A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 6 - 5 Illness Outbreak
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
She continued, "Sister Shih has served the Emperor for too long already. Someone ought to help lighten her load!" With those words, she ladled a spoonful of milk custard into her mouth, delighting in its sugary flavor.
"Yes! This servant will head there right away!"
「...」
In Ningshou Palace, Noble Concubine Shih fumed with resentment. "My niece is too timid to rival the Empress, yet now even a simple Lady Xia ranks above me!"
Empress Dowager Shih sighed in exasperation. "Just a lowly Lady, and it bothers you this much? You hold the rank of Noble Consort yourself! In the entire harem, only the Empress stands above you!"
"But..."
"No buts!"
The Empress Dowager earnestly counseled her once more, "The Emperor remains utterly impartial in the harem, never showing bias. Yet he favors you above all others! Not even the Empress receives such treatment. It stems from your unique connection. Don’t squander his kindness!"
"Yes!" Noble Concubine Shih held her tongue, lowering her head submissively to accept the scolding.
「...」
Having accepted the Empress’s present, Xia Ruqing made her way to Jiaofang Hall right after lunch to offer thanks in person.
The downpour persisted. Though cloaked, Xia Ruqing shivered from the cold. Kneeling on wet ground that morning worsened it, leading to a fever by evening.
"My Lady, this is grave! Summon the Imperial Physician at once!"
"Yes, My Lady, don’t put it off!"
Qiu Hong and Qiu Tong panicked wildly, leaving Xia Ruqing dizzy with frustration.
Summoning the Imperial Physician now would spark rumors across the harem.
Grinding her teeth, Xia Ruqing commanded, "Both of you, leave!"
They shared a look, sealed their lips, and retreated grudgingly.
Xia Ruqing summoned Xiao Xizi and inquired, "Any charcoal from last year remaining?"
"A little is left. Should this servant ignite it for you?"
Xia Ruqing nodded, then directed, "Prepare strong ginger tea for me, with brown sugar added."
Xiao Xizi agreed and hurried to make it.
She curled up by the brazier, gulped down a big bowl of hot ginger tea, then burrowed under the blankets to sweat it out.
Exempt from morning greetings, she slumbered past dawn the next day. Awakening, her underclothes were drenched.
A steamy bath and fresh attire later, Xia Ruqing felt much revived.
Xiao Xizi entered beaming, food box in hand.
"My Lady, fish soup graces our breakfast today!"
"Little Weizi from the Imperial Kitchen mentioned the fish was newly caught and stewed overnight. It’s still steaming hot—savor it warm!"
As he chattered, Xiao Xizi arranged the dishes.
Breakfast featured crystal buns, fried dumplings, fish soup, and fresh fruits—filling nearly half the table.
Sated, Xia Ruqing returned to bed; no choice there. Ancient remedies were basic, and a chill was dangerous.
「...」
Xia Ruqing improved steadily, yet word inevitably leaked.
The Empress, learning of it, smiled slyly. "What a smart one she is!"
"Should this spread, her feud with Noble Concubine Shih will be irreversible!"
"Then, does Your Highness plan to...?" Yu Lan probed.
"Naturally! How can I let such a sweet little sister endure this?" the Empress replied with a grin.
Days later, as the Emperor dined at Jiaofang Hall, the Empress casually mentioned it.
True to form, Zhao Junyao’s brow furrowed. The Empress flashed a soothing smile.
"I, Your Concubine, spoke carelessly!"
Zhao Junyao paused briefly, then stated, "She’s ill, so send an Imperial Physician."
He continued, "Lady Xia acts wisely; elevate her position."
The Empress beamed. "Your Concubine thought the same!"
「...」
After days of rain, skies cleared, and Xia Ruqing’s cold nearly vanished.
On this brisk autumn morning, Xia Ruqing wandered the Imperial Garden with Xiao Xizi.
Returning, she spotted eunuchs and an elderly Imperial Doctor with his medicine box waiting in Zhaohua Pavilion’s yard.
Spotting her, they rushed to bow. "Greetings, Lady Xia."
Xia Ruqing blinked in confusion. "Who might you be?"
"Lady, Her Majesty the Empress dispatched this lowly official to check your pulse," the Imperial Physician announced, advancing.
Xia Ruqing eyed the young eunuchs. "And you all?"
"Congratulations, Lady Xia! By Her Majesty the Empress’s gracious edict, sensible and dutiful Lady Xia ascends to Sixth Rank Honored Lady! These gifts are yours, Honored Lady," the head eunuch proclaimed.
With that, he unlocked a chest, retrieved a red-lacquered carved case, and offered it.
It hit her suddenly. Rage surged; she shot glares at Qiu Tong and Qiu Hong!
Under her fierce gaze, Qiu Hong and Qiu Tong fidgeted, plastering on smiles. "Congratulations, My Lady! Joyous tidings, My Lady!"
Their fake cheer sickened Xia Ruqing. She shot them an icy look and turned aside.
Regaining composure, Xia Ruqing spoke deferentially, "This servant is deeply grateful for Her Majesty the Empress’s lavish favor! I’ll go kowtow to her personally soon."
"You’re most gracious, Honored Lady! Her Majesty insists you prioritize recovery—no need to kowtow. Rest up," the lead eunuch responded.
"This servant will eternally cherish Her Majesty’s benevolence!" Xia Ruqing vowed, bowing toward Jiaofang Hall.
She called, "Xiao Xizi."
Xiao Xizi held ready purses.
"The chill deepens. Gentlemen, warm yourselves with hot tea!"
"Many thanks for your kindness, Honored Lady!" The eunuchs took the purses; Xiao Xizi courteously escorted them away.
Inside, the Imperial Physician pulsed her. No grave issues remained, so he prescribed mild tonics. Xia Ruqing courteously dismissed him.
Qiu Hong and Qiu Tong served tea. Fury boiling, Xia Ruqing flung the cups at their faces.
"My Lady!" They dropped to their knees.
"We’ve no idea our offense! Why strike and berate us, My Lady? Tell us, please!"
"Yes, My Lady! We’ve attended you since your palace entry. Even without grand deeds, we’ve toiled faithfully! You cannot simply..."
Xia Ruqing perched on the couch, eyes narrowed in chill fury.
Overwhelmed by wrath, she burst into sudden laughter.