A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 5 - 4 Noble Concubine Shih
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Thin wisps of rain floated down from the heavens, an autumn drizzle banishing the final traces of Indian summer's warmth.
Xia Ruqing rushed back home to clean up and gather a few necessities before proceeding to Jiaofang Hall.
Yu Lan welcomed her once more, displaying even more politeness this time. "The ground is damp and chilly. Her Majesty the Empress instructs Lady Xia to forgo the formalities!"
By the time she heard this, Xia Ruqing had completed her kowtow and sneered silently to herself.
Still, she kept up a deferential front outwardly, accepted the gift, voiced her thanks, and left alongside her two maids.
Regrettably, Xia Ruqing crossed paths with the concubines en route to pay respects to the Empress.
The Emperor boasted a large harem, though few occupied lofty positions. Apart from Noble Concubine Shih, the Four Consorts of Fei rank included Consort Ning and Consort Yun. Within the Nine Concubines of Pin rank stood Consort Hui Pin and Consort Zheng Pin. These ladies were all seasoned figures from the Eastern Palace. The others had joined via last year's selection draft, bearing mostly the titles of Lady or Honored Lady.
"This servant pays respects to the Noble Consort, to all Your Ladyships, and to all the Honored Ladies!"
Xia Ruqing dropped into the kneeling salute. She recognized only Noble Concubine Shih leading the group; the others blurred together in her thoughts.
Noble Concubine Shih donned a Tao Hong Yunjin robe, featuring bold and vibrant Shao Yao embroidery. Her hair rose in an elaborate updo, crowned with a complete array of pomegranate-red agate and gold Bu Yao, plus a Phoenix Crown. Her phoenix eyes sparkled with dazzling brilliance; her beauty stood out remarkably.
The palace maids trailing her dressed in lavish finery as well. They displayed profound deference, cradling a dainty floral silk umbrella above her. Her whole bearing radiated power, elegance, and splendor.
"Are you Lady Xia?" Noble Concubine Shih advanced leisurely, gazing down imperiously at Xia Ruqing.
"It is indeed this servant!" Xia Ruqing cast her eyes downward, seeming utterly obedient.
Noble Concubine Shih fixed her gaze on Xia Ruqing for quite some time before issuing a chilly laugh and drawling, "This Noble Consort recalls that Ladies are forbidden from overnighting in Zichen Hall. Does Lady Xia fail to grasp the palace rules?"
Already uneasy under that intense scrutiny, Xia Ruqing's heart jolted at those words, prompting her to kowtow once more in haste.
"This servant erred and violated the rules. Please, Your Grace, mete out punishment!"
"Since you recognize your offense, then transcribe the Women’s Precepts a hundred times!" Noble Concubine Shih declared, brimming with self-satisfaction.
"Yes, Your Grace."
Noble Concubine Shih swept away contentedly. Xia Ruqing at last rose from the sodden earth. Upon reaching Zhaohua Pavilion, her attire clung soaked to her skin.
Though equipped with an umbrella, the extended kneel on the slick ground had thoroughly drenched her. After a quick change of garments, Xia Ruqing settled onto the kang bed, nestling into the warm covers, as Qiu Hong and Qiu Tong attended her closely, presenting hot tea.
"Noble Concubine Shih truly loves sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong; the Empress herself stayed silent!" Qiu Hong burst out, indignation flushing her features.
"I figure she’s envious of our lady gaining the Emperor’s favor, and it eats at her!" Qiu Hong continued, smirking triumphantly.
"Quiet!" Xia Ruqing snapped.
"How dare you gossip about the Noble Consort behind her back! Slap your own faces right now!" Xia Ruqing offered no leniency.
"My lady?!" Shock widened their eyes.
"Slap your faces! Twenty times apiece!" Xia Ruqing commanded firmly.
Hesitation flickered in their gazes, yet they knelt deliberately and started striking their cheeks.
After finishing, Xia Ruqing dismissed them and summoned Xiao Xizi.
"My Lady..." Xiao Xizi, sharp as ever, drew near warily.
"No need to fear." Noting his demeanor, Xia Ruqing gentled her voice.
Even so, Xiao Xizi stayed on guard.
"How long have you three served me?" Xia Ruqing inquired, sipping from her steaming tea.
"Answering Your Ladyship, precisely one year!"
Xia Ruqing set aside her cup, face grave, and asked, "Would you consent... to remain at my side forever?"
Xiao Xizi dropped to his knees instantly at those words.
"This servant trembles in fear, yet yearns to stay by Your Ladyship eternally!" he vowed, banging his head repeatedly in kowtows.
"My Lady, beg you not to dismiss this servant!" Anxiety gripped Xiao Xizi.
Unfamiliar with such fervor, Xia Ruqing bid him rise promptly, adding, "Have you considered it carefully? Following me means tough times too! Should disloyalty ever surface later, expect no mercy from me!"
"My Lady, such words! From the moment this servant joined you, leaving never crossed my mind. This servant pledges lifelong service!" Xiao Xizi, barely into his teens, uttered bashfully.
His youth lent sincerity to his pledge.
"Very well, henceforth excel in your tasks and stay vigilant!" Xia Ruqing instructed, her look warming.
"Yes, My Lady!" Xiao Xizi kowtowed with thrill.
"My Lady, lunch preferences? This servant heads to the Imperial Kitchen to arrange it!" With his mistress favored now, the staff there vied to please.
Xia Ruqing eyed the overcast sky, musing, ’A bowl of noodles against the chill—chewy strands in piping soup. Stir in chili paste and rice vinegar. Handle the rest!’ Rain-soaked today, sour-spicy fare would chase away the cold.
Xiao Xizi bowed and dashed off astutely.
Xia Ruqing approached the window, contemplated the pattering rain beyond, firmed her determination, grasped her brush, and began inscribing deliberately.
...
「Jiaofang Hall」
"Your Highness, Noble Concubine Shih departed our palace to visit the Empress Dowager!" Yu Lan informed.
The Empress's eyes narrowed faintly before curving into a smile.
"Your Highness is right! She’s merely a Lady after all. What threat could she pose?"
As she spoke, Yu Lan offered a bowl of milk custard to the Empress.
The Empress toyed with it using a tiny silver spoon yet refrained from tasting, her thoughts drifting afar.
Moments later, she directed, "Fetch bolts of top-quality cloth from the small storeroom, pick fine jewels too. Deliver them to Lady Xia!"