A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 815: She Really Has Gotten Smarter

"But now the Late Emperor is dead, and by his side, there’s only you!"

The Empress Dowager nodded and sighed deeply.

"Let it be!"

"Those matters of the past have passed, and the evidence is long gone!" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"He has no evidence, ultimately he can’t do anything to me!"

Sister Qing smiled.

"That’s how it should be!"

"You, just comfortably be the Empress Dowager!"

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly and didn’t say anything further.

She picked up the tonic soup, just about to continue drinking, when she suddenly thought of something.

"Wanxin didn’t come?"

Sister Qing shook her head.

"Just now... she left as soon as the banquet ended, didn’t come!"

"Did she send any servants over?" the Empress Dowager asked again.

Sister Qing shook her head again.

"No!"

The Empress Dowager squinted her eyes in thought and praised.

"She’s indeed learned to be clever!"

"Not bad, can endure temperament for the long run!"

"In my life, haven’t I endured as well?"

Sister Qing nodded in agreement.

The Empress Dowager asked again.

"Is the wine she wanted prepared?"

"It’s been prepared long ago, just waiting for the best opportunity!" Sister Qing replied.

"Mm!"

"The timing should be chosen well, the Emperor has been patient, can’t provoke him further!"

"Best to find an opportunity where he makes a mistake himself!"

Sister Qing frowned.

"Such an opportunity is rare!"

The Empress Dowager grinned.

"So, we must wait slowly!" You can’t eat hot tofu impatiently!

...

March passed quickly, in the blink of an eye it was the end of the month.

Life in the palace was rarely peaceful.

Noble Concubine Shih managed the harem diligently, arranging everything appropriately.

For a while, the entire harem held great respect for her.

Over at Duanning Palace, Xia Ruqing enjoyed leisure with her three children.

Chenchen read diligently every day, leaving early and returning late, basically not requiring her concern.

Henger and Yeye were still young, cared for very attentively by the Wetnurse Sister.

As their mother, she hardly had to do anything, just responsible for accompanying in play, not much worry.

In her spare time.

She would plant flowers and grasses, read and write.

Occasionally, when the mood struck, she would paint some pictures or cook a few dishes, quite leisurely.

Zhao Junyao on this end.

There was not much happening on the court.

The situation of memorials piling up was quite rare.

Usually reviewing them in the morning session, he could finish before lunch.

During free time.

Sometimes he would take Chenchen and Honghong to stroll around the training ground.

Sometimes he would take Little Fifth and Little Seventh for a private visit outside the palace.

Sometimes he would go to the Three Great Camps and Ministry of War for military reviews.

Overall, the court and harem were very peaceful.

Thus, entering April.

Inside Duanning Palace.

Xia Ruqing felt slightly restless from leisure.

Every day waiting eagerly for the Emperor to come and tell her about things outside the palace.

Sometimes unable to hold back, she would act coy, begging the Emperor to take her out of the palace.

But each time, Zhao Junyao would smile and ask.

"How many days do you want to go? Will you take the children?"

Xia Ruqing would then start to be conflicted.

Taking them, there’s no place to go, carriage rides being exhausting, the children too young to endure.

Not taking them, she feels uneasy.

Having just moved into the palace, even though surrounded by trusted aides, she still isn’t assured.

Thought over and over, she decided not to go.

"When they’re a bit older, when they’re a bit older, I’ll be at ease!"

Zhao Junyao laughed at her.

"Why not be as unconstrained as last year!"

Last year they even stayed at the South Garden for a few days!

Xia Ruqing blushed.

"At that time, we were staying at Qingya Residence, the place is small, I lived there for many years so I felt assured!"

"This place feels unfamiliar, leaving the children behind I can’t be at ease!"

Zhao Junyao ruffled her hair.

"If you don’t want to go then don’t!"

"Isn’t your sister about to arrange a marriage? If you have time, you can go out of the palace to take a look!"

This one day, half a day, shouldn’t be worrisome!

Xia Ruqing was stunned upon hearing, her eyes lit up.

"Why didn’t I think of this?"

"Cai Yang planning marriage, this is a joyous occasion, wonder how Second Aunt made the selection"

"Also, I haven’t seen my little nephew yet!"

"This time I must meet him!"

These words, Zhao Junyao didn’t know how to respond.

He’s an Emperor, how could he be involved in such matters.

So he simply picked up a book, reading while sipping tea.

On the third day of April.

Xia Ruqing decided to leave the palace to visit home.

She was already a First-Rank Noble Consort.

No need to sneak out, it’s not good for others to know.

As long as there’s an imperial decree, returning home is reasonable.

But this visit home, according to rules, is quite grand.

It’s unpleasant.

So it’s better to consider it as a private visit.

Thus she didn’t wear formal attire.

Just selected slightly formal palace clothing, prepared the simplest carriage then went out.

Even so, almost wore out the Butler of Hou Mansion.

She left the palace in the morning, spending over half a Shi Chen on the road.

Upon arriving at Hou Mansion came a round of kneeling welcome.

By the time they truly sat down, it was already time for lunch!

"Second Aunt, Manxue, finally I returned to have a meal, don’t just focus on formalities!"

"Let’s keep it simple!"

Lady Wen hurriedly explained.

"Precisely because Madam Consort seldom returns, we should host properly, dare not neglect!"

Ni Manxue also nodded promptly.

"Indeed Madam Consort, the garden banquet is already prepared, no trouble, let’s start the banquet now!"

Xia Ruqing felt some amusement along with helplessness.

Reluctantly she had to be ushered by them to the garden.

The dishes were the finest.

Several dishes were personally cooked by Lady Wen.

Seeing these dishes evoked deep memories, a pang of sadness inside.

Xia Ruqing tasted a bite, thoughtfully said.

"Second Aunt’s cooking is as delicious as in childhood!"

"Back then if it weren’t for Second Aunt, I don’t know whether I would have survived!"

Lady Wen was somewhat fearful.

"Madam Consort shouldn’t say such words!"

"You are genuinely the legitimate young lady, when Madam was alive, she took quite good care of us mother and son!"

"I did these out of rightful duty!"

"You not disliking my rough cooking is good!"

Xia Ruqing shook her head.

"What are you saying, even a droplet of kindness should be repaid abundantly, I always remember your kindness!"

"However..."

Xia Ruqing’s tone shifted.

Lady Wen and Ni Manxue exchanged a glance, listening with some unease.

Xia Ruqing paused for a while then slowly said.

"If you keep calling yourself ’I’, I will get mad!"

"Finally returning once, you’re being so distant, are you trying to drive me away!"

Lady Wen’s face changed drastically.

"Madam Consort misunderstood, how could I?"

Ni Manxue also looked uneasy.

"Indeed Madam Consort?"

Xia Ruqing glared at them, raising her brows.

"Hm? Still speaking?"

Ni Manxue then bowed her head, not daring to say more.

Lady Wen hesitated for a long time, remaining silent.

In the end, Xia Caiying softly called.

"Big sister!"

Xia Ruqing was finally pleased.

"Second Aunt, Sister-in-law, you are not as straightforward as Second Sister!"

"How good it is!"

"Come on, let’s eat!"

"Later I want to see the little nephew!"

"Hey! Alright!"

The four women chit-chatted and laughed, the atmosphere finally lively.