[{"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-1097":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},411232,676,"Chapter 1097: Enormous Pressure","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1097",1097,"\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up pen and paper, scribbling on the rice paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than half a Shi Chen, the eighty-one squares were filled with numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing’s gaze went from schadenfreude, to suspicion, and finally to shock, within a fraction of a Shi Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing took the paper with an incredulous expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She examined it row by row and column by column.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, she still couldn’t believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You did this so quickly! Have you seen it before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao tossed the pen aside, a smirk on his lips, as he stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just a trivial skill, not worth mentioning!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow, the way he tossed the pen was so cool!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing’s heart was overflowing with admiration; this man’s intellect was scary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who said ancient men only composed poetry and paintings, and couldn’t do arithmetic? That’s completely false, isn’t it?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could you be an emperor without knowing arithmetic?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor, you must be tired!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing ran over brimming with admiration to offer her care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Against such a handsome, intelligent, and wealthy male creature, resistance was futile!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao seemed a bit surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qingqing... what’s wrong with you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t she just gloating earlier?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, Emperor, you’re so amazing, I am truly in awe!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amazing?\" Zhao Junyao was somewhat puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was young, Tai Fu taught me arithmetic, I’ve learned some!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s still amazing!\" Xia Ruqing continued to be a devoted admirer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Sudoku game is very popular among the people; I’ve heard it stumped a ton of people!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Difficult?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao had a thoughtful look on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently unfamiliar with this word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a creature of such sophistication, he probably doesn’t know what difficulty is!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing rubbed her slightly aching chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor, it’s getting late, should we... go to sleep!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this topic continued, she’d start doubting her own intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better to go to bed early!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two went to wash up and lay down together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gauze curtain descended, the candlelight flickered, and the two embraced for a peaceful night’s sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, it was the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, Little New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was especially busy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only must they attend to matters inside and outside the palace, but also accommodate the hundred-plus entourage of Prince Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We couldn’t be enjoying a lively New Year on our own and neglect our guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would clearly be improper etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Internal Affairs needed to cover all aspects, with the steward, palace maids, and eunuchs bustling around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing was just as busy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did she have to prepare for the New Year in the Palace, but also arrange the marriage proposal for Seventh Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This should’ve been the Empress Dowager’s responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since the Empress Dowager was ’unwell’, unable to bear the strain, the burden fell onto her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After allocating the tasks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the four consorts, Xia Ruqing focused wholeheartedly on choosing a bride for Seventh Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao’s intention was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Engage before the year ends, marry after the New Year, complete the process smoothly without leaving any regrets!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing expressed: the pressure was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The urgency stems from ancient customs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the engagement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many families couldn’t bear to marry off their daughters, often keeping them another year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, it shows their daughters’ preciousness; on the other, it’s to earn respect from the in-laws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one hastily marries after engagement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would invite ridicule from neighbors and be looked down upon by the in-laws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An engagement before the New Year and a wedding after perfectly resolves this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the New Year, one counts a whole year!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To sum up in one sentence: Must be engaged before the New Year!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From over a hundred folded notes, and a list brought by Zhao Junyao, Xia Ruqing picked out a dozen suitable ladies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These ladies come from decent backgrounds, but not excessively wealthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Seventh Master, a prince possessing good skills without any maternal family support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t interest the prestigious family of the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At most, he was the object of admiration for some ladies, but that holds no substantial value!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title of Seventh Princess Consort sounds prestigious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the benefits this marriage offers doesn’t compare to the advantages of a capital family’s strategic marriage alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There weren’t many actual noble girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were quite a few charming and discreet young ladies introduced through folded notes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao stole a moment to glance over these dozen ladies’ names and nodded in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Seventh is solitary by nature; he needs someone understanding and caring by his side, seeking not noble lineage, but gentleness and kindness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing also nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor, why not host a banquet and observe them in person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing wasn’t against Seventh Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, matchmaking was a benevolent deed; thus, she was quite dedicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you wish!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once selected, let me have a look!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Seventh dislikes court disputes, so his in-laws definitely shouldn’t be... too involved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twenty-third day of the twelfth month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red plums bloom proudly against the snow in the palace, a grand spectacle of red in the Imperial Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, they appear like layered clouds or brocade, alongside the red walls and green tiles of the palace walls, instantly creating an exquisite ancient aesthetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qinfang Pavilion, situated somewhat southwest and distant from the Red Plum Grove, is among the grandest pavilions within the hundred some pavilions of the Imperial Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It has three levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first is an open pavilion, surrounded by eight gold-threaded Phoebe Nanmu red lacquered carved pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nanmu pillars are as firm as rocks, resistant to decay for centuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a close smell, there’s an aroma of raw wood material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second level is the largest, accommodating fifteen to twenty people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the pillars, it features redwood carved hollow walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In winter, when warm curtains are hung and charcoal braziers lit, it mimics a warm room like spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lifting the curtains reveals a generous view, with a distant glimpse of the fiery Red Plum Grove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s indeed an ideal spot for viewing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third level is slightly smaller than the second, without walls, only eight columns reaching the sky and waist-high redwood carved lacquer railings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you find the second level stuffy, you can ascend to the third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where you can overlook a panoramic view, enjoying fresh air, with the imperial palace’s scenery in full sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing made her selections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually deciding to host the banquet here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naming it: Plum Blossom Banquet!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inviting the ladies from the list and a few Empress Dowager and Tai Pin consorts as companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter their status, at least there’s the presence of elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from whether there’s romance, selecting a gentle and virtuous lady won’t be an issue!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet was set on the second level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm curtains were hung, charcoal braziers placed, and a delicate small stove was beside each person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was not cold at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing sat in the main seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Zhen, Empress Dowager Jing, Consort Zhou Taipin, and Consort An Taipin sat on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining ladies were seated according to their fathers’ official ranks and grades, below the main seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A total of seventeen people, neither crowded nor sparse, the layout was spacious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing wasn’t new to hosting banquets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She easily managed the formal speeches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gist was:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plum blossoms in the palace have bloomed; I’m in high spirits, inviting everyone to join for tea and scenery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are no outsiders, everyone should feel free and enjoy the lively atmosphere!\u003C\u002Fp>",1309,"2026-05-30T07:41:33.116Z","2026-06-01T04:30:40.316Z",1,"novelbin.me","197e2d76a9b29cc87ce71bd225b97dfc0b4cd2065318240335c364179bf0280f","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1098","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-1096",1204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-cover.jpg"]