OBS Chapter 296 Meals
Chapter 296 Meals
In the winter of the 29th year of Qianlong's reign, the emperor had already begun to prepare for his third trip to the south of the Yangtze River.
At this time, he was fifty-four years old.
It had only been a year and a half since the fire.
Although Yongqi's leg injury had improved a lot, strangely, even after a year and a half, the wound had not completely healed.
The emperor sympathized with his leg injury and allowed him to recuperate in Beijing.
This trip to the south of the Yangtze River reminded people of the person who was forgotten in the Yiku Palace, Ruyi.
No matter what, she is still the queen after all. Even if the imperial seal is taken back, she still holds the title of queen.
At Yan Wan's instruction, the Empress Dowager suggested to the Emperor that Ruyi accompany him so as to show the people the harmony between the Emperor and the Empress and stabilize the people's hearts.
We set off on the second day of the first lunar month of the 30th year.
After more than two years, Ruyi stepped out of the gate of Yiku Palace for the first time.
Apart from the banquets along the way, the couple did not have much communication.
As time went by, the estrangement of these years had long been buried deep in their hearts, and the two of them were just trying to maintain the face of the emperor and empress.
Recently, the emperor has been in a bad mood. As he grows older, he has become arrogant and extravagant. He finds the concubines, big and small, in the harem boring.
"Your Majesty, you have been so depressed these days. I feel so sorry for you. Would you like to go to Concubine Rong's place?"
Jinzhong was cautious, remembering that he used to love going to Rongpin's place, and mentioned it in passing.
"No, they'll either be rude to me or too flattering and boring."
The emperor spoke a little distractedly.
His initial enthusiasm for Han Xiangjian had cooled down, and after a while, he just felt bored. Every time he went there and received her cold shoulder, he also got a little angry.
"Then should we ask the Imperial Concubine to accompany the Emperor?"
"No need for that. She's just pregnant, so she should take good care of the baby. She doesn't need to run around here. I remember there are some early-ripened water chestnuts here. She said yesterday that she wanted to research a medicinal dish. You can take someone to deliver it, and bring some back for me to try."
When mentioning Yan Wan, the emperor's depressed face softened a little.
Yes, Yan Wan was pregnant again, and this baby should be Yonglin, three months earlier than in her previous life.
Logically, he should have been born in May next year, but it's only April now, so according to the date, he will be born in February.
The emperor was already fifty-five years old, and he did not expect that Yan Wan could still be pregnant, so he attached great importance to this baby.
"Well, I'll do it right away."
Jinzhong agreed and turned to leave the inner hall.
Seeing the emperor looking bored inside, Jinzhong turned to look at Xiao Dezi, led him to a deserted place far away, and chatted with him in a low voice.
"Xiao Dezi, let me ask you, do you want to make a contribution?"
Jinzhong had a smile on his face, and his voice unconsciously carried a hint of encouragement.
After a few years, he became more calm and dignified, with a sharp and tough face. Although he was no longer young, his face was still fair and handsome.
Eunuchs age slower than ordinary men and live longer than ordinary men.
"Eunuch Jinzhong, do you have any instructions? Don't worry, you are the one who promoted me. As long as you open your mouth, I will do as you say..."
Xiao Dezi looked at Jinzhong with some flattery, with a hint of greed in his eyes.
This young Dezi was quite a bit like his younger self, equally ambitious. Although he lacked cunning, he was smart and understood that only by clinging to Jinzhong could he continue to climb the ladder.
He was just a small eunuch and did not have a strong backing like Jinzhong.
People who have no roots or friends are the easiest to control.
"The Emperor has been feeling bored these days, and I'm busy, so I'm giving you a chance to please him..."
"Father-in-law, please speak."
"The Emperor is accustomed to the royal delicacies and would like to seek out some wild delights. This eunuch remembers that some officials along the way wish to present something to the Emperor... You can go and take a look at it, then ask the Emperor for his opinion and present it to him. Remember, it must be clean..."
After Jinzhong finished speaking, he lowered his head and casually rubbed the warm ring between his fingers. Half of his face was hidden under his hat, making it hard to tell what his mood was at the moment.
Xiao Dezi was delighted at first, but then he said with some worry, "But if this is discovered..."
Seeing that he was hesitating, Jinzhong interrupted him before he could finish his words.
"What are you afraid of? The person was offered by an official, and the emperor agreed. You are just doing your job and informing the emperor that the food from the imperial kitchen has arrived. Whether to use it or not is the emperor's business, and it has nothing to do with you..."
He dragged out the ending tone, which was very bewitching to the ears.
"Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Jinzhong. Don't worry, if the Emperor favors me on this matter, I will definitely repay you well."
Xiao Dezi thought about it and it made sense. If something happened, he was just a reporter, so how could he be the one to get into trouble?
"It is the duty of us servants to ensure that the Emperor lives comfortably. Okay, the Emperor wants to enjoy the imperial meal prepared by the Imperial Concubine's kitchen. This eunuch will go and fetch it personally. You... handle this matter as soon as possible."
"Yes! I respectfully send you off, Eunuch Jinzhong."