Free Web NovelChapter 180: Chapter 77: An Interception
The Emperor arrived at this hour, so he clearly hadn’t eaten yet. Song Yunzhao immediately had a place set for him, then hesitated before looking at the Emperor and asking, "Should I have the kitchen prepare a few more dishes?"
Since the Emperor’s visit was unexpected, only her own meal portion had been prepared. Afraid of gaining weight from eating at night, and with the hot weather ruining her appetite, she hadn’t ordered any extra dishes. As a result, the dinner looked rather light.
"This is what you eat for dinner?" Feng Yi asked as he walked over and glanced at the dining table.
The table was set with two Treasure Makeup Cakes, a bowl of Qingfeng Rice, a dish of Jade Silk Tripe and Lung, Steamed Chicken, Stir-fried Small Green Vegetables, and a bowl of Mushroom Lantern Soup.
"I prefer to eat something refreshing in the evening. It’s too hot for anything too greasy." Song Yunzhao guided the Emperor to his seat and gestured to the Qingfeng Rice. "Even this rice is quite a bit of work. After steaming it to a crystal-like consistency, it’s mixed with longan powder, Dragon Brain Powder, and Cow Milk Sauce. Then, it’s placed in a golden jar and lowered into an ice pool to chill thoroughly. Only then is it ready to be served. It’s the perfect refreshing dish for this kind of weather. Your Majesty, please try some."
"It’s not as if I’ve never had it before, but for you to think of it... you really know how to eat," Feng Yi said with a smile.
"But of course. When you have nothing to do all day, what else is there to ponder but eating, drinking, and being merry?" Song Yunzhao served the rice and placed the bowl in front of the Emperor.
Feng Yi lifted his bowl and took a bite, then raised an eyebrow slightly. "A little bit sour?"
"I asked the kitchen to add a little bit of hawthorn juice."
"That’s a novel way to prepare it." Feng Yi quite liked the sweet and sour taste; it was indeed appetizing.
Song Yunzhao enjoyed it as well. After they finished eating, Feng Yi had someone bring over a Go board to play a game with her.
Song Yunzhao...
’Looks like the Emperor wants to purify his mind and suppress his desires tonight. He’s even resorted to playing Go.’
Song Yunzhao had never formally studied Go, so she played without any real strategy. She’d just place a stone here and guess at a move there, like a brawler throwing wild, undisciplined punches. Playing against her was utterly exhausting for Feng Yi.
By the time the game was over, Feng Yi had no desire to ever play with her again. He impassively took Song Yunzhao’s hand to go for a walk, under the pleasant pretext of aiding digestion.
It wasn’t as if Song Yunzhao couldn’t see the disdain on his face, but she simply pretended not to. ’Bad at Go? That’s the whole point. Who has the leisure to spend all night playing Go with him? Judging by his reaction, the Emperor will probably never ask me to play again for the rest of my life. This is great!’
Without any attendants, the two of them strolled slowly along the paved path of Wangyou Palace. After a few steps, Feng Yi turned his head to look at Song Yunzhao.
Song Yunzhao felt the Emperor’s gaze and looked up at him. Bathed in moonlight, his eyes seemed to be veiled by the lunar glow, making his expression hard to discern.
"Your Majesty?" Song Yunzhao sensed that he seemed to have something to say.
Feng Yi gave Song Yunzhao’s fingertips a gentle squeeze, then finally said, "Regarding yesterday’s incident, you don’t need to take it too much to heart."
’That’s probably not what he originally intended to say,’ Song Yunzhao thought. But since he had spoken, she replied, "How could I not take it to heart? Consort Lu was stripped of her title because of me. She will surely continue to target me in the future. Your Majesty will have to protect me."
’Consort Lu must hate me to the bone. The clashes between us are bound to be fierce from now on. This is, of course, exactly the kind of scene the Emperor wants to see, but I still have to put on a show and make him feel the need to protect me.’
"Since when have you ever been at a disadvantage?" Feng Yi chuckled.
"I was simply lucky yesterday. Otherwise, it’s hard to say what the outcome might have been," Song Yunzhao said, lowering her head slightly. "If Your Majesty had been a moment later, or if Consort Zhuang hadn’t been able to stop Consort Lu, I might really have..."
"Nonsense!" Feng Yi cut her off. "Don’t say things like that again."
’What a jinx.’
Song Yunzhao smiled to herself. The hand the Emperor was gripping ached slightly. ’At least he has some conscience. He knows that even a pawn needs proper maintenance to be of any use.’
Upon returning from their digestive walk, Song Yunzhao saw Meng Jiuchang waiting outside the hall. As soon as he saw them, he immediately came forward to pay his respects.
Feng Yi frowned slightly at the sight of Meng Jiuchang. ’Coming at this hour... it’s most likely not good news.’
With his head bowed, Meng Jiuchang spoke in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Consort Lu has developed a fever from the excessive shock. A palace attendant from Cuiwei Palace is waiting outside."
Song Yunzhao stared at Meng Jiuchang, but he kept his head lowered.
’So, she’s trying to intercept him.’
"Manager Meng, the Emperor isn’t an Imperial Physician. If Consort Lu is ill, she should have an Imperial Physician summoned for a diagnosis. What could the Emperor possibly do by going?"
Hearing Song Jieyu’s words, Meng Jiuchang knew he had offended her today. He quickly forced a smile and said, "Song Jieyu speaks the truth. However, the attendants from Cuiwei Palace came to request an audience with His Majesty. This servant would not dare to conceal the report."
