A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1071 - 1072: Sixth Birthday

With sparkling eyes, Xia Ruqing smiled while gazing at Zhao Junyao.

Ma Liyi, Honored Lady Lu, Lady Shi, and others were also fixated on the Emperor.

They had only just stepped foot in the palace.

Unaware of the palace's inner dynamics and not yet called to the Emperor’s bedchamber.

The Emperor looked so dashing and vibrant.

Not a single word from him, yet an overwhelming imperial presence radiated outward.

They eyed the Emperor with deep yearning, desperate to hurry forward and shower him with their affections.

Wishing for the Emperor to keep them in his memory from then on.

So they might secure his grace in the harem, bear imperial offspring, and attain everlasting fortune.

Regrettably...

Those intense stares garnered no notice from the Emperor.

Caught instead by Consort Zheng and Consort Yun.

Consort Zheng absolutely could not tolerate it.

That despicable Ma Liyi failed to pay respects on her very first day in the palace.

Even in direct encounters, her salutations showed little zeal.

"Hmph!"

"Does she truly believe her high birth allows her to behave recklessly?"

"This is the harem, not her family home!"

"Regardless of status, once in the palace, everyone must strictly follow the rules!"

"Or else..."

Consort Yun rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Such audacity!"

"Flirting so boldly with the Emperor—I'll make sure to handle you!"

With that thought, she shared a knowing look with Consort Zheng.

Then Consort Yun smiled and spoke up.

"What has Ma Sister staring so intently?"

"I called out to you multiple times, yet you ignored me!"

Her words pulled the focus of nearby Honored Ladies and Jieyus.

Beneath all those watching eyes.

Finally feeling a twinge of embarrassment, Ma Liyi snapped back to reality and responded awkwardly.

"Answering Consort Yun, I was observing... the dance!"

Consort Yun arched a brow.

"Is that so? Does Sister like it as well?"

"This Concubine finds it puzzling—which piece was just performed?"

As she spoke, Consort Yun casually fiddled with her hairpin.

Her expression screaming, ’I’m intentionally making things difficult for you!’

Ma Liyi froze in shock.

Which piece? No idea what it was!

She hadn't paid any attention!

In panic, she scratched her head and glanced at Lady Shi and Honored Lady Lu next to her.

They both kept their heads lowered, too afraid to assist.

Ma Liyi was completely at a loss.

Desperate, she clutched her handkerchief and meekly answered:

"Replying to Consort Yun, I... don’t know!"

Consort Zheng's face filled with disbelief right away.

"You don’t know?"

"Ma Sister, daughter of a Third Rank official, famed for her talents and beauty!"

"How could she miss the renowned ’Feathered Garment Melody’?"

"Unless... she looks down on us commoners and refuses to converse?!"

Consort Yun nodded along.

"Indeed, Sister speaks truly!"

"With her father as Liangzhou Governor, a Third Rank post, how can we lowly ones match?"

Consort Zheng gave a suggestive chuckle.

"Very well, then we shan’t bother Ma Sister further!"

Their tag-team exchange left Ma Liyi's cheeks burning red.

She longed to clarify but had no clue how to start.

Her complexion shifted from crimson to ashen, leaving her deeply distressed.

No concubine nearby offered aid.

All quietly sneered at her.

"Hmph! Someone like her actually blushes?"

The disturbance down below didn't escape Xia Ruqing's notice.

Yet she had no desire to intervene, savoring a secret thrill instead.

"Hah, that's what you get for ogling my husband!"

…

Zhao Junyao remained seated for half a Shi Chen.

Sipped several cups of wine, enjoyed a handful of dances.

Bored by it all and recalling urgent papers in the Imperial Study, he lost interest and departed.

With the Emperor gone, the Empress Dowager claimed fatigue and took her leave.

The feast now fell entirely to Xia Ruqing to manage.

Still... it was too early to conclude.

She needed to carry on.

The concubines visibly loosened up.

Certainly, plenty felt let down, though none dared reveal it.

Magnificent moonlight bathed the outdoors.

Xia Ruqing ordered mooncakes brought out, prolonging the banquet with shows to keep the mood festive.

Another half Shi Chen passed.

At Hai Hour, Xia Ruqing smiled and announced.

"It's late, I'm weary—I'll head out first!"

"Everyone else, keep enjoying!"

Thus, she departed, leaning on Zi Yue and Zi Su.

The concubines bowed her off respectfully before scattering.

Eh?! Why linger?

No real bonds among them!

Back at Duanning Palace.

Xia Ruqing shed her cumbersome ceremonial robes, bathed, and donned fresh attire, at last feeling at ease.

She checked on Yue Er in the side hall.

Returned to the main chamber, and scarcely settled when Zhao Junyao showed up.

She helped with his ablutions and dressing.

Together, they slipped into bed.

Sleep evading them at first, they conversed lightly.

"How's Yue Er faring with her studies?"

Zhao Junyao asked straightaway about his daughter, utterly ignoring his three sons.

Xia Ruqing, used to this by now, skipped any rebuke and ticked off on her fingers.

"She's got a few lines from the Three Character Classic by heart, though can't link them yet!"

"This child picks up quick with excellent recall!"

"Come year's end at three years old, she'll nearly master it!"

Zhao Junyao beamed with satisfaction.

His face proclaiming ’that’s my girl’.

Spotting his smugness and zero curiosity about the boys, Xia Ruqing gently prodded.

"Emperor, Henger and Yeye's birthdays are tomorrow!"

"Time slips by—they're six already in a flash!"

Zhao Junyao emerged from his glee at last.

"Oh? So soon, six years old?"

Xia Ruqing inwardly rolled her eyes: ’At last, you recall your sons exist!’

"That's right!"

"Post-birthday, the boys ought to relocate too!"

"Emperor, about their quarters..."

"Stay with Chenchen, or establish their own palace?"

Zhao Junyao mulled it over.

"No hurry, time remains—I'll consider carefully!"

Noting the hidden meaning in his look, Xia Ruqing held back questions.

Truthfully, it wasn't her affair.

One more day with her sons close meant more visits.

Even relocated, she could still go see them.

Still, outside the harem, constant trips would prove troublesome.

Never mind, best not dwell!

Zhao Junyao patted her shoulder too.

"Qingqing, no need to fret—I've planned for it!"

"Hmm!"

Xia Ruqing gave a nod.

Snuggled against him, seeking the perfect nook.

Emperor and Empress drifted off entwined.

…

Next day marked the Third and Fourth Princes' birthdays.

Near the Mid-Autumn Festival as always.

Celebrations stayed low-key yearly, same this time.

Gifts arrived from every palace; Xia Ruqing sent thanks in return, wrapping things up.

The hectic day concluded.

Duanning Palace brimmed with presents.

Some exceedingly precious.

Xia Ruqing refused to let any near the kids' area, ordering full inventory and secure storage.

However compliant the harem folk seemed, she guarded her children's safety fiercely, ever vigilant!