A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1098: Honored Lady Dou Is Not Well
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Guests traded courteous greetings back and forth several times, warming up the atmosphere a little—thank heavens it wasn't so rigid anymore!
The ladies knew perfectly well the reason behind this banquet.
They adorned themselves with fine makeup, glittering gold and silver, jade, emerald, and agate jewels, their faces painted flawlessly, radiant and alluring.
A handful of the more outgoing ones couldn't wait to shine brightly.
Now and then they'd toss out a witty remark, or inquire after the well-being of the Imperial Noble Consort and Imperial Concubines.
Or they'd lavish praise on the Crown Prince or Princess.
All sorts of subjects came up, and bit by bit, the vibe grew animated.
Naturally, some were more reserved.
Unable to crack jokes or flatter, they simply sat in silence.
Offering gentle smiles or taking dainty sips of tea, they painted a picture of elegant calm.
While chatting idly, Xia Ruqing along with the Imperial Noble Consort and Imperial Concubines kept a close eye on everyone.
Before long, each woman's character stood out clearly.
…
The midday meal was sumptuously grand.
Delicate masterpieces from the palace's Imperial Chef mingled with tempting starters whipped up by the maids in Xia Ruqing’s own residence.
These noblewomen, who seldom stepped beyond their homes, had never laid eyes on such culinary wonders.
Gasps of wonder escaped them as they hurriedly grabbed their chopsticks to sample.
Xia Ruqing played the gracious host with a warm smile.
"Don’t be reserved, try them all!"
"Thank you, Empress!"
The ladies snatched up their chopsticks, selecting tiny portions of their preferred dishes, cradling them daintily in napkins before slipping them into their petite, rosy lips.
As teeth met food, those red lips evoked springtime peach blossoms on the verge of unfurling.
Poised to burst open, yet holding back just so.
Every motion flowed with poise, each gesture refined; the hall fell utterly quiet, not even a whisper of chewing to be heard.
Just the fierce wail of the northern gale seeping through from outside.
Xia Ruqing quietly dabbed away her perspiration.
’Goodness!’
’Is this dining or tallying every grain?’
’Such tiny nibbles—how will they ever fill up?’
Fortune smiled on her; she'd snacked beforehand.
Else, driven by hunger to devour heartily, she'd become the laughingstock!
Sweat!!
Counting grains herself, Xia Ruqing mused away.
No hunger gnawed at her, so grain-counting suited just fine!
Playing the picture of elegance? She could manage that too!
…
A quarter-hour passed.
Slowly, the ladies set down their chopsticks.
The barely touched platters vanished swiftly, swapped for sweets and steaming tea.
With refined airs, they rinsed their mouths, drew silk handkerchiefs from their bodices, and patted away the droplets.
Only then did conversation resume.
"These dishes were divine—I’ve never tasted anything so delicious!"
"Our deepest thanks to the Empress for such fine hosting!"
"Yes, that sweet and sour fish was especially marvelous!"
Chatting animatedly in clusters, the energy picked up once more.
The gathering stretched into the afternoon.
The women vied fiercely to flaunt their skills—reciting verses, brushing paintings, desperate to impress.
Not one yielded an inch!
From their seats above, Xia Ruqing and the four Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines observed the displays below.
Taking it all in, etching deeper memories, grasping true natures.
…
Once the banquet broke up.
Xia Ruqing saw the Imperial Noble Consorts off in person.
After all, protocol demanded respect for these senior figures—escorting them from the palace was only proper!
All four Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines dwelled in Ninghe Palace.
Thus, guiding them together showed no favoritism.
En route, they dissected the ladies' showings, sorting them by temperament.
Who bubbled with energy?
Who stayed subdued?
Who brimmed with ambition, and who shunned worldly glory?
That night, returned to Duanning Palace.
Xia Ruqing organized the roster and handed it to Zhao Junyao.
"Emperor, I’ve given it my all!"
She reclined on the divan, kneading her aching back.
A full day of duties had worn her out, her neck throbbing especially.
This imperial crown,
Though lighter now, still proved torturous after hours atop her head!
Today's semi-formal event required the full Phoenix Crown and Phoenix Robe.
Plus a regal bearing, ramrod posture, and perpetual smile.
Heavens...
The mere memory set her temples pounding.
Zhao Junyao flung the list away, pivoted to rub her shoulders, and soothed her.
"Should this union succeed, you’ll shine as the master matchmaker!"
"Arranging a match rivals saving a life!"
"Qingqing, that’s real virtue earned!"
Xia Ruqing soaked it in, pleased as punch.
She flipped onto her belly, indicated her lower back, and wheedled playfully.
“Here, it hurts here too!”
Zhao Junyao’s big palm covered the spot.
“Does it still ache?”
Xia Ruqing let out a soft laugh.
“No pain anymore!”
“Just feeling weary here!” She indicated her shoulder!
Zhao Junyao’s large palm moved there once more.
Xia Ruqing beamed with joy, warmth filling her heart.
The Emperor and Empress enjoyed their intimate, affectionate time until...
Li Shengan rushed inside in a hurry.
“Your Majesty...”
Lifting his gaze, he caught sight of the Emperor and Empress in their close pose.
Shocked, he dropped to his knees and lowered his head immediately.
“This servant is incompetent! I deserve ten thousand deaths!”
He never should have witnessed that! How could he burst in like this?!
Zhao Junyao’s good mood shattered; he scowled and rose to his feet.
Blushing in embarrassment, Xia Ruqing straightened her attire and stood up gradually.
“What’s going on?”
Zhao Junyao’s tone turned icy in an instant.
It felt like a bucket of freezing water dumped straight onto Li Shengan’s head.
Li Shengan didn’t hesitate and reported without delay.
“To Your Majesty, Consort Hui dispatched a messenger to say... Honored Lady Dou is seriously ill... possibly in dire straits!”
“...”
The moment the words landed...
Silence enveloped the chamber.
Zhao Junyao’s expression turned gravely serious.
Shock struck Xia Ruqing as well.
‘Dire straits means on the brink of death!’
For any other honored lady, regardless of the illness, nobody would risk interrupting the Emperor.
Yet Honored Lady Dou had given birth to the Eldest Princess.
Even though the princess wasn’t raised by her, Honored Lady Dou’s name was still listed on the Jade Butterfly.
When the birth mother of a princess faced death, the matter became far more significant.
The Emperor not only needed notification.
A Emperor mindful of his image might even visit to pay respects, pretending sorrow for several days.
Thus...
Consort Hui, uncertain, had someone come report it.
Following a brief hush...
Zhao Junyao flicked his hand dismissively.
“Got it!”
“Call the Imperial Physician; if... no hope remains, prepare the rites for a Jieyu!”
Honored Lady Dou, stiff and uncharismatic, neither vibrant nor charming.
Despite birthing a daughter and now facing death, she evoked no feelings in him.
Granting her Jieyu rites was his utmost mercy.
Li Shengan, hearing the order, felt relieved.
“Yes!”
“This servant obeys!”
With those words, he bolted away faster than a fleeing hare.
Once Li Shengan departed...
Quietness returned to the room.
Xia Ruqing’s hands, concealed within her sleeves, tightened and loosened repeatedly as icy sweat drenched her back.
“What’s wrong?”
Zhao Junyao inquired worriedly, grasping her chilled hand.
Xia Ruqing managed a strained smile.
“N-nothing!”
“Your Majesty... I feel somewhat fatigued!”
Zhao Junyao breathed easier.
“If you’re weary, retire early!”
He escorted her to the bathing area to wash up and change; then they settled into bed, holding each other close.
...
Meanwhile, in Xihuai Palace...
The Eldest Princess knelt in front of Consort Zheng, eyes rimmed red.
Consort Zheng embraced her.
“Go take a look!”
The Eldest Princess paused briefly before nodding firmly.
“Thank you, Consort Mother Zheng!”
