Zhao Junyao found her brimming self-confidence both amusing and exasperating.
"You even know how to rid the people of a scourge? Truly clever!"
Xia Ruqing was full of pride.
"That’s because... I am indeed very clever!"
Zhao Junyao was speechless. This little thing! He really didn’t know what to say to her!
He patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "Get up. I’m hungry. Accompany me for some supper!"
Xia Ruqing’s eyes instantly lit up.
"Supper? Great!"
When it came to food, she was always so excited.
The displeasure that had been accumulating in Zhao Junyao’s heart all day was dispelled by just a few words from Xia Ruqing.
Li Shengan stood at the doorway. He heard food being ordered inside and Xia Jieyu serving the Emperor, their meal clearly a lively and enjoyable one.
He was truly impressed. At a time like this, Xia Jieyu could still make the Emperor laugh? He, Li Shengan, was thoroughly in awe! Had it been any other consort, who knows how cautiously she would have had to act. Look, this is what it means to be favored. There’s just no helping it!
「That night, the Emperor did not stay overnight but went to Jiaofang Hall instead.」
The Empress had already washed up and was ready for bed when she heard someone outside shouting, "The Emperor has arrived!"
The Empress was stunned, thinking she had misheard. Moments later, distinct footsteps approached.
With an excited expression, the Empress went out to greet him. Zhao Junyao was already in the corridor.
"Your Majesty, this concubine failed to greet you. Please forgive this concubine!"
Zhao Junyao looked at her and said indifferently, "Rise!" Then he entered the inner chamber.
The Empress followed him in cautiously. Over where Zhao Junyao stood, Palace Attendants were already helping him remove his outer garments.
The Empress, snapping to attention, immediately stepped forward to personally help the Emperor undress.
Her heart raced with nervous joy, her hands trembling. The Emperor clearly intended to stay the night! The Empress nearly burst into tears.
How long had it been since the Emperor had come on a day that wasn’t the first or fifteenth of the lunar month? Why the sudden change? Could it be... he had been to Qingya Residence this afternoon? Regardless, serving the Emperor well was now the priority.
After his outer clothes were removed, Palace Attendants served tea. Zhao Junyao took a couple of sips before setting down the teacup.
The Empress cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, you..." She had been about to ask why he had come, but she opened her mouth and then stopped herself. She was the Empress, after all; the Emperor could come whenever he wished, right?
After bathing and changing his attire, Zhao Junyao went to bed.
The Empress, dressed in her nightgown, neatly lay on the inner side of the bed, while Zhao Junyao slept on the outer side.
Though husband and wife, it was as if a whole world lay between them.
Zhao Junyao remained silent. The Empress wanted to say something but hesitated.
What could she say? She couldn’t bring herself to speak soft, tender words, nor did she want to learn. Engage in flirtatious banter to curry favor? She was the legitimate wife; she must never stoop to the tricks of those vixens. So, there truly was nothing to say. As for pleading on behalf of her second brother? She understood the Emperor’s temperament all too well. Not pleading would be better; pleading would only drag herself down as well. So, in the end, the Empress didn’t mention a word.
The execution was set for early in the ninth month; this was the last chance. But after much contemplation, the Empress decided not to intervene. Why should she bear the consequences of her second brother’s mistakes? All her life, their mother’s affections were lavished on her two brothers, especially the second, who was spoiled to the point of lawlessness. She showed no love toward her, this younger sister, and even frequently tormented her. Now that he was on the brink of death, their mother suddenly remembered her. Hmph... As if things were that simple. Having just reconciled with the Emperor, she wouldn’t ruin her future over this.
With her mind made up, the Empress pursed her lips and also closed her eyes to sleep.
「A night passed without a word.」
The next day, the Emperor rose to attend court. The Empress awoke even earlier, personally attending to the Emperor as he dressed and washed.
As she saw the Emperor out, the Empress maintained a smile that was both dignified and befitting her status.
"Your Majesty, I have had the morning meal prepared. Please come and dine!"
Zhao Junyao glanced back at her and said, "I know," then strode off.
The Empress turned, and Yu Lan approached. "Your Majesty, why not sleep a little longer? It’s still early!"
The Empress shook her head. "I’m not sleeping anymore. Let’s go to the small kitchen and take a look!"
She heard the Emperor favored Lady Xia because the food from her quarters was novel and flavorful, things the Emperor had never encountered before! Perhaps... she could also prepare some tasty new dishes for him to try. What if the Emperor liked them? She wasn’t seeking the same level of favor as Lady Xia. Just enough respect to secure her position as Empress would suffice. After all, status is always the most important thing!
Thus, the Empress, as if inspired, spent the morning busily working with the Palace Attendants and Kitchen Maids in the small kitchen.
After court, Zhao Junyao returned to the Imperial Study Room to review memorials.
It was Li Shengan who reminded him, "Your Majesty, didn’t you promise the Empress you would join her for the morning meal?"
Zhao Junyao, pen in hand reviewing memorials, didn’t even lift his head. "I know," he said again.