"Naughty girl!"
Zhao Junyao patted her bottom.
Since it was a day off, he wasn’t in a hurry to get up, so Zhao Junyao closed his eyes again.
The warm spring sun shone through the gaps in the window, landing perfectly on his sharply defined face. His every contour seemed to glow.
Xia Ruqing squinted, gazing at him with affection and observing him closely.
He looked so handsome with his eyes closed, a hint of dark stubble on his chin. His smooth neck, where his prominent Adam’s apple formed a handsome curve.
Yes, so handsome... As she watched, she drifted back to sleep.
By the time she woke up again, Zhao Junyao had already risen.
Xia Ruqing jolted and quickly scrambled up.
"What time is it?"
Zhao Junyao chuckled at her. "It’s not late. You still have time to go pay your respects!"
Without another word, Xia Ruqing got up. After tidying herself up, she headed for Jiaofang Hall.
Li Shengan entered and asked, "Your Majesty, shall I have breakfast served?"
Zhao Junyao pondered for a moment, then said, "Not yet. Later, summon Lady Xia to the Imperial Study Room to accompany me!"
Li Shengan nodded and retreated.
His Majesty meant he wanted to have breakfast with Lady Xia later. Understood!
Breakfast was, as usual, quite simple. A plate of tofu buns, another of pan-fried golden dumplings, small steamed soup buns, plain rice porridge, and other such small delicacies were, of course, also served. In addition, there were various side dishes to accompany the porridge.
Everything tasted delicious, and Xia Ruqing ate a considerable amount. However, she still felt something was missing.
If only there was some soft tofu pudding, she mused, topped with chopped pickled vegetables, cilantro, and rice vinegar. It would be so smooth, and every bite would be fragrant and savory... And those tender young vegetable leaves. While delicious stir-fried, they were also excellent when lightly blanched in boiling water and then drizzled with a dressing made from fine salt and soy sauce. So refreshing and crisp, truly tasty. Perfect with porridge or rice.
Zhao Junyao glanced at her and said, "If you’re not full, you can have the lesser kitchen prepare more."
It was just a meal; how could he let her feel slighted over it?
Xia Ruqing chuckled. "I’m full today. We can eat that tomorrow; it won’t be too late..."
Zhao Junyao said nothing more.
After breakfast, Zhao Junyao took Xia Ruqing to the Imperial Study Room.
Sitting before the imperial desk, he suddenly recalled something and asked, "Have you finished with the calligraphy practice sheets I gave you? Come and write a few characters for me to see."
Xia Ruqing’s heart gave a lurch, and she felt a wave of guilt wash over her.
"Your... Your Majesty, this calligraphy... it’s not something that can be perfected so quickly..."
After speaking, she glanced at the Emperor’s teacup and said, "Your Majesty, you are occupied with numerous state affairs. I wouldn’t dare trouble you with such a trivial matter. This servant will go prepare tea for you..."
With that, she tried to slip away.
Zhao Junyao remained composed and didn’t attempt to stop her, merely saying in a deep voice, "Come here..."
That single sentence was enough to make Xia Ruqing deflate.
This master was someone she couldn’t afford to provoke, nor did she dare to. What if he accused her of not following the rules again, or spoke of punishment? Then she... Never mind, I’d better just behave.
Reluctantly, Xia Ruqing shuffled closer, biting her lip. Steeling herself, she held her breath and wrote a few characters on the prepared rice paper.
Unsurprisingly, it still resembled a chicken’s scratching...
Zhao Junyao pressed his forehead.
"Qingqing... you... don’t you think your handwriting is... lacking?"
"I know, but this brush, I can’t hold it steady!" Xia Ruqing said, looking down and fiddling with her handkerchief.
Truthfully, she was quite embarrassed. Her handwriting was atrocious, wasn’t it? Then again, how many people from modern times could actually write well with a brush?
As they were speaking, Li Shengan suddenly entered.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Ying Yue, a maiden from Noble Concubine Shih’s household, requests an audience..."
Zhao Junyao frowned, a flicker of displeasure in his heart. However, he still had to give Noble Concubine Shih some consideration.
He commanded in a deep voice, "Let her in!"
「In Jiaofang Hall」
The Empress was copying Buddhist scriptures.
Yu Lan rushed in, flustered. "Your Majesty..."
The Empress slowly put down her brush, washed her hands, and only then spoke, "What matter could be so urgent as to throw you into such a panic?"
Yu Lan looked somewhat pale. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Your Majesty, Noble Concubine Shih summoned the Imperial Physician early this morning, and just now, someone from her side went to Zhaochen Palace..."
Separately, these two incidents might mean little. But if they were connected... The Empress’s expression changed.
Could it be... that Noble Concubine Shih... she’s with child? If it were an ordinary matter, who would dare go directly to Zhaochen Palace to seek out the Emperor!
"Go and find out at once!" the Empress’s voice had changed.
"Yes!"
Yu Lan hurried off again.
Upon leaving Jiaofang Hall, Yu Lan found herself in a quandary. How am I supposed to find out? Be it Zhaochen Palace or Noble Concubine Shih’s Xifu Palace, gathering information right now will be difficult. Oh well, I’ll just... try my luck at Xifu Palace.
「Meanwhile, in Xifu Palace」
Noble Concubine Shih was lying on the bed, her face somewhat pale. The Senior Palace Maid, Ying Qiu, stood nearby, holding a copper basin, ready to attend to her.