A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1089: Planning

Regarding those younger brothers of his.

Zhao Junyao mused inwardly: Hadn’t they constantly boasted about wanting to lighten his load?

Then let them shoulder it; such a prime chance.

Once the ten foreign women were suitably placed.

Zhao Junyao sensed total rejuvenation.

When Prince Jin heard about it, he offered no protest.

His days brimmed with activity.

Be it outings beyond the city alongside his daughter and her husband, or reveling with officials over drinks, or solitary repose at the inn.

Yet whatever his pursuits, hidden watchers trailed him.

Every action of his lay bare to Zhao Junyao.

Prolonged observation yielded no irregularities.

Prince Jin behaved precisely as if he sensed the scrutiny.

Neither his words nor conduct betrayed any fault.

After muttering 'old fox' quietly.

Zhao Junyao commanded, 'Maintain tight surveillance and report everything.'

He then plunged into official business.

With delays piling up, full attention on Prince Jin proved impossible.

…

Half of November flew past.

Mid-month brought a torrent of heavy snow.

By dawn, it blanketed the ground half a foot deep.

Capital City shimmered in silvery splendor, the chill piercing the air.

No soul ventured out in such conditions.

Great and modest homes alike barricaded indoors.

Lacking options, Prince Jin hunkered down at the inn.

Only Hai Feng dropped by now and then.

Civil and military officials elsewhere vanished.

On that day.

Plum blossoms at the Fifth Prince’s Mansion defied the snow in bold bloom, weaving a captivating winter tableau.

Hai Feng welcomed Prince Jin to the estate for snow viewing.

The Fifth Master tended other duties, unable to join.

Hai Feng chuckled.

"No worries, Master, you go ahead. I'll host Father King!"

The Fifth Master nodded assuredly and departed.

Hai Feng directed servants to kindle a brazier in the back garden pavilion, hang curtains around it, prepare fragrant tea, and offer treats.

He then escorted Prince Jin himself.

Passing from outer yards inward, Prince Jin glimpsed the mansion's full splendor.

Red walls met green tiles, pavilions rose amid towers, beams carved intricately with painted rafters, rockeries dotted rare stones, bridges spanned gentle streams.

Already stunning scenery gained fresh allure under night's snow, enchanting beyond measure.

Prince Jin inwardly exclaimed in admiration.

‘Great Chu Dynasty thrives magnificently!’

‘A mere Fifth Prince’s abode rivals palaces in luxury!’

His Western Xia residence came to mind.

Though Prince Jin ranked below only the ruler, his home merely expanded with extra rooms.

Rockeries, exotic stones, rare trees, pavilions, towers.

Affordable as they were, he preferred channeling silver into arms and mounts.

Wealth remained insufficient after all.

With ample gear and sturdy horses.

Self-indulgence would surely follow.

But... perhaps restraint endures.

In Western Xia’s Prince Jin Mansion, solely Princess Hai Feng’s courtyard for his daughter boasted refined touches.

Other areas stayed as simple, bare dwellings.

He lifted a cup of aromatic tea, sipping deliberately.

Its scent flooded mouth and senses, a crisp wave surging to his core.

Eyes shifted to far-off red plums.

Snowy orchard burst with crimson blooms piercing the frozen expanse.

Afar, they evoked flaming horizon clouds, layers vivid against white, radiantly striking.

Viewed nearby.

Gnarled, sturdy trunks upheld bunches of delicate red plums.

Five-petaled blooms dusted in fine snow, interwoven gracefully, utterly charming and refined.

Distant or intimate, the vista mesmerized completely.

Prince Jin narrowed his eyes halfway, savoring unhurriedly.

"How wonderful!"

Still craving more, he grasped his teacup once again.

Hai Feng beamed.

"This tea is called Bi Luo Chun!"

"Father King, didn’t I send some for you?!"

Prince Jin’s face stayed composed, smile steady.

"Good tea with stunning views savors deeper, Fengfeng. How miss such simple truth?!"

Amid whirling sands, thundering hooves, armored ranks charging.

Even finest tea loses savor then, no?

Hai Feng paused briefly, then grinned.

"Indeed..."

Western Xia pales in comparison to the grandeur of the Great Chu Dynasty...

"Since Father King enjoys it so much, why not linger here for a few extra days!"

"New Year arrives in just over a month—staying through it wouldn’t be amiss at all!"

Prince Jin paused in thought.

"That lengthy?"

Hai Feng promptly put on a spoiled act, begging him to remain.

"Father King, you’ve finally arrived—please stay right up until after the New Year!"

"The capital buzzes with excitement come New Year!"

Before her father, a daughter remains forever his little girl; Hai Feng seldom displayed such genuine grins.

Prince Jin nearly wavered in his resolve.

"Very well!"

"For Fengfeng’s happiness, I’ll shamelessly extend my visit by a few days!"

"That’s precisely what I want!"

Hai Feng clung to Prince Jin’s arm, playing the coquettish role.

Prince Jin let out a hearty laugh too.

The pavilion brimmed with cheerful warmth and merriment.

A short time later, hunger struck Hai Feng suddenly.

She rose then to direct the servants nearby in the pavilion.

"You two, head to the Imperial Kitchen and arrange for lunch right here in the pavilion—prepare plenty of the capital’s famous treats!"

"Oh, and fetch the Western Xia cook from the inn too; I crave some dishes from home!"

The pair of maids bowed respectfully before stepping away.

Hai Feng eyed the remaining servants, thinking briefly.

"The pavilion feels chilly—fetch additional braziers."

"And you, retrieve my cloak!"

"You two, grab a fox fur cloak from the master up front in the courtyard—Father King is getting on in years and fears the cold!"

Those two maids shared a look, appearing reluctant.

Hai Feng shot them a fierce glare.

"What are you waiting for? Does this Princess Consort lack authority over you?"

They bowed at once and hurried off.

Hai Feng scanned the area, confirming no one lurked within three zhang, before easing up.

"Father King, our time is short—speak whatever you must, and swiftly!"

Prince Jin sipped his tea.

From his sleeve, he drew a letter and passed it to Hai Feng.

"Fengfeng, peruse it back in your quarters, then burn it once done!"

Hai Feng accepted the letter, eyes resolute.

"Fear not, Father King!"

With those words, she slipped the letter into her own sleeve.

Just then, the maids sent for the food came back.

Once they recited the menu, Hai Feng nodded with a pleased smile.

"Hmm, splendid—right up my alley!"

"As long as the master approves!"

The two maids curtsied and waited at the side.

Soon enough, the rest of the maids brought back the requested items successively.

Warmth slowly filled the pavilion.

Hai Feng and Prince Jin went on enjoying their tea amid chatter and laughter.

Just as though that earlier moment never occurred.

...

Following lunch in the Fifth Prince’s Mansion, Prince Jin strolled the grounds with Hai Feng at his side.

Growing ever more pleased with the surroundings.

Even wedded to a distant land, armed with her cunning and his position.

Fengfeng surely wouldn’t suffer any losses.

"Fengfeng, thrive here and bring glory to Father King!"

Meaning: Scheme wisely! Aim for total victory in a single move.

Hai Feng grinned brightly.

"Have no fears, Father King!"

"Your daughter thrives splendidly here! I’ll never shame Father King."

Meaning:

Your daughter presses on diligently and won’t fail Father King!