A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1179: You Still Short on Silver?

"Zi Su, what exactly is going on with you?"

Xia Ruqing questioned, her brow furrowed in bewilderment. Although naturally carefree and outspoken, Zi Su was not typically unreliable. It was unlike her to make such a basic error; could she be concealing something?" "Master, I’ve discovered that the prices in Jinling City are five to six times higher than in the Capital!" Zi Su confessed, bracing herself against Xia Ruqing’s anxious inquiry. "Back in the Capital, all the things you purchased and consumed last night would barely amount to two or three taels of silver. Yet, I spent a hundred taels last night, and only a little over eighty remain!" "What?" Xia Ruqing’s eyes widened in disbelief. "We only had a few snacks last night, and it cost over ten taels?!" The situation felt akin to paying five coins for a bun that cost but one elsewhere. While the sum wasn't astronomical, the exorbitant price was shocking, making it feel like a blatant rip-off. "Perhaps prices were higher because the marketplace was so crowded last night?" Zi Su countered with a shake of her head. "Last night, I inquired with Steward Li, and he encountered the exact same issue!" It was Li Shengan who had settled the bill when Zhao Junyao dined at the restaurant the previous evening. Xia Ruqing remained stunned for a moment before her gaze drifted to the tray of jewelry before them. "So, are you suggesting these trinkets, which are likely worth only about ten taels, have now cost us over a hundred?" Zi Su nodded gravely. "Indeed, Master!" "And I only brought a hundred taels, unsure if it would even suffice..." Xia Ruqing was speechless. Very well, if the cost was truly that high, she would forgo the purchase. Despite her husband being the wealthiest and most powerful figure of their time, who genuinely enjoyed being swindled? Spending a mere dozen taels for a fleeting pleasure would be acceptable. However, parting with over a hundred taels for these trinkets felt like a charitable act better suited for the common folk! Wait, common folk? A thought sparked in her mind, only to quickly vanish. Xia Ruqing frowned, unable to grasp the fleeting memory, and turned to instruct Zi Su. "Go and ascertain the price. If it truly costs a hundred taels, then we will not be taking them!" With that, she departed. Zi Su acknowledged the order and took the tray to make the necessary inquiries. After a short while, Zi Su returned, her expression crestfallen and empty-handed. "How did it go?" Xia Ruqing inquired. Zi Su shook her head. "Master, it’s even more expensive than we initially estimated. These small items are priced at a hundred and fifty taels!" Xia Ruqing was again rendered speechless. "Understood!" She looked at the dejected Zi Su and suddenly comprehended. "No wonder you were hesitant and reluctant to purchase anything!" "Why didn’t you mention this last night?" Zi Su appeared helpless. "Last night, I simply couldn't find the opportune moment!" Xia Ruqing felt a moment of embarrassment, then regained her composure. "Let’s head back; it’s getting late." "Understood!" ... Upon returning to the inn, Xia Ruqing proceeded upstairs to rest. Zi Su, meanwhile, went to arrange for servants to prepare a hot bath for her mistress. After a brief period of rest, Xia Ruqing bathed and changed. Checking the time, she then instructed, "It’s only just past the You Hour; do not prepare dinner yet. Let us wait a little longer." "Yes, Master!" "Just as Zi Su finished speaking, a commotion was heard from outside. The Emperor had returned. Xia Ruqing promptly rose and went out to greet him. Zhao Junyao entered, covered in dust and visibly weary after a full day on horseback. His entire person was slick with sweat, his white garments soaked through. Xia Ruqing quickly presented a bowl of mung bean soup. "You have worked hard, my lord. Please partake in this to refresh yourself and cool down!" Zhao Junyao said nothing, instead gulping down the soup greedily. He felt noticeably revived after finishing the cooling beverage. He silently patted Xia Ruqing’s shoulder and promptly headed off to bathe, the entire process consuming less than a moment; he seemed rather eager. Xia Ruqing was slightly perplexed. "Where did he go to exert himself so greatly?" Li Shengan responded in a hoarse voice. "Replying to Master, the lord spent most of the day running along the riverbank." "If not for the approaching darkness and the servants’ urging, we would not have returned yet!" Xia Ruqing found the situation both amusing and exasperating. "Why was he running along the riverbank?" "Is there some issue?" Li Shengan gave a soft chuckle. "There is no issue. It’s simply that the river has risen, submerging the areas we were working on, which has halted further repairs." Xia Ruqing’s curiosity grew. "And what was the outcome of his efforts?" Li Shengan smiled and shook his head. "Well... the lord mentioned it’s still too soon to ascertain the results..." Xia Ruqing nodded, choosing not to pry further. "Very well, you should go and rest now!" Li Shengan offered his thanks and retreated with a bow. ...

After a quarter of an hour, Zhao Junyao emerged from his bath, his appearance considerably improved.

However...

Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but notice he had acquired a tan.

"My Lord, your face..."

Zhao Junyao, initially unaware, cast a casual glance at her.

"What about my face?"

Xia Ruqing pressed her lips together silently before locating a mirror and presenting it to him.

"Take a look!"

Zhao Junyao peered into it with indifference.

It was only upon seeing his reflection that he was taken aback.

"Hmm... something seems off. Why is my face so dark?"

What was once merely tan had deepened to a near-bronze hue.

He found it hard to believe, touching his skin and confirming its warmth.

"Is this... a sunburn?" Zhao Junyao exclaimed, incredulous.

Xia Ruqing nodded in affirmation.

"My Lord, you've been sunburnt!"

"Should I summon the Imperial Physician to fetch some ointment?"

Zhao Junyao's brow furrowed.

"How could I possibly get sunburnt?"

As she put the mirror away, Xia Ruqing responded casually,

"Why not? You rarely venture outdoors, do you?"

"You’re always indoors, and this time you spent the entire day outside! With such intense sunlight, getting sunburned is quite natural!!"

Having said her piece, she turned to leave.

Zhao Junyao caught her arm, his expression earnest.

"No way!"

Xia Ruqing looked back, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"Why not?"

Zhao Junyao awkwardly rubbed his nose.

"I believe a sunburn is acceptable; there's no need to make a fuss!"

"It’s hardly a negative trait for a man to possess resilience!"

Xia Ruqing was astonished by his perspective.

"But... if you don't treat it, it will be quite uncomfortable?!"

"Sunburnt skin can feel intensely hot; at the very least, try cooling it with some cold water!"

Zhao Junyao waved dismissively.

"No need!"

"Qingqing, cease your worrying; I am exceedingly hungry!"

Xia Ruqing found his reasoning perplexing.

"Oh, very well then!"

She conceded, turning to instruct the household on the preparation of their evening meal.

...

The dinner that followed was remarkably lavish.

It showcased renowned dishes from every major region of Jiangnan, featuring an array of delicacies from abalone and sea cucumber to shark fin, squid, bird’s nest, and other rare finds.

Not only were the globally celebrated main courses present, but also simple yet delectable dishes cherished by common folk.

While the flavors differed significantly from those typically found in the Capital, and some dishes might have required a slight adjustment in palate,

objectively, they were still quite commendable.

Xia Ruqing savored the meal with great enjoyment.

As she ate, she commented, "My Lord, this spread must have cost a considerable amount of silver!"

Zhao Junyao appeared bewildered by her remark, raising an eyebrow in a semblance of disdain.

"Are you lacking in silver?"

Xia Ruqing promptly shook her head.

"Not at all!"