A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 922: The Empress Gravely Ill

Chun Xia paused, feeling a bit troubled.

"Madam, right now... where can we find fruitwood charcoal!"

As she spoke, she lowered her head, slightly aggrieved.

"Even this black charcoal, it’s still..."

Lady Yao glared.

"Still what?!"

"It’s still the servants who spared some for you, Madam!"

"Otherwise, even this wouldn’t be enough!"

Lady Yao gritted her teeth in anger.

"Wretched! This black charcoal is the cheapest, used by the servants for warmth in the manor!"

"She actually dared to let me use this!"

Chun Xia quickly chimed in.

"Indeed! You are a dignified madam; how can you use the same charcoal as the servants!"

Lady Yao was about to explode with rage.

She wanted to rush out to argue with Lady Wen.

But Chun Xia stopped her.

"Madam, you mustn’t go!"

"It’s already late night, and it’s icy and snowy outside; be careful not to harm yourself with the cold!"

"Moreover, the master is still angry with Madam!"

"If something happens now, it won’t benefit us at all!"

Lady Yao, feeling dizzy, massaged her forehead.

"Then what do you suggest we do?!"

Chun Xia advised.

"Madam, let’s bear it for now. Once the master calms down, we can leave!"

"By then, you can plead with him!"

"Perhaps, you could get back the authority of the steward..."

Lady Yao listened, pursing her lips and sneering.

"Get it back?!"

"That’s unlikely. Lady Wen, that wretch, who knows where she learned those seduction tricks!"

"She’s got the master thoroughly enchanted!"

"Have you seen the master glance at me since she returned?"

Saying this, she returned to bed.

"Forget it, forget it!"

"I can’t provoke her, but I can avoid her by sleeping, can’t I?"

This was the only option left.

A woman without a man’s affection doesn’t even qualify to be arrogant!

Chun Xia quickly stepped forward to assist.

"Madam is wise and sees things clearly!"

"Let me assist you in resting!"

"Hm!"

Lady Yao responded, lifted the quilt, and lay down.

The room was filled with black smoke, but it was warm enough.

It wasn’t unbearable to lie down.

Chun Xia found some old window paper to block the windows, then moved the lamp down.

Her room was in a row of low houses in the backyard.

Since Lady Yao didn’t have many maids around, she lived in her own room alone.

Though quite dilapidated, it was warm.

Upon entering.

She put down her things and comfortably snuggled into her warm bed.

She took a sip of hot tea from the stove, satisfied.

"The finest tea leaves are truly excellent!"

She placed the teacup down and warmed her hands over the fire pot with high-quality fruitwood charcoal.

Finally content, she lay down.

The bed was equipped with a hot-water bottle specifically for warming the bed.

Thanks to its presence, the bed remained warm for a long time.

Chun Xia blissfully closed her eyes, reflecting.

"Madam, oh Madam, you can’t blame me!"

"Ending up in this situation is your own doing!"

"Servants only derive some benefits from you!"

"Honestly, I’m quite loyal, aren’t I?"

There’s no betrayal.

Moreover, it’s not just her skimming off allocations.

The stewards, who handle allocations, and the maids who distribute them, each kept a share.

They ate meat; I only sipped a bit of soup!

It’s insignificant, isn’t it?!

...

The Xia family spent a relatively peaceful New Year.

As for the palace, it was... turbulent.

Everything was initially smooth sailing.

But on the night of the 27th of the lunar month.

News suddenly arrived from the Wanyue Nunnery outside the palace, claiming the Empress was gravely ill and might not make it.

The messenger was sent by Zhao Junyao.

Every move the Empress made at the Wanyue Nunnery was regularly reported to him.

Such a major incident, they naturally didn’t dare conceal.

They had to report it overnight.

After hearing the news, Zhao Junyao’s expression immediately darkened.

Not out of sadness for the Empress.

But thinking if she really takes a turn for the worse, this New Year would be ruined.

He was hoping for a good New Year.

Now again... forget it!

"Someone, bring her back here!"

"As quickly as possible!"

His gaze mingled with helplessness and coldness.

After all, she was still the Empress.

Living outside the palace was one thing, but dying outside was another.

The dignity of the Royal Family cannot be disregarded! The world must not be allowed to ridicule.

"Yes! I’ll handle it right away!"

Li Shengan promptly complied.

As he stepped out, sweat dotted his back.

Little Zhuzi hurriedly approached to ask.

"Master? What’s wrong?"

Li Shengan didn’t have the energy to knock on his head as usual, merely giving a weak warning.

"Don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked; go do what needs doing!"

Little Zhuzi also shrunk away in fear and retreated quietly.

...

The Wanyue Nunnery wasn’t far from the Capital City.

Two days was enough for a round trip.

Leaving on the night of the 27th and she could return the 29th.

Zhao Junyao didn’t hide it.

The next day, he let the Harem know.

Though surprised, everyone had to prepare to greet the Empress upon her return.

As long as the Emperor hadn’t deposed the Empress.

She remained Empress.

All the necessary protocols must be observed!

On the afternoon of the 29th.

Xia Ruqing woke from her nap and began selecting clothes.

"With talk of serious illness, uncertain of the situation, one shouldn’t dress too brightly!"

"It’s better to choose an outfit in muted colors!"

"This rice white pearl fabric is nice, paired with a set of jade ornaments!"

"Subtle yet elegant!"

Zi Yue smiled.

"Madam has such a discerning eye; this ensemble does seem fitting!"

As she spoke, she assisted in dressing, grooming, and beautifying her master.

Staring at herself in the mirror, Xia Ruqing murmured.

"If she’s genuinely sick, then fine!"

"But if her illness is a ploy to return to the palace..."

Zi Yue paused in surprise.

"Madam, that seems unlikely!"

"There are certainly the Emperor’s people at Wanyue Nunnery!"

"This message might’ve been sent by them!"

"If this is deceit, it means the Empress is way too..."

Xia Ruqing smiled faintly.

"Living in the palace all these years, anyone claiming to be without a few tricks won’t be believed. Let’s first see the situation!"

Empress, I hope I haven’t wronged you!

With these thoughts, she felt a sudden shock within.

What was she doing? Wishing someone dead?

Thinking it through, indeed she was!

The Empress had committed many evils over the years.

She even aimed for her life!

If not for her own resilience, she wouldn’t have survived until today.

Those to be pitied often have reprehensible traits.

She’s hoping for the Empress’s demise, so what?!

That was an enemy after all!

With attire and jewelry donned.

Xia Ruqing casually picked up a book, seated on the couch, passing the time while awaiting news.

The wait stretched into the evening.

The two Little Buns tired after playing and now hungry, pleaded for food. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

She herself was also famished.

Without much thought, she ordered.

"Serve the meal now!"

Can’t keep waiting endlessly, can we?!