The medicinal cuisine recipe she gave to Consort Li was obtained from Jiang Rumin.
After she injured Prince Yi, Jiang Rumin was distressed and unwilling to engage with her. Fortunately, Jiang Rumin still remembered the favor of her public intervention and wrote down the insomnia treatment recipe as repayment, before having the Guogong Residence servants “escort” her out.
The one who saw her out was Jiang Rumin’s personal maid. She earnestly advised the girl that to protect her young lady’s reputation, she must never allow her to visit the injured Prince Yi.
She also ordered several subordinates to keep watch outside the Guogong Residence, closely monitoring Jiang Rumin’s movements to avoid disrupting her own “countering rumors with rumors” plan.
If Jun Tianyi didn’t receive Jiang Rumin’s visit, he might become disheartened and completely sever their relationship—exactly the outcome she desired.
…
In the Imperial Study, Jun Li Luo remained focused on painting landscapes on his scroll.
Just as the artwork was nearing completion, a eunuch announced: “Your Majesty, Consort Shu requests an audience regarding important matters.”
Jun Li Luo responded unhurriedly, “Let her in.”
Soon after, a figure in lake-green palace attire approached the imperial desk and bowed.
“What matter do you wish to report?”
“Your Majesty, I inadvertently discovered Minister Song and Consort Li meeting in secret.”
Jun Li Luo paused his brushwork and looked up. “When?”
Consort Shu replied, “Just moments ago, the two were speaking quietly at the rockery entrance. Since Minister Song possesses profound martial skills, I feared detection if I approached too closely, so I could only observe from the corridor corner. Consort Li appeared delighted, while Minister Song’s face was obscured by the rockery, making his expression unreadable.”
“Do you suspect an improper relationship between them?” Jun Li Luo’s expression remained unperturbed.
“Without hearing their conversation, it’s difficult to determine their relationship. I only know Consort Li seemed very happy.”
Jun Li Luo pondered briefly, then as if realizing something, a barely perceptible smile touched the corners of his eyes.
“I understand. You may withdraw.”
Consort Shu was surprised by his lack of reaction.
Even if nothing improper occurred between Consort Li and Minister Song, their private meeting and cheerful conversation still violated protocol. How could Your Majesty not feel offended?
Though filled with questions, she didn’t dare inquire further, simply curtsied and withdrew.
Perhaps His Majesty had other considerations.
Regardless, she needed to keep close watch on Consort Li to prevent those two from committing disgraceful acts behind the emperor’s back.
Time passed quickly until the next morning.
“There aren’t many official documents today. Yun Chu, accompany me in a game of chess.”
“Yes.” Song Yun Chu picked up a chess piece, feeling utterly bored.
[This weiqi is truly uninteresting. It’s no match for Landlords or Mahjong.]
Hearing these novel terms in Song Yun Chu’s inner thoughts, Jun Li Luo grew curious.
Were Landlords and Mahjong particularly entertaining games?
He had never heard of them, but since Song Yun Chu had conceived the idea, he might witness them in the near future.
Just as he placed a chess piece, a eunuch entered to announce: “Your Majesty, Consort Li has prepared nourishing soup for you. She mentioned that since you handle numerous state affairs daily, this nourishing soup has spleen-strengthening and sleep-aiding properties that would benefit you greatly. Would you like to try it?”
Upon hearing this, Song Yun Chu’s eyes flickered.
[She just received the medicinal recipe from me yesterday, and today she’s presenting it to the emperor. It seems Consort Li has already tested the recipe’s effectiveness.]
【Consort Li, oh Consort Li, I’ve credited all of Jiang Rumin’s contributions to you. I’ve done all I can to help – the rest is up to you. If you can become the Dog Emperor’s virtuous helpmate, you’d better remember my kindness in the future.】
Jun Li Luo raised an eyebrow slightly and instructed the attendant, “Bring the soup in.”
“Your Majesty, since Consort Li cares for you so deeply, what harm would there be in seeing her? You’re not busy at the moment anyway.”
“Playing chess requires concentration. Having a third person speaking nearby would inevitably affect both our trains of thought. I’ll see her another day.”
Song Yun Chu remained silent.
She wanted to help Consort Li win the emperor’s favor, but couldn’t be too obvious about it.
Throughout history, emperors have always disliked too much connection between the court and the harem. Given the Dog Emperor’s suspicious nature, if he learned of her dealings with Consort Li, he would only suspect her of having ulterior motives or attempting to corrupt the harem.
“Your Majesty, this Nourishing Soup should be drunk while hot. If you feel drowsy after drinking it, it would be perfect for your afternoon rest.”
Seeing Chief Eunuch Li place the food container on the table, Jun Li Luo said indifferently, “Open it.”
From Song Yun Chu’s inner thoughts, he knew this medicinal soup had excellent sleep-inducing effects – exactly what he needed now.
This recipe was something Song Yun Chu had obtained from Jiang Rumin. She could have taken credit for it herself, but instead gave the merit to Consort Li.
To matchmake him with Consort Li, this fellow was quite diligent.
Jun Li Luo took a small sip of the nourishing soup. Though it had a medicinal taste, it was savory and fragrant upon entering the mouth, with excellent flavor.
Song Yun Chu asked with curious expression, “Your Majesty, how does it taste?”
“Not bad. It’s quite remarkable to make medicinal cuisine this delicious.”
Hearing this, Song Yun Chu felt somewhat relieved.
But Jun Li Luo’s subsequent words didn’t mention Consort Li again. Instead, he said to Song Yun Chu, “Yun Chu, it’s your move.”
Song Yun Chu felt disappointed but could only continue placing her piece.
Her interest wasn’t in chess, so naturally she lost quickly. Jun Li Luo looked at the winning position before him and smiled faintly, “Yun Chu, you seem distracted. Is something on your mind?”
Just as Song Yun Chu was thinking of an excuse to slip away, an attendant came to report, “Your Majesty, the diplomatic mission from Bei Chen Country will arrive at the imperial city by evening.”
Hearing this, Song Yun Chu’s eyes flickered.
The Bei Chen Country diplomatic mission… the devoted second male lead Shangguan Qi is about to appear!
Bei Chen Country borders our nation, and sending envoys is naturally for marriage alliance. The original marriage candidate, Fifth Princess, was supposed to become the Dog Emperor’s consort, but that princess was coincidentally saved by Jun Tianyi and fell in love with him at first sight.
To marry Jun Tianyi, Fifth Princess schemed to have him see her body. To protect his royal sister’s dignity, Shangguan Qi begged the Dog Emperor to let Fifth Princess marry Prince Yi instead.
The Dog Emperor despised Fifth Princess’s behavior and approved this marriage arrangement. After all, marrying the Royal Uncle still counted as a political alliance. This arrangement temporarily cost Jiang Rumin her position as consort.
In subsequent plot developments, Fifth Princess ultimately failed to become the Yiwang Consort. Frustrated in love, she grew resentful toward Jiang Rumin and repeatedly attempted to harm her.
Song Yun Chu pondered: now that the plot has deviated from the original, Fifth Princess’s target for poisoning attempts would probably be Jiang Yuxi?
The rivalry between the original female lead and supporting female character has turned into a battle between two villainous supporting female characters… this really should be credited to the Dog Emperor’s blind marriage arrangement.
Jun Li Luo clearly heard Song Yun Chu’s inner thoughts, set down the chess piece in his hand, and looked up at her.
“Yun Chu, the prince and princess from the neighboring country have traveled a long way to visit us. They are our distinguished guests. You and Shen Yue shall go to welcome them together.”