A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1073 - 1074: Courting Death

As noon drew near.

Seventh Prince Zhao Junyan abruptly sought an audience.

Having just wrapped up his duties, Zhao Junyao welcomed him inside.

The brothers hadn't chatted in ages, making it perfect for brewing superior tea and savoring it together.

After some initial greetings.

Zhao Junyan settled cross-legged at the low table facing the Emperor.

With a smile, Zhao Junyao questioned him.

"How's the mission progressing these days?"

Zhao Junyan smiled back in response.

"All is well!"

"A messenger returned to the capital half a month back, reporting they'd crossed the Great Chu Dynasty's border. By this point, they must have arrived in Western Xia!"

Portland Country lies west of Western Xia Kingdom, requiring passage through Western Xia from the Great Chu Dynasty.

Zhao Junyao gave a nod.

"The Great Chu Dynasty maintains strong ties with Western Xia, with royal families from both nations linked by marriages!"

"They probably won't create too many obstacles!"

Zhao Junyan nodded too.

"Imperial Brother, you're spot on!"

Zhao Junyao served him a cup of tea and commended.

"You've handled this affair admirably!"

Prior to the mission's departure from the capital, Zhao Junyan had visited him.

He mentioned his long years of training at the Ministry of War.

Now matured, he felt ready to serve the Imperial Court.

Yet in this era of peace, no battles raged.

Thus, he openly declared, 'I wish to command troops escorting Portland Country’s mission overseas!'

He yearned to apply his martial prowess effectively.

Back then.

Seeing Zhao Junyan's eager face, Zhao Junyao nearly consented.

Regrettably... he denied the request.

The sole reason was Zhao Junyan's exceptional position.

As a Prince, he embodied the Great Chu Dynasty's Royal Family.

Traveling on a mission to a major power like Western Xia would be fine.

But for a minor nation like Portland, no way—and escorting was out of the question.

The logic was plain.

'Diplomatic ties demand attention to rank.'

'Prestige requires preservation, and levels must align!'

For envoys to someplace like Portland, several officials suffice.

Sending a Prince would demean them.

Other realms would ridicule the Great Chu Dynasty for devaluing itself.

Hence... true freedom is nowhere to be found?

Protocols demand adherence.

Chain upon chain, binding even the mightiest!

Ultimately.

Noticing Zhao Junyan's deep boredom.

Zhao Junyao assigned him oversight of the couriers and constant monitoring of the situation.

He also instructed immediate reporting of any issues.

The assignment appeared straightforward.

Yet executing it flawlessly proved challenging.

Evidently, Zhao Junyan excelled.

This eased Zhao Junyao's mind greatly; he clapped his shoulder and chuckled.

"In no time, Seventh Brother, you've matured so much and fulfilled your duty brilliantly!"

Upon his ascension, Zhao Junyan was merely a six-year-old boy!

Now...

Time truly races by!

Zhao Junyan promptly clasped his fists and humbly answered.

"This younger brother, nurtured by Imperial Brother from youth, must now alleviate his burdens as an adult!"

Zhao Junyao burst into laughter.

"Excellent!"

"Imperial Brother has faith in you!"

Zhao Junyan inwardly sighed with relief.

Bonds of loyalty among imperial kin are exceedingly scarce.

Thus, he avoided court intrigues, desiring only to battle for Imperial Brother.

Naturally, Imperial Brother harbored no suspicions; instead, he'd cared for him tenderly since boyhood.

So he pledged undying allegiance to Imperial Brother!

Zhao Junyao grasped his motives too.

Unlike Fifth and Sixth Brothers.

Seventh Brother proved far more reliable.

This fraternal tie he cherished deeply.

Once state affairs were covered.

The siblings enjoyed premium tea, recalling youthful days in delightful talk.

Midst their merry banter.

A disturbance erupted outside.

Zhao Junyao furrowed his brow and summoned Li Shengan for details.

"What's happening?"

Shivering, Li Shengan stammered after a pause.

"Your Majesty, Ma Liyi stands outside with a food box, demanding to deliver it to you herself!"

"The attendants couldn't hold her back..."

Li Shengan's voice faded as he shrank his neck.

This blunder was his fault, and voicing it sent shivers down his spine.

Should the Emperor rage.

His execution wouldn't surprise... Oh, that Ma Liyi!

Could one just storm the Emperor’s Imperial Study like that?

Zhao Junyan observed and rose swiftly.

"With Your Majesty occupied, this younger brother bids farewell!"

"Hmm!" Zhao Junyao assented.

Once Zhao Junyan left.

Zhao Junyao's face darkened at once.

Charcoal-black with fury, the chamber's air turned frigid.

Li Shengan prostrated silently, afraid to kneel noisily.

Sweat poured from his brow as his frame quaked.

No telling how much time passed.

Just as Li Shengan grew rigid and numb.

Zhao Junyao at last uttered words.

He smashed the teacup down, icily declaring.

"Relay to her: one more incident, and I shan't object to adding someone to the Cold Palace!"

The Cold Palace confined consorts punished by past emperors.

A few of the Late Emperor's consorts lingered there, lost to madness.

Zhao Junyao usually showed mercy.

Barring grave offenses by women, he avoided such fates.

Even Shih Wanxin, who crossed the line.

He merely relocated her to Empress Dowager’s Ningshou Palace, sparing the Cold Palace.

Yet now.

Invoking the Cold Palace outright revealed his genuine wrath.

Li Shengan bowed frantically.

"Yes!"

"This servant complies!"

Zhao Junyao shot him a piercing look.

"That includes you!"

"Next occurrence, your head stays not!"

Li Shengan quailed in fear.

No trifling with an emperor; attending a sovereign is tending a tiger.

A single decree from the Emperor seals capital punishment!

"Em... Emperor!"

"This aged servant merits death; he vows no repeat!"

Finished, he scrambled up and dashed out.

...

Li Shengan escorted Ma Liyi back personally.

En route, his glare stayed frozen on her, brimming with scorn.

Was this official-born woman, daughter of a third-grade official, truly so?

Wilder than any courtesan!

Daring to disrupt the Imperial Study, seeking the Emperor! Why not storm the heavens?

Unforeseen, he bore the fallout and a reprimand!

Hmph! To whom to lament such misfortune?!

I've marked you; no mishaps on my watch! Or else... hmph hmph!

Xihuai Palace.

Consort Zheng, informed already, dispatched Hong Yun early to greet.

Spotting Li Shengan.

Hong Yun beamed instantly.

"Greetings, Grandpa Li! You've arrived; our lady has awaited long!"

Steward Li, the Emperor’s head eunuch and chief attendant.

Consorts accorded him respect.

As underlings, they addressed him as Grandpa.

Li Shengan's grim expression softened at last.

"Apologies for delaying Consort Zheng; let's enter?"

Hong Yun discreetly curtsied to Ma Liyi.

Guiding Li Shengan, she proceeded to the main hall.

Consort Zheng occupied the seat of honor, poised in wait.

(Master-servant hierarchy allows no excess, even honoring Li Shengan!)

Post-formalities, Li Shengan conveyed the intent.

"By imperial order, Ma Liyi neglects palace etiquette. Please, Your Highness, instruct her thoroughly!"

Consort Zheng rose promptly, bowing toward Zhaochen Palace.

"This lowly consort receives the command!"