Chapter 1257: Chapter 1257
Zi Yue tilted her head and smiled.
"Did I say anything wrong?"
"With so many people in the harem, how many masters are as skilled and clever as you?"
"And among all these palace maids and eunuchs, how many can taste the dishes personally cultivated by the master?!"
"Although they’re not rare things, this kind of dignity is truly uncommon!"
"In other palaces, it’s already considered good if the master doesn’t beat or scold them!"
Zi Yue spoke sincerely.
Xia Ruqing was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
"Alright, alright, this flattery is almost breaking my neck!"
It’s just a few vegetables, she simply didn’t want to waste them.
As for the rest, she truly didn’t think too much about it!
Zi Yue chuckled.
"Master, this servant is not flattering, many palace attendants outside envy us!!"
Xia Ruqing waved her hand.
"I’m just passing the time, enriching life, that’s all!"
"You are too..."
Just as the master and servant were chatting, footsteps suddenly came from outside.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Xia Ruqing quickly got up to greet.
Zhao Junyao, dressed in a deep purple casual robe, strode in, followed by Li Shengan.
After the ceremonial greetings.
Xia Ruqing welcomed him into the inner hall and hurriedly assisted with changing clothes and serving tea.
Seeing Zhao Junyao’s fatigue.
She cautiously asked.
"Has the Emperor eaten?"
Zhao Junyao casually replied.
"I don’t have much appetite, just ate a little casually!"
Xia Ruqing didn’t say much more, just said.
"Hot water is ready, please take a bath to relieve fatigue!"
"I will prepare a midnight snack for you!"
Zhao Junyao didn’t mind.
After changing, he strode to the bathroom.
Xia Ruqing ordered some congee to be simmered, prepared a few dishes of refreshing side dishes, and also some local snacks from Chef Jiang’s hometown.
When everything was prepared.
Zhao Junyao came out refreshed and saw the table set with food and congee.
The heat, restless mood, and exhaustion of a busy day dissipated considerably.
Xia Ruqing smiled and introduced.
"These dishes are personally grown by me, freshly picked today; you must taste them well!"
"Oh?"
Zhao Junyao’s eyes lit up, suddenly interested, and he sat down at the small table.
He picked up a chopstick of cold mixed beans.
The tangy crisp taste instantly conquered his palate.
Saliva secreted in his mouth, and his appetite opened instantly.
Zhao Junyao tasted each dish and congee on the table in turn.
Except for Chef Jiang’s spicy snacks that he ate little of, he ate most of the rest.
Looking at the mess on the table.
Zhao Junyao suddenly felt sentimental.
"In the blink of an eye, you’ve been in the palace for fifteen years!"
"Time really flies!"
He remembered his initial fondness for her began with these unique delicacies!
At that time.
Whenever he felt stressed and disturbed, he liked to run to her side.
This little girl could always provide some timely care and sympathy.
Letting him enjoy life while instantly forgetting those unhappy matters.
Others, upon seeing him, would try their best to curry favor and desperately seek benefits.
She, however, was not like that!
Others liked to scheme and create discord, whispering maliciously.
She never complained, her little face always radiating happiness and satisfaction.
This cheerful face was too pleasing.
He’s looked at it for ten years and never tired of it.
Probably, he will never tire of it in this lifetime!
Xia Ruqing had no idea what he was thinking, she simply echoed his sentiments.
"Time indeed goes by fast!"
"In the blink of an eye, I’ve been by the Emperor’s side all these years!"
Initially, she was an unfavored little Lady, nothing but a cannon fodder in the harem.
Unexpectedly, over these years...
She’s climbed from a little Lady step by step to the Empress’s throne.
Saying she didn’t want this seat is a lie, but it’s truly exhausting.
Before, as a Lady, she always felt like a concubine, constantly thinking.
’Someday I wish I could be the main wife, rely on the Emperor like a towering unyielding tree, the sense of security would be enormous! And never have to kneel before anyone, life would be so wonderful!’
Yet... after these years, when she finally sat as Empress.
She realized she’s not as happy as she imagined.
Xia Ruqing smiled bitterly.
’Look, people are never satisfied!’
Zhao Junyao caressed her smooth, fair cheek, gently rubbing as if touching the world’s most precious gemstone.
After a while, he faintly smiled.
"Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival, still busy!"
"Hurry and sleep!"
Xia Ruqing nodded.
"Alright!"
The Emperor and Empress rest entwined.
...
The following day.
The weather was clear, sunny and bright.
At the pavilion by the Taiye Pool in the Imperial Garden, palace maids and eunuchs were bustling around early, arranging the venue.
There were exquisite wines, fresh fruits and vegetables, the most delicious dishes, and the finest female singers and dancers.
Additionally, each palace and courtyard were distributed with festival items like dumplings, mugwort, and realgar wine.
The harem was filled with the fragrance of mugwort, creating quite an enjoyable scene.
Amidst the lively preparations for the palace banquet.
In a small house near the Cold Palace.
Shih Wanxin arrived early, quietly.
"Sister Manman, are you ready?"
Luo Manman was grooming herself, inserting a fresh daisy in her black hair bun, and smiled.
"Rest assured! I have my plans!"
As she spoke, her eyes flickered with cold light.
Shih Wanxin was finally relieved.
"Everything you’ve asked for, I’ve instructed as per your requirements! Guaranteed foolproof!"
Luo Manman smiled seductively.
"Good!"
"Truly my excellent helper!"
Shih Wanxin also smiled.
"You better not disappoint me!"
Luo Manman’s expression turned slightly, coldly laughing.
"Wait for my good news!"
After confirming everything was set, Shih Wanxin left quietly while no one was watching.
Now, it’s up to Luo Manman!
...
Noon.
The palace banquet was in full swing.
Concubines were chatting joyfully, exchanging drinks in front of the Emperor and Empress, saying all sorts of flattering remarks.
Occasionally, they amused everyone with laughter.
Or captivated them with joy and delight.
In short, they spared no effort to display their talents before the Emperor.
Whether singing or dancing, demonstrating talents, or showing skills in various arts like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
The goal is to leave an impression on the Emperor.
If they could gain some favor, making their life better, even better.
Xia Ruqing was not surprised, pretending not to notice.
The banquet atmosphere was still fairly harmonious.
But then suddenly, an unfamiliar palace maid screamed as she ran in.
"Not good!"
"Emperor, Empress, something terrible has happened!"
"Attendant Luo has been pushed into the lake, quickly help!"
