in2ebook Chapter 217 The Emperor Misunderstood
Chapter 217 The Emperor Misunderstood
Seeing his beloved concubine weeping, the emperor felt a pang of pity and quickly softened his voice, gently comforting her, "My dear concubine, please don't cry. I have already heard about Ruan Guicai's matter. Please rest assured, I will definitely uphold justice for you and will never let you suffer the slightest injustice."
Having said that, the emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of majesty, and continued, "I have already dispatched capable men to arrest the imperial physician Ruan Zhaoxiang who treated Consort Qing. Whether he is alive or dead, this matter must be explained and a clear result must be achieved."
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Su Nuannuan, who had been sobbing uncontrollably, abruptly stopped crying. A look of astonishment instantly appeared on her beautiful face. Her eyes widened as she murmured incredulously, "Imperial Physician Ruan? The imperial physician who treated Consort Qing is also surnamed Ruan? This... this is too much of a coincidence, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's true. It is indeed a coincidence." The Emperor nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Su Nuannuan's opinion.
At this moment, Su Nuannuan gently took out a beautifully embroidered handkerchief and carefully pressed the tears that had not yet dried from the corners of her eyes. With a hint of shyness and embarrassment on her face, she said softly, "Your Majesty, I am truly sorry for my rudeness."
Just then, Zhixiang walked in. She bowed respectfully and then reported in a clear voice, "Your Majesty and Your Highness, lunch is ready. Please come and have your meal."
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan quickly tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve, then smiled and said gently to the emperor, "Your Majesty, since lunch is ready, why don't we go and have our meal first?"
"Alright." The Emperor responded softly, then slowly stood up and gently took Su Nuannuan's small hand in his broad and strong palm.
Su Nuannuan was slightly taken aback at first, and subconsciously raised her head, her gaze quickly sweeping over the incomparably noble man in front of her—the current emperor. Then she looked down at her hand, which was being held tightly, and a surge of indescribable emotions welled up in her heart, making her feel somewhat speechless.
However, despite her slight dissatisfaction, she knew that this was the Emperor's own hand, and if she were to rudely shake it off now, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Moreover, apart from the Empress, who is the mother of the nation, she is probably the only woman who can enjoy such an intimate gesture from the Emperor.
And so, Su Nuannuan suppressed the strange feeling in her heart and let the Emperor lead her to the dining hall.
Upon entering the dining hall, Su Nuannuan hurriedly and attentively served the Emperor. She gently and skillfully took the damp handkerchief and handed it to the Emperor to wash his hands. Then she offered him a cup of tea at the right temperature. Only after the Emperor had rinsed his mouth did she sit down.
At this moment, two small figures rushed into the dining hall. Upon seeing the Emperor, they immediately stopped and stood upright like two tall saplings, bowing respectfully to the Emperor and calling out in unison, "Father!"
Upon seeing this, the Emperor immediately smiled kindly and asked, "Come, tell your father what you were all busy with just now?"
Upon hearing his father's question, Canglan Jingcheng stepped forward without hesitation and answered loudly, "Your Majesty, I have just finished practicing martial arts." His words were full of childlike vigor and vitality.
Immediately following suit, Canglan Jingyao replied crisply, "Father, I have been diligently studying medicine with my master." She then playfully blinked her bright, expressive eyes.
Just as everyone was talking, Zhixiang led a group of well-trained maids into the room, each carrying a delicate and delicious dish, which they placed on the table in an orderly fashion. In an instant, the dining hall was filled with a fragrant aroma that made everyone's mouths water.
"Father, look at the dishes on this table today! My sister and I dug them up from the fields together!" Canglan Jingcheng said excitedly, pointing to the food on the table with his eyes sparkling with anticipation, like a child presenting a treasure to the emperor, waiting for praise from an adult.
On the table, which was neither too big nor too small, were three plates of steaming dumplings, two refreshing cold dishes, and one hot dish.
The dumplings, small and exquisite, were arranged neatly, as if waiting to be tasted; while the two cold dishes were served on delicate porcelain plates, their vibrant colors making them look incredibly appetizing.
Upon hearing Cang Lan Jingcheng's words, the emperor smiled. He slowly picked up his chopsticks, gently picked up a dumpling, and carefully placed it in his mouth. The moment the dumpling was bitten open, a rich aroma immediately filled his mouth.
The emperor chewed slowly, savoring the softness of the dumpling skin and the savory, juicy filling. After swallowing, he nodded in satisfaction and praised Canglan Jingcheng and Canglan Jingyao, "Hmm, the taste is indeed excellent. However, why does this dumpling filling seem somewhat familiar? It seems I've tasted it somewhere before?"
At this moment, Canglan Jingyao smiled slightly and replied softly, "Father, these are dumplings filled with shepherd's purse. You tasted them when we were still living in Cuiwei Palace."
Not to be outdone, Cang Lan Jingcheng quickly pointed to the other dishes on the table and enthusiastically introduced them: "Father, take a look over here. This is purslane salad, which tastes sour and spicy and is very appetizing; and this is broom vegetable, which has a tender and smooth texture; and this last one is an omelet made with dandelion, which is not only nutritious but also has a unique flavor."
The Emperor looked at the simple dishes on the table, glanced at Su Nuannuan, and then turned to Li Desheng, instructing him: "Li Desheng, after you return to the palace, remember to remind me to have the Imperial Household Department send over Consort Zhuang's allowance for the year. Also, take some silver from my private treasury and send it to Consort Zhuang."
"Yes, this servant remembers." Li Desheng bowed and said.
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan immediately understood that the Emperor had misunderstood, but she didn't rush to explain. After all, who would complain about having too much money?
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, picked up an exquisite porcelain bowl from the table, which was filled with steaming, fragrant chicken soup. Then, she gently handed the bowl of chicken soup to the Emperor and said softly, "Your Majesty, please try this bowl of chicken soup. It was specially made by me, who had someone carefully select fresh free-range chickens from a peasant family."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was slightly taken aback. It was the first time he had ever heard the novel term "free-roaming chicken," and his curiosity was piqued. With a puzzled look on his face, he asked, "Free-roaming chicken? What does that mean? I have never heard of it before."
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan blushed slightly and explained awkwardly, "Uh... the so-called free-range chickens are actually those chickens that roam freely and wander around on a regular basis. They are not raised in cages. Because these chickens are active, their meat is particularly firm, elastic, and chewy."
The Emperor nodded with interest, listening attentively to Su Nuannuan's explanation. He took the bowl of chicken soup, gently blew away the steam, and slowly put it into his mouth. A rich, savory aroma instantly filled his mouth, leaving a lingering, delightful aftertaste.
After he finished his bowl, he put down his chopsticks with satisfaction and smiled as he praised, "Hmm, just as my beloved concubine said, this chicken soup is very fresh and delicious."