A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 1100

"What the Empress said is right; it was my short-sightedness!"Consort Zheng smiled slightly.

She put down the hand warmer and sipped a cup of tea at her side.

Suddenly, she remembered something and quickly instructed Hong Yun.

"Go and see if there’s anything you can help with at Honored Lady Dou’s place?"

"Remember to be sincere! Don’t put on airs!"

"Otherwise, I’ll deal with you when you come back after I find out!"

Consort Zheng’s last words carried authority.

Hong Yun hurriedly responded.

"I will heed the Empress’s teachings!"

"Go now!"

Consort Zheng waved her hand, and Hong Yun left in response.

...

Half an hour later.

Hong Yun rushed back in with reddened eyes.

"Empress, something terrible has happened, Honored Lady Dou... "

"What happened? Speak slowly!" Consort Zheng said leisurely.

What’s there to panic about? At most, it’s just death.

She’s endured so much suffering for so long; death might be a relief for her!

"Honored Lady Dou... has passed away!" Hong Yun’s voice trembled slightly.

Consort Zheng’s expression remained unchanged, only silent for a moment.

"What about The Eldest Princess?!"

"The Eldest Princess is crying hysterically; the Wetnurse Sister and others are comforting her."

"The Emperor and Empress also sent people over; the Ministry of Internal Affairs has gone too!"

Consort Zheng nodded calmly, a bitter smile at the corners of her lips.

’See, this is the difference between having a daughter and being childless!’

’If Honored Lady Dou was childless, would the Emperor and Empress care?’

’Especially with the New Year nearing and so many things happening this year! Being able to send people to handle the funeral is already good enough!’

’How could it be like now, with people being sent, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs stepping in!’

"What did the Emperor say?" Consort Zheng asked again.

"The Emperor said..."

Hong Yun paused.

"The Emperor said to handle it with the ceremony for Jieyu!"

Consort Zheng’s eyes dimmed a little, and some bitterness surged in her heart.

After all, having a child or two is good!

Honored Lady Dou is in such a state and can still get the Emperor’s attention!

If she weren’t The Eldest Princess’s mother.

Forget the ceremony for Jieyu, perhaps the Emperor wouldn’t even know if she died!

On careful thought, it really makes one envious and jealous!

"Empress, she’s dead either way, you should be happy!"

Seeing her complex expression, Hong Yun hurriedly stepped forward to console her.

Consort Zheng gave her a sharp look.

"Such words, don’t say them in the future!"

Hong Yun’s posture halted.

"Yes, Empress!"

...

The death of Honored Lady Dou undoubtedly added fuel to the already busy Ministry of Internal Affairs.

They had no choice but to proceed, as the Emperor personally instructed it.

So from the day she died.

The palace maids and eunuchs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs worked around the clock.

They had to arrange New Year’s matters and also organize the Prince Jin delegation lodgings.

Then there was the Seventh Prince’s marriage arrangement, and finally Honored Lady Dou’s funeral.

No issue could be delayed.

Xia Ruqing and the four consorts buried their heads into various lists and account books, busy at work.

Time passed by in a flash; in the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve.

Honored Lady Dou’s funeral had already been ended as soon as possible.

The Seventh Master’s marriage was also arranged properly.

Zhao Junyan selected the gentle, refined, virtuous Miss Xu from the list as the main wife.

Miss Xu was the legitimate second daughter of Commander Xu of the Imperial Guard, and she was eighteen years old.

As Lady Xu was not in good health, Miss Xu grew up by her grandmother’s side since birth.

Old Madam Xu, who came from a family of scholars, had a noble character and was greatly fond of this granddaughter raised by her side since childhood.

Miss Xu’s skills in poetry, song, painting, chess, calligraphy, and painting were all taught by the old Madam herself.

At the snow-viewing banquet of that day.

Although Miss Xu spoke little, her gaze was gentle yet determined, her demeanor elegant and poised, her nature as pure as a lotus, making others feel refreshed.

Xia Ruqing and a few Imperial Noble Consorts could tell at a glance that she was extraordinary.

Afterwards, they discussed it and submitted the information of Miss Xu along with other distinguished young ladies.

This included portraits, names, family backgrounds, social standing, temperament, and looks.

Unexpectedly, the Seventh Master, after reviewing the information, also selected Miss Xu.

Perhaps it was because Miss Xu had an appropriate background; her father, Commander Xu, had a similar demeanor to his own.

They did not engage in court politics, form connections with officials, or participate in factional struggles.

Therefore.

Even though Miss Xu’s background wasn’t as good as the others.

She still stood out among numerous women and successfully caught the eye of the Seventh Prince.

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, the two families smoothly exchanged birthdates and settled the marriage contract.

On New Year’s Eve.

At noon, Zhao Junyao hosted a banquet in the Taihe Hall for civil and military officials and the Prince Jin delegation.

In the evening, Xia Ruqing hosted a banquet in the Ninghe Hall, entertaining the Royal Clan and harem concubines.

After the banquet, everyone stayed up until midnight.

After setting off firecrackers and the New Year’s chime ringing, everyone ate dumplings and exchanged blessings.

Then they merrily lingered for another half an hour before dispersing.

Xia Ruqing dragged her exhausted body back to Duanning Palace.

She didn’t even have time to remove her makeup before falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

As Zi Yue and Zi Su carefully dismantled Xia Ruqing’s headdress.

Zhao Junyao quietly walked in.

He waved his hand, signaling them no need for formalities.

He sat by the bed, looking at her exhausted, sleeping face, his heart ached.

She must be worn out.

Zhao Junyao lay down silently, holding her hand, feeling a bit guilty.

"You love wide open spaces, mountains, and flowing streams!"

"But I have imprisoned you here!"

"I promised to take you to Jiangnan, but haven’t fulfilled it all these years!"

"You’ve worked hard for me, raising four children, and I’ve done nothing for you!"

Zhao Junyao felt a dull pain in his heart.

He didn’t even understand why he felt this way.

In the past, he had always been indifferent and hard-hearted towards women.

As long as they lived peacefully and served him well, he spared no expense in giving them favor and esteem.

If they played tricks, he was merciless.

Jealousy and small squabbles were tolerable.

But if they poisoned the Imperial Concubines or royal heirs, they deserved death — that was his bottom line.

Regarding the women in the harem who risked their lives to bear children, raised them, and even The Late Empress who diligently managed the affairs of The Six Palaces all on her own.

He felt it was only right.

To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.

Enjoying the glory that comes with being Empress meant naturally having to diligently fulfill responsibilities.

Otherwise, on what grounds to sit as Empress?

And now.

Seeing her exhausted like this? Why did he feel heartache? And guilt?

He even blamed himself, thinking it was because he had too many wives, too many matters, making Qingqing so tired.

If he didn’t have so many wives, she would be much less burdened.

Zhao Junyao sighed heavily, turned to the side.

Suddenly startled by his own thoughts.

"Too many women in the harem?"

"No, as the Emperor, hasn’t it always been this way with previous fathers and grandfathers?"

"For the Royal Family to thrive, having a harem of beauties is normal, isn’t it?"

Thinking for a while felt wrong.

"What nonsense about thriving branches and leaves!"

"Clearly, it’s just about hoarding beauties in the palace under the guise of procreation!"

"Father had so many women in the harem, and only had seven Princes and four Princesses!"

"No more than I have!"

Zhao Junyao concluded.

’A dozen women are enough; there’s no need for so many!’