CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 40: THE EMPRESS DOWAGER’S WORRIES

Xia Ruqing first served a bowl of noodles in a small, lidded bowl. She mixed a sauce with fine salt, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then tossed it with the noodles, adding some finely chopped green onion and shredded greens. Finally, she ladled a generous spoonful of fragrant beef sauce over the top.

The various foods released their own distinct, primal aromas without overpowering each other. Even the most unremarkable willow leaf noodles desperately exuded the characteristic sweet scent of cooked noodles.

Zhao Junyao’s stomach had already begun to protest wildly. Heaven knows how much effort he exerted to keep the ’grand chorus’ of his internal organs hidden beneath his poker face.

"Emperor, please enjoy your meal!" Xia Ruqing personally brought over a bowl of noodles.

Zhao Junyao accepted it and began to eat gracefully with his chopsticks.

Willow leaf noodles, compared to ordinary noodles, had another advantage—they weren’t awkward to eat. With regular long noodles, one had to slurp to enjoy them properly, but not with willow leaf noodles. The delicate little noodle leaves, coated in sauce, could be scooped up easily with a spoon. They were chewy, flavorful, elegant, and satisfying.

Zhao Junyao had quite a satisfying experience today. His appetite was wide open. From the fist-sized small lidded bowls, he ate six or seven in total. Pure wheat flour, mixed with bean flour, sweet potato flour, and assorted grain flours—he tried them all.

Always one to eat only until eighty percent full, this time he couldn’t control himself and ate until he was completely satisfied. In the end, he used the last remnant of his self-control to prevent himself from reaching ’one hundred and ten percent full.’

Of course, he couldn’t imagine that many more such opportunities awaited him in the future. But that, for now, is a matter best left untold.

Li Shengan watched as a glow of ’extreme satisfaction with the food’ appeared on the Emperor’s face. The anxiety in his heart could finally settle.

Lady Xia truly possesses skilled hands and a delicate heart; she always manages to suit the Emperor’s taste, he thought. The Emperor dislikes extravagance, and since his ascension, the dietary rules in the palace have been much simplified. This noodle dish—pure, natural, simple, and readily made—must surely be to His Majesty’s liking. It seems... Lady Xia will enjoy a period of favor, but it’s uncertain whether she can advance further. No matter what, serving her well certainly won’t be a mistake.

For several days in a row, Xia Ruqing accompanied the Emperor in the Imperial Study Room, and word spread to the Harem. The concubines were consumed with jealousy, gnashing their teeth and tearing countless handkerchiefs to shreds. But ultimately, no one dared to provoke the Emperor at this time.

The Empress, busy with New Year’s rituals, merely laughed lightly when she heard about it. "She’s just coaxing the Emperor to be happy. A mere Honored Lady cannot turn the world upside down!" After speaking, she waved her hand dismissively and paid it no more mind.

Noble Concubine Shih, however, hated Xia Ruqing intensely.

Why is she involved every time I suffer a setback!

Initially, when Noble Concubine Shih was punished by kneeling, Xia Ruqing had feigned illness and then deliberately let the Emperor see her copying "Women Precepts." Later, because Xia Ruqing frequently claimed illness, the Empress lost face. Noble Concubine Shih had managed to even the score then, her merits and demerits roughly cancelling out, so she hadn’t sought trouble with her.

But now, she’s out to steal my favor again! Just a few days ago in Ningshou Palace, my cousin stormed off, and the very next day, he summoned her to attend him. It most likely has something to do with Lady Xia! This little Honored Lady, constantly causing me grief, really needs to be taught a lesson!

In fact, Li Shengan had tried to advise the Emperor the following day. The gist of it was: Your Majesty, favoring Lady Xia so openly might attract animosity towards her!

Zhao Junyao shot him a sharp glare. "Whom I like and whom I favor is my decision. Do I need you to teach me?"

Li Shengan was so frightened he felt his soul might leave his body and dared not utter another word.

Actually, Zhao Junyao’s high-profile display of favor was partly because he was genuinely pleased with Lady Xia. Secondly, it was a demonstration of his authority! He was the Emperor, and he would not allow anyone to sway him—not his ministers, and not the Empress Dowager. The more she tried to meddle, the more he resisted. Whatever you prefer, I am determined to do the opposite!

In the past couple of days, the Empress Dowager had also come to realize this and could only offer a helpless smile.

Sister Qing hurriedly advised, "His Majesty is still young and prone to impulsive behavior, often delighting in doing the contrary.

"You needn’t take it to heart, Your Imperial Majesty. We should just let things be. Wait for the novelty to wear off, and His Majesty will naturally lose interest on his own!"

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Ultimately, I was too hasty!"

How could I not be?

she lamented internally. For the sake of the Shih family, I have toiled in this palace my entire life. Initially, my father sent me into the palace. Now, my brother, Grand Tutor Shih, has similarly sent his daughter. Women born into prominent households have no freedom. Political marriages are an inescapable fate for young ladies of noble birth. Families who cherish their daughters might, at best, try to choose a man of good character and upbringing while ensuring their interests are protected. As for some families, they are solely focused on pursuing benefits. In some respects, Noble Concubine Shih is fortunate. Though a concubine, she is a First-Rank Noble Consort, extraordinarily honored! Her mother-in-law is her own aunt, and her husband, her childhood sweetheart. With such backing and affection, her life in the palace should not be difficult. Yet...

"Let the younger generation manage their own affairs, Your Imperial Majesty. Surely you know His Majesty’s temperament?" Sister Qing continued.

What Emperor enjoys being constantly told whom he should or shouldn’t favor?

The Empress Dowager gave a wry smile and waved her hand dismissively. "Enough, enough. I will heed your advice and refrain from interfering!" Then, she gave another instruction, "Tell Wanxin not to cause trouble. The Emperor is the ruler of the nation, belonging to the entire realm, not just to her. Only if she remains composed can she hope for long-lasting favor!"

"Understood," Sister Qing responded.

The Empress Dowager quietly drank a bowl of broth. Just as Sister Qing was about to help her to her noon rest, the Empress Dowager suddenly opened her eyes.

"Where is Prince Yan? Has he entered the capital yet?"

Sister Qing’s hand, in the midst of tucking in the blankets, paused. Her smile faded, and she sighed. "It is said he will arrive today!"

The Empress Dowager clenched her hand hidden under the blankets, striving to keep her voice steady. "Is my invitation ready? Ask him to come to my palace for a visit!" She used the personal ’I,’ not her usual imperial address.

Sister Qing was silent for a moment, then finally assented.

Why must you put yourself through this? she lamented inwardly.

Prince Yan was the ninth son of the Imperial Grand Ancestor, the biological younger brother of the Late Emperor, and thus Zhao Junyao’s biological paternal uncle. His familial bond was one that other Imperial Uncles, those from more distant branches of the imperial family, could not match.

On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, Prince Yan entered the capital with his family.

On the morning of the twenty-seventh, bright and early, Prince Yan brought his family into the palace for an audience with the Emperor.

At Noon, the Emperor hosted Prince Yan and his son for a meal, bestowing an imperial banquet in Zhaochen Palace. Princess Consort Yan, meanwhile, paid her respects at Ningshou Palace and Jiaofang Hall. She was invited to dine with the Empress at midday, but that is a matter of course.

Here in Zhaochen Palace, Zhao Junyao was in high spirits, partaking in several cups of wine.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhao Junyao smiled and said, "Imperial Uncle, it has been many years since you last came to the capital. It’s a rare occasion for you to return this year!"

Since they were close relatives and no outsiders were present, Prince Yan was less formal. He chuckled and replied, "These past few years, my old legs have become increasingly unreliable. I must have made a spectacle of myself before Your Majesty..."

"Imperial Uncle, you speak too modestly. It is I, your nephew, who has been inconsiderate!"