Though Concubine Yu felt uncomfortable from pregnancy nausea, she still felt hungry.
This morning, she only managed to eat half a bowl of Birdâs Nest Porridge before throwing up some of it.
Now, as she looked at the exquisite and simple dishes in front of her, her appetite grew.
She reached out to pick up a piece of pastry.
âYour Highness, no!â
The palace maid stopped her, whispering, âBe careful, these may not be clean.â
Concubine Yu valued the child in her belly more than her own life, so she hesitated upon hearing this.
âHow is that possible?â She stared at the pastry in her hand, âNot even outsiders know about my pregnancy yet, how could she possibly harm me?â âEven so, itâs always better to be cautious.â
Concubine Yu nodded, but her hand still held the pastry tightly, her expression uncertain.
Seeing her reluctance to let go, the close palace maid smiled and said, âLet me try the food for you, Master.â
âChunxiao, we grew up together, we are like sisters, how can I ask you to try the food for me?â
âThenâ¦â
âCall Suâer.â
âYes, your Highness is wise.â Chunxiao smiled knowingly.
They had always suspected Suâer was sent by the Empress and could not trust her.
Having her try the food would be the most appropriate.
Soon, Suâer was called in.
Chunxiao instructed, âCome and taste these dishes.â
Suâer appeared startled.
Since she arrived, she had been assigned menial tasks and was rarely allowed near Concubine Yu.
Now, she was asked to try the food?
Suâer glanced at the dishes on the table, considered the Emperorâs earlier words, and began to understand.
They didnât consider her one of their own and deemed her expendable.
Without showing any emotion, Suâer bowed, picked up her chopsticks, and tasted a bit of every dish.
Concubine Yu and Chunxiao watched her intently.
âHow do you feel?â Chunxiao asked.
âThis humble servant has no discomfort.â
âThe foodâ¦â
âThe flavors of these dishes are all excellent, and I have never tasted anything so delicious.â
Concubine Yu and Chunxiao exchanged glances, both feeling relieved.
âAlright, you may leave,â Chunxiao ordered.
After Suâer left, Chunxiao fetched a clean pair of silver chopsticks and handed them to Concubine Yu.
Concubine Yu eagerly picked up a piece of the green vegetable.
âYour Highness, how is it?â
âItâs crisp and delicious; I find it very appetizing.â Concubine Yu said happily. Chunxiao was even more delighted, âI had heard that Princess Consort was skilled in cooking, but I didnât take it seriously. I never thought it was actually true. No wonder the always picky Concubine Jin is so fond of her.â
As Concubine Yu enjoyed the dishes and soup, she asked, âPeel some shrimp for me to taste.â
âYour Highness, you never eat shrimp.â
âI just want to taste it.â
âYes, right away.â
Since her Highness became pregnant, she had little appetite, which worried Chunxiao. Seeing her eat with gusto now, Chunxiaoâs heart was filled with joy. She carefully peeled a few shrimps and placed them on a small plate.
Concubine Yu took a bite and exclaimed, âThe shrimp is fresh, tender, tangy, and sweet. Itâs truly appetizing.â
Chunxiao became even more delighted and peeled a few more.
With growing enthusiasm, Concubine Yu continued to eat until she finished the whole plateful of shrimp.
âYour Highness, thatâs enough.â
After some persuasion from Chunxiao, Concubine Yu finally put down her chopsticks with a lingering sense of satisfaction.
Concubine Yu wiped her mouth with a cloth and smiled contentedly, âIf I could have the food made by Princess Consort every day, I wouldnât have trouble eating.â
Chunxiao hesitated, âHaving her cook every time might not be possibleâ¦â
âI know itâs not possible, Iâm just saying.â Concubine Yu snorted, âAlthough Princess Consort is a good cook, her arrogance and overbearing attitude are also true. She hurt Baodan so badly, as his aunt, I cannot let this matter go unchecked..â