A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 564: Chapter 564: The Younger Brother is Coming

Xia Ruqing was a bit confused.

”Emperor, what is that expression?”

Zhao Junyao cleared his throat lightly and narrowed his eyes again.

”Nothing!”

Ahem, let her eat then. It’s not a bad thing. They say a good appetite is a blessing; Qingqing is probably quite blessed.

「Today was a day of rest.」

There weren’t many major issues in the court, aside from the troublesome snow in the north. The rest were trivial matters, and Zhao Junyao didn’t pay them much mind. It was bitterly cold outside, and the snow was still falling, making it unsuitable to be outdoors. So, the only option was to stay inside. Since he was staying indoors anyway, Zhaochen Palace wasn’t as comfortable as Qingya Residence. Therefore, he decided to spend the day in Qingya Residence.

After breakfast, he had Li Shengan move two baskets of books over. They were placed on the large heated brick bed by the window. Because there were so many books, one small kang table wasn’t enough, prompting Li Shengan to hurriedly have another brought over.

Xia Ruqing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

”Emperor, have you moved the entire study here?”

With so many, can he even finish them all? she secretly mused.

Zhao Junyao grabbed a large bolster and found a comfortable position to lean against. His other hand had already picked up a book. His movements were smooth and flowing, clearly a habit.

Xia Ruqing was stunned for a moment, then mentally gave him a thumbs-up.

Indeed, a royal noble who loves to study! Does that mean Little Bun will also have to work this hard in the future?

Xia Ruqing quickly shook her head.

Why worry about such things? It’s not useful at all!

So she sat at another small kang table across from him and picked up a storybook to read.

After some time, Zhao Junyao suddenly handed her a letter.

”Emperor? What is this...” Xia Ruqing asked, puzzled.

Zhao Junyao touched his nose, a little guiltily, and said, ”This is from your elder brother!”

I was busy with something last night and forgot, didn’t I?!

”A letter from my brother? He’s getting married next month. Is there an issue?!”

Xia Ruqing took the envelope, her expression confused. She pulled out the letter and began to read haltingly.

Heavens, this classical Chinese is so hard to understand! No wonder I’m stumbling through it.

After a long while, Xia Ruqing finally grasped the main idea.

”My younger brother... is coming to the Capital City! Firstly, to congratulate Elder Brother on his marriage, and secondly, for next year’s imperial examination!”

Xia Ruqing summarized, then pondered over it carefully again. Yes, that was correct. Then, excitement welled up in her heart.

”This year will be lively indeed! It’s just a pity... I can’t go, as I cannot leave the palace,” she finished, casting a pitiful glance at Zhao Junyao.

Zhao Junyao glanced at her indifferently. ”If you want something, just say it!”

Xia Ruqing began to act coquettishly, ”Your Majesty...”

”Emperor...”

”Your humble servant dare not hope to attend my brother’s grand wedding, but... I wish to see my younger brother!”

It had been several years since she last saw him.

After all, in two lifetimes, he was one of the few blood relatives she had encountered. She cherished him from the bottom of her heart. She felt this was compensation from the heavens. In her previous life, she didn’t have good family members, but in this life, she did.

So, even if I can’t attend my brother’s wedding, surely it’s permissible to sneak a meeting with my younger brother...

Zhao Junyao deliberately put on a stern face. ”Palace Consorts are forbidden from leaving the palace, don’t you know that?!”

Xia Ruqing’s expression immediately became conflicted. ”But...”

Alas, those were the rules, but she really longed for a chance to go out.

Zhao Junyao saw through her thoughts and continued, ”It’s not difficult if you want to go out... it’s just... Qingqing, how will you thank Us?!”

Xia Ruqing was even more puzzled. ”Thank me?”

What should I thank him for? I have nothing to offer the Emperor in gratitude.

After much thought, Xia Ruqing finally uttered one word: ”Hotpot...”

Zhao Junyao was speechless.

In the end, it always comes down to food, doesn’t it! He admitted complete defeat.

「The hotpot was ready at hand.」

Zi Yue had already given the orders; they were just waiting for their mistress’s command. So, when the snow stopped at noon, the steaming hotpot was served. Everything was made according to Xia Ruqing’s tastes.

A layer of bright red chili oil covered the top. Beneath it was a thick, rich chicken broth. Green onion segments and ginger shreds floated in the broth, along with a few slices of codonopsis and assorted dried fruits. These were all for flavoring, their fragrance discernible even from a distance. The small charcoal stove was placed on the small kang table, so neither of them had to leave the bed.

Another kang table was laden with dishes. Needless to say, there was tender beef and lamb, thinly sliced and neatly arrayed. There was also a dish of small ribs, another of beef tripe strips, and one of tenderly boiled duck blood. There were even more vegetarian options; not a single type of young green from the back garden was missing. But what caught the eye the most was a dish of thin, tender lotus root slices, which immediately whetted the appetite. There were also various dried goods: dried tofu skins, wide rice noodles, and more—a complete spread.

Xia Ruqing’s heart blossomed with delight. Actually, many of these items hadn’t been available at first. The chefs at the Imperial Kitchen had figured them out bit by bit, following her descriptions.

Xia Ruqing proudly thought, I’m contributing to the advancement of history, aren’t I?

Seeing her heart bloom with delight, Zhao Junyao was very pleased.

Frankly, I don’t care whether I eat or not; filling my stomach is enough. I’ve never craved gourmet delights. However, if she’s happy, I’m more than willing to indulge her.

Xia Ruqing picked up a piece of tender lamb with her chopsticks and dropped it into the boiling, chili-oil-laden pot. Once cooked, she fished it out and offered it to Zhao Junyao. ”Emperor, please have a taste! Right, you must dip it in the sauce!”

Zhao Junyao gave a helpless smile, a slight curve to his lips, and obliged her.

Seeing him eat, Xia Ruqing busied herself further, continuously serving Zhao Junyao tender beef, lotus root slices, and other vegetables. Her small face was flushed, her chopsticks flew, and her eyes sparkled as she bustled about.

Zhao Junyao could barely stand to watch. ”AHEM, you eat!”

Xia Ruqing shook her head resolutely. ”You’re the Emperor; you should eat first!”

Even if I’m just a concubine, I should be a virtuous one, shouldn’t I?

Zhao Junyao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

It was only when Zhao Junyao had almost had his fill that Xia Ruqing began to eat.

Ah, I’ve been drooling with anticipation! Tender beef and lamb, here I come!

While enjoying the hotpot, she looked out the window at the snow scene. The atmosphere was simply too beautiful for words.

Xia Ruqing suddenly remembered a poem:

”New-fermented wine with its green froth, a small red-clay stove.

As evening nears, the sky threatens snow—won’t you share a cup with me?”

In her previous life, when she was still in school, she had come across this poem in a book of poetry borrowed from the school library. At the time, she had found the sentiment beautiful.

Now, she was living such a life herself. The ancient and charming Imperial Palace. A husband who was an Emperor of unparalleled beauty. A son adorable in every way and a band of loyal servants. He might have three thousand beauties in his harem, yet he was still willing to accompany her to watch the snow and enjoy hotpot.

This is quite wonderful, isn’t it? I dare not ask for more! After all, I don’t come from a prominent family.