A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 531: Consort Ning?

Consort Hui Pin walked quietly by the side.Xia Ruqing glanced at her, and she returned the look.

The two exchanged a glance, but neither spoke.

The pair in front slowed down more and more.

Xia Ruqing and Consort Hui Pin frowned. Were they making it difficult for others to pass?

It looked as if they were about to collide.

Xia Ruqing could no longer bear it and was about to come forward to take her leave.

Unexpectedly, Consort Ning turned around first, her face wearing an expression of surprise mixed with a feigned smile.

"Oh my! I was wondering why there were footsteps behind us; it turns out to be Sister Consort Xian Pin and Sister Consort Hui Pin!"

Xia Ruqing looked at Consort Hui Pin, then smiled and gave a curtsey.

"Consort Ning!"

Consort Hui Pin also smiled with gentle grace.

"Sister Consort Ning!"

Her voice was soft and sounded so natural.

Xia Ruqing was truly impressed internally. She’s definitely a master, indeed very patient!

Consort Ning simply glanced at her without responding; it didn’t look like she was seeking trouble.

Then she turned her gaze towards Xia Ruqing.

This time, her expression was different.

It was somewhat haughty and indifferent, quite pompous.

After all, a higher rank does crush one, doesn’t it?

"The weather is nice today, not too cold. Why don’t you two sisters join me for a visit to the Imperial Garden?"

Consort Zheng Pin by her side had a look that plainly said, ’Consort Ning has invited you, how dare you hesitate?’ as she watched the two.

Consort Hui Pin did not accept but declined subtly.

"I’m a little worried about Yi An being in the palace."

Consort Ning immediately waved her hand in dismissal.

"That’s fine, you go ahead!"

She hadn’t really expected Consort Hui Pin to join anyway. Consort Hui Pin always preferred to stay out of trouble.

The main point was that her objective was not Consort Hui Pin.

Consort Hui Pin curtsied and gave Consort Xian Pin a comforting look before departing.

Xia Ruqing also wanted to refuse.

But before she could speak up, she was cut off by Consort Ning.

"Sister Consort Xian Pin, you always stay indoors, and the sisters have drifted apart. I am rarely in the mood for an outing."

Consort Zheng Pin also chimed in to help.

"Yes, Consort Xian Pin, it’s a rare opportunity with Consort Ning."

Xia Ruqing inwardly sneered, while outwardly she said respectfully,

"Consort Ning is also aware that I have a child in my palace, and I cannot leave for even a moment."

But Consort Ning was relentless, abruptly knitting her brows in displeasure, as if she were about to get angry.

"That’s right... Sister Consort Xian Pin has always been favored and has nurtured a Prince. Naturally, you look down on us."

"Consort Zheng Pin, there’s no need to waste more words, let’s go."

However, Consort Zheng Pin did not leave; she played the mediator.

"Oh dear, we are all sisters, why be like this?"

"Consort Xian Pin has to pass by the Imperial Garden on the way back to her palace anyway, so what’s wrong with accompanying Consort Ning for a short walk? Let’s go, let’s go."

She said as she pulled on Xia Ruqing’s sleeve.

Zi Yue and Zi Su both looked conflicted.

They were both masters, and they dared not offend either.

Xia Ruqing watched Consort Zheng Pin with a cold smile.

It made Consort Zheng Pin feel extremely uncomfortable inside.

Yet, her hand still clung tightly to Consort Xian Pin’s sleeve.

She cannot be allowed to leave! All Consort Zheng Pin could think was.

Xia Ruqing even felt that if she insisted on leaving,

Consort Zheng Pin might just throw herself to the ground and begin to make a scene.

Fine, fine.

Wasn’t it just a plot? She would go and see.

She wanted to see what they aimed to do in broad daylight!

Xia Ruqing felt ready to face whatever was coming.

"Yes!"

"To be able to accompany Consort Ning is my fortune!"

Having gotten their way, Consort Ning and Consort Zheng Pin were immediately beaming with smiles.

They prattled on with a bunch of nonsense.

Xia Ruqing rolled her eyes internally.

The three of them made their way to the Imperial Garden together.

After wandering for a bit, they finally found a pavilion and sat down.

Consort Ning started her act.

"Consort Xian Pin, I heard you had a falling out with the Emperor?"

"Consort Xian Pin, it’s not my place to criticize, but do you think that just because you have borne a Prince, you can do whatever you wish?"

"Consort Xian Pin, it’s no big deal to fall out of favor. The Emperor remembers your child and won’t treat you unfairly."

"In the future, we sisters will have one more person to alleviate our boredom, how wonderful."

"By the way, I’ve heard Consort Xian Pin’s cooking skills are excellent. Could you teach me?"

Xia Ruqing felt as if there was a fly by her ear, BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ.

One might say she meant harm, yet she hadn’t actually done anything.

One might say she was harmless, but her words were infuriating.

People like Consort Ning were different from the Noble Consort; they lacked a sharp edge and would never fiercely lash out at anyone.

Sometimes, one couldn’t even pinpoint exactly what they did wrong.

But they were so annoying!

Xia Ruqing just smiled and said,

"Consort Ning, I may have lost favor, but I still have a Prince to raise and have no free time."

"If I ever find the time, I will surely teach you."

Yet in her heart, she bitterly thought: You’re already so fat and still want to eat! Those modern diseases of affluence... high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar... they’re not far from you now, are they?

Seeing Xia Ruqing’s unfriendly attitude, Consort Zheng Pin eagerly added fuel to the fire.

"Consort Xian Pin, now that you’ve lost favor, you should look to the Empress as an example of how to live!"

"Is this how you treat Consort Ning?!"

The Emperor had stormed out of the Qingya Residence and had not visited her since.

Angering the Emperor—what good could come of that?

It seemed they had already vividly imagined Consort Xian Pin’s pathetic downfall.

Had it not been for the Prince, Consort Xian Pin would have already been cast into the Cold Palace by now.

What did she have to be proud of!

Xia Ruqing watched Consort Ning with a cold smile, then turned her gaze to Consort Zheng Pin.

She said ironically,

"I am slow-witted!"

"If Consort Ning summoned me out just to speak such nonsense, then I’m afraid I can’t keep you company!"

"I’m worried about my Imperial Son being alone in the palace!"

Having said that, she stood up to leave.

Consort Zheng Pin was a bit anxious, but Consort Ning had already assumed her haughty noble air.

She mocked Xia Ruqing while stating she was being ungracious.

More commotion followed, filled with their chattering and squawking.

Xia Ruqing rubbed her temples and left directly.

Wasn’t it annoying to death?

Finally free from the devils, she returned to her palace.

Xia Ruqing went to see Little Bun, who was playing, and felt relieved.

She then went to the courtyard and sat on the swing, lost in thought.

Zi Yue and Zi Su followed behind her.

Xia Ruqing looked at them and said lightly,

"You may all leave. I want some quiet time to myself!"

"My lady!" they both exclaimed.

"Leave!" Xia Ruqing’s tone was resolute.

Zi Yue and Zi Su had no choice but to depart.

Xia Ruqing closed her eyes and gently rocked the swing.

The wind felt a bit chilly on her skin. The sunshine was bright but couldn’t warm the brisk autumn breeze.

Fallen leaves swirled in the wind before settling down.

A few leaves landed on her. With her eyes closed, she suddenly felt a wave of weariness.

How should life be lived, after all? she wondered.

After a while, she smiled bitterly.

If she really lost favor in the future, would she become like Consort Ning and Consort Zheng Pin?

That almost pathological arrogance, as if it were a mask for an extreme inner inferiority complex!

It was truly terrifying.

Xia Ruqing sighed deeply and rested her face against the swing’s rope.

As she swayed, she suddenly caught a familiar scent on the breeze.

"Ambergris?"

It was a fragrance only he carried.

She scoffed self-deprecatingly. Could it be that my mind is so full of him that I’m starting to hallucinate?

How pathetic. Falling in love with the Emperor is truly like seeking one’s own demise!