A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 530: Chapter 530: He... Likes her?

His Imperial Father had always told him that romance only led to indecision. If one wished to achieve great things, one must be ruthless.

That was why he had immersed himself in studying and martial arts since he was young. He repressed all his emotions and strictly controlled his facial expressions. He strove to ensure his feelings never showed on his face. No one could glean his thoughts from his expression.

He grew up following the path His Imperial Father had set for him, step by step. Eventually, he became an emperor. At a young age, he could devise strategies and navigate with ease through the struggles between civil and military officials. His methods were steady and mature, his strategies extraordinary. He feared no conspiracy, no threat, no danger. Like a hero, he led his countless subjects bravely forward.

When it came to matters of state and military, he was an emperor, an invincible force. Yet, in the realm of emotions, he was like a simpleton. He... knew nothing; he had nothing.

His Imperial Father had taught him everything but had forgotten to teach him how to be a lover!

His Imperial Father had been wrong. How could a living, breathing person of flesh and blood be truly heartless?

Previously, he hadn’t understood. Now, he was slowly beginning to grasp it.

Qingqing, to him... She wasn’t merely a Wolf Hair Brush that was convenient to use, nor was she just an inkstone that ground fine ink. She was far more than just a woman who served him well.

She...

Outside, the sky had cleared, and the moon shone even brighter through the window. Its tranquil, watery light spilled into the vast, silent Zichen Hall.

Zhao Junyao suddenly smiled. Yes, it seemed something was beginning to sprout within his heart.

He... liked her?

「The next day」

Zhao Junyao, who had slept well during the night, looked very refreshed. His eyes and brows were touched with a smile.

Li Shengan, on the other hand, hadn’t slept well at all. He didn’t know what was wrong with the Emperor. He also didn’t know when the Emperor and Consort Xian Pin would reconcile.

His heart ached with worry! These two masters were truly a handful, each one so proud! The Emperor, well, that was understandable. But Consort Xian Pin, why couldn’t she be a little more considerate? The Emperor handled countless state affairs daily; it wasn’t easy for him. Why couldn’t she be more thoughtful? Did she have to cause such a scene and make things unpleasant for herself? It wasn’t just their masters who were suffering! Aren’t all of us Servants walking on a knife’s edge? Everyone had witnessed how the Emperor usually treated Consort Xian Pin. Sigh!

Li Shengan was pleasantly surprised to find that the Emperor seemed to be in a good mood today.

Could it be that last night... No, no, no, that’s impossible. The Emperor had only spoken with Lady Tao Hua in the Brothel for the time it took an incense stick to burn. Nothing could have happened; the Emperor couldn’t have been *that* quick. Don’t ask how he knew! So, it couldn’t have been at the Brothel. What was it then? Ah, it was best to just serve him diligently! Who could truly fathom the Emperor’s thoughts?

Zhao Junyao attended and left the court assembly as usual. There were still few petitions today. He returned a short while later and finished reviewing them. It still wasn’t time for lunch.

He went out, heading for the Imperial Garden.

In late autumn, the Imperial Garden didn’t have much to offer visually. Except for a few chrysanthemums stubbornly clinging to life, everything else was gone. Fallen leaves covered the ground in large swathes. It wasn’t that the Palace Attendants weren’t sweeping diligently enough; the leaves simply fell too quickly. Overnight, in just two or three Shi Chen, a thick layer would accumulate. To keep the ground spotless, they would have to sweep constantly.

Was it like this every year when this season arrived?

「Qingya Residence」

Today, Xia Ruqing went to pay her respects to the Empress. After all, she had feigned illness for two or three consecutive days. If she didn’t leave her quarters now, the vicious rumors would surely destroy her reputation. Thus, she chose to go out.

Early in the morning, she dressed in vibrant and beautiful attire. She put on the Jade Hairpin her brother had given her previously and stepped out. She wore a complete ensemble of smoky rose-colored Yunjin silk brocade, embroidered with clusters of Peonies. The lavishly embroidered brocade was exceptionally delicate and beautiful.

How could this be the attire of a woman who had fallen out of favor?

Consider Consort Zheng Pin, Consort Yun Pin, and others like them. Which of them possessed such radiant clothes? Every garment they owned was somewhat worn, no longer new. They showed no interest in the newly arrived fabrics, and the fine materials from their days of favor were already outmoded. Caught in indecision, every time they went out, they could only pick and choose carefully from what little they had. From the few presentable garments they possessed, they would select the brightest one.

But such smoky rose-colored Yunjin brocade was truly rare in the Harem. Therefore, her dressing so radiantly was also a way to prevent ridicule.

In the palace, people are quick to embellish success, but slow to offer aid in adversity. When encountering someone who had lost favor, refraining from kicking them when they were down was already a sign of genuine kindness.

「In Jiaofang Hall」

When everyone saw Consort Xian Pin, dressed so radiantly, their eyes lit up. They thought, After all, she is the mother of the Crown Prince. Even if she lost favor, it wouldn’t be too severe. Thus, no one ridiculed her to her face.

The Empress showed no discernible reaction, maintaining her usual demeanor of motherly grace and virtuous benevolence. As for what people might say behind her back, it was anyone’s guess.

Once the gathering dispersed, everyone began to leave Jiaofang Hall.

Consort Ning and Consort Zheng Pin walked ahead, chatting and laughing about various matters. They didn’t care at all that Xia Ruqing was right behind them. Consort Ning even deliberately looked back at her and gave a sweet smile.

”Little Sister Consort Zheng Pin, don’t you think... we in the Harem seem... free and of high status! Little do we realize, there’s nothing we can actually do! We can’t leave the palace, we can’t violate the rules, and we certainly mustn’t anger the Emperor! There are so many rules and regulations!!”

Consort Zheng Pin also glanced back at her obliquely. She deliberately covered her mouth and laughed. ”Haha... what can be done about it? We’ve always been well-behaved! We follow whatever the rules dictate! After all, we’re not like some people who violate the rules, show no remorse, and still dare to appear in public!”

After saying that, the two of them deliberately looked back. Their intent to mock was all too clear.

Consort Ning then said pretentiously, ”Consort Xian Pin is behind us. Little Sister Consort Zheng Pin, you mustn’t speak carelessly; it would be bad if she overheard!” With that, she glanced back smugly, intentionally raising her voice.

Xia Ruqing almost burst out laughing. This wasn’t about preventing her from hearing; they deliberately wanted her to hear!

The two women in front walked slower and slower, as if doing so deliberately. Xia Ruqing couldn’t overtake them. Consort Ning held a higher status and rightfully walked ahead; that was the rule.

But what gave Consort Zheng Pin the right to walk ahead so complacently? Look how quickly these people change their tune with the slightest shift in palace dynamics.

Xia Ruqing, however, somewhat understood them. Lacking the ability to win genuine favor, they could at least find opportunities to indulge in some malicious gossip. After all, a few snide remarks wouldn’t cause any substantial harm, and no one would punish them severely for it! At worst, it merely showed their ignorance of proper conduct.

A flicker of irony crossed her eyes. Without a word, she continued to follow slowly behind them.

It was only a short stretch where their paths coincided. Once they rounded the bend, she would take a different route anyway!