Xia Ruqing learned of the news the next day.
It was Xiao Xizi who told her that... well, two Honored Ladies had suddenly appeared in the palace.
When asked for the reason, Xiao Xizi then recounted the situation in detail.
Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing pursed her lips, her little heart fluttering. Noble Concubine Shih clearly had an excellent hand but didn’t cherish it. What is she doing... If I had her background, looks, or childhood sweetheart bond—just one of them—I’d probably laugh to the heavens three times in delight! Of course, my own looks aren’t bad. I’m just... a bit thin. I really need to eat more and put on some weight. In those days, right after I woke up, I was so thin I felt a gust of wind could knock me over. When he held me in his sleep, I wonder if my bones poked him. Mmm, I definitely need to eat more.
So, at noon, Xia Ruqing ordered a bowl of rich, oily braised pork.
She still remembered that when she was growing up and incredibly gluttonous, her maternal grandmother would make it for her.
Back then they were poor; she was given just a small bowl, and she would wolf it down as her grandmother watched her with a smile.
She had naively asked, "Grandma, why aren’t you eating?"
"Grandma doesn’t like it..."
Times change, and this had become her most treasured memory.
Now, looking at the bright, glistening bowl of braised pork before her, Xia Ruqing still felt a familiar warmth in her heart.
She took a small piece of steamed bun, broke it open, stuffed meat inside, and, lowering her head, took a big bite.
Zi Yue watched with a sense of helplessness.
In the palace, the ladies’ dining was all about being delicate and exquisite.
Once at a palace feast, Zi Yue had personally seen Consort Hui Pin eating sweet fermented rice balls from a palm-sized bowl.
Consort Hui Pin, holding a small jade spoon, would scoop one thumb-sized glutinous rice ball at a time, and after eating just a few, she would put her spoon down.
Her movements were graceful and reserved, a pleasing sight to behold.
But her mistress... Zi Yue thought for a moment, then sighed.
Never mind, being able to eat is a blessing; it’s not a bad thing at all.
「The Qingming Festival arrived.」
However, since Qingming was close to the third of March, and the Emperor also had to visit the Imperial Mausoleum for tomb sweeping and sacrifices, this year’s third of March celebration would not involve spring outings outside the palace. They would celebrate within the palace instead.
On the day of the third of March, the Empress arranged a feast to suit the occasion.
Upon hearing there would be no spring outings this year, Noble Concubine Shih felt much better.
"Humph! If I can’t go, neither can they..."
Although she was pregnant, unable to share the Emperor’s bed, let alone monopolize him, the thought of everyone else going out and leaving her alone in the palace was unbearable for Noble Concubine Shih.
Now that no one was going, she felt somewhat more at peace.
The feast on the third of March was set in the Imperial Garden.
By Taiye Pool, there was a pavilion nestled against the mountain and by the water, offering a particularly fine view.
A rockery on one side blocked the cold wind, and it was quite pleasant to bask in the midday sun.
When the time came, all the Concubines had arrived; even Hu Liyi, who had been confined for reflection, was granted permission by the Empress to attend.
Only Noble Concubine Shih was missing.
No matter how displeased the Empress was, she had to pretend not to care in front of everyone.
The others dared not discuss it, merely laughing and joking to alleviate the awkward atmosphere.
After a short while, Noble Concubine Shih finally arrived, seated high upon her palanquin.
As the palanquin touched down, Palace Attendants came forward to help her alight. Her display of status perhaps even overshadowed the Empress’s.
"Sisters, sorry to have kept you waiting. It’s truly my fault; pregnancy is tough. You won’t blame me, will you..."
Saying this, and without even a glance at the Empress, she made her way to her seat.
She certainly carried herself with the air of a Family Matriarch.
The Empress furrowed her brows and let out a soft cough.
Noble Concubine Shih had just taken her seat.
Glancing towards the Empress, she exclaimed in feigned surprise, "Oh my, I must have been momentarily dazed and failed to see Your Majesty the Empress! How terribly remiss of me..."
Then, she instructed, "Ying Yue, quickly help me up! I haven’t yet paid my respects to Her Majesty the Empress!"
The Empress sneered inwardly but still said, "Let it be. You’re with child; you are excused..."
At this moment, even if she harbored immense rage, she had to restrain it.
Once everyone was present, the feast began.
After a few cups of honey wine, everyone began to chat and laugh.
Consort Hui Pin, being graceful and adept at enlivening the mood, told a few jokes that made everyone laugh.
The Empress also showed a smile.
For a time, as they ate and drank, the atmosphere became harmonious.
Only Noble Concubine Shih glanced at the items on the table and frowned.
"Your Majesty the Empress," she said, "the banquet is lovely, but... the Imperial Physician has instructed that I mustn’t eat just anything."
Upon hearing this, the Empress’s expression immediately changed.
"I wonder... what exactly are you implying, dear Noble Consort sister?"