A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1075: Just Thinking About It Gets Me Excited
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
When pleased, she's cherished like a daughter; when displeased, she turns into a target for releasing frustrations.
As for the current situation, she can't eat or rest properly, feeling entirely useless.
She can't even stand straight.
Everything stems from her!!!
Enough is enough, truly.
She refuses to gaze upon her mother's smug and vicious expression any longer.
Moreover.
Hadn't Mother Consort always grumbled about why she wasn't born a Prince?
She craved a Prince, right? She must feel let down by her!
Then... why bother going at all?
Consort Zheng offered a gentle smile.
"No need to push yourself; if you prefer not to go, just stay here!"
With those words, she voiced a few worries before rising.
"Fine, Mother Consort only came to check on you!"
"As long as you're okay!"
"Don't strain yourself over painting or such things!"
"You're a Princess; even after leaving the chamber, you'll remain a noble Madam!"
"With your father the Emperor's protection, nobody dares bully you!" nor ridicule you.
Consort Zheng did her utmost to comfort the Eldest Princess.
Yiming grinned.
"Thanks, Mother Consort!"
Consort Zheng nodded, directed the maidservants and palace maids nearby, and departed.
With Consort Zheng overseeing matters.
Ma Liyi grew far more obedient indeed.
No one else dared stir up issues, and peace slowly returned to the harem.
...
That very day.
Within Ninghe Palace.
Hai Feng, Lady Zhu, along with a handful of passed-over Fine Ladies, assembled in Ninghe Palace's rear garden to view chrysanthemums and sip tea.
Though called chrysanthemum-viewing and tea-drinking.
It was actually a modest gathering for selecting consorts.
These overlooked Fine Ladies had been handpicked by Empress Dowager Zhen.
Each boasted exceptional appearances, noble lineages, refined manners, and impeccable virtues.
Empress Dowager Zhen felt somewhat baffled.
’Just what was the Emperor thinking? Passing over so many fine candidates, and picking those others—what were they?’
Nevertheless...
Because the Emperor overlooked them, she could invite them here for tea.
During the gathering.
Empress Dowager Zhen and Hai Feng coordinated seamlessly, questioning the Fine Ladies thoroughly and insightfully.
Testing their learning, poise, upbringing, and beyond.
Lady Zhu seemed reluctant yet powerless to intervene.
She could only shoot covert glares at Hai Feng or clutch her handkerchief tightly.
Following rounds of assessments in poetry, music, painting, calligraphy, tea art, cuisine, and embroidery.
Hai Feng selected three Fine Ladies.
She praised them highly.
"Miss Liao is soft and alluring, masterful in needlework and embroidery—superb!"
"Miss Ming shines in singing and dancing, her musical prowess unmatched, fit for a talented lady!"
"Miss Lan excels at tea preparation and cooking, a genuine gem!"
"The others possess talents and elegance too, truly impressive!"
The top three earned approval; the rest faced quiet dismissal.
Not due to any flaws.
Simply put, while all were capable, none stood out exceptionally, making elimination inevitable.
The three named ladies beamed with delight and bowed in thanks.
"Grateful for Princess Consort's grace!"
The others hid their disappointment behind forced smiles and words of appreciation.
Empress Dowager Zhen nodded approvingly.
"Excellent!"
She commended, squeezing Hai Feng’s hand.
"Your judgments are spot on and impartial!"
Hai Feng smiled without a word.
Empress Dowager Zhen lingered in cheerful talk a bit longer, then ended the banquet once choices were made.
Back in the private quarters.
She grinned and queried her two daughters-in-law.
"Just three selected—how to split them?"
Hai Feng eyed the displeased Lady Zhu and smirked.
"Little Sister and Sixth Brother wed only months ago!"
"I can't bear splitting such devoted newlyweds!"
"So I'll claim two, leaving her just one?"
Empress Dowager Zhen chuckled.
"How thoughtful of you!"
She then faced Lady Zhu.
"See your Sister-in-law's grace, then reflect on yourself. This is the imperial house; as Princess Consort, must you be so unyielding?"
"I warned you before, and now reluctance again?"
Lady Zhu swallowed her resentment and mustered a smile.
"Not at all."
"With such splendid sisters, I'm thrilled to welcome two more!"
Empress Dowager Zhen burst into laughter.
"Ha! That's my good girl now!"
She recognized her niece's reluctance.
But what of it? Her son outweighed any niece!
Plus, what man lacks several wives?
Unwilling? Should Sixth Son stay exclusive to her?
Pure fantasy!
Thus, Empress Dowager Zhen turned a blind eye.
She seized Lady Zhu’s hand enthusiastically.
"In that case!"
"I'll assign you two right away!"
"Pick your favorites, go on?"
Lady Zhu paled, unease surging in her chest.
Glancing at Hai Feng, she noted the feigned astonishment.
"Oh, Mother Consort!"
"I knew you'd favor me!"
"I'm unwilling!"
Empress Dowager Zhen’s smile widened.
"Fine! Plenty more opportunities; if not today, I'll arrange another tomorrow just for you—deal?"
Hai Feng acted hesitant, lips pursed.
"Then... you promised?"
Empress Dowager Zhen nodded eagerly.
"Yes, I promised—happy now!"
"Really, you're too much!"
Hai Feng bowed her head quietly, eyes sparkling with victory.
Of the trio, two went to her.
Regardless of Lady Zhu's picks.
A troublesome path awaited her.
Haha... perfect! Success!
Lady Zhu caught Hai Feng’s ’hesitant’ look.
Rage boiled within.
’Vile wretch, scheming hypocrite! Acting all saintly! No way you truly want rivals in your husband's bed!’
’Insane!’
She curbed her fury.
Opting for the two plainer ones among the three Fine Ladies.
Handing the stunning, elegant dancer Miss Ming to Hai Feng.
Hmph!
Let her win favor, then weep!
Empress Dowager Zhen watched Lady Zhu decide and lauded her warmly.
"Splendid!"
"At last, my cherished niece has grown up— from now on, bond with them and attend to your husband dutifully, got it?"
Lady Zhu dipped her head, pretending obedience.
"Yes!"
Empress Dowager Zhen beamed contentedly.
...
At the Sixth Prince’s Mansion.
Miss Lan and Miss Liao joined the household late August.
As consorts, their rank surpassed mere concubines.
Hence, a special feast marked their arrival.
Esteemed royal elders attended to oversee the rites.
Their new titles received full honors.
The Sixth Prince first petitioned for their roles; the Emperor consented and reviewed, then the Ministry of Rites issued edicts.
It took over half a month of haste.
At last, the pair entered the inner courtyard.
The Sixth Prince harbored strong desires.
With two lovely, tender beauties now in residence, fragrant and yielding in his embrace, delight overwhelmed him.
Nights brimmed with endless bliss, revelry in song and dance.
Completely sidelining Princess Consort Lady Zhu, his cousin.
Lady Zhu seethed with bitterness.
Every day, she yearned to shred Hai Feng apart!
Lady Zhu suffered greatly.
In contrast, Xia Ruyi’s life took a turn for the better unexpectedly.
Not just better meals and attire.
She even showed up before the Sixth Prince multiple times.
At this pace.
Bedchamber service loomed near.
The mere idea sent thrills through her!!