[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace":3,"chapter-a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1020":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},411305,676,"Chapter 1020: Twists and Turns","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1020",1020,"\u003Cp>\"Hmm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing sat up without a second thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the help of Zi Yue and Zi Su, she carefully got out of bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the bathing room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bathtub was filled with steaming hot water, with petals floating on top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing stepped carefully onto the wooden ladder and immersed her whole body into the hot water, quickly dispelling any discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a long, comfortable sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s so nice to take a bath!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su laughed and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you like it, why not soak a little longer? There’s plenty of hot water!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Lady served the Emperor with such dedication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s not much time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gently lifted a corner of the curtain to check the time of day and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s getting late, Yue Er will wake up soon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it, she hurried to finish washing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While washing, she asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where’s the Emperor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su replied with a smile,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Emperor has already finished his bath and returned!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before leaving, he instructed us to take good care of you and said he would come to see you again at dinner!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He left rather quickly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’s been quite busy lately; it’s unprecedented for him to spend this much time in the harem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d better not think too much about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing quickly finished bathing, changed clothes, came out of the bathing room, and went to the side hall to see Yue Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life passed by leisurely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one caused trouble, no one brought discomfort, her daughter was obedient and clever, and her son was upstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her days were extremely pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>May and June were unbearable with heat, and the sun was scorching like fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, concubines who occasionally went out for a stroll or had petty disputes, now all stayed in their own palaces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn’t even step outside their doors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being afraid of heat was certain, but there was also a more important reason: fear of tanning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Going out in this weather meant it might take two months of staying indoors to recover, anyone going out would be a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, these two months in the palace were calm and tranquil, with not even the slightest ripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, summer passed, and autumn arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the start of autumn, the Indian summer was fierce, and the weather was still oppressively hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing was bathing with Yue Er in the bathing room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, she heard Xiao Xizi’s hurried footsteps entering the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yue quickly went out to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened to make you so anxious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Xizi caught his breath several times before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just... received news!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s a message from the Hou Mansion outside the palace, saying the Third Miss is betrothed to the Sixth Prince!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yue’s face immediately froze, and she hurried inside to report to Xia Ruqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the news, Xia Ruqing paused for a moment, then said nonchalantly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought it was something important!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Sixth Prince is not young; betrothals are natural, aren’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fifth Prince already has a child!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su was a bit anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lady!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The one betrothed to the Sixth Prince is the Third Miss!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t had much contact with the Third Miss, but they had met her once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman’s intuition is usually spot-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone so adept at navigating opportunities at such a young age, she certainly isn’t simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps not even a good person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she becomes an adversary, she could potentially be troublesome!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What of it if it’s her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To me, she’s just a stranger!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If people do not offend me, I won’t offend them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If people offend me, I will erase them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her high position, just by lifting a finger she could crush her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s really unnecessary to get caught up with such a minor figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No point!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su wanted to say more but was stopped by Zi Yue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, stop talking, the Princess is still here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We just need to serve the Lady well, handle matters as they come!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su could only nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, she thought for a moment and then instructed Xiao Xizi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep gathering information, knowing the enemy and ourselves leads to a hundred victories, the Lady may not be concerned, but we need to stay informed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps someday the Lady will need it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Xizi nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged for someone to keep an eye on it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the engagement is set, next will be the wedding date!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Soon the Emperor will grant the Prince a title and a mansion, then we’ll know everything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Su nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your efforts!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Xizi wiped his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh! What’s effort when it comes to serving the master well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting for a bit, the two parted ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the bathing room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing Yue Er’s bath, dressing her, she handed her to the Wetnurse Nanny for sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She returned to the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning on the couch by the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gazed at the bright moon outside, lost in her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t hear Zhao Junyao when he called her a few times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, he had to approach and tap her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qingqing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing was startled and turned to see the Emperor, quickly patting her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why did you walk so quietly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood and offered a slight curtsy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao sat on the sofa, took a couple of sips of tea brought by the Palace Attendant, and couldn’t help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quiet steps?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You were the one daydreaming, I’ve already called you twice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing seemed confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao put down the teacup and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What were you thinking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing... just felt a bit bored suddenly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People are so strange!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was just a Lady, I used to think if only I could have enough to eat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, when I could eat enough, I thought if only I could eat well!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Later, when I could eat whatever I wanted, I thought if only I’d never be bullied again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now... I’m no longer bullied, but... I’m bored!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People are always greedy, aren’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao affectionately pinched her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think you’re greedy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You haven’t seen true greed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing shook her head in bewilderment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, I haven’t seen it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But some love wealth, some crave power; they can’t be put in the same context!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I guess this could be considered so!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao chuckled and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let’s not talk about this, I have some good news for you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What good news?\" Her eyes sparkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your third sister is engaged to my sixth brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sparkle in her eyes faded instantly; Xia Ruqing wasn’t surprised at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already heard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao was about to say something when she continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t have a good relationship with her, let’s talk about something else!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao quickly pulled her closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren’t you curious about the twists and turns of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing suddenly grew a little curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just an engagement, what twists and turns could there be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao gave a mysterious smile and whispered in her ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing’s expression shifted from curiosity to shock, and finally to disbelief and astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It can’t be...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Empress Dowager Zhen really be so unscrupulous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1258,"2026-05-30T07:41:33.085Z","2026-06-01T04:30:40.316Z",1,"novelbin.me","a49acfd4747d533ab9d74608d0d4091522922881693caaa9d07dba846a30594a","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1021","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1019",1204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-cover.jpg"]