A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 984: Birthday

Xia Ruqing smiled upon hearing this.

"The Imperial Noble Consort is very thoughtful, Sister, please express my gratitude for me!"

"I am not feeling well and cannot go in person, Zi Yue..."

"Ah!"

Zi Yue answered, took out a purse from her sleeve, and stepped forward.

"Please, Sister!"

The Sister was at a loss for words, a bit taken aback.

She hesitated for a moment and dared not say more, had to take the purse, and retreated gracefully.

Xia Ruqing leaned on the couch with a complex expression, pondering.

"We’ll not mention the Empress Dowager!"

After being reprimanded by the Emperor, she remained composed, her display of affection for the Emperor was quite convincing.

It was normal to send a gift for the Crown Prince’s birthday.

"But what’s the matter with Empress Dowager Zhen?"

She had always been at odds with Empress Dowager Zhen and Hai Feng, often clashing over various matters.

And this time... what was their intention?

Zi Su thought for a moment and said.

"Madam, could it be because of the Third Miss?"

Xia Ruqing contemplated and agreed that this might be the only possibility, so she nodded.

"Most likely, we must remain vigilant!"

"What shall we do with this Jade Ruyi?"

It looked exquisite and delicate, definitely a superior piece of jade.

Xia Ruqing rubbed her temple.

"Destroy it!"

She did not know what intentions they held, but with so many children in Duanning Palace, she had to eliminate any potential hazards for them.

"Yes!"

Zi Su, maintaining composure, took the Jade Ruyi and departed.

...

Because Xia Ruqing was in her advanced months and could not move easily.

So at noon, no opera troupe was invited, only a few small banquets were held for the concubines.

The Emperor did not attend, not due to lack of regard.

It was because the banquet was full of women and children, which he found annoying.

The concubines felt somewhat disappointed but dared not show it.

Everyone sat together.

Praising the Crown Prince enthusiastically, exchanging auspicious and flattering words.

With one comment followed by another, the atmosphere was not awkward at all.

The only downside was that it was too cold.

The dishes were served hot, but were cold after less than a quarter of an hour.

No one had much appetite to eat.

Furthermore.

Xia Ruqing, bearing nearly eight months of pregnancy, soon appeared fatigued.

Seeing this, everyone didn’t linger.

They only sat for a short while, eating a little symbolically before taking their leave.

Xia Ruqing instructed her people to see off the masters of the various palaces politely.

She then returned to the inner chamber.

Chenchen, seeing this, stayed outside alone to perform the courtesies.

His manner was calm and steady, showing a royal bearing!

Inside the chamber.

As soon as Xia Ruqing entered, she instructed.

"Quick, make me a bowl of noodles, I’m starving!"

The food at the banquet was partly cold and partly warm; she didn’t feel like eating then and now felt terribly hungry.

"Ah!" Zi Su promptly went out.

In a short while, she brought a large bowl of beef noodles, the same sour and spicy noodles she always loved.

"Madam, this has just been made by Chef Jiang! Please eat while it’s hot!"

Xia Ruqing was very satisfied seeing it, and asked again.

"What about Chenchen’s? It’s his birthday today, he must have longevity noodles!"

Zi Su smiled and said.

"It’s still cooking, please eat first, I’ll bring it over shortly!"

"Go ahead!"

Xia Ruqing waved her hand, not picking up the chopsticks as she wanted to eat with Chenchen.

Just as Zi Su went out.

Chenchen came in, smiling, and called out.

"Mother Consort!"

He had just personally seen off a few ladies outside.

Seeing his Mother Consort was not feeling well.

He naturally shouldered the responsibility of welcoming and sending off guests, ensuring no embarrassment for his Mother Consort.

As he was thinking, a voice called out.

"Come here, to your Mother Consort’s side!"

Xia Ruqing beamed at him, calling him over.

It was rare for him to be here at noon, finally seeing him, knowing that in the future visits would be even less frequent.

So she wanted to cherish it.

Chenchen saw her full of smiles, feeling more at ease.

His Mother Consort’s health should be fine.

As long as she’s fine!

"You must be very hungry!"

Xia Ruqing affectionately asked her son, worried.

Chenchen had lost weight.

His skin wasn’t very fair, lacking the softness expected of children, instead appearing somewhat rough.

It showed how much he suffered running around outside.

"I’m fine, Mother Consort, don’t worry, I won’t go hungry!"

Chenchen replied with a bright smile, with eyes that were both steadfast and warm.

Xia Ruqing was momentarily stunned.

A six-year-old, how could he have such a mature expression?

The education in ancient times indeed was daunting!

But thinking about it.

From the age of three, Chenchen was required to study in the Study Room, learning martial arts with his master.

Practicing in the coldest of winters and hottest of summers.

At five, he had to start learning the Horse-Riding Technique, and Horseback Archery.

This little boy had learned so many books, principles, and skills.

It would be surprising if he wasn’t mature!

Yet...

She felt more and more heartache thinking about it.

Her eyes turned red as she choked out.

"Even if you don’t go hungry, Mother Consort still worries for you!"

Just then Zi Su brought over the longevity noodles.

Eyes sparkling with tears, Xia Ruqing smiled and said.

"Chenchen, come, let’s eat together!"

"Today is your birthday, may my Chenchen live a long life!"

Instead of agreeing, Chenchen asked with concern.

"Mother Consort, are you not feeling well? Why are your eyes red?"

Xia Ruqing quickly shook her head.

"No! Mother Consort is just happy!"

Chenchen thought for a moment and solemnly said.

"It’s my birthday, but it’s also the day of Mother Consort’s labor!"

"I must thank Mother Consort for giving me life!"

"Mother Consort, don’t worry, even if I move out, I’ll come to see you often!"

"If you ever miss me, you can always come and see me!"

Hearing this, Xia Ruqing couldn’t hold back her tears.

They flowed down like a stream.

"But... I just can’t bear it!"

"You are a piece of my flesh!"

Perhaps being pregnant made her emotions unpredictable.

In any case, she became especially sensitive, easily excited, and tearful.

Chenchen was startled, quickly standing up.

"Mother Consort!"

"Are you... Are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing her son’s panicked face, Xia Ruqing finally realized her loss of composure.

She hurriedly wiped her tears.

"There, there! Don’t worry, I’m fine now!"

Chenchen looked around, reassured after seeing Zi Yue and Zi Su showing no unusual expression.

"It’s good that you’re okay!"

He might not understand much.

Yet, observing those around him, he trusted his Mother Consort’s words.

Perhaps...

That’s just how women are during pregnancy.

Afterwards.

Xia Ruqing and Chenchen avoided the topic.

They ate noodles while discussing Henger and Yeye.

And Yellow Bean and Da Bai and Xiao Bai.

The meal became quite enjoyable.

After eating.

Chenchen went to rest.

Xia Ruqing lay down to digest before going to bed.

Before sleep, she touched her belly, mumbling to herself.

"I always hoped for a little girl!"

"But I never expected, your brother is just like one!"

"Even if he can’t always be by my side, he’s very sensible!"

"When you’re born, your brother will surely love you dearly!"