A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1094: Why Must He Be Like This?

Zhao Junyan carries a profound solitude, nearly becoming a hermit.

His heart's entrance stays firmly locked, unlocking solely for trusted acquaintances at rare times.

Even after all these years, nothing has changed!

He warms up slowly, keeps to himself, yet once trust forms, he reveals everything fully, ready to offer it all.

Zhao Junyao remains by his side.

His eyes settle on the far-off, lively palace structures.

Following extended quiet, he speaks at last with a subtle grin.

"Little Seventh, what you mentioned earlier is bound to happen!"

"The nation has enjoyed long prosperity and peace, so some soldiers in the military begin to grow lax; it's inevitable!"

"Troops aren't just plants; they're flesh-and-blood humans with wants and feelings—delight, rage, grief, and bliss!"

"Regardless of how strict the forces, no army can mold every warrior identically!"

"Certain ones lead, others trail; some strive hard, others idle—this reflects human nature!"

"You notice only the slackers!"

"Yet you've overlooked the greater number like you, devoted to country and folk, assiduous and dutiful, laboring tirelessly!"

"It's thanks to such individuals that I feel assured!"

As his speech concludes.

Silence engulfs the air endlessly again.

Time slips by unnoticed.

Zhao Junyao abruptly chuckles.

"Enough!"

"You've dragged me off track with all that talk! Back to the point!"

"What type do you prefer? We'll have the Empress set it up soon!"

"Father watches from above; we owe it to him to ensure his peace!"

Zhao Junyan: "..."

"Emperor! Your younger brother..."

"Say no more, it's settled!" Zhao Junyao cuts in gleefully.

"The Empress will select several fine candidates later, and you choose your favorite—sound good?"

Zhao Junyan: "..."

After a speechless pause, he curves his lips and reluctantly consents.

"That's the spirit!" Zhao Junyao beams brightly.

"But Imperial Brother...!"

"No excuses!" Zhao Junyao stops him once more.

"I learned the Crown Prince visited the training grounds today; curious about his progress. Come with me to see later!"

"Oh, and Juxian Zhai unveiled fresh dishes; shall we dine and drink there tonight?!"

Zhao Junyan can only nod along to each suggestion.

…

Once Li Shengan escorts the guests away.

Zhao Junyao settles at the imperial table, gazing vacantly at the piled memorials.

How could he fail to grasp Zhao Junyan's thoughts?

He resists marriage.

Purely because he yearns one day to rush into combat unbound.

Even dying on the battlefield, shrouded in horse leather, would leave no regrets.

A spouse and heirs would weigh him down.

Since it's fated to burden, better to avoid it entirely!

Thus...

Zhao Junyao shuts his eyes as a sharp ache grips his chest.

’Why must it turn out this way?’

’Why must he persist like this?’

After what feels like ages, he gradually reopens his eyes.

Those profound, shadowy depths have regained serenity, resembling a still, azure lake.

He takes up a memorial, grasps the vermilion brush.

He remains the aloof, unyielding sovereign.

…

By early December.

As rumors about the Seventh Prince in the capital start to die down.

Fresh tidings spread from the palace.

Thrusting the Seventh Prince back into the spotlight of gossip.

"Seventh Prince seeks a consort!"

This announcement unleashes a storm of excitement.

The Seventh Prince, beloved across the capital's avenues, now shines like a rare gem!

Childless households lament deeply!

Those with eligible daughters rejoice wildly.

No worry over audition rejections, nor if Empress Dowager Zhen overlooks you.

The Seventh Prince offers another shot; becoming Seventh Princess Consort beats nothing!

"No Chamber Maid" means "a devoted pair, peaceful home!"

"No Imperial Noble Consort" promises "undisputed rule in the Prince’s Mansion ahead!"

These lures prove irresistible.

No soul can imagine a unhappy union here.

Even stumbling blindly through life outshines other Princess Consorts!

(An Imperial Noble Consort above demands daily service, one wrong word sparking mother-in-law clashes!

Below, myriad consorts and concubines scheme endlessly for favor, backyard a whirlwind of plots!

Stuck in between, you pamper the husband, lure him to your chambers for heirs to claim status!

Those existence are utterly exhausting!)

Wed the Seventh Prince.

All that gets sidestepped.

Moreover, the Seventh Prince boasts integrity, excels in literature and martial arts alike, enjoys noble lineage, and steers clear of gambling or any vices...

Every bit of him radiates strengths.

No young lady or married woman has cause not to swoon over him wildly!

Therefore...

Choosing a consort for the Seventh Prince goes remarkably smoothly.

Within merely three days, Xia Ruqing gets more than a hundred submissions from beyond the palace.

Families with daughters present their daughters.

Families lacking daughters recommend others' daughters through connections.

To sum up.

Every qualified family submits their documents without fail.

...

A sigh escapes Xia Ruqing as she eyes the stack of documents on her desk.

"The last grand spectacle like this happened during the Emperor's major consort selection!"

"And now..."

"The Seventh Prince matches that popularity!"

Blushing with thrill, Zi Su exclaims.

"Naturally!"

"Remember, the Seventh Prince vanquished the Western Xia Warrior before all the civil and military officials!"

"That battle shot him to fame!"

"Not only outside the palace—even within, what palace maid doesn't adore him?!"

"It's just unfortunate..."

Zi Su's face clouds over abruptly.

"Unfortunately, being in the harem means they seldom see him; they deeply envy the maids serving outside!"

Zi Yue tweaks her arm.

"What's up? You fancy him too? Or crave serving outside?"

Zi Su nods affirmatively.

"Sure, don't you? He's a true hero!"

Zi Yue chuckles despite herself.

"Empress, hear this—she yearns to serve outside!"

Zi Su shoots a fierce glare right away.

"Hey, hey, hey, stop the nonsense! When did I claim I wanted to serve outside!"

"But you do admire him!" Zi Yue retorts, stifling her giggles.

Zi Su's cheeks turn scarlet.

"I'm only chatting; the Empress knows it's not serious!"

Xia Ruqing lifts her gaze idly, locking eyes with Zi Su's flushed visage.

Teasingly, she speaks with a smile held in check.

"I won't take it to heart, naturally—I know you have no desire to serve outside!"

"The Empress knows me like no other!" Zi Su grins brightly, delighted.

But her delight cuts short before it peaks.

Xia Ruqing's following words quench her elation.

"Because... your heart's set on serving in the Seventh Prince's Mansion!"

"Rest easy; during the concubine selection, I'll send you first—sound good?"

Fiery red sweeps across Zi Su's face in an instant, creeping down to her neck.

"Empress!"

In flustered haste, she stomps: "No more talking to you!"

She whirls to flee outdoors.

Xia Ruqing snatches her swiftly.

"Hey, hey, stay put! No more words from me, I swear!"

Blushing deeply, Zi Su halts, trapped between fleeing and lingering.

Her awkward pose sends Xia Ruqing and Zi Yue into peals of laughter.

Anger flares in Zi Su.

Zi Yue hastens to soothe her.

"Cut it out—no one's listening, the Empress is merely jesting with us!"

Zi Su bows her head, staying mum.

Xia Ruqing heaves a profound sigh.

"Fine! Enough on that topic!"

"Even should you wish to become a concubine, I'd never permit it!"