A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1219: Pampered and Spoiled
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Xia Ruqing: "..."
It had been known for a long time that this girl wouldn't behave properly while in the Capital City.
Initially, the thought was that she would merely sneak out of the palace for a brief escapade and then return.
Unexpectedly, she had actually gone to learn horse riding, and it was presumed that Chenchen must have been the one to teach her.
She was about to reprimand the child with a stern expression.
Yue Er quickly intervened.
"Mother, you promised you wouldn't get angry!"
Xia Ruqing found herself momentarily speechless.
Upon observing Yue Er's gleeful little face once more, she couldn't bring herself to dampen the child's spirits. Instead, she inquired with a sigh of resignation.
"Was it your elder brother who instructed you?"
"Who else would have been with you?"
"Did you take a fall and hurt yourself?"
Since the skill had already been acquired, dwelling on past actions seemed pointless. However, a strong curiosity compelled her to discover who had dared to facilitate this.
Yue Er simply giggled.
"It was Big Brother who taught me!"
"But Mother... I've also found that Second Brother is quite adept at horse riding!"
Xia Ruqing let out a soft sigh internally.
"Indeed!"
"Your elder brother truly spoils you!"
Yue Er snuggled close, clutching her sleeve.
"Mother!"
"Aren't you being a bit too strict with me?"
"Cousin Yilan at Prince He's Mansion is only a year older than me, and she even plays football!"
"If I don't learn these things properly, I'll surely be ridiculed when I venture out in the future!"
"Mother, please give me your permission!"
Prince He was a venerable nobleman from the previous emperor's era, who, in his lifetime, had sired two sons and was graced with six grandsons.
This County Princess Yilan was the legitimate youngest daughter of Prince He's Heir Apparent. She was also the cherished youngest granddaughter that Old Duke He was fortunate enough to have around his sixtieth year.
The entire He Residence, spanning three generations, boasted only this single young lady, who was undoubtedly the apple of their eye. The extent of her pampered upbringing could easily be imagined.
Legend has it that when this young lady celebrated her first birthday, Old Duke He personally submitted a petition to bestow upon her the title of County Princess.
As her paternal uncle, Zhao Junyao found himself in no position to object.
Consequently, County Princess Yilan ascended to become the youngest County Princess in the entire history of the Great Chu Dynasty.
Judging solely by this elevated status, Xia Ruqing could reasonably infer that County Princess Yilan's disposition might not stray far from that of Yue Er.
The two young girls, akin to mischievous sprites, seemed remarkably well-matched in temperament.
Xia Ruqing gently massaged her temples, a familiar ache blooming there as she gazed at her daughter's pleading expression.
After considerable deliberation, she found herself with no alternative but to concede.
"Very well, very well!"
"But we must establish one condition beforehand!"
Yue Er's eyes widened with excitement, almost leaping with joy.
Yet, she managed to restrain herself, her gaze sparkling as she inquired.
"And what is that?"
Xia Ruqing lifted her teacup, articulating her words with a cool detachment.
"If you happen to fall and bruise your backside, do not come running to me with tears!"
Yue Er dismissed the warning with a grand wave of her hand.
"That's a minor concern! Mother, please set your mind at ease!"
Xia Ruqing offered a look of exasperated indulgence, then leisurely took a sip of her tea.
Yue Er, seated beside her, offered a napkin and gently patted her mother's lap, displaying remarkable attentiveness.
Xia Ruqing swirled the tea leaves in her cup a few times, preparing to set it down.
By sheer chance, her gaze fell upon the attire Yue Er was wearing.
"Eh?"
A flicker of surprise crossed her features.
Even without extensive knowledge of sewing or embroidery, she could discern that Yue Er's current garments bore a distinct difference from those she had worn previously.
"Where did these clothes originate from? I don't recall ever seeing them before!"
Yue Er glanced down at herself, a trace of unease causing her to stammer.
"Well...."
"I possess so many outfits, how could you possibly have seen them all, Mother!"
"Furthermore, haven't you been away for some time?"
"These were newly fashioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs!"
Xia Ruqing placed her teacup down and lightly tapped her daughter's forehead, her voice carrying a relaxed languor.
"You little rascal, you can't even master the art of deception!"
"Your eyes are practically darting towards the heavens!"
"You had best be truthful and confess, or you shall face my displeasure!"
Yue Er shifted uncomfortably, a sense of vexation creeping in.
"Mother, how is it that you seem to know everything!"
Xia Ruqing arched an eyebrow in response.
"Naturally, you are my own blood!"
Yue Er: "..."
Very well, very well, one cannot outwit her, so evasion is the only recourse.
With this thought, she lowered her head and divulged the truth.
"These garments were crafted by Consort Cheng!"
Xia Ruqing appeared perplexed.
"Consort Cheng?"
Yue Er nodded emphatically.
"Indeed!"
"The other day, when I went to find Second Brother, Consort Cheng noticed my frayed sleeve and offered to make me some new clothes!"
"I initially assumed Consort Cheng was merely jesting and didn't give it much thought!"
"However, Consort Cheng actually proceeded to create a complete set of attire for me!"
"I had no choice but to accept them!" Xia Ruqing gazed at the garments, utter amazement filling her. 'Truly magnificent!' 'The noble families of antiquity are indeed not merely talk! This exquisite workmanship... it would be considered high art in the modern era!' 'If I ever get the chance to return to my own time, I absolutely must remember to bring back some ancient treasures!' 'After all, life in modern times is incredibly demanding!' Observing her deep in thought, nodding and then shaking her head, Yue Er grew worried and quickly stood. "Mother, do you not like them?" "I shall take them off immediately!" Xia Ruqing swiftly motioned for her to stop. "There's no need!" Yue Er faltered, "Mother?" A slight smile touched Xia Ruqing's lips. "Since it is Consort Cheng's kind thought, we shall accept it. I will personally express my gratitude to her later!" Yue Er let out a breath of relief and nodded. "Yes, I understand, Mother!" Then, Xia Ruqing gently guided her daughter back to sit, and with earnestness, offered her advice. "Yue Er!" "You are nearing the age of becoming a young lady!" "You were carried within me for ten months, you are the cherished daughter of your Father Emperor, and the only sister to your brothers. Your current indulgence and doting in our presence is not an issue!" "However... when you are among these consorts in the harem! You must not take any of this for granted! You must show gratitude if they treat you well, and if their amiability is not genuine, do not trouble yourself with it!" "These are things you must be able to discern. Always remain vigilant, do you understand?" Originally, she had not wished for her daughter to grasp these complex matters so soon. After all, she was merely five or six years old, comparable to a primary school student in the modern world. But, girls in ancient times matured considerably at a young age. Given the intricate circumstances of the palace, she felt compelled to educate her. Yue Er listened, pondered for a short while, and then gave a slight nod. "Mother!" "I understand!" "I will not behave that way again!" Xia Ruqing tenderly stroked her hair. "You did nothing wrong!" "Consort Cheng treats you well, you must remember to be thankful, to offer thanks often. And in their presence, you must act with good sense and refrain from causing any disturbances, alright?" Yue Er’s lips formed a slight pout before she nodded with conviction. "Mother, I will certainly remember!" Only then did Xia Ruqing feel appeased. "My good girl!" "Let Zi Yue help you change your clothes, and then we shall go thank everyone!" "Yes!" Yue Er rose, performed a respectful bow, and then departed with Zi Yue. ... After seeing the Princess off, Zi Yue returned not long after. She entered while tidying things alongside Zi Ning, remarking. "The Princess is still quite young, why must you impart such words?" "After all, the Emperor still stands. No matter how others might posture, they would hesitate to act against a Princess!" Xia Ruqing gently touched her chest. "That is a valid point!" "However, Yue Er's indulgence is far too apparent!" "Those with wisdom can see through it, but I fear those who are cunning might exploit her!" "I feel utterly helpless..."