A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 893: Intimate Entanglement

"What do you mean by ’what’?"

Xia Ruqing blinked with a smile, looking utterly harmless.

Zhao Junyao’s lips curved slightly.

"Not much, just..."

He suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, kissing her fiercely.

"Just missed you, that’s all..."

He raised an arching brow, mischief glinting in his eyes.

Xia Ruqing’s face immediately turned red.

"Your sons are still here."

When it came to thick skin, she was no match for him!

She glanced down inadvertently.

The two children were squeezed between them, their chubby faces twisted, looking utterly despondent.

She burst out laughing.

"Emperor, look at what you’ve done to your sons!"

Zhao Junyao glanced down, his face muscles twitched before he quickly released her.

"Ahem!"

"It’s getting late; time for lunch!"

As he spoke, he stood up and ordered the children to be taken away.

At this moment, Xia Ruqing also got up and asked with a smile.

"Emperor, what would you like to eat?!"

Zhao Junyao wasn’t hungry, he frowned slightly.

"I’m not really in the mood for anything, just bring whatever you like!"

Xia Ruqing noticed his face appeared a bit thinner and shook her head.

"It’s almost October, and it’s getting cold; you should eat more!"

"Okay!"

Zhao Junyao rubbed his forehead absentmindedly.

Xia Ruqing saw he wasn’t in the mood to talk much.

Not saying more, she thought: better order something myself!

After some thought, she got up to bring Xiao Xizi over to choose some delicious dishes.

Only then did she re-enter the room.

Inside the chamber.

Zhao Junyao leaned with closed eyes on the couch, supporting his forehead with his arm.

Seeing his tired expression, Xia Ruqing didn’t have the heart to disturb him.

She sat beside him and picked up her needlework dutifully.

Actually...

Though she seemed skilled, the things she embroidered...

As Zi Yue would say:

"Noble Consort, you have great potential!"

Xia Ruqing wasn’t annoyed.

After all, idle time was idly spent, why not pass the time?

When in a bad mood, she’d angrily stab the embroidery cloth.

When in a good mood, she’d earnestly embroider.

Bringing forth an artwork not so offensive to the eyes.

After waiting for about half a Shi Chen, lunch was finally served.

Xia Ruqing smelled the fragrance from afar, immediately put down her embroidery frame and went to look.

Zi Yue smiled and said.

"Noble Consort! Everything is ready!"

Xia Ruqing took a look.

"A dish of stir-fried beef with green peppers, grilled spicy lamb chops, spicy stone-pot fish, well... nice!"

They looked authentic and smelled delicious.

"These are appetizers; in autumn and winter, they help whet the appetite!"

"What about those? Were they added specially?!" she pointed at several other dishes and asked.

Zi Su next to her smiled and said.

"Noble Consort, these were made by Chef Su, fearing that the Emperor and you might overheat from the spicy food!"

"This is lotus seed soup, this is white fungus soup, and this is honey pear soup! All nourishing and moistening!"

Xia Ruqing nodded.

"Not bad! Well-balanced!"

Then asked.

"What about the main courses?"

Zi Yue smiled.

"There’s rice and noodles, but Chef Su specially made a bowl of whole grain noodles!"

"It’s said to be a specialty from her hometown!"

Xia Ruqing’s interest was piqued.

"A specialty? How come I’ve never heard her mention it before?"

Zi Yue explained.

"It’s harvest season now, all the grains have just come down, Chef Su crushed fresh mung beans and sorghum, mixed them into flour, and made noodles!"

"The servants happened to be there when it was ready, and I thought you might like it!"

Xia Ruqing suddenly understood.

"Not bad, indeed worthy of being from the Land of Fish and Rice!"

While praising, Zhao Junyao emerged from inside.

Hard to say if he came out smelling the aroma, but the fatigue on his face had significantly faded.

Xia Ruqing hurried forward.

"Emperor, let me serve you lunch!"

She summoned someone to bring in water.

Xia Ruqing personally served him, cleaning his hands and face.

The warm water and soft touch were thoroughly enjoyed by Zhao Junyao.

He sat down at the table after freshening up.

He saw the table filled with odd-looking dishes again.

Then... the same as before.

He, with appropriate majesty, pretending reluctance but in reality eager, enjoyed an average commoner’s meal.

Predictably, it ended with him being perfectly satiated.

No, perhaps eleven-tenths full—he certainly overate.

Leaning comfortably on the couch, Zhao Junyao was exceedingly content, eyes closed.

Thinking: It’s nice being a normal commoner.

As long as one has money.

You can eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want, go wherever you like, and have as many women as you wish. (Notice the ’less’ instead of ’more!’)

No need to toil tirelessly across various women to ensure heirs.

No need to labor day and night for the empire and people.

Nor suppress oneself for so-called royal dignity...

Wait!

Zhao Junyao suddenly felt uneasy.

Was he getting old? Why did he start envying the commoners?!

Considering this, he abruptly opened his eyes, gaze like an eagle.

Startling the person who was indulging in admiring the handsome man before her.

"Emperor!"

Zhao Junyao narrowed his eyes slightly, watching her, then suddenly smirked.

"Qingqing..."

"Give me another daughter!"

Before Xia Ruqing could react.

He picked her up and moved her to the bed.

Xia Ruqing was utterly speechless.

"Emperor, it’s broad daylight, and we’ve just finished lunch!"

Zhao Junyao casually and charmingly smiled.

"So what?"

With that, he waved his hand, pulling down the curtains.

Then rolled over to pin her down.

Xia Ruqing resignedly closed her eyes, her reputation would not survive another bright daytime encounter.

Resistance was futile, she couldn’t resist even if she tried!

The outdoor scene of late autumn was desolate.

The northern wind carried a chill.

Sweeping around made people shiver uncontrollably.

Inside, however, was an endless spring scene.

Li Shengan huddled with his neck against the chill outside.

His heart was warm.

"As long as the Emperor is happy, his servants are happy!"

"If Noble Consort Xian truly gives the Emperor a Little Princess again, then the position..."

Ahem, these thoughts can’t be entertained!

Li Shengan quickly dismissed the notion.

Continued savoring the cold breeze.

...

No one knew how much time passed.

The couple inside, having reached ultimate pleasure, fell asleep.

Upon waking, it was already late afternoon.

The cloudy day and shortened autumn daylight rendered the interior dim.

Xia Ruqing managed to turn over with her aching waist.

"Emperor..."

Zhao Junyao also awakened, turning over to hold her.

"What’s the matter?"

Xia Ruqing felt uncomfortable, pouting with grievances.

"Why can’t you be more gentle?"

Zhao Junyao’s lips curled lightly.

"I can’t!"

He moved closer and whispered in her ear.

"I want to plant the seed deep!"

Xia Ruqing’s face went bright red.

"Emperor, why are you...?!"

Who would believe a ruler of the world could have such a ’rake’s’ side?!