A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 502: I Misunderstood You

Noticing the Emperor’s gaze, Xia Tingfeng glanced at the bandage on his wrist and explained, "The young lady needed a blood transfusion, and it happened that my blood was a match, so..."

Zhao Junyao’s lips curved into a smile as he interrupted, "You really are a knight with a tender heart! They say heroes have a weakness for beauty, but in my opinion, that young lady isn’t even as pretty as Miss Ni!" Zhao Junyao teased him with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

Zhao Junyao then advised him, "If you really like that girl, at least wait a while! Wait until Miss Ni becomes your wife, and after a year or so, then you can bring the other girl into your home as a concubine. Wouldn’t that work? Do you have to do it now?!"

This barrage of questions, like a series of bombs, completely stunned Xia Tingfeng. He was astonished for a long moment before he realized the Emperor was talking about him. The young lady... the one he had saved today.

Xia Tingfeng remained stunned for a good while before he finally exclaimed in surprise, "Your Majesty, when did I ever say I wanted to marry that young lady? How are these things even related?"

Zhao Junyao stood up, walked slowly over to him, and whispered meaningfully in his ear, "You don’t have to be afraid. I will definitely keep this secret for you!"

After saying that, he patted Xia Tingfeng on the shoulder. "Pull yourself together. Don’t make me lose face!"

Xia Tingfeng was speechless. After a moment of shock, his expression suddenly turned solemn. He knelt on one knee and cupped his fists. "Your Majesty! I saved that young lady because she greatly resembles my benefactor, the one who saved my life! Manxue described such a young lady in her letter! I don’t know if it’s her, but I could not stand by and let her die!"

He spoke these words with clear, resonant conviction and utmost integrity.

Now it was Zhao Junyao’s turn to be stunned. He asked in amazement, "The hunter you went searching for in the mountains... was a woman?"

Xia Tingfeng quickly nodded. "Yes, a woman! Manxue said the young lady had a hard life, orphaned and living alone, supporting herself by hunting!"

Zhao Junyao paused for a moment, then rubbed his nose. He then... cleared his throat twice before speaking. "Alright, it seems I misunderstood you! I never would have imagined the hunter you spoke of was a woman!"

Fortunately, the misunderstanding was cleared up.

"You may rise," said the Emperor.

"Yes!" replied Xia Tingfeng, finally breathing a sigh of relief as he stood up.

Zhao Junyao also relaxed, his suspicions dispelled. "I had thought you were truly so heartless," he remarked.

Xia Tingfeng quickly bowed his head. "Your Majesty, I wouldn’t dare!"

Zhao Junyao took a sip of tea and waved his hand dismissively. "Enough of that. Let’s not speak of this any longer! How is the young lady’s injury?"

Xia Tingfeng reported, "She has had a partial blood transfusion and is no longer in mortal danger! The Imperial Physician has prescribed medication, and she is still recuperating."

Zhao Junyao nodded. "Then all is well. We will stay here for ten days to half a month. She should be recovered by then, and it won’t be too late to send her on her way!"

"Yes!" Xia Tingfeng bowed his head in agreement.

「Later that evening」

It was getting late, and the dinner preparations were nearly complete. The spread consisted of fresh mountain produce and game from the day’s hunt. Being outside the palace, they weren’t strictly bound by traditional recipes. The Imperial Kitchen showcased its skills, transforming a single wild pheasant into several dishes, each boasting enticing colors, aromas, and flavors. There were meat dishes and vegetarian options, this and that, adding up to easily a hundred different dishes. While not as visually stunning or lavish as the imperial banquets in the palace, the enticing fragrance wafted from afar. The taste was excellent!

That evening, Zhao Junyao joined the Civil and Military Officials at The Summer Resort for drinks and moon-gazing. Although the Mid-Autumn Festival was still half a month away, the moonlight in the mountains was already beautiful. If the moon wasn’t enough, there were bonfires to illuminate the night, ensuring a lively gathering.

「Meanwhile, in the back courtyards」

The consorts in the back courtyards also received dishes sent from the front. There was game and vegetarian fare, all exquisitely prepared. The Empress received twelve dishes, and Consort Ning received ten. Consort Xian Pin and Consort Hui Pin each had eight dishes, while Consort Zheng Pin and Consort Yun Pin both had six. Shih Jieyu was allotted four dishes, and the remaining Honored Ladies received two each. The distribution was strictly according to rank, leaving no room for dispute. However, two dishes for the Honored Ladies seemed rather meager. Therefore, the Imperial Kitchen later added a few more pastries to make their portions more presentable.

「In Xia Ruqing’s courtyard」

Little Zhuzi was the one who delivered the dishes to Xia Ruqing’s courtyard.

Zi Yue smiled. "Why is it you delivering the dishes? Why not someone from the Imperial Kitchen?"

Little Zhuzi chuckled. "How should this servant answer such a question, Miss?"