CHAPTER 24: CHAPTER 23 COOKING

"If you like, you can pick one out for yourself later!" Xia Ruqing offered generously.

"How could a servant like me wear such an exquisite hairpin? It looks beautiful when you wear it, my lady!" Zi Yue said with a smile.

"You’re always so sweet-tongued!" Xia Ruqing chided her gently.

In just two months, the mistress and servant had formed a bond. Amid their lighthearted chatter and laughter, the carriage of favor arrived.

Honored Ladies attending the Emperor at night were not permitted to bring their Palace Maids. Zi Yue could only see Xia Ruqing off onto the carriage.

Upon arriving at Zhaochen Palace, she was led to the same side room where the Emperor usually had his evening meal.

Little Zhuzi served her a cup of tea and said with a smile, "The Emperor is in the Imperial Study Room reviewing documents. He’ll be back in a little while, so you might have to wait a bit, Honored Lady!"

"Approximately... how much longer?" Xia Ruqing asked with a smile as she accepted the tea.

"Normally, the Emperor returns around the You Hour. It’s only mid-Shen Hour right now, so I estimate there’s still one Shi Chen left."

Xia Ruqing lowered her head for a moment, then her eyes suddenly brightened.

"Little Zhuzi, you stay here and keep watch. I’ll go to the small kitchen and make a few dishes for the Emperor!"

Zhaochen Palace had its own small kitchen, originally intended only for late-night snacks and desserts. However, Zhao Junyao later found it extremely convenient. Eventually, he started having all three meals prepared in the small kitchen. The Imperial Kitchen, as a result, became solely responsible for the meals of the consorts and other ladies in the palace.

Little Zhuzi was very puzzled. He rubbed his head, thinking, Other young ladies love to touch up their makeup and powder their faces. Why doesn’t Honored Lady Xia care, and even want to cook for the Emperor? She’s so neat and tidy; isn’t she afraid of getting the smell of cooking fumes on her?

In fact, Xia Ruqing really hadn’t thought that much. The very thought of food made her forget everything else—this was probably the instinct of a foodie!

Entering the small kitchen, all the ingredients were ready, and two Imperial Chefs were there to assist, so she hardly had to do much herself.

Xia Ruqing considered her options and then instructed, "A tomato and beef brisket stew, a mushroom and chicken stew, a sour bamboo shoot and shrimp soup, and stir-fry two vegetable dishes. Make sure everything is light!"

After she gave her instructions, the two Imperial Chefs attending her got busy.

Xia Ruqing found a cotton cloth to wrap her hair and, rolling up her sleeves, joined in herself.

With swift, decisive movements, she diced a large piece of beef into small, bean-sized cubes. Dried mushrooms and carrots were also diced and set aside. She then prepared a plate with various dried fruits like peanuts and walnuts, alongside spices such as Sichuan peppercorns and star anise.

This series of actions was performed with a smooth, flowing grace.

The Little Eunuch tending the fire under the stove watched, dumbfounded. He marveled internally, Other ladies claim to cook personally, but they just come to give an order and then leave. This young mistress, when she says she’s cooking personally, she *really* does it herself! And her skills are so professional, she’s practically half an Imperial Chef!

Seeing her at work, the Imperial Chefs also thought with admiration, Finally, someone who’s not here to cause trouble! In the past, some ladies who clearly couldn’t cook would come and meddle, giving ignorant instructions. That was tolerable. But one time, Consort Yun came and almost set the small kitchen on fire, resulting in us being scolded for three days!

Thinking this, the Imperial Chefs found Xia Ruqing particularly pleasant to behold.

"What are you making, Honored Lady?" one of them asked.

"I’m frying some diced mushrooms and beef! It’s especially fragrant when poured over rice!" Xia Ruqing answered without pausing her work.

As she spoke, the oil in the wok heated up. The various spices were quickly fried to release their aroma and then removed. The beef cubes and dried mushroom pieces were fried until golden brown and set aside. Next, the various dried fruits were fried in the oil until about eighty percent cooked. Then, the beef cubes and mushrooms were returned to the wok, along with seasonings and diced carrots, before the dish was finally plated.

The Imperial Chef looked at the golden-brown diced beef and mushrooms and gave a thumbs-up. "Honored Lady, you have excellent skills!"

"You flatter me, Master Chef!" Xia Ruqing replied with a humble smile.

It had been a long time since she last cooked, so she was slightly out of practice, but overall, it wasn’t bad.

At the You Hour, Zhao Junyao returned from the Imperial Study Room and saw Xia Ruqing just entering from outside.

"What are you..." He was somewhat curious. Her attire was quite odd: her hair was wrapped in a cotton cloth, and her sleeves were rolled up.

"This servant greets Your Majesty!"

"Rise," he said, striding into the room.

Xia Ruqing followed behind Zhao Junyao, taking small, quick steps into the room.

After helping him remove his outer robe and pouring him tea, Xia Ruqing then said cautiously, "This servant has prepared a few dishes for Your Majesty. Please, do try them!"

Zhao Junyao took a few sips of tea, his eyes not leaving the book in his hands, and replied indifferently, "It’s you who wants to try them, isn’t it?"

Dark lines seemed to appear on Xia Ruqing’s forehead as she thought in exasperation, Don’t make it so obvious! This is so embarrassing!

"There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! It’s not as if I can’t afford to feed you!" Zhao Junyao still didn’t look up, merely flipping the pages of his book.

Xia Ruqing felt even more flustered. Her face turned crimson as she lowered her head. Can he read minds? Why does it feel like my every thought is exposed before him, like I can’t hide even the smallest scheme?

"Do you think I wouldn’t know about those little thoughts of yours?" Zhao Junyao chuckled, seeing her reaction.

"Your Majesty, how do you know everything?" Xia Ruqing pouted and muttered softly.

Zhao Junyao burst into laughter. He remembered their first encounter when she had gazed at a table full of imperial dishes with such a woeful expression. In their later encounters, her drool had practically spilled into the bowls. How could he not be aware? Was it really that difficult to notice?

Seeing her current state, he decided it wasn’t kind to laugh anymore. He composed himself and ordered, "Serve the meal."

"I’d like to taste your cooking."

"Yes!" Xia Ruqing’s spirits lifted immediately.

As the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! The Emperor’s imperial meals aren’t tasty, so this is an opportunity! Exquisite, light, with clear flavors—no problem! I’m confident in these skills! Of the traditional womanly accomplishments—virtue, appearance, speech, and skill—my culinary talent is the only one I can truly boast of! This is what’s called ’attacking their weakness with my strength.’

Dinner was quickly served. The few dishes Xia Ruqing had ordered were all there. Though not as lavish as other imperial meals, they were sufficiently delicate and looked appetizing at first glance.

"Your Majesty, this is tomato and beef brisket stew! Would you like to try it?" Xia Ruqing stepped forward to serve him.

Zhao Junyao, who wasn’t particularly discerning about food, took the bowl with a curious expression. This style of dish was unfamiliar; he had never encountered it before.

As he pondered, he lifted the jade spoon and tasted a mouthful.

"How is it?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Zhao Junyao didn’t speak but took another mouthful, a large one this time.

Xia Ruqing watched him, bewildered.

Still, Zhao Junyao said nothing, merely finishing the stew in silence before finally speaking. "Not bad... The soup is good!"

He praised it repeatedly! Xia Ruqing finally breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Your Majesty, this is rice I had them cook on low heat. It has a crispy golden-brown crust at the bottom and is very fragrant!"

As Xia Ruqing spoke, she stared at the food, her face full of eager anticipation.

"Come, sit down and eat!" Seeing her pitifully eager, cat-like expression, Zhao Junyao felt as if he were teasing a young girl.

"Yes!" Xia Ruqing grinned happily.

I’ve been busy for a whole Shi Chen! All that work, and no food? How could I possibly bear it!

Li Shengan’s face remained impassive; he was used to this. What outrageous thing was this Honored Lady not capable of? Since the Emperor doesn’t mind, why should I care? I see nothing. I really see nothing.

Xia Ruqing helped herself to a bowl of the sour bamboo shoot and shrimp soup, then served herself a bowl of the slow-cooked rice with its fragrant, scorched crust.

"Your Majesty, these beef cubes were fried with mushrooms. They are perfect mixed with rice!"