried to offer comfort, ”Your Highness, the Emperor...”

”The Emperor has always treated you well, Your Highness. This servant doesn’t dare say much, but I beg you to consider the Emperor’s enduring affection for you and be more forgiving and understanding!”

”The Emperor is the ruler of a nation, so it’s inevitable that he gets upset sometimes. Your Highness, you should understand this better than we do!”

Xia Ruqing stayed curled up in her blanket, wordless!

Seeing her mistress seemed receptive, Zi Yue continued.

”Regardless, we still have to live our lives in the future, right?”