A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 3 - 2: Lady’s Bedchamber Duty

Yet, Xia Ruqing had no reason to overdo it; her features were already so refined that no further adornment was necessary.

She began by spreading a light coat of rice powder, gently tracing her fine brows, dabbing on red lip color, and adding a hint of rouge to her cheeks. From her jewelry box, she chose a turquoise jade splinter hairpin along with a white southern pearl one. She loosely gathered some of her dark locks upward, letting the remainder flow down her back.

In this attire, she exuded a fresh and refined charm, showcasing a unique elegance.

"Lady Xia is blessed with innate beauty!" the Sisters cried out, thrilled even more by her wit and glow as they showered her with praise.

"It’s all because of the Sisters’ kindness!" Xia Ruqing responded with a light curtsy.

The Sisters felt even more valued and joyful at her words.

While guiding her to the Chunen Cart, a few kept advising her on winning the Emperor’s favor.

"Lady, just stay soft and obedient, and you can’t fail!" one Sister advised with a grin.

Xia Ruqing’s cheeks flushed as she expressed her thanks, then, with a Palace Maid’s support, climbed into the Chunen Cart.

Once seated inside the Chunen Cart, Xia Ruqing’s nerves began to stir.

Throughout the trip, she racked her brain but failed to devise any plan. In the end, she resolved herself.

After half an hour, the Chunen Cart halted at the back side gate of the Emperor’s Zhaochen Palace. Several Old Sisters assisted her down. They meandered another fifteen minutes before reaching a grand hall.

"Here lies Zichen Hall. Kindly wait in this spot, Lady Xia. We’ll depart now," the Sisters instructed, ushering her into a side chamber before slipping away.

Xia Ruqing refrained from straying. She merely perched on the kang, surveying her surroundings.

The Zichen Hall stood imposing and splendid, its opulent gold and jade accents enhancing rather than overwhelming its lavish grace.

Even the little chamber was lavishly appointed.

A plush velvet pillow rested on the kang. A steaming cup of aromatic tea sat on the table, perfectly tempered. Nearby, a tiny dragon-carved censer in beast form released wisps of ambergris incense. An unfolded book lay upon the kang table.

Xia Ruqing mused inwardly.

To pass the time, Xia Ruqing took up the book and flipped through it. It proved to be *The Art of War by Sun Tzu*.

Skimming several pages, Xia Ruqing yawned, drowsiness overtaking her. The text brimmed with classical script, proving dense and hard to grasp! Unbeknownst to herself, her eyes drifted shut while she still gripped the volume.

Such was the sight that met Zhao Junyao upon completing his official duties and entering.

Her small figure huddled alone on the couch, book hugged close. Silken tresses spilled across her shoulders, lashes fluttering faintly in deep slumber.

Zhao Junyao halted briefly, then ordered an attendant to rouse her.

"This isn’t a spot for slumber!" he remarked calmly, showing no trace of ire.

"Your Majesty, this servant has shown great disrespect! I beg the Emperor’s punishment!" Xia Ruqing jolted awake, grasped her error at once, kept her gaze lowered, and dropped to her knees before the bright imperial yellow robes.

"Stand up. No need for such formalities!" Zhao Junyao pivoted, lifted his robe fluidly, and settled across the couch table. Next, he directed Li Shengan.

"Evening draws near. Bring the dinner!"

"Yes!" Li Shengan replied and ushered the rest away.

Soon, Palace Attendants streamed in, swiftly arranging the feast. Xia Ruqing stole peeks and felt overwhelmed—she’d not only never tasted such fare but never laid eyes on it.

"This servant shall serve the Emperor’s dinner!" Xia Ruqing advanced, curtsied deeply, and reached for the bowl and chopsticks to dish out his food.

Zhao Junyao dismissed it with a wave, signaling no need. He rinsed his hands and started eating, observing tradition by dining quietly.

Xia Ruqing poured tea at his side. As he dined, she covertly appraised the Emperor from top to bottom.

The saying "a visual delight" fit the Emperor perfectly.

From skin tone to build and aura, he embodied flawless perfection—any excess would seem rugged, any lack too frail.

Xia Ruqing breathed a deep sigh, her reluctance to share his bed greatly eased.

Once she’d finished serving his meal, Xia Ruqing’s legs throbbed from prolonged standing. Zhao Junyao rinsed his hands anew and departed with his entourage.

With her belly full, Xia Ruqing faced yet another extended wait.

Not until the Hai Hour (9-11 pm) did the Emperor reappear. She reflected silently.

A session of bathing and arranging followed.

Red candles danced, bed drapes swayed like ocean swells.

Agonizing torment gripped Xia Ruqing; her waist and limbs burned. After two hours, she felt utterly shattered!

At last, exhaustion claimed her, and she knew no more.

Zhao Junyao, by contrast, savored an extraordinary satisfaction. Even after multiple bouts, desire lingered!

Such loss of restraint was unheard of for him. Since attendants entered his service, he’d shunned excess in bedchamber pursuits. To him, it mirrored meals or rest—seven or eight parts sufficed; more or less spoiled the balance.

Zhao Junyao gazed at Xia Ruqing, soundly asleep next to him.

Recalling her prior innocence and daring stirred fresh warmth within, prompting him to avert his eyes swiftly.

As dawn broke, he rose for court. The Sisters, noting Xia Ruqing’s slumber, scowled and moved to awaken her.

Zhao Junyao waved them off. "Leave her be. Let her rest!" he decided inwardly.

Obeying without question, the Sisters posted a guard over her. Thus, Xia Ruqing slumbered till full light!

Back at Zhaohua Pavilion, daylight blazed, morning greetings mere half-hour away.

"Hurry and prepare me! I must kowtow at Jiaofang Hall!" Xia Ruqing pressed, urgency rising.

"Mistress, no cause for alarm. We kowtow outside Jiaofang Hall anyway, so a slight delay is fine!" Qiu Tong boasted confidently.

"Previously, certain young ladies skipped it entirely after their debut night. Relax, Mistress!" Qiu Hong added in support.

Xia Ruqing shot them a fierce glare, eyes like daggers!

"Fools!"

Shaken by Xia Ruqing’s intense stare, Qiu Tong and Qiu Hong fell silent. They hastened to outfit her, and mistress with maids hurried to Jiaofang Hall.

None below Sixth Rank could pay homage inside to the Empress. As Seventh-Rank Lady, Xia Ruqing knelt merely at Jiaofang Hall’s entrance, performing three kowtows.

Yu Lan, First-Rank Senior Palace Maid of the Empress’s household, emerged to greet her.

"Her Majesty notes Lady Xia must be weary from attending the Emperor, so return swiftly to rest!" Yu Lan conveyed. She offered a lacquered tray draped in red silk. Unveiling it displayed jadeite pins and ornaments—modest quality yet finely crafted.