A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 529: Chapter 529: Changed Faces in an Instant!

Why did he change his expression so suddenly? Now I feel that if my service is even slightly unsatisfactory, my life won’t be safe! Oh heavens! If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have overreached. Let whoever wants to serve do it; I won’t earn this money anymore!

Alas!

Zhao Junyao’s face suddenly became amiable again. He smiled faintly and continued to drink. His expression and actions revealed nothing, but... his eyes were completely glazed over!

Tao Hua watched the man in front of her drink one cup after another. Gradually, she felt less afraid and a bit puzzled. Did he keep me here just to watch him drink? This man’s thoughts are just too hard to guess!

So, Tao Hua just kept watching him. She didn’t dare to move, let alone touch him.

Zhao Junyao kept drinking, cup by cup. After some time, the wine pot was empty, and he simply lay back in his seat. The chairs in the Brothel were specially made; one could lean back and half-recline. Was it to facilitate... teasing women?

Zhao Junyao shook his head, not knowing.

He squinted for quite a while, looking at Tao Hua who, though exceedingly ugly, appeared very shrewd. The other women were too stupid. Only this one seemed cleverer. Perhaps she could even give him some advice.

So, under the influence of the alcohol, Zhao Junyao poured out his grievances to Tao Hua, one after another.

The gist of it was: ”I have a young wife at home, whom I really fancy.

”But ever since we had a child, she’s been growing increasingly inattentive towards me.

”How inattentive? Even in bed, she has to keep half an ear cocked, listening for any sound from the child.

”Her entire heart is devoted to the child.

”Even the two cats she keeps get more affection and attention than I do!

”I must be the loneliest wretch in the world, a pitiful creature despised by everyone!”

Upon hearing this, Tao Hua had an instant revelation. Oh my, this gentleman is troubled by love and has come to drown his sorrows in alcohol!

With a quick thought, Tao Hua began to offer consolation. ”Third Master, you’re a clever man! How could you possibly be despised by everyone? Even people like us still get attention from clients. So how could you be a pitiful creature, right?”

She looked at Third Master Huang’s age and, thinking his mother must still be alive, said with a smile, ”Third Master, even if all else fails, you still have the old madam at home who cares for you!” That’s your mother! That’s a foolproof line! No matter what you say, it won’t be wrong. In this world, what mother doesn’t love her own son?

Tao Hua looked at him, hoping to offer some comfort.

But to her surprise, upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao was taken aback. His mother? That is... the Empress Dowager?

Heh... In the Empress Dowager’s heart, the Shih Family matters far more than her own son. For the sake of the Shih Family, she would do anything, and her rightful son is left far behind in her heart. So this is the Royal Family, where maternal affection is as thin as water!

He scoffed at himself, ”My mother?”

”My mother doesn’t want me anymore!” As he said this, another layer of pain appeared on his face.

Tao Hua was incredibly conflicted. His mother doesn’t want him? Could it be that this gentleman... Oh my, the affairs of wealthy families are so complicated.

So, Tao Hua started to offer more consolation. ”Third Master, it’s just a little concubine, isn’t it? Looking at your attire, you clearly come from a prominent family! Which unseeing concubine would dare to neglect you?”

”Since she’s courting death herself and no longer wishes to be favored, why do you, Third Master, still hold her in high esteem?”

”Why not find another beauty?” Tao Hong said this as if it were the most natural thing.

In the end, she added, ”Third Master, those concubines are all untrustworthy. Everyone says that only the Main Wife of the household is truly one with you in marriage!”

Such were the ancient customs. Generally, when the man of the family died, concubines, Chamber Maids, and Maids could all leave. They could be sold or remarried as desired; only the Main Wife could not. The Main Wife of a prominent family generally could not remarry and had to remain a widow for her husband! How utterly cruel!

However, such women were usually highly respected for their chastity and were looked after by the family. They at least led a worry-free life. Therefore, it wasn’t Tao Hua’s place to feel sympathy for them. Now, she only felt sympathy for herself.

Mentioning the Main Wife, Zhao Junyao... The Empress united with me in marriage? Sorry, I haven’t seen any sign of that. His already deeply wounded heart was pierced once again! All he knew was that the Empress presented herself as virtuous and tolerant to his face, while her scheming never stopped behind his back. She, like all the women in the Harem, never ceased to plot, always looking out for herself. She was just like those other women, desperately scheming how to gain the greatest benefit from him. What they ingratiated themselves with, what they fawned over, was his identity as the Emperor. If any man wore this Dragon Robe, they would act the same, without exception!

So, when he finally met someone he liked, Qingqing, he was completely overlooked. How heartbreaking, how frustrating!

Tao Hua had nothing left to say. Her eyes darted around, but still, no good idea came to mind. I can’t get into the minds of the women in his Harem to see what they’re thinking?! Such a good man, and they’re not vying for favor? What on earth do they want?

After pondering for a while, the atmosphere became a bit awkward. So she let out a sigh. ”Young Master, you are trapped by love, and only the person who tied the bell can untie it. Tao Hua is powerless to help!”

Her words hit the nail on the head!

Zhao Junyao’s eyes suddenly cleared. Such apt words: trapped by love, and only the one who tied the bell can untie it!

A stack of silver notes slammed onto the table, and a white figure flitted past. When Tao Hong opened her eyes again, the person was already gone. Only a pile of silver notes remained. Ah, heavens, silver notes are what I truly love!

Tao Hua, holding a stack of silver notes, smiled as radiantly as blooming peach blossoms. By the time she stuffed the silver notes into her clothes, straightened her back, and opened the door to step out, the envy in others’ eyes grew stronger. Even the madam looked at her differently, as if seeing... a money tree!

Hmph! So what if I’m ugly? I’m still the most charming one!

「That night, he entered the palace during the Hai Hour.」

In Zichen Hall, Zhao Junyao, after his bath, lay on the vast Dragon Bed, his mind wandering. Trapped by love. So... what exactly is this ”love”?

Since his youth, countless women had served by his side. He had liked quite a few; for instance, Noble Consort Shih and... Consort Hui Pin; he thought they were decent enough. When Consort Hui Pin had neglected him for her daughter, he had also been unaccustomed to it for a time. Later, as other women appeared, he gradually forgot about these things.

Women... they’re all the same. Not much different from objects. For instance, if a Wolf Hair Brush suited his hand well, he would use it more often. If an inkstone ground good ink, he would keep using it. The same principle applied: if a woman could serve him well and make him happy, he would summon her to his chambers more often. Is there any ”love” to speak of in this?