A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 462: The more the Empress thought about it, the colder her heart felt.

「Qingya Residence」

Xia Ruqing, tired from a day’s activities, went to bed early. After a night of good sleep, she woke up the next day with a healthy glow. Having given birth to a child, she had recuperated for nearly half a year, and her vitality was almost fully restored. She could eat whatever she wanted and drink whatever she desired. Everything had returned to normal. By the time it got cold again this year, she would be able to eat hotpot. The very thought filled her with joy.

While sitting in front of the mirror applying her makeup, Zi Yue suddenly hesitated, as if she wanted to say something. Xia Ruqing glanced at her and said, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. I’m rather impatient now!"

Zi Yue paused in her hairstyling but ultimately decided to spill the beans. Thus, she told her about the Emperor spending last night in Xifu Palace.

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing was stunned, in shock!

Zi Yue became anxious. "My lady, please don’t be angry. The Emperor... Actually, the Emperor treats you the best!"

Xia Ruqing continued in astonishment, "Angry? Me?"

Zi Yue nodded emphatically. Then, she launched into a lengthy, supportive monologue. The gist of it was: My mistress, even though the Emperor went to Xifu Palace tonight, he still cares about you the most, so you have no reason to be jealous. Besides, maybe the Emperor went to Xifu Palace just to see the Princess. Rest assured, you gave birth to a Prince. It’s unlikely that the Emperor will favor others over you, and it’s almost impossible for you to fall out of favor!

After hearing this, Xia Ruqing felt as if she’d been petrified. The ancients sure had rich imaginations. Angry? Jealous? COUGH, COUGH, I might want to be jealous, but I need to be in the position to do so, right? When the day comes that I become the Empress, then I can consider being jealous. For now... I’m not qualified!

Seeing that her mistress did not react too much or too oddly, Zi Yue said no more.

Xia Ruqing, on the other hand, thought with a wicked pleasure, The Emperor is quite cunning! He first went to dine with the Empress, then went to sleep with the Noble Consort. He had comforted the two biggest figures in the harem, truly covering all his bases!

However, she also understood. The Emperor had his reasons for acting this way. With so many women in the harem, it would be no good for anyone if things got too turbulent. Even she herself was only safe because she navigated the narrow gaps with care. The Emperor’s maneuvers, indeed, were both profound and practiced.

...

「Jiaofang Hall morning greetings.」

Xia Ruqing dared not arrive too early. After all, the Empress would certainly not be in a good mood that day. The power struggle between the Empress and the Noble Consort could spell trouble if she got even slightly involved. So, Xia Ruqing timed her arrival to be a bit later. She arrived just on time; the great hall already had quite a few people in it. There were fewer ladies of high rank and mostly many Honored Ladies. A dense group of about twenty of them sat together in a large cluster!

Upon entering, she didn’t dare to take a seat but went straight to kneel and pay her respects. "Forgive me, Empress, I have come late today!" She made no mention of why, knowing that to push the blame onto her son by mentioning "the Little Prince" would make her seem boastful.

The Empress looked somewhat tired. With dark circles under her eyes, it was clear that she hadn’t slept well the night before. She gestured dismissively. "Rise, and take a seat!" She was inwardly fuming and paid little attention to whether Consort Xian Pin was late or not.

Noble Consort Shih was quite pleased with herself and, glancing at the Empress, said with a laugh, "Empress, you seem tired. Did you not sleep well last night?" On the first day of the lunar month, instead of visiting her, the Emperor had come to my palace. The Empress must be furious. After such a long time, I’ve finally turned the tables. The thought fills me with elation! Although my cousin doesn’t even want to share a bed with me, who would know if I don’t tell? It’s still more than enough to irritate the Empress, HAHA!

The Empress glared at her and said with a cold laugh, "Indeed, I didn’t sleep well, but some people shouldn’t be too pleased with themselves!"

Noble Consort Shih, completely unrestrained, responded with a triumphant air, "Oh my, Empress, whatever do you mean by that? This humble concubine doesn’t quite understand. If Your Majesty isn’t feeling well, who would dare to gloat!" She hadn’t even finished speaking before she started laughing behind her handkerchief.

The Empress was so angry that her face turned ashen. In the end, without saying much, she used the excuse of feeling unwell and, with a wave of her hand, dismissed everyone.

Everyone stood up to pay their respects and take their leave. Noble Consort Shih hastily performed her courtesies and then swept out, leaning on her Palace Maid’s arm. The rest, not daring to say more, also left in an orderly manner.

...

「Qingya Residence」

Finally back! Xia Ruqing patted her chest. Sweat was already beading on her forehead.

Zi Yue quickly wrung out a wet handkerchief for her. "Mistress, wipe your face; it’s really hot outside!"

Xia Ruqing paused, then took it and said with a smile, "It is hot!" But this isn’t from the heat; it’s sweat from nervousness!

The cool, damp handkerchief felt refreshing as she wiped the sweat from her face and washed her hands. Xia Ruqing felt much more comfortable. With nothing else to do, she had someone bring Little Bun over to play with Da Bai and Little White on the mat.

The kang bed was spacious. Xia Ruqing had the kang table moved and replaced it with a bamboo mat and a thick cotton cloth. The bamboo mat was cool to the touch, and the cotton cloth absorbed sweat. Lying on it in the summer was both dry and refreshing. As soon as Little Bun touched the mat, he was as happy as a fish in water, crawling about joyfully.

Da Bai sat coolly with his little paws together, stationed to one side like a guardian deity. Little White was gentle and delicate, like a little girl, sweetly snuggling close to Little Bun. Their soft white fur occasionally tickled Little Bun, making him GIGGLE.

Xia Ruqing teased Little White with a feather on a string. Little White perked up his ears, staring with round eyes, and lifted his tender pink pads to swipe at the feathers. Little Bun became even more delighted. Xia Ruqing smiled like a blooming flower.

Only Da Bai sat with a cool expression, watching Little White. His eyes bore a hint of melancholy, as if to say, Oh, my silly wife, when will you ever grow up!

...

「Jiaofang Hall」

The Empress was so angry she felt like vomiting blood. She lay on the couch, tears streaming down her face. Yesterday was the first day of the month, yet the Emperor spent the night at the Noble Consort’s palace! Wasn’t this a slap to my face in front of everyone? It doesn’t matter to me whether the Emperor comes to my palace or not; I’m not concerned about a visit or two. In fact, I don’t care if the Emperor spends the night with any other woman. But the Emperor specifically went to Noble Consort Shih’s residence!

How long has it been? How long since the Emperor last visited her, all because of Noble Consort Shih’s outrageous, arrogant, and utterly unrestrained behavior? Furthermore, the affairs of the Shih Family are tied to the Empress Dowager, not to mention the incident involving Shih Jieyu. His Majesty grew weary of each of these matters, which is why he refused to visit her for so long. He hadn’t even wanted to grant her basic courtesy.

So why now? Now that Noble Consort Shih has a princess, the Emperor has visited her again? Is it because she has a princess? Is she going to rise in power again? Thinking of the humiliation she had suffered at the hands of the Shih Family over the years, the Empress felt a chill run down her spine.

In the early years after I entered the palace, I was still the Crown Princess Consort, and Noble Consort Shih was merely a Consort. During that time, it was common for the Emperor to stay with Noble Consort Shih for ten days or even half a month. When I paid my respects to the Emperor, she would stand by brazenly, never even attempting to avoid it. She accepted the courtesy so forthrightly, as if unafraid it would shorten her lifespan.

Now, after I finally had a period where the Emperor disregarded her, how could she be rising again? Would I have to continue enduring such days? The more the Empress thought, the colder her heart felt.