A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 710: Chapter 710: Choking Sound

The Emperor has been too busy to visit the Harem lately. With the Empress not in the palace, everyone could even skip the morning greetings.

When they felt like it, a few of them would arrange to go out for a stroll. When they were not in the mood, each would return to their own quarters and live peacefully. Thus, the Harem had been very calm. Rarely were there any open disputes or unpleasantness between the Concubines.

「Qingya Residence」

After breakfast, Little Bun went to the Study Room.

Xia Ruqing, feeling a bit lonely by herself, went for a walk with the Palace Maids and eunuchs.

The weather in May was already somewhat hot. Fortunately, there were many shady spots in the Imperial Garden, and she slowly walked down the paths, leaning on Zi Yue’s arm.

Pregnant women are sensitive to heat. It wasn’t long before Xia Ruqing’s forehead was dotted with fine beads of sweat.

Zi Yue then said, ”Your Grace, just around the corner is Taiye Pool. It’s cooler there. Let’s go sit for a while!”

Xia Ruqing nodded, and they headed in that direction.

However, just as they turned the corner, she saw Consort Ning and The Eldest Princess sitting in a pavilion by the lake. From a distance, the mother and daughter seemed to be embroidering.

Xia Ruqing immediately halted, then frowned. ”Zi Yue, let’s go back!”

But as they were about to turn around, The Eldest Princess suddenly stood up in the pavilion and looked in their direction.

Since they couldn’t avoid it, Xia Ruqing had no choice but to approach.

「In the pavilion」

Consort Ning feigned a polite smile and quickly stood up to offer her seat. ”Oh, Sister Xian, why are you leaving just as you’ve arrived! On such a hot day, you should at least come in and rest for a bit! Could it be... you find our mother-daughter presence bothersome?”

Xia Ruqing knew what she was hinting at and smirked inwardly. Isn’t it precisely because I find you two a nuisance!

Yet outwardly, she responded courteously, ”Consort Ning, what are you saying? It’s precisely because the day is so hot that I wanted to return quickly!”

Now that they all held the rank of Consort, no one outranked another. Protocol dictated that Xia Ruqing should call her ’Sister’ due to seniority. However, she disliked Consort Ning and refused to misuse the address of ’sister.’ So, she usually called her plainly ”Consort Ning.”

In the past, Consort Ning might have dared to find fault. But now, they held equal rank as Consorts. Moreover, Xia Ruqing was the mother of the Crown Prince and was carrying twins. What could Consort Ning possibly compete with?

Thinking this, Consort Ning felt intensely jealous, but she dared not show it and could only say with a sour smile, ”Indeed, before you know it, you’re so far along already! The heat is tough, especially at this time! But, speaking of which, I’ve yet to properly congratulate you, my sister!”

With that, she pulled The Eldest Princess over. ”Come, congratulate Consort Xian!”

The Eldest Princess had grown up quite a bit, her features more defined now, but she was still timid. As Consort Ning pulled her forward, a flash of fear and panic crossed her eyes.

The Eldest Princess begrudgingly offered her congratulations.

Xia Ruqing quickly replied, ”Thank you, Princess!” Then she didn’t forget to instruct Zi Yue to return to Qingya Residence and prepare a thank-you gift for the Princess.

Zi Yue dared not delay and personally took someone to fetch it.

Meanwhile, Consort Ning continued, ”My sister, as expected of someone carrying twins, your belly is already so big at just six months! When I was carrying Yiming, my belly didn’t show until I was almost eight months along!”

Xia Ruqing gave a faint smile, finding no need to respond, and casually praised The Eldest Princess.

Unexpectedly, Consort Ning was delighted. ”Oh, my sister, you are right! Having a daughter is like having a little cotton-padded jacket! Our Yiming is so sensible! Don’t worry, my sister, maybe you’re carrying two Little Princesses in your belly! Then you’ll have two little cotton-padded jackets!”

These words... Are they really meant to be kind?

Zi Yue returned with the items. Just as she walked in, she heard this remark, her face turning an angry shade of green. A daughter? She’s the one who has a daughter! She probably wants everyone to only have daughters so their family lines end! Consort Ning is so vicious! Isn’t this outright cursing Her Highness?!

Xia Ruqing sneered coldly. ”I actually wish for twin daughters! As for you, Sister Ning, the Emperor has few heirs. You should be the one working harder!”

The smug look on Consort Ning’s face vanished instantly. Instead, her complexion fluctuated between ashen and pale, quite a sight to behold.

Before Consort Ning could say anything, Xia Ruqing added another stinging remark. ”Consort Ning already has her ’little cotton-padded jacket.’ Next time, it should be a Prince, right?”

Xia Ruqing’s smile was mocking. After she spoke, she even calmly took a sip of her tea.

Consort Ning, on the other hand, was nearly muddled with rage. ”Lady Xia, you...”

A Prince? Good heavens, the Emperor hasn’t entered my chambers in two or three years, and she expects a Prince! Besides, who in the Harem doesn’t know? Xia Ruqing has been doted on for years. Even during her pregnancy, the Emperor doesn’t visit anyone else. Even the Empress, when she was in the palace, couldn’t secure such favor, let alone me!

Just as Consort Ning was about to lash out, Xia Ruqing suddenly frowned, clutched her belly, and cried out in feigned pain.

Zi Yue rushed forward in fright. ”Your Grace, what’s wrong?!”

While signaling with her eyes, Xia Ruqing groaned, ”The babies are kicking me again! Zi Yue, help me back quickly! These two little rascals, they aren’t fighting in there, are they?”

Zi Yue immediately smiled. ”Your Grace, what are you saying? The two Little Princes might be practicing their kicks and punches in there! Let’s hurry back!”

Xia Ruqing nodded. Zi Yue quickly called over Zi Su and the others, and the entire group of mistress and servants left in a flurry.

Throughout the entire exchange, Consort Ning wasn’t given a single chance to speak. She could only watch helplessly as Xia Ruqing and her entourage strutted off.

”Lady Xia, you...!” Consort Ning was so angry that she immediately threw down the embroidery in her hands. ”She’s become so arrogant just because she’s favored and has children! Hmph! She doesn’t even consider her own status, yet she dares to act so insolently in my presence!”

The Little Eunuch, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up. ”Your Grace, Consort Xian is also a Consort, just like you!”

This only irked Consort Ning further, and she was about to erupt.

Just then, The Eldest Princess tugged at her sleeve. ”Mother Consort!”

Consort Ning looked down at the Princess, swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue, and finally said resentfully, ”Let’s go! We’re not staying. We’re returning to the palace!”

The Little Eunuch beside them hurriedly complied, helping to pack their things and following his mistress back.

The Eldest Princess, however, remained somewhat puzzled. ”Mother Consort, why are you angry?”

Seeing the Princess’s curious face, Consort Ning snapped, ”What would I be angry about? I’m not angry! Hurry, let’s go!”

With that, she forcefully pulled the Princess’s hand and started walking away.

The Eldest Princess was only eight years old and not yet fully grown. Pulled so suddenly, she couldn’t keep up, stumbled a few steps, and fell. ”OUCH!”

Her arm hit a railing, and the sharp pain made her grimace.

”What are you crying about? You’re not that delicate! Even though you’re a Princess, you will one day marry into another family. You’ll have to honor your in-laws and serve your husband! Being so useless won’t do! Go back and do your embroidery properly!”

Tears welled up in The Eldest Princess’s eyes from the pain, but Consort Ning’s pace only quickened.

A nearby Sister cautioned, ”Your Grace, the Princess is still young!”

Consort Ning, however, felt a bitter sense of disappointment. If only she had been a Prince!