[{"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-939":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},411174,676,"Chapter 939: Family Banquet","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-939",939,"\u003Cp>Among the younger generation, there was the Fifth Prince, Prince Zhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As well as Princess Consort Zhe, who married in a previous year, the Princess Hai Feng from the Western Xia Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there were still unmarried princes like the Sixth Master and Seventh Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining younger ones were the Princely Heirs or other children from the Prince’s Mansions, which we won’t mention for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the harem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concubines ranked Third Rank and above, as well as princes and princesses, were all present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add them all up inside and out, and the great hall was filled to capacity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing had the highest status in the harem, so she sat beside Zhao Junyao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Noble Consorts and Princess Consorts all sat on the Empress Dowager’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In between was an open space for enjoying songs and dances or watching operas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the evening, as the splendid lights came on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flower-shaped lanterns were lit inside the great hall, with a variety of delicious dishes presented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intricate carvings and paintings adorned the hall, filled with the rich aroma of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a quiet corner of the hall, the palace musicians had long prepared the string and wind instruments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only waiting for the banquet to start, to play beautiful music for the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With everything ready, the honored guests gradually arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor personally assisted the Empress Dowager in making the final entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those chatting in small groups, upon seeing the Emperor and Empress Dowager arrive, immediately stood up to greet them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings to the Emperor, greetings to the Empress Dowager!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager waved her hand, saying, \"Rise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone thanked her and resumed their seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was exactly the same as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the people in the harem were a bit surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this was the first time the Empress Dowager appeared in front of everyone since she secluded herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everyone was seated, they all unanimously looked at the Empress Dowager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing followed everyone’s gaze and looked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to see the Empress Dowager wearing a maroon court dress embroidered with phoenix flowers, and a brown-red crown set with rubies on her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her attire was no different from the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except her figure seemed much thinner than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her complexion had also waned considerably, and the light in her eyes was almost gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phrase ’a flickering candle in the wind’ came to mind vividly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing lightly shook her head, sighing inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’As they say, those who bring misfortune upon themselves cannot live, isn’t that the case here!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’You say, the Emperor is your own son, isn’t it good to live well, why must you turn your elbow outward!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Now look what’s happened, you’ve scattered both your maternal and paternal families, are you happy now?!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no sympathy, only sighs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others glanced at her a few times, too, bowed their heads, each lost in their own thoughts, likely thinking different things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone was seated and the banquet began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao said a few words, and the Empress Dowager also spoke a few words reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the banquet began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Music played, glasses clinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few rounds of wine, those with glib tongues naturally came out to make jokes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the atmosphere was not so stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The palace banquets were still the same as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The food was not good, hot when served, but now cold as ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drinks weren’t good either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how fine the wine, in the cold winter it chilled to the bone, leaving the drinkers without appetite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, everyone was still hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So everyone simply put on appearances just to maintain decorum, who would really rely on this to fill their stomachs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating two mouthfuls of food and drinking a little hot tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing could no longer eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling bored, she looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess Consorts and Imperial Noble Consorts who had not been seen outside the palace for a long time hadn’t changed much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only one person had changed so much she almost didn’t recognize her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that really Princess Hai Feng?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing asked Zi Yue quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yue quickly bowed her head and nodded secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Ladyship, yes it is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yue thought for a moment and added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s said that Princess Hai Feng is already nine months pregnant, and in another month she’ll give birth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing nodded thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder, I was wondering why... she looked so fat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her formerly exquisite eyebrows and big eyes, now her whole face had rounded immensely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her entire body was bloated like a ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Ruqing glanced a couple more times, feeling inwardly emotional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It looks like the Fifth Master next to her is quite considerate, serving dishes and handing handkerchiefs!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who said back then that they were not on good terms?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because Hai Feng was indeed conspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager, who hadn’t appeared for a long time, also asked indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long is the pregnancy, and why hasn’t anyone told me, coming out at night—isn’t it risky!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, you didn’t have to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Feng and the Fifth Master exchanged a look, but before they could respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Zhen beside them just laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Empress Dowager, this child Hai Feng is already eight or nine months, the Imperial Physician says, this pregnancy is very stable, coming out for walks helps ensure a smooth delivery!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager nodded faintly, not seeming truly concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But upon hearing ’the child is already eight or nine months.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes filled with overwhelming disappointment, impossible to hide, as if about to overflow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Eight or nine months!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The child is eight or nine months along, and she didn’t even know!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It seems the Emperor has truly cut her off from all information!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Ningshou Palace was filled with the Emperor’s people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What she ate, when she chanted sutras, when she went to bed, every detail, whenever he wanted, he knew it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To cover up the disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly took a sip of tea, but what entered her mouth was a full taste of bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked over at Consort Shih Pin sitting among the concubines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to see her wearing her rightful attire of a consort without breaking decorum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her complexion was still quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Princess stood obediently at her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was bowing her head, holding a small bowl, feeding the Princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Princess obediently opened her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one spoonful of rice, Consort Shih Pin’s eyes were filled with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled as she fondly rubbed the Princess’s head, full of praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Princess also smiled at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager saw this and felt a slight stir in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This child seems to have grown taller, looking very close to Consort Shih Pin!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It seems she cherishes her a lot!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This seems not too bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this really what Consort Shih Pin wanted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had gone through so much effort and taken such great risks to overthrow her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this current life truly what she wishes for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she suddenly chuckled to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Ha! What does it matter if I understand it or not?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’What could she, an old woman under the Emperor’s house arrest, possibly expect?!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just take it day by day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battlefield of the harem no longer belonged to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, not knowing what came to her mind, her eyes suddenly brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly lowered her head to hide her unusual expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she looked up again, it was with the same aged look as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mother, are you all right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor ’caringly’ asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager ’benevolently’ smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s nothing, just feeling a bit weary with old age!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Junyao smiled, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Mother is tired, please go back to rest early. It’s cold, and your health has only just slightly improved!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager was slightly stunned, not expecting him to say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Return early?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon thinking, it wasn’t a bad idea—what was she sitting here for anyway? To be upset?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, you are considerate, my son!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, I will return first; truly, I’m getting on in years and my energy is waning!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May you all continue to enjoy yourselves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager rose, not forgetting to admonish once more before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone dared not defy her, so they stood up to send her off with respect.\u003C\u002Fp>",1411,"2026-05-30T07:41:23.310Z","2026-06-01T04:30:40.316Z",1,"novelbin.me","791f45ecc925c19d9d3ec1bba4a00f2f17f43e5c005df3ef50da51e9e64b54b8","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-940","a-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-chapter-938",1204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-foodie-transmigrated-into-the-palace-cover.jpg"]