After half an incense stick’s time, Eunuch Zhao ordered the imperial meal to be set on the table. He walked to Xiao Jingheng and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, please take your meal.”
“Very well.”
Xiao Jingheng finished reviewing the memorials in his hand, rose from the dragon throne, and walked to the soft couch to take Lu Jingning’s hand.
“Your Majesty has worked so hard. It pains your concubine just to see it. You must eat more to nourish your body.” Lu Jingning looked at Xiao Jingheng with deep concern.
“All right, I’ll listen to you.” Xiao Jingheng spoke indulgently.
Lu Jingning followed him to the dining table. When her gaze fell upon the dazzling array of exquisite dishes, she deliberately widened her eyes, showing a look of disbelief.
Her gaze swept over each delicate jade plate. She tugged lightly at Xiao Jingheng’s sleeve, lowered her voice, and her eyes sparkled with childlike excitement.
“Your Majesty, these dishes are so exquisite. Your concubine has never seen such a lavish imperial meal. It’s truly eye-opening.”
As she spoke, she subconsciously swallowed, her innocent delight causing Xiao Jingheng to chuckle softly. “Then eat more.”
“Your Majesty, how could your concubine share lunch with you? That would be improper.” Lu Jingning said with a hint of grievance.
Xiao Jingheng didn’t mind at all and pulled her down to sit. “I am the rule.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The moment she sat down, she eagerly picked up a dish to taste. “Your Majesty’s imperial meals are delicious!”
Seeing her eat so greedily, Xiao Jingheng personally placed more food in her bowl. “Eat slowly.”
“Your concubine thanks Your Majesty.” Lu Jingning spoke while eating, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.
Seeing how she savored every bite, as if she had never tasted anything so fine, Xiao Jingheng casually asked, “Have you never eaten these before?”
Lu Jingning’s chopsticks paused. Her eyes dimmed slightly as she gently shook her head. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s, “No… your concubine is just a concubine-born daughter. I couldn’t eat things like this. If only Auntie could taste them too.”
She lowered her head and took a small bite of the pastry in her hand. The delicate sweetness melted slowly on her tongue, and a faint mist gathered in her eyes.
Pity me—yes, that’s right. Lu Jingning thought to herself.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she immediately knelt on the ground in panic. “Your concubine misspoke. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!”
Seeing her like this reminded Xiao Jingheng of his own past. He too had been a concubine-born child, never favored by the former emperor. Thankfully, his mother had always protected him.
Though he possessed abundant talent, he never dared to reveal it. He could only hide his abilities, pretending to be harmless for fear of being used or harmed.
Now, he had finally endured to the end. He was no longer the coward he once was.
Xiao Jingheng set down his chopsticks and helped Lu Jingning up. “I never said I would blame you. Eat, before the food turns cold.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. From now on, your concubine will be cautious with her words.” Lu Jingning spoke gratefully.
Once she sat down again, Xiao Jingheng looked at her with a gentle gaze, though his eyes held a sharpness that could see through hearts. He asked softly, “Did you suffer often when you were young?”
Lu Jingning gently shook her head, speaking in a faint voice, “No… though your concubine was a concubine-born daughter, Madam treated your concubine well.”
After speaking, she lowered her eyes slightly. Her long lashes trembled as if concealing something.
Xiao Jingheng’s lips curved faintly, a hint of understanding and pity hidden within his smile. He reached out and gently brushed the ends of her hair.
Then he instructed, “From today on, have the Imperial Kitchen deliver meals to Lady Lu’s quarters every day.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lu Jingning put down her pastry, deeply grateful. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Go on and eat,” Xiao Jingheng urged her gently.
Lu Jingning nodded softly and continued to savor the dishes before her.
After the meal, Xiao Jingheng lightly patted the back of her hand. “You may withdraw.”
“Yes. Your concubine takes her leave.” Lu Jingning reluctantly paid her respects and slowly exited the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Once her figure disappeared, Xiao Jingheng’s expression instantly darkened. He quietly said to Eunuch Zhao, “Go find out what happened to the injuries on Lady Lu’s face.”
Eunuch Zhao accepted the order and withdrew, inwardly pondering the emperor’s intent.
A short while later, he hurried back into the hall, unsure whether he should speak.
Xiao Jingheng asked, “Have you found out?”
Eunuch Zhao lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly. “Replying to Your Majesty… it has been found.”
Xiao Jingheng’s gaze sharpened instantly. “Who?”
Eunuch Zhao trembled so hard he could barely kneel steadily. “According to the maids of Chengqian Palace… the Virtuous Consort summoned Lady Lu today. After leaving Zhongcui Palace, Lady Lu’s face was already swollen.”
He raised his eyes secretly to glance at Xiao Jingheng, only to see the emperor’s brows covered in a layer of frost.
In those deep eyes, a storm was brewing, and the entire hall seemed to drop to freezing temperature.
“So it was the Virtuous Consort.” Thinking of Lu Jingning’s appearance at lunch and her pitiful past at home, Xiao Jingheng grew furious.
Eunuch Zhao immediately kneeled. “Please calm your anger, Your Majesty!”
Xiao Jingheng narrowed his cold eyes, his tone brooking no refusal. “Since the Virtuous Consort is so jealous, let her pray for the Empress Dowager and copy the Buddhist scriptures one hundred times. It will give her time to reflect.”
He waved his hand slightly, signaling Eunuch Zhao to deliver the decree.
Eunuch Zhao bowed deeply, his voice trembling with respect. “Yes, this servant will deliver the order at once.”
He turned to leave, but the emperor stopped him.
“And… have Lady Lu attend me tonight.” When he spoke of Lu Jingning, his voice softened.
Eunuch Zhao shivered inwardly and quickly accepted the order before withdrawing from the hall.
Zhongcui Palace
As soon as Eunuch Zhao arrived, Nanny Li hurried to report, “Your Ladyship, Eunuch Zhao is here.”
The Virtuous Consort’s maid, Yunlu, quickly flattered her. “It must be that His Majesty misses Your Ladyship and has summoned you to accompany him.”
Although the Virtuous Consort was pleased, she maintained her usual cold expression. “Invite Eunuch Zhao in.”
Eunuch Zhao entered Zhongcui Palace with steady steps. He bowed and said with a faint trace of authority, “Greetings to Your Ladyship, the Virtuous Consort.”
The Virtuous Consort sat upright, lightly stroking her hair. Though her face appeared calm, anticipation flickered in her eyes. “Did His Majesty summon this palace?”
Eunuch Zhao straightened, lowered his gaze, and replied coolly, “Your Ladyship, no.”
The Virtuous Consort paused, a flash of displeasure and confusion crossing her face. Her brows knitted. “Then why has Eunuch Zhao come?”
He answered, “To deliver His Majesty’s decree.”
The Virtuous Consort immediately rose and knelt to receive it.
“His Majesty is concerned for the Empress Dowager, who prays for the nation outside the palace. As Your Ladyship is devout, His Majesty commands you to hand-copy the Buddhist scriptures one hundred times.” Eunuch Zhao relayed the emperor’s verbal decree.
The Virtuous Consort nearly ground her teeth to dust, but she had no choice. “Your concubine obeys.”
“This servant takes his leave.” Eunuch Zhao finished speaking and left Zhongcui Palace without delay.
(End of Chapter)