Tianmiao turned to look at the Emperor, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth: "Bai Ming doesn’t like the Exotic Beast Garden, she prefers to be here with me. If you want to see Bai Ming spread her feathers, come here to see, what’s the problem? I can make Bai Ming spread her feathers; what’s wrong with asking for a bit of labor fee? If you’re willing to give Silver, give Silver; if you’re willing to bring me some pastries, hand-sewn handkerchiefs, or scented sachets, that’s all perfectly fine." Not everyone in the palace is as annoying as Lady Xianfei. There are also lovely girls who smell nice and soft, but they lack affection, coldly residing deep in the palace; inviting them over for some excitement is quite nice. Seeing beautiful people always uplifts one’s spirits.
The Emperor was shocked, completely shocked, unable to process it for a long moment.
After he came to his senses, he sternly reprimanded: "What sort of protocol is this? You are simply, simply..."
The Emperor already couldn’t find words to describe the Empress’s bizarre behavior, pointing at the Empress, his fingers trembling.
"Want a beating?" Tianmiao’s expression darkened, whispering.
The Emperor immediately withdrew his hand.
"Hmph!" The Emperor stood up, ready to leave in anger.
Tianmiao’s voice reached his ears: "Eat first before leaving."
The Emperor sharply turned his head, coldly glaring at Tianmiao.
Tianmiao dangerously squinted her eyes, stretched out her palm, squeezed her fingers into a fist.
The Emperor silently sat back down.
He didn’t want his buttocks to get another thrashing. Eat then, eat!
This damned woman, he must depose her, must depose her!
Today he would endure a little grievance; he could bend and stretch, otherwise how did he ascend to the throne?
At dinner, the Emperor looked at the lavish spread, puzzled. He had eaten at the Empress Palace before, but the cautious Empress had always been extremely frugal, consistently serving four dishes and one soup, very bland, leaving him uninterested in eating there. But tonight, huh? Is it this abundant? There are easily more than ten dishes, right? Even fruit wine?
Some dishes he hadn’t seen before. Had the Imperial Kitchen developed new dishes? Why didn’t they serve him first? No, the Imperial Kitchen wasn’t up to this. It only meant one thing, the Empress’s own small kitchen produced these.
"What is this?" After tasting a dish, the Emperor’s eyes brightened a little.
"A dish," Tianmiao said blandly.
"I know it’s a dish! I’m asking what dish is this!" The Emperor felt his temper rise again, was this woman deliberately aggravating him?
"Xinjiang-style Big Plate Chicken," Tianmiao said, "If you want, let me have someone give you the recipe later."
The Emperor’s mood shifted from gloomy to fair. This woman still had her merits.
As he ate, the Emperor began helping himself to the dishes without waiting for the eunuch to serve him. The Chief Eunuch wanted to remind the Emperor this wasn’t proper protocol, but remembering the Emperor himself was very particular about etiquette, he remained silent. To achieve the position of Chief Eunuch, he was exceptionally astute. He spoke when needed and stayed silent when necessary.
The Emperor finished his meal with some snacks; the snacks were refreshing and pleasant, and he enjoyed some fruits, leaving satisfied with his entourage.
After walking out of Zhaoyang Palace, he recollected his initial purpose. Why had he come?
Oh, right, to settle accounts with the Empress. She took away the white peacock, truly unruly, what sort of protocol is this! But it seems he just ate a meal at her place, feeling content, even took a recipe. To turn back and scold her seems unkind.
Forget it, he’ll reprimand her tomorrow!
The Emperor didn’t return in a sedan chair but walked back slowly. Having eaten too much, he needed to digest.
As for promising Lady Xianfei he’d visit her that night, of course, the Emperor forgot again.