Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1049 - 108: Noble Princess Consort Rong Regains Imperial Favor (Part 4)

"Madam, everything I said is true."

"The Empress isn’t quite as aged as you claimed." Noble Princess Consort Ying told the plain truth; though illness had made Empress Xie seem more mature over recent years, she was nowhere near the withered crone that the palace maid had portrayed.

For years, Empress Xie knew her health was failing, leaving her face weary and prematurely wrinkled. Desperate to hold onto her allure, she secretly ingested numerous remedies, scarcely keeping her features intact. But those substances left a strange aroma on her body, explaining why the Emperor shunned her and avoided stepping into Zhao Yang Palace.

"Madam, the Empress always looks down on you, so why has she abruptly called you for tea? What plot is she hatching?" The palace maid gasped in alarm, "Madam, does the Empress intend to harm you?"

"She lacks the guts." Noble Princess Consort Ying gently waved the ornate round fan she held, "She’s trying to pull me to her side to assist with Prince Jing."

"Ah, how bold of her to request your help for them?"

"Isn’t it due to Noble Princess Consort Rong regaining the Emperor’s favor?" Noble Princess Consort Ying curled her lips in a sly half-smile, "The Empress and Prince Jing are terrified."

The palace maid got it instantly, "That explains it. Madam, you absolutely must not help them."

Noble Princess Consort Ying sneered, "I’m no idiot."

"Madam is so shrewd."

"Oh, and tell the kitchen to whip up some ice sherbet for me; I plan to deliver it to His Majesty soon." Prince Han’s frozen treats were simply delectable and cooling. Even out in Swamp Prefecture, Prince Han hadn’t stopped inventing scrumptious goodies. Because of him, she savored endless gourmet pleasures within the palace walls.

"I’ll head there immediately."

Shortly after, Noble Princess Consort Ying brought the newly prepared ice sherbet to the Imperial Study.

Whenever Noble Princess Consort Ying came to the Imperial Study, the Emperor never turned her away. This privilege alone stirred jealousy in countless harem concubines.

The Emperor savored the ice sherbet Noble Princess Consort Ying had brought and heard her bring up the Empress’s invitation for tea the next day.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has never once asked me for tea before. This unexpected summons reeks of intrigue; I refuse to attend." In the Emperor’s presence, Noble Princess Consort Ying remained frank and daring, voicing her thoughts freely. "Plus, the tea at the Empress’s palace doesn’t suit my taste anyway."

The Emperor grasped why the Empress had summoned Noble Princess Consort Ying for tea, "She’s invited you, so attend; it might yield some gains."

Noble Princess Consort Ying dismissed it with a wave, "I daren’t take any favors from the Empress."

"Go ahead fearlessly and hear what she has to say."

Noble Princess Consort Ying shot the Emperor a coquettish pout, "If Your Majesty insists I go, then I shall. But Your Majesty, should the Empress mistreat me, you must protect me."

"Naturally."

Noble Princess Consort Ying dropped the topic of the Empress and shifted to chatting about the ice sherbet the Emperor enjoyed, inevitably mentioning Zhao Yao as well.

"Your Majesty, has Prince Han come up with any fresh tasty inventions lately? I’m dying to sample more of Prince Han’s culinary wonders."

"That rascal’s been occupied picking fruits these days; he’ll ship some over shortly." The Emperor replied, grinning.

"What a delight that’ll be! Lingnan boasts fruits unknown in the capital." Noble Princess Consort Ying expressed her excitement, "Your Majesty, when they arrive, please bestow a generous share upon me."

"It hinges on how well you behave."

"Your Majesty..." Noble Princess Consort Ying playfully pulled at the Emperor’s sleeve, feigning petulance.

Sun Kui, standing nearby, caught sight of the moment, promptly lowered his head, and hastily exited the Imperial Study.

Sun Doudou spotted Sun Kui emerging and showed no surprise whatsoever.

"Master, let me watch the door; you head to the back to refresh yourself."

"I’m not hot."

"Master, with Noble Princess Consort Ying inside, she probably won’t leave anytime soon; no need to serve her yourself—take this chance to rest." Every time Noble Princess Consort Ying entered the Imperial Study, she departed only the following morning; this visit would follow suit.

"I’m not weary; I’ll keep watch right here at the entrance."

Sun Doudou sidled up to Sun Kui, using a fan to cool his master. Before long, they spotted the Chief Eunuch from Noble Princess Consort Rong’s palace approaching with a food box in hand.

Both master and disciple noticed this, and odd looks crossed their faces.