A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 801: Of Course One Should Marry Such a Man

Chapter 801: Chapter 801: Of Course One Should Marry Such a Man

Each time this happens, Xia Caiying always acts coquettishly.

"Mother, in my heart, you’ll forever be the most amazing!"

Her obedient demeanor and fair, tender face always melt Lady Wen’s heart.

Gently stroking her daughter’s fair, tender cheek, she is filled with reluctance.

"In the blink of an eye, Yangyang is already fourteen and it’s time to discuss marriage!"

"Yangyang, could you tell me what kind of family you desire? So your brother can help find a match!"

Upon hearing this question, Xia Caiying’s face instantly turns red.

With a display of a young girl’s coyness, she acts coquettishly.

"Mother, how can you ask such a thing! Teaching Sister says girls shouldn’t have such fanciful thoughts!"

At fourteen, the young girl is in her blossoming years.

Girls may have budding feelings, but young ladies of noble families have strict Teaching Sisters.

Such matters between men and women are instilled from a young age; they mustn’t be spoken of even under threat.

Sister says: Speaking of such things makes one a bad girl!

So, with a red face, Xia Caiying doesn’t utter another word.

Lady Wen pats her back and continues.

"You see, there’s no one else here, just the two of us!"

"Tell me secretly, no one will know, and you won’t be a bad girl, okay?!"

She must ensure her daughter’s happiness.

Having been entrusted to the wrong person, she lived a lifetime of hardship as a concubine.

Her daughter cannot suffer the same injustices.

She must find her a good family, one that will cherish and love her, whether wealthy or not, they must live well together!

Xia Caiying glances around and sees there’s indeed no one, feeling slightly swayed.

But the strict visage of Sister flashes in her mind again, making her hesitate.

Being a small girl, it’s normal for her not to be too daring.

Lady Wen guides her step by step, slowly.

Finally, the young Xia Caiying speaks up.

She blushes, lowers her head and shyly whispers.

"I like... someone like Second Brother, a graceful and talented scholar!"

Her own brother is a mighty Great General, with an imposing presence and grandiose aura.

But she can’t quite get used to it, always feeling the fighting and killing isn’t good, too fierce.

On the contrary, someone like Second Brother, who is elegant and refined, gentle as jade, with an airy demeanor, is the best! 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

If she’s to marry, naturally she’d want to marry someone like this!

Lady Wen nods, pokes her daughter’s little head and laughs.

"So Yangyang likes scholarly men!"

Xia Caiying lowers her head, twisting her handkerchief.

"Mother, please keep your voice down, it would be terrible if Sister overheard!"

"Rest assured, Mother won’t let your Teaching Sister find out!"

Xia Caiying pats her chest.

"Alright, now I’m relieved!"

Lady Wen also laughs, and the mother and daughter continue their embroidery.

With that said, the next steps are simple.

It’s about inquiring one by one about scholars with good temperament and character.

Looking at family background, appearance, features, and prospects—everything must be considered!

Of course, it’s Xia Tingfeng who will be fully responsible for this leg work.

Lady Wen need not worry too much.

...

After mid-February, the weather gradually warms up.

It’s also the time for the annual Sericulture Ceremony.

Sericulture Ceremony is typically presided over by the Empress, leading the noblewomen to worship the Silkworm God.

As the ancients said: The King personally plows for the grains, the Empress personally nourishes silkworms for the ceremonial clothes.

Therefore, the Sericulture Ceremony is equally important as the King’s personal plowing, aiming to emphasize agriculture and wish for favorable weather and abundant harvests.[1]

In past years, when the Empress was present, she naturally presided over the Sericulture Ceremony.

After the Empress left the palace, it was taken over by Noble Concubine Shih, who held the highest status.

But this year... the Emperor newly titled Noble Consort Xian, who has a title and is also raising three sons.

In terms of rank, Noble Consort Xian has a title more than Noble Concubine Shih, naturally placing her higher.

In terms of virtue, Noble Consort Xian has never bullied or punished anyone, always being gentle and polite to both superiors and subordinates. Even without words, people are aware of this.

In terms of offspring, Noble Consort Xian has three sons, whereas Noble Concubine Shih’s family is sparse.

Higher or lower, it’s clear at a glance.

Therefore, this Sericulture Ceremony ought to be presided over by Noble Consort Xian to win public approval.

However... some people are just thick-skinned and unwilling, such as Noble Concubine Shih.

She directly went to the Empress Dowager, insisting on personally presiding over the Sericulture Ceremony.

The Empress Dowager had no choice but to summon Xia Ruqing to come over.

With only one goal in mind;

Convince Xia Ruqing to withdraw from the competition for presiding over the Sericulture Ceremony, and let Noble Concubine Shih take charge.

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing laughed in anger.

"Empress Dowager, how come I’ve never heard that the Sericulture Ceremony has a concept of ’yielding’? Besides, who presides over the Sericulture Ceremony shouldn’t require competition!"

Historically, it’s always been that whoever holds a higher status presides!

The Empress Dowager’s face looks somewhat displeased, yet she patiently explains.

"You and Wanxin are both noble consorts, holding the same status!"

"Actually, it doesn’t really matter who goes, it’s just that Wanxin has presided over it for two years, and she’s familiar with it!"

"Your body isn’t well, so why not let her handle it and take some rest yourself!"

Oh, now it’s about considering her well-being? It’s truly moving!

In fact, she didn’t want to go, planning to find an excuse to hand it over to Noble Concubine Shih.

But once the Empress Dowager said this, she decidedly didn’t want to yield anymore.

Tired? How tiring can it be? I don’t mind it, humph!

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, the Sericulture Ceremony is a grand annual sacrificial event in our Great Chu Dynasty, aiming to instruct the people to diligently engage in agriculture and sericulture."

"Being able to alleviate the Emperor’s worries and contribute to the people, I’d never regret it even in death!"

The Empress Dowager is so enraged she nearly falls over backward.

"You..."

Xia Ruqing pretends to look puzzled.

"Empress Dowager, what mistake did I make?"

The Empress Dowager is frustrated to the core.

There’s no mistake in alleviating the Emperor’s worries and contributing to the people; how could that be wrong.

Yet there’s a mistake nonetheless, in not listening to the Empress Dowager, in not being willing to yield the presiding role of the Sericulture Ceremony.

This Noble Consort Xian may seem easily bullied, yet secretly she has very firm opinions.

Indeed.

Any woman the Emperor favors couldn’t possibly be truly weak like a lamb.

Typically not standing out, yet at crucial moments, she becomes strong.

Forget it, forget it; it’s better not to force things.

The Noble Concubine there is just a bottomless pit; who knows when it ends in support!

The Empress Dowager suppresses the storm within, barely squeezing out an awkward smile, sarcastically praising.

"Noble Consort Xian truly has benevolent virtue, caring for the people of the world!"

Acting as if she didn’t catch the sarcasm, Xia Ruqing beams brightly and responds.

"Empress Dowager overpraises, this is what I should do!"

The Empress Dowager is practically suffocating, her mind aching in frustration.

She waves her hand dismissively.

"Enough, I have no further business, you may go now!"

Feeling even more delighted, Xia Ruqing covers her smile, performs a proper curtsey, and retreats.

With each word, each action, she leaves no room for error.

Though the Empress Dowager feels angry, all she can do is helplessly sigh.

"If only Wanxin had half her capabilities, I wouldn’t have to weary myself devising plans!"

Sister Qing hands over a bowl of restorative soup, soothingly comforting.

"Some things can’t be forced!"