He couldn’t possibly tell Song Yun Chu that he could read minds, as that would likely destroy their long-standing, stable mutually beneficial relationship.
So let nature take its course. After all, Song Yun Chu wouldn’t help others against him now. With many days of interaction ahead, perhaps he could truly turn this fellow into a loyal minister devoted solely to him.
…
After taking her leave, Song Yun Chu didn’t exit the palace directly but instead headed toward the Imperial Kitchen.
She was still thinking about that Drunken Sweet Shrimp she had only tasted once.
Ordinary ministers weren’t permitted to enter the Imperial Kitchen, but to demonstrate his favor toward her, the Dog Emperor had previously declared that she could freely enjoy the delicacies prepared by the Imperial Chefs.
When Song Yun Chu arrived outside the Imperial Kitchen, she looked up and saw a graceful figure bustling by the stove.
“Consort Li?”
Consort Li turned at the sound, somewhat surprised. “Lord Song, what brings you here?”
Song Yun Chu bowed with clasped hands and replied, “Your humble official is here to find Royal Chef Zhang. Are you here specifically to prepare meals for His Majesty, Your Highness?”
Consort Li smiled elegantly. “His Majesty previously stated that his meals should be handled by the Imperial Chefs, and consorts needn’t trouble themselves with such matters. But the soups the chefs stew aren’t flavorful enough, and their noodles lack the right texture. His Majesty clearly doesn’t enjoy them, so I must guide them.”
“Consort Li is truly attentive to His Majesty.”
Song Yun Chu sighed inwardly—the Dog Emperor was really fortunate.
“As long as His Majesty is satisfied with his meals, not only will the Imperial Chefs have an easier time, but I can also rest assured.”
After speaking, Consort Li turned back to continue her conversation with the nearby chef.
Song Yun Chu found Royal Chef Zhang, who specialized in Drunken Sweet Shrimp. However, upon hearing her request for the dish, Chef Zhang showed a hint of hesitation. “My Lord, we’re currently short on some ingredients for this dish and can’t prepare it properly. Perhaps another day?”
Chief Eunuch Li had specifically instructed two days prior that no one except His Majesty was to be served Drunken Sweet Shrimp.
Even if Minister Song requested it, they were to find an excuse to decline.
Song Yun Chu didn’t overthink it, merely feeling somewhat disappointed. She replied, “Then another day,” and turned to leave.
After putting some distance between herself and the Imperial Kitchen, Song Yun Chu glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then hid among the rockeries by the Carp Pond.
About a quarter of an hour later, hearing Consort Li and her maids chatting and laughing, she tossed a pre-prepared stone near Consort Li’s feet.
The stone nearly hit Consort Li’s foot, making her instinctively look in the direction it came from, where she spotted Song Yun Chu at the rockery entrance.
“Minister Song seems to have something to say to me. You two keep watch here. If any outsiders approach, cough loudly.”
After instructing her personal maids, Consort Li walked toward Song Yun Chu.
“Lord Song, is there something you need?”
“Consort Li, do you remember that I once mentioned to you that His Majesty has trouble sleeping and suggested you consider preparing some Medicinal Cuisine to aid his rest?”
Consort Li sighed softly upon hearing this. “I naturally remember. I went back and consulted many recipes, but I haven’t found a method yet…”
“Your humble official has already found a prescription for you. You only need to follow it.”
Song Yun Chu lifted the corners of her lips slightly, pulling a scroll of paper from her sleeve pocket and handing it to Consort Li. “If you’re uncertain, Your Highness, you can have someone else taste it first to ensure it’s completely safe before serving it to His Majesty.”
Consort Li was momentarily taken aback, instinctively accepting the prescription. “Where did Lord Song obtain this?”
“Your Ladyship need not inquire further. Whether this prescription is effective or not, you’ll know once you have it tested.”
“I certainly don’t doubt Lord Song’s intentions. I’m merely curious… why are you helping me?”
“His Majesty is deeply occupied with state affairs and rarely visits the inner palace, which is why he still lacks an heir. This is a matter of great concern to all court officials.”
Song Yun Chu said with utmost seriousness, “This humble official believes His Majesty lacks an attentive woman by his side, and Consort Li, you are well-suited for this role.”
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what Lord Song means. Currently, there are only four consorts in the inner palace, and it’s common knowledge that Consort Shu enjoys His Majesty’s favor. Since we entered the palace, aside from Consort Shu, His Majesty has not summoned anyone else to attend him at night. Isn’t she the attentive woman by His Majesty’s side?”
At the mention of Consort Shu, Consort Li sighed softly, her expression showing both resignation and a hint of discontent.
Song Yun Chu naturally understood her feelings and smiled faintly. “Consort Li need not worry. His Majesty frequently summons Consort Shu not out of affection.”
Consort Li looked puzzled. “Then why?”
Song Yun Chu had no intention of revealing that the emperor and Consort Shu had a superior-subordinate relationship, so he fabricated another explanation.
“His Majesty is diligent in governance, often reviewing official documents for hours on end. He is not made of iron, so it’s inevitable that he experiences back and muscle pain. Consort Shu is skilled in massage and can help His Majesty relax his muscles and bones. That is why His Majesty summons her to attend him. To say it’s out of affection would be inaccurate. This humble official must remind you that currently, no woman has won His Majesty’s favor, so everyone has a chance. You excel at cooking, giving you even more opportunities than others.”
Hearing this, Consort Li’s expression shifted. “Is what Lord Song says true?”
“This humble official has assisted His Majesty for a long time. How could I not understand His Majesty’s preferences? Or does Your Ladyship doubt my words and suspect I am deceiving you?”
“Lord Song, do not misunderstand. I have no such thoughts.”
As she spoke, Consort Li tucked the prescription into her sleeve pocket.
She could guess Song Yun Chu’s intentions.
Although his words were all about considering the emperor’s well-being, she knew Song Yun Chu had his own selfish motives.
Across all nations, the court and the inner palace are intricately connected. Officials often send their sisters or daughters to the palace to accompany the emperor. When their family members in the palace gain favor, they too are promoted. Although Minister Song is a favorite of His Majesty, he has no sisters to send into the palace. To expand his connections in the inner palace, he must form alliances with consorts for mutual benefit.
By choosing her among the four consorts to deliver the prescription, he hoped she would become his ally. If she could gain favor as a result, she must not forget to repay him in the future.
“Thank you for your kindness, Lord Song. I will keep your medicinal cuisine prescription and try it as soon as I return to my palace.”
“Then this humble official will not disturb you further, Your Ladyship. The palace is full of prying eyes, so please return first.”
“Very well.” Consort Li nodded with a faint smile and left with her personal maids.
Song Yun Chu also turned and departed.
The Dog Emperor had an unfortunate childhood and lacked love in his heart. When he sought but failed to obtain it, he was prone to turning into a neurotic. Unless he experienced a healthy emotional relationship, he would remain unstable. Therefore, she had to find a female character who was exceptional in all aspects and relatively normal in behavior.
In truth, Consort Shu was also exceptional—highly skilled in martial arts and fiercely loyal to the emperor. Unfortunately, she was a spy and death warrior, trained and brainwashed into an emotionless machine. Such a character setting made it too difficult to pair her with the Dog Emperor.
After much deliberation, Song Yun Chu concluded it had to be Li Fei.