Reminded by her maid, Consort Zhen gradually calmed down.
Indeed, that treacherous Song was highly favored by His Majesty, and offending him would bring no benefits.
But that despicable scoundrel was far too arrogant, daring to reprimand her… She would find an opportunity to teach him a lesson.
“Lord Song is right. This consort misspoke earlier and embarrassed myself,” Consort Zhen had adjusted her emotions, her tone gentle and no longer haughty. “It was merely a minor disagreement between Consort Li and me. Consort Li is gentle and magnanimous, and I believe she won’t hold a grudge. His Majesty is busy with state affairs, so please don’t trouble him with such trivial matters, Lord Song.”
After speaking, she turned to Consort Li to apologize, “Sister Li Fei, my words earlier were unintentional. Please don’t take offense.”
Song Yun Chu naturally didn’t believe Consort Zhen would change, but since the other party had conceded, there was no need to escalate the matter. As a court official, she shouldn’t interfere in harem conflicts, so she smiled and replied, “Your Highness need not worry.” This subject also cares for His Majesty’s well-being and won’t speak of this before him.”
“In that case, this consort thanks Lord Song. I feel somewhat fatigued and shall return to my palace to rest.”
As Consort Zhen left, Song Yun Chu prepared to depart as well, but Consort Li spoke beside her, “Lord Song, thank you for intervening on my behalf.”
Song Yun Chu turned to face Consort Li and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—though this character was cannon fodder, her beauty was undeniable.
Just as described in the original work, Consort Li’s face was as radiant as peach blossoms, with eyes like autumn waters brimming with emotion. Her gaze carried a natural charm, yet her demeanor remained dignified, never appearing vulgar.
“Your Highness need not thank me. I warned Consort Zhen because her words were indeed inappropriate. This subject believes that since His Majesty is already overwhelmed with court affairs, he surely desires peace and harmony in the imperial harem. If anyone deliberately stirs trouble, it will only add to His Majesty’s burdens.”
“Lord Song’s consideration for His Majesty truly lives up to his trust and favor.”
Consort Li paused before asking, “Lord Song, was His Majesty truly satisfied with the Imperial Cuisine at noon? Which dishes did he enjoy, and which did he dislike?”
“Consort Li, this subject knows you care for His Majesty and wish to do something for him. However, I must remind you that His Majesty dislikes others inquiring about his dietary preferences. It’s fine that you asked me, but please do not question the palace attendants around him, lest it displeases His Majesty.”
Consort Li was momentarily stunned before replying, “This consort was careless. Thank you for the reminder, Lord Song.”
How could she have forgotten? The emperor’s meals differed from ordinary people’s; he would never easily reveal his dietary preferences to prevent potential harm.
She had seen this Minister Song a few times before but never spoken to him. After today’s interaction, she found him much kinder than the rumors suggested.
His words and actions bore no resemblance to the “ruthless schemer” others described.
Though it might be because they had no prior conflicts, so he had no reason to show his ruthless side. When dealing with political rivals in private, he was undoubtedly iron-fisted and merciless.
With this thought, even as Song Yun Chu smiled warmly, she instinctively sensed hidden daggers behind that smile—unfathomable and inscrutable.
She’d better not speak too much with this one…
Song Yun Chu observed Li Fei’s expression, faintly sensing that the other had developed some fear toward her, so she averted her gaze to avoid putting pressure on her.
In the original story, most female supporting characters had their eyes set on that dog male lead Jun Tianyi, but Li Fei was a rare exception—a woman genuinely devoted to the Dog Emperor.
Perhaps it was because she wasn’t even significant enough to rank among the notable female supporting characters. Any character with substantial screen time was inevitably written to fall for Jun Tianyi.
Li Fei was forcibly written out of the story after harming Jiang Rumin. The Dog Emperor had no feelings for her whatsoever, so when he ordered her execution, he didn’t even bat an eye.
Such a gentle and virtuous young woman really shouldn’t be forced to turn evil just for the sake of the plot, only to end up with a death sentence.
A sudden idea flashed in Song Yun Chu’s mind, and she said to Li Fei, “Your Majesty often has trouble sleeping at night. The prescriptions from the imperial physicians are not only bitter but also ineffective. Since you have considerable expertise in culinary arts, perhaps you could try making some medicinal cuisine that aids sleep. As for His Majesty’s daily meals, the Imperial Kitchen handles them, so you needn’t worry about those.”
Upon hearing this, Li Fei immediately became enthusiastic. “Medicinal cuisine that aids sleep? This is something I’m not familiar with, but I have many recipe books in my palace. I’ll go back and look through them right away. Thank you for your advice, Lord Song. I will remember this favor.”
“Then I take my leave.” Song Yun Chu smiled faintly and turned to leave, already forming a plan in her mind.
Li Fei was skilled in cooking but knew nothing about medicine, so she naturally couldn’t create sleep-aiding medicinal cuisine. The only one capable of making such dishes was the female lead, Jiang Rumin.
In the original story, Jiang Rumin suffered numerous hardships. Whenever she was physically and mentally exhausted, a male supporting character would always step in to help. Remembering their kindness, she would return the favor by offering warmth, thus weaving intricate emotional connections. In one instance, the Dog Emperor helped her out of a difficult situation, and to express her gratitude, she prepared sleep-aiding medicinal cuisine for him, which he found very effective.
Although this incident wasn’t a key moment that made the Dog Emperor develop feelings for her, it did make him feel grateful and appreciative toward Jiang Rumin.
If she could transfer the credit originally belonging to Jiang Rumin to Li Fei…
Perhaps she could achieve the desired outcome?
…
In the warm afternoon sunlight, Jiang Rumin sat at the stone table in the spacious courtyard, gazing at the Mandarin Duck Jade Pendant sent by the emperor. A faint melancholy appeared between her brows.
This jade pendant was one of a pair. She and Minister Song each had one. His Majesty had even instructed that they must carry it with them at all times. Wasn’t this just emphasizing to everyone that he valued Minister Song greatly and took this arranged marriage very seriously?
The more ostentatious this marriage was, the harder it would be to deal with the aftermath in the future.
And what about the Prince… I wonder what he’s thinking now?
Just as Jiang Rumin was sighing, a maid came to report, “Miss, Lord Song is here. Please go and welcome him.”
Jiang Rumin turned her head and saw Song Yun Chu strolling leisurely toward her. She quickly stood up to greet him. “Greetings, Lord Song.”
“No need for formalities.”
Knowing that Jiang Rumin disliked pleasantries, Song Yun Chu got straight to the point. “Miss Jiang, I came to see you today on an important matter. You are well-versed in medical principles. Do you know of any effective methods to aid sleep? His Majesty…”
Before Song Yun Chu could finish her sentence, a servant hurried over and said to Jiang Rumin, panting, “Miss, Prince Yi is here. I noticed he didn’t look too pleased.”
Song Yun Chu’s temple twitched.
She knew that scoundrel wouldn’t give up so easily.
No sooner had she arrived than Dog Scumbag showed up too. Was he looking to pick a fight with her?