A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 365 Emperor, You’re So Kind

"Master, it’s different this time. The Empress is highly favored, and you have offended her. If things go on like this...""What if the Empress makes things difficult for you later?"

Xia Ruqing glanced at the heavy rain outside, touched her belly, and smiled. "In just over two months, I’m going to give birth! If she wants to maintain her position, she wouldn’t dare to trouble me!"

Besides, the Empress favored? Don’t make me laugh. All these years, if she were truly favored, it would have happened long ago. Why wait until now? And to think her supposed favor came right when her maternal family’s brothers were beheaded? Ridiculous, isn’t it?

Zi Yue didn’t quite understand but was worried nonetheless. "Who can be certain of the rises and falls within the harem? All this servant hopes is for Master’s well-being and for you to quickly bear a Little Prince!"

Xia Ruqing pondered for a moment, then explained softly, "As the saying goes, ’A thousand soldiers are easily obtained, but one general is hard to find.’ General Fan is a meritorious official who has earned battle laurels. He is now stationed at the frontier, continuously serving the Great Chu Dynasty! Therefore, barring any intolerable major issues, the Emperor still intends to appease him."

Even though he beheaded the man’s son in the blink of an eye, it doesn’t contradict his effort to appease his key supporter. At least, as far as the Emperor is concerned, now is not a good time to deal with the Fan family.

"No matter what, the Empress’s position is currently secure."

But as for favor... ha!

Xia Ruqing stroked her belly, her expression composed, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly, radiating inner confidence. "Don’t worry! If I’m not afraid, what do you have to be afraid of? If anyone dares to harm me, I’ll fight them to the death! At worst, it’s just death. Who’s afraid of whom?"

Zi Yue lowered her head and said through clenched teeth, "If that day truly comes, this servant will die first! This servant is not afraid of death!"

Xia Ruqing belatedly realized she had overlooked Zi Yue’s feelings. She wasn’t afraid of death, but others might be!

Thinking this, she took Zi Yue’s hand. "Alright, alright, Sister Zi Yue, let’s not say such foolish things. Everything will be fine!"

Zi Yue, who had been serious, couldn’t maintain her composure. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stamped her foot. "Master, why are you always like this? I’m being serious!"

Xia Ruqing hugged her belly and laughed heartily. "My mistake, my mistake!"

Zi Yue grew even more embarrassed. How could a master apologize to a servant?

"Master..." she called out, then blushed and turned away.

Xia Ruqing quickly stopped laughing. "Alright, alright, I’ll stop!" She yawned. "Let’s go. I’m sleepy too. Let’s get some sleep."

Zi Yue regained her composure, bowed her head, and agreed.

Back in the inner chamber, Xia Ruqing undressed and let down her hair. She lay in the soft bed with Little White watching over her and promptly fell asleep.

She slept until late afternoon.

When Xia Ruqing turned over, she felt someone beside her. Even though his body felt a bit stiff, thankfully, he was warm.

Then, Xia Ruqing snuggled closer, burrowing into his embrace.

Zhao Junyao couldn’t sleep, so he just held her. Watching himself being gradually pushed to the edge of the bed, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This girl, still so hopeless! She even tries to hog the blanket!

With that thought, he held her even more tightly.

After some time, Xia Ruqing gradually fell into a deep sleep and settled down. Zhao Junyao caressed her belly and then kissed her forehead.

Embracing her, his heart felt so full it seemed unable to hold anything else. Affairs of the court, affairs of the harem—he could push them all out of his mind. In this moment, he had only her! Just this tiny, soft, and adorable little girl.

The more Zhao Junyao looked at her, the fonder he grew. He unconsciously reached out and gently stroked her eyelashes. Her long lashes quivered, her little face scrunched up, and then she continued to sleep.

Zhao Junyao’s heart melted at the sight. He bent down to kiss her, let out a long sigh of relief, and also closed his eyes to sleep.

Having resolved an issue at court, Zhao Junyao felt completely relaxed. He slept for a full two shi chen.

By the time he woke up, Xia Ruqing was no longer by his side. Outside, it had grown dark, and the rain had stopped.

In the outer room, Xia Ruqing was directing servants in setting out the meal.

The dinner was very simple, consisting of just four or five dishes, each served on a plain small plate. They were neither glamorous nor pretty. Indeed, the presentation was a bit ugly! Yes, ugly!

After all, it had been a long time since Xia Ruqing had cooked, so the dishes she made couldn’t quite achieve perfection in both taste and appearance. The taste was good, but the presentation... well, it couldn’t compare to that of the Imperial Kitchen!

Seeing he was awake, Xia Ruqing came over with a smile. "Your Majesty, you’re finally awake! Come and try the dishes I’ve made!"

With that, she pulled him right out of bed.

Zhao Junyao, still in his nightclothes, gave a wry smile. "Easy there, you’re quite strong. Be careful with your belly!"

At seven and a half months pregnant, Xia Ruqing’s belly was indeed sizable. However, this didn’t mean she was unable to walk. On the contrary, she still moved briskly. Stubborn as ever, she refused to stay in bed and instead walked circles around Qingya Residence every day. After all, she was someone who feared death and cherished her life!

A palace attendant then helped him wash his hands.

Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing sat down at the dining table.

Xia Ruqing joyfully introduced the dishes. "Your Majesty, I made all these dishes myself. Would you like to try them?"

Saying this, she offered Zhao Junyao a chopstick-full of a dark-looking substance. "This is ’Fish-Fragrant Eggplant.’ Although... it might not look very appealing, it’s actually quite delicious!"

Zhao Junyao was momentarily speechless. Looking at the dark, lumpy mass on the plate, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Qingqing," he asked, "is this really eggplant?"

Xia Ruqing nodded. "Yes! Your Majesty, try it. It’s really tasty!"

After saying this, she took a bite herself, and then... her expression changed instantly. Frowning deeply, Xia Ruqing forced down the eggplant and quickly drank three glasses of water. "It’s too... too..."

Zhao Junyao struggled to suppress his laughter. "What’s wrong?"

Xia Ruqing’s cheeks flamed red as she fanned herself furiously. "Too salty! I..." She panted as she spoke, gulping down water.

Zhao Junyao’s entire face turned red from holding back his laughter.

After a moment, he pushed the dishes aside. "Li Shengan, tell the Imperial Kitchen to remake these dishes!"

He then asked Xia Ruqing, "Qingqing, are these from your little vegetable garden? If you want to eat them, have the servants send the vegetables to the kitchen! Let the master chefs cook them."

If he hadn’t mentioned it, it might have been fine. But now that he had, Xia Ruqing quickly shook her head, firmly refusing. "No! Your Majesty, I won’t eat what they make!"

Zhao Junyao held her, patting her back. "Why not? The dishes from the Imperial Kitchen are delicious and convenient. You don’t need to fuss over cooking here! Be good now."

Zhao Junyao coaxed her softly.

Xia Ruqing looked at him, her eyes welling up. "Your Majesty, I just won’t eat what they make. I want the Small Imperial Kitchen in Your Majesty’s palace to cook!"

Zhao Junyao didn’t think much of it and smiled indulgently. "Alright!"

Xia Ruqing beamed. "Mhm! Your Majesty, you’re so kind!"

With that, she planted a smacking kiss on Zhao Junyao’s cheek.