A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 12 - 11: Low Profile

Xiao Xizi received the instructions and hurried to the Imperial Kitchen, practically taking two steps at a time.

The Little Eunuchs guarding the Imperial Kitchen immediately greeted him with beaming smiles, surrounding him.

"Eunuch Xi, is Lady Xia requesting a meal?"

"Do you know what Lady Xia would like to eat today?"

"Eunuch Xi, please have a seat!"

Xiao Xizi was not surprised. News traveled fast in the palace, and it was natural for the eunuchs to fawn over someone who had received royal favor.

Remembering Lady Xia’s admonition that one shouldn’t flaunt power even when gained, he quickly responded courteously, "Thank you for your kindness, everyone!"

As he relayed Lady Xia’s instructions, several Little Eunuchs immediately began to flatter him.

"Of course, of course!"

"Rest assured, Eunuch Xi. We’ll deliver it once it’s ready. You needn’t make another trip!"

Xiao Xizi was pleased. However, when it came to the food his master would consume, he dared not be careless. He smiled apologetically and said, "You are all very busy; it would be wrong of me to trouble you further. Just leave it when it’s done is fine!"

Hearing him say this, the Little Eunuchs did not insist further. They were all shrewd individuals; how could they not understand the ways of the palace?

Suddenly, one Little Eunuch leaned in. "Does Lady Xia require anything else? Crabs are especially plump right now, and my master has made crab pastry!"

Another one quickly came forward with a smile. "The fresh bass that came in yesterday are lively and plump in the pond in the backyard. They’re delicious steamed. Would Lady Xia like to try?"

Seeing them like this, another joined in, not wanting to be outdone. "My master has made red bean paste with walnut flour and cow’s milk. The steamed sweet pastry with red bean filling is soft, fragrant, and sweet..."

Surrounded by their boisterous crowd, Xiao Xizi felt overwhelmed.

"Thank you for your kind offers. If our Lady Xia wants anything, you all will be the first to know!"

"You’re too kind, Eunuch Xi!" the group said, laughing.

"Lady Xia is waiting to be attended to; I must get back!" With that, Xiao Xizi excused himself from the group’s entanglements and left.

After returning, Xiao Xizi recounted everything that had happened in the Imperial Kitchen.

Xia Ruqing listened but did not appear pleased. She merely reminded him not to forget to collect the meal later.

"Why worry, my lady? They act this way only because you are favored!"

Xiao Xizi was somewhat puzzled.

Zi Yue shot him a glare. "Don’t talk nonsense!"

"Oh!" Realizing his mistake, Xiao Xizi quickly covered his mouth.

"All right, you two may leave. I’m going to rest for a bit; call me when the meal is ready!" Xia Ruqing waved them away.

"Yes!"

The two complied, assisting their master to her couch before quietly withdrawing.

The sky outside was gradually darkening. Following two autumn rains, the night grew increasingly cold.

Having formulated a plan, Xia Ruqing felt slightly more at ease. She drank mutton soup for dinner and ate some delicious dishes, then contentedly went to sleep after washing up.

「...」

At Noble Concubine Shih’s residence, things were somewhat perplexing.

When the Emperor came for dinner, she greeted him as usual with the same talk and laughter, serving him with her own hands.

However, she still sensed a distinct chilliness emanating from the Emperor.

She tentatively asked, "Cousin, are these dishes not to your liking?"

Zhao Junyao’s smile was as usual.

"My dear consort’s culinary skills are as excellent as ever!"

His dark eyes, however, showed not the slightest ripple, betraying no emotion.

"That’s good!"

Noble Concubine Shih sighed in relief.

When it was time to sleep at night, Noble Concubine Shih shyly removed her clothes, but Zhao Junyao merely smiled faintly.

"I am somewhat fatigued today."

Having said that, he turned over and went to sleep without further consideration.

Noble Concubine Shih’s face flushed a deep crimson with shame. After a long pause, she responded dejectedly, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Unable to sleep and not daring to turn over, she lay rigidly, almost without sleep all night. At the fifth watch, she rose to attend to the Emperor as he prepared for the morning court session.

Zhao Junyao noticed the dark circles under her eyes and merely offered a faint, enigmatic smile before departing without a word.

「...」

"My lady, the Emperor spent last night in Xifu Palace!" Zi Yue whispered while setting the meal, then added, "Noble Concubine Shih is truly favored! The bond between childhood sweethearts is indeed different!"

Although she dared not speak carelessly in front of others, Zi Yue would still voice her thoughts privately.

"’Isn’t that so? Noble Concubine Shih is so favored, but it’s just...’ Xiao Xizi chimed in, drawing closer."

With a shortage of Palace Maids, eunuchs had to fill in. Xia Ruqing had sent Qiu Tong and Qiu Hong to attend to matters in the courtyard, usually leaving only these two by her side.

Xiao Xizi hadn’t finished speaking when Xia Ruqing interrupted him.