A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 1037: Revenge

Consort Shih Pin looked hopelessly out the window.

Her mood was like the pile of ice and snow hidden in the shade, cold and hard as if it would never melt.

Ying Qiu was still trying to persuade her.

Yet her mind had already wandered far away.

She had lost so much, and her heart went from unbearable pain to numbness.

And that bitch seemed to have been riding high ever since she appeared.

This harem rule that ’flowers cannot stay red for a hundred days’ is an eternal truth.

Why is she allowed to be favored for so long?

Why is she allowed to be protected by our cousin all the way, rising from a mere Lady to the position of Empress?

Why?!

She must make that bitch taste the feeling of loss.

I have nothing now, the worst that can happen is death.

And that bitch, enjoying her triumph, would suddenly lose the one she loves.

She might fall into the abyss instantly!

Thinking about it brings such joy.

Consort Shih Pin finally figured it out.

’I thought that staying out of trouble would make our cousin look at her differently, but now it seems to be a joke!’

’To hell with staying out of trouble!’

’I will seek my revenge fiercely!’

Lady Xia, just wait.

You took away things from me.

I want you to pay back tenfold, a hundredfold!

Consort Shih Pin closed her eyes and took a long breath, suddenly smirking.

"Ying Qiu, you don’t need to persuade me anymore. I know your thoughts, rest assured, I will definitely be fine!"

Ying Qiu saw the consort suddenly change her expression, somewhat skeptical.

But she saw Consort Shih Pin calm down, the fierceness in her eyes disappearing.

She seemed to have figured things out.

She felt relieved.

"Your Highness!"

"You finally figured it out!"

"That’s good, that’s good!"

She patted her chest.

Actually, she wanted to say, what’s meant to be will be, what’s not will not be forced.

The Emperor has truly not wronged her all these years.

As for the position of Empress, it was a matter of fate.

There are so many masters in the palace who aren’t Empresses, and aren’t they living well too?

Why does the master always get stuck in this dead end?

Tormenting others aside, she herself is also not living well.

Look at how pale the master looks.

Ying Qiu quickly helped Consort Shih Pin sit down on the bed.

"Your Highness, rest first. I’ll get you a basin of water!"

Consort Shih Pin nodded without a word.

When Ying Qiu brought in the water, she washed and dressed herself again.

Sitting in front of the makeup mirror, looking at her pale face and swollen eyes.

Consort Shih Pin applied a light layer of makeup, drawing her eyebrows delicately.

Seeing herself slowly regain her radiance in the mirror, Consort Shih Pin finally smiled.

"Great, this is the real me!"

Ying Qiu was quite pleased to see her recover, but she still felt something was amiss.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Consort Shih Pin’s exquisitely made-up face instantly beamed.

"What could happen to me?"

She slowly rose and instructed.

"Tonight, I want to have bird’s nest porridge, with milk and red dates. It needs to be simmered slowly!"

"The New Year is coming, I should take good care of my health!"

Only with a healthy body can one win battles.

Seeing the consort proactively asking for food, Ying Qiu dismissed her worries and replied with a smile.

"Yes, I’ll go arrange it now!"

She said and left.

Leaving Consort Shih Pin alone, gazing out the window, unable to hide her heart filled with venomous malice.

...

In the blink of an eye, New Year’s Eve arrived.

For Xia Ruqing, this year was much more exhausting than previous ones.

Although she personally attended all the royal celebrations last year,

this year was different from before.

Not only did she have to attend the celebrations, but she also had to personally organize the New Year’s Eve banquet, the Zhaochen Palace’s state banquet, and the New Year’s Day feast for the titled ladies.

Additionally, she had to handle the tributes and gifts from overseas countries and across the nation, as well as the holiday gifts and rewards for each palace, courtyard, and the royal clan.

Though there were past examples to follow, and Consort Cheng and Consort Hui were helping,

the accumulation of all these tasks was still incredibly tiring for her.

The above were already significant matters.

There were also smaller, more troublesome issues.

For instance, early in the morning on the first day of the New Year, she had to lead the inner and outer titled ladies for ancestral rituals and visit the Empress Dowager for morning greetings, dining at noon until afternoon.

Also,

On the second day of the New Year, Lady Ni and Xia Caiying would both enter the palace.

Although they were family, it was necessary to make some preparations.

Finally, on the third day of the New Year, she could rest well, but there were still four children by her side.

In the past, the three boys couldn’t be gathered together. Ever since Yue Er came along, even Chenchen would come visit his sister whenever possible.

During the festivities, with no school, the four children gathered, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere, making rest inadequate.

Finally, on the fourth day of the New Year, she could rest properly.

But on the fifth day, it was the third anniversary of The Late Empress’s passing.

She had to personally lead the harem concubines and the royal clan’s titled ladies to the Imperial Mausoleum for memorial, participating in the mourning attire removal ceremony.

By regulations, titled ladies must observe mourning for the national mother for three years.

While freedom of activity was not restricted during mourning, there could be no extravagant entertainment.

Activities like shopping or theater visits in groups were prohibited, and one had to live a more secluded life.

With the mourning attire removed, everyone could resume their previous social activities and outings, which excited the titled ladies.

The evening after returning from the mourning attire removal ceremony,

Xia Ruqing went to Duanning Palace, removing her makeup immediately.

After bathing and changing, she went to sleep without even having dinner.

Zhao Junyao visited at night, seeing her pale face, felt very distressed.

If he had known being Empress was this exhausting, he would have chosen someone else.

Choosing those competent and well-behaved would have been suitable as well.

She would have enjoyed being the carefree, cheerful Noble Consort, under his protection, without fear of being wronged by others.

It was too late now.

Zhao Junyao had a simple meal, undressed, and after washing up, joined her in sleep.

...

The next day was the sixth day of the New Year.

Xia Ruqing slept until late morning.

Seeing the slightly messy and cold bed beside her, she knew Zhao Junyao had already risen.

Xia Ruqing groggily got up.

Zi Yue and Zi Su came in with water to assist her in washing.

Xia Ruqing asked.

"Where is the Emperor?"

Zi Su smiled and said.

"The Emperor is next door with the Little Princess. The Emperor instructed us not to disturb Your Highness’s sleep!"

Hearing this, Xia Ruqing felt at ease.

"What time is it, has the Emperor had breakfast?"

She hadn’t eaten last night, and her stomach was already growling with hunger.

Zi Yue replied.

"The Emperor hasn’t eaten yet; the Princess has already had her meal!"

Xia Ruqing pondered and then instructed.

"We’ve had banquets nearly every day recently, greasy and unsavory, today let’s have something light!"

"I want a bowl of rice noodles, sour with a touch of spiciness, with greens, sesame, and a soft-boiled egg!"

"Also, some steamed dumplings, vegetarian filling."

"Along with a small dish of salted peanuts, a dish of salted walnut kernels, plus a bowl of shrimp ball seaweed soup, with a drizzle of vinegar and sesame oil!"

Her mouth watered as she listed each item.

Seeing Zi Su and Zi Yue standing still, she found it odd.

"What’s the matter? Aren’t you going?"

Zi Su giggled.

"Your Highness, you’ve chosen yours, but not the Emperor’s yet!"

Oh right!

Xia Ruqing suddenly realized.

She hadn’t chosen for the Emperor yet, what poor memory!