novelraw Chapter 1098: Honored Lady Dou Is Not Well
Chapter 1098: Honored Lady Dou Is Not Well
The guests exchanged polite greetings several times, and the atmosphere became slightly livelier, thankfully not as stiff!The ladies were also well aware of the purpose of this banquet.
Each was bedecked with makeup, gold and silver, jade, emerald, and agate accessories, their makeup exquisite, beautiful and charming.
A few lively ones were particularly eager to boldly express themselves.
Occasionally cracking a joke, occasionally showing concern about the health of the Imperial Noble Consort and Imperial Concubines.
Or flattering the Crown Prince or Princess a few times.
In short, there was a variety of topics, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.
Of course, there were also some introverts.
Unable to flatter or joke, they could only sit quietly.
Either smiling in accompaniment or sipping tea lightly, creating a scene of serenity.
Xia Ruqing and the Imperial Noble Consort and Imperial Concubines observed secretly while chatting.
Soon, everyone’s personality traits were clear.
...
The luncheon was quite lavish.
There were exquisite dishes prepared by the palace’s Imperial Chef, as well as delicious appetizers prepared by the kitchen maid in Xia Ruqing’s palace.
The ladies, who rarely ventured outside, had never seen such dishes.
They exclaimed in astonishment, eagerly picking up their chopsticks to try.
Xia Ruqing smiled as she hosted them.
"Don’t be reserved, try them all!"
"Thank you, Empress!"
The ladies picked up their chopsticks and picked a little of their favorite dish, using a napkin to hold it before delivering it to their cherry-like mouths.
Between the grinding of gums, the crimson lips resembled peach blossoms about to bloom in spring.
The look of soon to bloom but never blooming.
Their movements were graceful, their gestures delicate, and no one spoke within the room; even the sound of eating was almost absent.
Only the howl of the north wind outside permeated the room.
Xia Ruqing discreetly wiped her sweat.
’Goodness!’
’Is this eating or counting rice grains?’
’Eating such small bites, when will they ever be full?’
Luckily, she had eaten something before coming.
Otherwise, if she were hungry and ate in big mouthfuls, wouldn’t that be laughed at?!
Sweat!!
Xia Ruqing thought while counting rice grains.
Anyway, she’s not hungry, so counting rice grains is fine!
Pretending to be refined, I can do it too!
...
After a quarter of an hour.
The ladies gradually put down their chopsticks.
The almost untouched dishes were promptly cleared away, replaced with pastries and fragrant tea.
Everyone elegantly rinsed their mouths, took out silk handkerchiefs from their bosoms, and dabbed the water stains from their mouths.
Only then did they begin to speak again.
"These dishes are really good, I’ve never had such tasty dishes before!"
"Many thanks to the Empress for her hospitality!"
"Indeed, especially that sweet and sour fish, it was quite delightful!"
They discussed in groups, the atmosphere gradually becoming lively.
The banquet continued into the afternoon.
The ladies competed to display talents, reciting poems, painting, eager to showcase their abilities.
And none was willing to concede to another!
Above, Xia Ruqing and the four Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines watched the performances of the ladies.
Observing everything, deepening impressions, and understanding personalities.
...
After the banquet dispersed.
Xia Ruqing personally escorted the Imperial Noble Consorts back.
After all, they are elders in terms of ethics, so visiting the palace together is only appropriate!
The four Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines all reside in Ninghe Palace.
So it was unbiased sending them together.
Along the way, everyone discussed and categorized the personalities of the ladies based on their performances.
Who were lively?
Who were quiet?
Who were strong, and who were indifferent to fame and fortune?
That evening back at Duanning Palace.
Xia Ruqing sorted the list and presented it to Zhao Junyao.
"Emperor, I’ve done my best!"
She leaned on the couch and massaged her back.
After a busy day, she was exhausted, especially with a sore neck.
This court crown,
Though improved, it’s not as heavy, but wearing it for a long time was unbearable!
Today’s occasion was semi-formal.
She had to don the Phoenix Crown and Phoenix Robe.
And her demeanor had to be dignified, her posture straight, and her face smiling.
Heavens...
Just the thought of it made her head hurt again.
Zhao Junyao tossed the list aside, turned around, and as he massaged her, comforted her.
"If this marriage is successful, you’ll be the great matchmaker!"
"Facilitating a marriage is no less than saving a person!"
"Qingqing, you’ve considerable merit!"
Xia Ruqing listened with contentment.
She turned over, pointed to her lower back, and coquettishly said.
"Here, here hurts too!"
Zhao Junyao placed his large hand over it.
"Does it still hurt?"
Xia Ruqing chuckled softly.
"No more pain!"
"Just a little tired here!" She pointed to her shoulder!
Zhao Junyao’s large hand went over it again.
Xia Ruqing smiled sweetly, the sweetness reaching her heart.
The Emperor and Empress were sharing tender and sweet moments when.
Li Shengan hurriedly ran in.
"Emperor..."
He raised his eyes to see the Emperor and Empress’s posture.
Alarmed, he quickly knelt and bowed his head.
"I’m worthless! I deserve a thousand deaths!"
He shouldn’t have seen this! How did he barge in?!
Zhao Junyao’s mood was interrupted, he frowned and stood up.
Xia Ruqing, embarrassed, adjusted her clothing and slowly stood up as well.
"What is it?"
Zhao Junyao’s voice quickly turned cold.
Like a basin of ice-cold water poured directly over Li Shengan’s head.
Li Shengan dared not delay, promptly reported.
"Reporting to the Emperor, Consort Hui sent someone to inform... Honored Lady Dou is gravely ill... feared to be in critical condition!"
"..."
As the words fell.
The room sank into silence.
Zhao Junyao’s face grew more solemn.
Xia Ruqing was also shocked.
’Critical condition meaning, nearing demise!’
If it were any other honored lady, no matter how ill, no one would dare disturb the Emperor.
But Honored Lady Dou bore the Eldest Princess.
Though not raised by her, Honored Lady Dou’s name remains on the Jade Butterfly.
The biological mother of a princess nearing death, the situation is considerably different.
Not only does the Emperor have to be informed.
The reputation-conscious Emperor might even go to mourn, feigning grief for a few days.
Therefore...
Consort Hui was unsure and hence sent someone to report.
After a moment of silence.
Zhao Junyao waved his hand.
"I understand!"
"Summon the Imperial Physician, if... still hopeless, arrange for the rites of a Jieyu!"
Honored Lady Dou who was rigid in personality, neither lively nor pleasing.
Even if she bore a daughter, even if she were near death, failed to stir any emotion within him.
The rites of a Jieyu are his final act of leniency.
Li Shengan, receiving the directive, felt assured.
"Yes!"
"I accept the command!"
Having said this, he vanished at the quickest speed, faster than a rabbit.
After Li Shengan left.
The room fell silent again.
Xia Ruqing’s hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched and unclenched, cold sweat pouring down her back.
"What’s the matter?"
Zhao Junyao asked with concern, feeling her cold hand.
Xia Ruqing forced a smile.
"N-nothing!"
"Emperor... I’m a little tired!"
Zhao Junyao sighed in relief.
"If you’re tired, rest early!"
Leading her to the cleansing chamber for washing, changing clothes, the two lay down embracing.
...
At this time, in Xihuai Palace.
The Eldest Princess knelt before Consort Zheng, her eyes red.
Consort Zheng held her.
"Go and see!"
The Eldest Princess hesitated for a moment, then nodded heavily.
"Thank you, Consort Mother Zheng!"