Chapter Thirty-Seven: This Flavor Is Absolutely Divine

“Go... to the Palace of Dew.”

Chang Fu immediately called out, “Prepare the imperial carriage for the Palace of Dew!”

A young eunuch hurried ahead to relay the emperor’s arrival, and at that moment, Consort Sun had just finished her evening meal. Hearing the eunuch announce the joyful news, she was momentarily stunned, and the chopsticks in her hand slipped to the floor with a crisp clatter.

“What did you say?” Consort Sun’s eyes widened, disbelief written across her face. Before the eunuch could repeat himself, she couldn’t help but smile with delight. When he finally said it again—

“Your Highness, today is your lucky day. The emperor is on his way to the Palace of Dew. Please prepare to welcome him,” the eunuch said, grinning.

A blush crept onto Consort Sun’s cheeks as she smiled bashfully. The palace maids attending her offered felicitations, and Consort Sun, in excellent spirits, rewarded the eunuch and several servants. With a heart full of excitement, she commanded, “Quick, tidy up the palace!”

“Yes!”

The attendants in the Palace of Dew rushed about. Consort Sun took care to return to her inner chambers for a fresh wash, carefully selecting an appropriate gown to change into. Once everything was ready, Qin Zhiyi arrived at the palace gates.

“The emperor has arrived!”

“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty.” Consort Sun, accompanied by her attendants, greeted him at the door, gazing at Qin Zhiyi with gentle affection.

Qin Zhiyi nodded, “Rise.”

Now this—this was the manner in which an imperial consort ought to receive the emperor! That banner at Crescent Moon Palace made him want to tear it down every time he saw it!

Consort Sun rose with the help of her maid, shyly looking at Qin Zhiyi as she walked beside him into the Palace of Dew. She tried to appear natural and wanted to personally assist him to his seat, but Qin Zhiyi seemed not to notice, ignoring her gesture and seating himself directly.

Consort Sun gave an awkward laugh, quickly changing the subject, “I wonder why Your Majesty has come to see me tonight? Noble Consort Xian has just become pregnant, shouldn’t Your Majesty spend more time with her?”

“Are you unhappy that I came?” Qin Zhiyi gestured for her to sit. He took a small sip of tea—the taste was identical to that served in the Golden Throne Hall. Consort Sun sat with a smile, her subtle fragrance, whatever it was, felt somewhat overpowering to him. In fact, he found the dog scent of Crescent Moon Palace more comfortable.

“I am delighted,” Consort Sun replied, a bit awkwardly touching her face, hoping her smile and makeup were flawless. She asked eagerly, “How does Your Majesty find this tea? I wonder if it suits your taste?”

“Jingwan is skilled in the art of tea. It surprised me,” Qin Zhiyi said, not touching the cup again. The palace staff in the Golden Throne Hall always brewed tea following strict procedure, and he had no particular preference. Consort Sun’s effort to match that taste showed she had worked hard to learn his likes. “I like it very much.”

Words spoken against his heart proved less difficult than he’d imagined.

“Your Majesty...” Consort Sun lowered her head shyly. “I’m glad you enjoy it.”

“I recall the imperial physician saying you were unwell recently. Are you better now?” Qin Zhiyi raised his hand, and Chang Fu immediately clapped. A palace maid brought up a bowl of medicinal soup. “I am granting you more nourishing dishes. Restore your health so you may bear children for me.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am much improved,” Consort Sun’s heart trembled. She stood to bow, “I thought Your Majesty only cared for Noble Consort Xian.”

“You are also my beloved consort. How could I not care for you?” Qin Zhiyi raised his hand for her to rise, and the maid placed the soup on the table. He glanced at it, “Drink it while it’s hot.”

“Yes, thank you for the reward.”

Consort Sun felt triumphant. She had thought the emperor’s affection for Noble Consort Xian was unparalleled, yet only days after her pregnancy, he came to her Palace of Dew. Clearly, she occupied his thoughts. She wondered how Noble Consort Xian would act so proud in the days to come!

As she drank the soup, Consort Sun’s brow furrowed. Seeing Qin Zhiyi watching her, she forced a smile, but couldn’t help but wonder, what sort of medicinal dish was this? The taste was strange—sour, bitter, and something indefinable. But since it was bestowed by the emperor, she had no choice but to finish it all. Now she felt as though she needed to gulp down a pot of water to wash it away. The flavor was not only unpleasant but lingered endlessly!

She wanted to vomit!

“How does it taste?” Qin Zhiyi asked.

Consort Sun forced a smile, “It lingers delightfully and melts in the mouth. I believe even the finest jade dew cannot compare...”

Yet before she finished speaking, her consciousness began to blur. Qin Zhiyi gently reached out to catch her, glanced at the attendants, and ordered, “Leave us.”

Only Chang Fu and a matron remained to serve through the night. Once Consort Sun’s attendants had withdrawn, Qin Zhiyi handed her over to Chang Fu and the matron. “Take her inside. Record it in the archives: she has served in the bedchamber.”

He hadn’t expected Shen Fuyu’s medicine to work so quickly, but it was for the best; at least he wouldn’t have to spend the whole night with Consort Sun. Looking at her empty bowl, and recalling her expression, Qin Zhiyi couldn’t resist tasting what remained in the soup pot. Only one bowl had been served, and a bit was left.

He tried a little and nearly smashed the bowl, immediately grabbing a cup of tea to rinse his mouth!

Shen Fuyu herself was hardly human, and the medicine she prepared was just as inhuman!

How Consort Sun managed to drink the whole bowl was beyond him.

At dawn, Qin Zhiyi was already dressed and heading to court, leaving Consort Sun still dreaming. Before leaving, Qin Zhiyi played out the full scene, telling her chief maids, “Let your mistress sleep in a little longer.”

“Yes.” The two chief maids responded with joy, kneeling to see him off. Afterwards, they couldn’t help but feel proud. When their mistress was favored, it meant good fortune for them; with her in favor, their lives would improve!

“Ruyun, Xiuyun...”

Inside the bedchamber came Consort Sun’s muddled voice. The two chief maids quickly drew back the curtains and entered, watching as Consort Sun sat up rubbing her waist. They exchanged glances and knelt to congratulate her, “Congratulations, Your Highness!”

Consort Sun smiled smugly, lazily extending her hand for the maids to attend her. “Indeed, at last, my hardships have come to an end.”

From this day forth, the palace would see a change. Consort Sun recalled last night’s favor, her cheeks flushing slightly. She’d thought the emperor would visit Lady Shu after Noble Consort Xian, but unexpectedly he came to her first. Lady Shu had followed the Empress Dowager to Noble Consort Xian’s chamber yesterday, questioning her, and in the end, Consort Sun had seized the opportunity!