A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1088: Tao Hua Blooming Ahead of Time
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Once the welcoming banquet ended.
The embassy from the Western Xia Kingdom took up residence in the guesthouse.
Zhao Junyao had sensed from the banquet that Prince Jin held malicious intentions.
Yet he couldn't stay by his side every moment.
Thus, he assigned Ministry of Rites officials to escort Prince Jin during his daily excursions.
Plus, the Fifth Prince and Fifth Princess Consort—his own daughter and son-in-law—were close at hand.
Prince Jin's days turned not merely entertaining but vividly eventful.
Zhao Junyao, aiming to stop him from stirring up chaos,
deployed numerous guards around the guesthouse, claiming it was for their safety.
On top of that, Zhao Junyao sent dozens of Hidden Guards to watch Prince Jin around the clock.
So he could learn of any developments right away.
With everything arranged, Zhao Junyao at last felt at ease.
However...
Xia Ruqing began to fret.
"What are you worrying over?"
Zhao Junyao entered and spotted her furrowing her brows over a pile of books.
Xia Ruqing jumped in surprise.
"Emperor!"
As she moved to rise, Zhao Junyao gently held her in place.
"Stay put, just sit!"
With that, he settled next to her and idly grabbed the book near her hand.
"What's this?"
He inquired with a bright grin.
Seeing his cheerful demeanor, Xia Ruqing felt a rush of irritation.
She pinched him hard and shot him a fierce glare.
"Worry about what?"
"The bitter winter lingers, new spring delays; your palace's peach blossoms bloom ahead, stirring my envy!"
"Peach blossoms?"
Zhao Junyao stared in complete confusion.
"Qingqing, what peach blossoms?"
Xia Ruqing let out a laugh.
"Emperor, no need to feign ignorance. How could you not know about peach blossoms?"
Zhao Junyao pondered deeply, still clueless.
"I truly don't know..."
Rendered speechless, Xia Ruqing flung the booklet detailing the ten beauties from Prince Jin right before him.
"Then take a close look!"
"Every one of these ten beauties stands as a stunning gem—Emperor, you mustn't ignore them!"
Flipping through the book, Zhao Junyao suddenly understood.
"Ah, the tribute from Western Xia!"
He smacked his forehead.
"How could I overlook that!"
He pressed eagerly.
"Where are they? Have they come into the palace?"
He unleashed a barrage of questions, his voice brimming with eagerness.
Xia Ruqing stifled her laughter and poked fun.
"Is the Emperor in such a rush?"
"Rest assured; just command it, and I'll bring them into the palace at once!"
She simply hadn't sorted out their lodging yet.
Ten women from abroad—wherever placed, clashes were inevitable.
This dilemma troubled her deeply!
"So they haven't entered the palace?"
Xia Ruqing kept her gaze lowered, refusing to reply, obviously pouting in jealousy.
Zhao Junyao let out a relieved breath.
"What a relief!"
Good thing no mishaps had occurred.
Zhao Junyao mulled it over.
"Lucky they haven't arrived yet! Give three to Old Five, three to Old Six, four to Little Seventh. They'll collect them tomorrow!"
Xia Ruqing: "... "
Emperor, is it fair to trick your own brothers this way?
Women sent by the Fifth Prince’s father-in-law now head to the Fifth Prince’s rear palace.
How will Prince Jin and Hai Feng keep their dignity? What if the pair erupts in conflict?
Furthermore, the Sixth Prince.
His fresh bride hasn't marked a year, and you're shoving women into her domain.
If chaos erupts in her harem... ahem!
Finally, the Seventh Prince.
Little Seventh remains unwed; rumor says he lacks even a single maidservant.
Dumping four on him at once feels off too.
Yet Zhao Junyao appeared delighted with his scheme.
His face bore the look of, ’Why not share the bounty with your siblings?’
Xia Ruqing stood dumbfounded.
Zhao Junyao rubbed her back soothingly.
"Qingqing, no need to fret!"
"I'm merely passing along some women, without assigning any titles!"
"Whether they serve as chambermaids, concubines, or servants—that's their choice!"
"I'm staying out of it!"
Xia Ruqing finally relaxed, her expression a mix of exasperation.
"Fine, fine!"
"Always full of clever dodges!"
Though she scolded him lightly, her heart brimmed with sweetness.
’Hehe, at last, no rivalry with foreign beauties for my man!’
’She had feared Zhao Junyao might lose his senses and cast aside old affections!’
Xia Ruqing beamed contentedly for quite a while, then startled herself.
’Hold on! Affection?’
’Since when did feelings for Zhao Junyao sprout in her?!’
Xia Ruqing felt a bit confused, at a loss with her own heart.
Did she truly have to fall for a husband once divided among countless women?
She shook her head.
Banishing those thoughts from her mind.
She commanded herself inwardly: ’No wild thinking!’
Joyfully, she tucked away the pile of booklets.
"Since they’re not entering the palace, I won’t have to fret anymore!"
"They’re still staying at the outside courtyard; the Emperor can arrange someone to fetch them later!"
While speaking these words.
Her voice rang light and carefree, her grin broad, pure relief shining across her features.
Zhao Junyao pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Not angry anymore?"
A touch of shyness washed over Xia Ruqing as she ducked her head silently.
Zhao Junyao scooped her up into his arms.
"Since you’re not angry then..."
"It’s getting late; let’s rest early, my Empress?!"
Those final four words flushed Xia Ruqing’s cheeks crimson.
Truly, serving as the Empress brought an incredible sensation!
Gone were the pangs of guilt as a ’third party’ or ’marriage wrecker.’
She and the man before her stood as legitimate spouses, blessed by the heavens themselves.
Now, she could confront the world without fear!
What a marvelous feeling this was!
Nestled in his arms, her cheek pressed to his chest, she savored the powerful rhythm of his heart.
Her palm rested softly on his chest, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
’Zhao Junyao, thank you!’
Zhao Junyao evidently hadn’t pondered so deeply.
He settled her onto the bed as silken drapes fell in cascading layers.
Following that intimate interlude between Emperor and Empress, they entwined together like celestial Biyi Birds or the vibrant mandarin ducks of the pond.
...
Dawn of the following day.
After concluding the morning court, Zhao Junyao summoned Li Shengan to deliver the decree to his three imperial brothers.
Some time later, Li Shengan came back and detailed the responses from each of the three princes.
"Fifth Prince showed no change, gleefully taking the three women, even granting a reward to this old servant and bidding him convey thanks to the Emperor!"
"He further noted... intending to visit the palace in person another day to offer his gratitude!"
Zhao Junyao grinned and gave a nod.
’Fifth Brother is ever thoughtful; this fits his character perfectly!’
"Regarding Sixth Prince, he brimmed with joy, voicing thanks over and over... that look on his face..."
Li Shengan hesitated, cheeks coloring.
The Sixth Master’s gaze had practically stuck to those women.
It revealed his heartfelt appreciation.
Zhao Junyao cleared his throat softly.
"I understand!"
That’s just how Sixth Brother is, isn’t it?
Given his leg condition, Zhao Junyao refrained from harsh judgment.
"And what of Seventh Brother?" he inquired once more.
Li Shengan smiled as he relayed the news.
"Seventh Prince displayed his usual cool demeanor, rewarding this servant as always before ushering the women indoors!"
"Not the slightest trace of astonishment appeared!"
Zhao Junyao nodded in approval.
"Alright! I understand!"
Li Shengan bowed deeply, assented, and withdrew.
Zhao Junyao exhaled a deep sigh.
The weight on his heart lightened somewhat—ah, at last, he’d shaken them off.
