"Why have you come, Your Majesty?" Xia Ruqing asked, blinking her sparkling eyes.
Zhao Junyao looked at her fair, healthy-looking face and her big, starry eyes, feeling a stir in his heart. Half his troubles seemed to vanish in an instant.
"It’s nothing, I just came to check on you!"
Xia Ruqing stared at him for a moment.
His face is as dark as the bottom of a pot, and he says it’s nothing—who would believe that? Still, it was normal for the Emperor to be in a bad mood.
She had also occasionally heard some things from her brother about matters outside the palace. It was said that Zhao Junqi had committed treason against the Great Chu Dynasty. Such a crime was akin to rebellion—punishable by death!
No wonder he’s in a foul mood, having to execute his own cousin!
However, Xia Ruqing also felt somewhat conflicted. Because of previous events, she had encountered Zhao Junqi. Her intuition told her that this man was far from simple. He wasn’t as frivolous and carefree as he appeared on the surface. On the contrary, he was deeply cunning and hid his true nature well. He was like a starving wolf in a snowy wasteland, having waited for its prey for three days and nights. If pushed too far, he would stop at nothing, even fearing himself. In short, he was a terrifying person!
Whether he’s dead or alive now, it has nothing to do with me! If he’s dead, he deserved it. If by some chance he survived, it’s only because Zhao Junyao showed him mercy. Regardless of whether he’s grateful or not, the Emperor has been benevolent and just, and has a clear conscience!
Having finished her thoughts, Xia Ruqing put the matter aside. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what did you have for dinner? Are you hungry? Would you like to try some homemade dishes made by that Kitchen Maid from the countryside?!"
Seeing the eager, treasure-offering look on her face, Zhao Junyao felt his heart warm a little.
This girl, he thought. How is she still so naive after so many years in the palace? The other Concubines are always scheming for favor or benefits for their families. But she just cares about eating. No one else ever concerns themselves with what I eat or whether it’s good. But she’s different. The moment I arrive, she asks, as if I’d starve if I dined anywhere else.
Although it was a small gesture, it warmed his heart. So, even though he was full, Zhao Junyao couldn’t bear to dash her hopes.
"Oh? What dishes are there?"
Xia Ruqing smiled. "That Kitchen Maid is from the south, and she makes this sweet and sour fish that really suits my taste!"
Zhao Junyao smiled. "Good! Then have someone serve it up for us to try!"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Xia Ruqing exclaimed, excited.
However, the Sister at her side cautioned, "Your Highness, it’s getting late, and since you cannot leave your bed, perhaps it’s best not to eat, to prevent indigestion!"
Xia Ruqing was momentarily speechless. "Oh!" she then said, her expression falling almost instantaneously.
Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but suppress a laugh. "Alright, I won’t tease you anymore! I won’t eat either, how about that? Speaking of which, I’m a little hungry too. Why don’t I join you for some porridge?"
Her mood immediately cleared, and she chuckled. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Two bowls of fragrant porridge were served. They each had a bowl and ate with relish.
Zhao Junyao was amazed from the first taste. "Eh? Is this a savory porridge?"
Xia Ruqing smiled. "Your Majesty, we’ve had this before. It’s century egg and lean pork porridge! But this time, the Kitchen Maid added some new touches, including crushed peanuts and sesame oil. It’s even tastier!"
Zhao Junyao was somewhat skeptical. "Really?"
"MHM MHM!" Xia Ruqing hurriedly nodded.
"Oh." Zhao Junyao didn’t say anything more, as he didn’t remember anyway. But seeing Qingqing happy, he was still pleased.
"How do you like the small kitchen? Are you still enjoying it?"
Xia Ruqing happily took a sip of the porridge, nodding vigorously. "Of course! The two Kitchen Maids are both experts. One cooks imperial cuisine, and the other specializes in folk snacks! By the way, Emperor, I’ve heard that the cuisine from the Chuan Region offers the most variety and tastes delicious. Why don’t you assign me a Kitchen Maid from the Chuan Region sometime?" Xia Ruqing looked at him with a pitifully eager expression.
"Chuan Region?" Zhao Junyao furrowed his brow.
This girl is the first to dare ask me for rewards! And the way she’s asking, I can’t even refuse. When someone looks so eager and says they like something, how could I say no? Even if it were ten or a hundred, I’d have to get it for her, wouldn’t I?! I’m utterly defeated. I’ve completely fallen into her hands.
"Alright!" Zhao Junyao smiled indulgently. "If you want the stars from the sky, I’ll give them to you!"
Xia Ruqing was overjoyed. "Thank you, Emperor!"
From now on, I won’t have to eat from the Grand Imperial Kitchen. The small kitchen at Qingya Residence will be converted into a small tea room. I’ll no longer have to worry about being framed or poisoned! Not only that, but I can sit in the palace without leaving and still enjoy delicacies from all over! Wonderful, truly wonderful!