A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 306 - 305: You’re So Superficial

As she spoke, Lady Shih’s expression revealed an unmistakable sense of grievance.Sister Qing did not say much, but smiled, patted her hand, and left.

Lady Shih, with Zhaoer in tow, returned to the Crimson Moon Pavilion.

They had not even entered when she saw from a distance that Palace Attendants were busily coming in and out. Ying Yue, the Noble Consort’s Senior Palace Maid, stood outside holding an umbrella, ordering the Palace Attendants around as they carried items to and fro.

Upon seeing her return, Ying Yue quickly came to greet her.

"Lady Shih!"

Shih Wanying instinctively stepped back, surprised. "Ying... Ying Yue, what brings you here?"

Ying Yue smiled and said, "The Noble Consort had us go to the storeroom to pick things out as soon as she returned from Ningshou Palace! When Lady Shih entered the palace, our mistress was indeed a bit angry at first! The Empress Dowager summoned our mistress and lectured her for quite some time. Afterwards, our mistress began to think; After all, we are family..."

"Look," Ying Yue continued, pointing at the items the Little Eunuchs were carrying and smiling, "the things being carried in are all gifts from our mistress to Lady Shih!"

Lady Shih was even more astonished. "For me?"

Receiving gifts from the Noble Consort... The thought made her feel a little incredulous and apprehensive.

Ying Yue smiled again. "They are for you. Our mistress also specifically instructed me to apologize to you on her behalf!"

Having said that, Ying Yue took a step back and sincerely performed a curtsy.

Lady Shih felt somewhat unable to accept this gesture and shifted her body to the side. "Ying Yue, please, get up!"

Ying Yue stood up, smiling and poised.

Noble Concubine Shih’s people were indeed efficient. By lunchtime, the interior had been completely redecorated. The floor had been thoroughly cleaned, and the tables, stools, and chairs had all been replaced with new ones. The previously coarse bed-curtains had also been switched out. In their place hung new bed-curtains made from fine gauze silk. This exquisite material was rumored to be made by highly skilled craftsmen using a special tool to separate silk threads into dozens of strands, which were then woven into this fine fabric. The weave was dense, and the silk soft. This material was both breathable and allowed airflow while preventing insects from passing through, making it perfect for summer bed-curtains. Its only drawback was... its extreme value.

This fabric was exceptionally rare. There were only a limited number of such craftsmen in Jiangnan. Even if they worked tirelessly year-round, without eating or sleeping, their output was finite. Apart from the portion supplied to the palace as tribute, the small remainder was sold to powerful nobles outside, where it fetched a high price, going to the highest bidder. Even with three thousand beauties in the Harem, not everyone had the luxury of using it.

Lady Shih looked at her newly decorated chamber, a sense of excitement stirring in her heart. Having seen the Crimson Moon Pavilion at its most dilapidated, this current lavishness feels somewhat unfamiliar, she thought.

After properly sending Ying Yue away, Lady Shih lay down on the newly made bed. Beneath her was a cooling mat woven from bulrush—soft, resilient, breathable, sweat-absorbing, and non-sticky to the body. Covering her was an immensely smooth silk cooling quilt. All around her were the fine gauze silk bed-curtains, printed with refreshing bamboo patterns.

Zhaoer had just opened the window when a refreshing breeze blew in. It whisked through the bed-curtains, caressing her skin. Lady Shih felt as if every pore in her body relished the comfort.

"These bed-curtains are truly wonderful!"

Zhaoer laughed. "Of course, My Lady. You and the Noble Consort are from the same clan. No matter how upset she was, you are still family to her! Perhaps our mistress found it hard to accept at first, but after some time, she’ll come to understand! The Emperor has so many women in the Harem. It’s always better if one of our own receives His Majesty’s favor, rather than an outsider. Our Mistress surely understands this reasoning!"

Lady Shih laughed a bit awkwardly. "Before I left home, my mother explained the Empress Dowager’s intentions..."

The Empress Dowager summoned me to the palace. To put it nicely, it was to bring glory to our clan. To put it less delicately, it was... to bear children. But... so what? After I agreed to enter the palace, Father’s status within the clan rose considerably. Mother was right; a marriage is a marriage, no matter to whom. Given my background, I couldn’t find a husband whose family could significantly aid our clan. Entering the palace, however, offered more substantial support. And who knows, if I give birth to a prince, a lifetime of glory and wealth could be mine. But... a prince! The Emperor doesn’t even glance at me now. How could bearing a prince be so easy?

Sighing internally, Lady Shih shook her head, pushing these thoughts aside. "Forget it, don’t think about these things anymore! It’s getting late. Serve the meal!"

"Yes!" Zhaoer acknowledged and went out.

With Noble Concubine Shih’s instructions, the Imperial Kitchen dared not slack off, and Consort Yun Pin certainly wouldn’t dare to tamper with anything.

Lady Shih stared blankly at the two dishes on the table. Is this... really for me? Such exquisite dishes! I’ve never seen or eaten anything like this at home, she thought.

Zhaoer said happily, "Naturally, they are for you, My Lady! Eat up quickly!"

Lady Shih tentatively took a bite, and her face instantly lit up with surprise. "Delicious! I’ve lived my whole life and never eaten food this delicious!"

Saying this, she picked up some vegetables with her chopsticks and began eating them with her rice. In the end, if Zhaoer hadn’t stopped her, she might have even drunk the vegetable broth.

By the time she was ready for her midday rest, she had already rinsed her mouth and was lying on the bed. Lady Shih was still murmuring drowsily, The palace is truly wonderful.

Zhaoer watched her, shaking her head. She truly comes from a minor family; so easily impressed, Zhaoer thought. Nevertheless, Zhaoer served her attentively, lowered the bed-curtains, and then left.

Sometime later, Lady Shih woke again. With nothing particular to do upon waking, she began to chat idly with Zhaoer, asking questions like ’Where are you from? Why did you enter the palace? Where did you serve before?’

She learned that Zhaoer had originally served in the Imperial Garden, tending to the flowers and plants. Later, due to her perceptiveness and good work, she was promoted to be Lady Shih’s personal Palace Maid. Only Palace Maids serving a master directly held first-rank status. So, this was indeed a significant promotion.

Lady Shih smiled. "So, you’re an old hand in the palace. If I do anything wrong in the future, you must teach me!"

"My Lady is wise," Zhaoer smiled. "How could you possibly need instruction from a servant like me?"

Lady Shih smiled and said nothing. She picked up her sewing basket and examined the fabrics inside. It’s all so much better than what I had at home! Let’s make something!

Zhaoer thought for a moment. "The mistresses in the palace all enjoy making things for the Emperor!"

Make something for the Emperor? Lady Shih thought, somewhat hesitant. She still hadn’t gotten a clear look at the Emperor’s appearance. On the day of the selection, the Emperor had flown into a rage right then and there—and it was because of me. I didn’t dare lift my head from beginning to end. Later, while serving the Empress Dowager, I saw the Emperor once more, but still, I didn’t dare to look up. So, I truly don’t know what the Emperor looks like. But... I do know one thing for certain: the Emperor is very handsome.