A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

The young ladies gathered in twos and threes on the other side saw Jiang Wanrong come in and also rose to greet her.

Everyone was of similar age, and regardless of whether they knew each other, they quickly found common topics to discuss.

The topics were nothing more than rouge and powder, fabric for clothing, hairpins, bracelets, and the like.

A group of young girls chattered lively, creating a bustling atmosphere.

...

Having waited for about half an hour.

As people gradually gathered together, Consort Zhou Taipin finally walked in slowly, supported by a servant’s hand.

After everyone performed their salutations, Consort Zhou Taipin smiled kindly.

"Please sit down, today is the third of March, a rare good day. Enjoy tea, admire flowers, and watch the show. Relax and enjoy the bustle!"

The Imperial Noble Consort was in high spirits, so naturally, no one below dared dampen her mood.

Everyone responded in unison, then leisurely and comfortably settled down in place.

The young girls grouped up, running off to pick flowers, while the madams gathered to chat among themselves.

Not far away, across the water, actors began singing on stage.

The atmosphere was lively, the scenery beautiful, the spring sunshine was bright, butterflies fluttered among flowers, and everywhere one looked, scenes were delightful.

No one noticed a servant boy outside the side gate of Prince Zhuang’s Mansion, quietly pulling two maids and whispering something.

A moment later, he stuffed two large pieces of silver into the hands of the maids.

The maids bit the silver to test it and promptly tucked it into their sleeves, patting their chests in assurance.

Finally, they hid their hands in their sleeves, lowered their heads, and calmly left.

The quiet side gate returned to its peaceful state, as if nothing had ever happened.

...

The banquet proceeded in a lively manner.

The Madam Imperial Concubine and Lady Sun from the Fuguo Duke’s Mansion were present.

Seeing there wasn’t anyone around Madam Shi, and old madam wanted to establish marriage ties, the two pondered and, regardless of Madam Shi’s previous refusals, boldly approached again.

Madam Shi was sipping tea and watching the show with composure and grace.

Seeing them approach, her heart skipped a beat, but despite reluctance, she invited them to sit and exchanged greetings.

The Madam Imperial Concubine and Lady Sun thanked her and sat down beside her.

The three engaged in small talk for a while.

Afterward, the Madam Imperial Concubine went straight to the point.

"Madam Shi, sending the invitations was presumptive on our part; this time we come to offer our apologies!"

Lady Sun nodded in agreement.

"Please bear with us, Madam!"

Madam Shi hurriedly expressed in return.

"What are you saying? It should be I who apologizes!"

"During that time, my husband was unwell, and we went nowhere!"

"We were remiss to both of you. Please forgive us!"

Not being well acquainted, their conversation was rather stiff.

The Madam Imperial Concubine forced a smile amid the awkwardness and nudged Lady Sun with her elbow.

Only then did Lady Sun react, quickly laughing and saying.

"Look at me, getting so caught up in conversation I forgot the main issue!"

Her gaze fell upon the young ladies giggling and joking nearby and continued.

"As the saying goes, a family with a daughter has many suitors!"

"Miss Jiang, from your household, hasn’t been in Capital City for more than a year, yet her virtuous and graceful reputation has spread far and wide!"

"I won’t beat around the bush; forgive me for asking, has Miss Jiang been promised to any family?"

Madam Shi’s expression shifted, hesitated for a while, and then replied.

"Not yet!!"

Lady Sun seemed visibly relieved and said with a smile.

"That’s good!"

"In that case, my Liangliang still has hope!"

Madam Shi couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

She meant that notorious Lv Zhaoliang, didn’t she?

Recently, she had also sent people to inquire about eligible bachelors in the Capital City.

That Lv Zhaoliang, was indeed despicable to an atrocious degree!

A typical scion with no limits, indulging in women, flowers, and wine.

No wonder none of the young ladies in Capital City were willing to wed him, especially considering his family’s old madam was difficult and picky, and so...

In short, Madam Shi was decidedly opposed to marrying Wanrong off to him.

She cleared her throat and replied calmly.

"Wanrong is born to a humble family and has not seen the world!!"

"Your young gentleman is exceptional in talent and appearance, I fear..."

She intended to refuse, but Lady Sun gave her no chance, quickly interrupting with a laugh.

"Madam, you are too modest!"

"The Jiang Family of Dengzhou is a prestigious family, and Miss Jiang, being the eldest legitimate daughter, is unparalleled even in Capital City!"

"Though our old madam has not met Miss Jiang, she’s heard rumors some time ago!"

"Miss Jiang is known for her filial piety, thoughtfulness, and generosity, spread throughout Capital City, with old madam liking her immensely!"

"I wonder... what is Madam’s stance?"

Clearly, this was probing for her opinion.

Madam Shi’s expression hardened further as she thought:

’What good is it if you like her, when I don’t like you!’

’Especially your son, who truly picks at the best! Doesn’t he have any sense of his own standing?’

’Wanrong came to Capital City hoping to find a good match; marrying her to someone like Lv Zhaoliang would be worse than returning to Dengzhou!’

With that thought, Madam Shi’s expression became all the more displeased.

"Although I say so, I’m not at liberty over this matter!"

"Your young gentleman is exceptional, deserving better, truly not worth the effort for someone as insignificant as us!!"

This was clearly a refusal.

Her tone remained dignified and confident, showing no fear of offending.

Indeed, she had no reason to fear!

The Fuguo Duke’s Mansion was undoubtedly a century-old powerful family, yet the Shi Family was a rising power in the Capital City.

If she firmly disagreed, what could the Fuguo Duke’s Mansion do, forcibly marry?

The Madam Imperial Concubine and Lady Sun’s faces darkened as expected.

Madam Shi cast a taunting smile, giving her maid a meaningful look.

The maid thought for a moment and found an opportunity to approach.

"Madam, the wind is picking up, the doctor says you shouldn’t be in the wind..."

Feigning helplessness, Madam Shi lightly scolded.

"Such a chatterbox!"

The Madam Imperial Concubine and Lady Sun exchanged glances, feeling it was no longer appropriate to press; they could only offer their polite retreat.

"Since Madam Shi isn’t feeling well, we shouldn’t impose; we’ll surely visit another day!"

"I apologize, it’s just a long-standing ailment!" Madam Shi covered her head.

After bidding farewell to the two, she leaned on her maid’s hand and headed toward the side rooms by the garden.

...

Once inside, she lay on a deck chair and closed her eyes to rest serenely.

The maid, initially brimming with words, saw Madam in such a state and refrained from speaking, quietly attending beside her.

Unknown time passed, suddenly there was a commotion outside.

Chaotic footsteps, occasional screams, maids crying, even voices of men—all intertwined, creating chaos.

The maid went out cautiously to investigate.

Leaving only Madam Shi inside, she wasn’t asleep; the disturbance outside made her all the more alert.

Not knowing what had occurred, she felt somewhat uneasy inside.

After about an hour, the maid returned with a startled expression, stumbling inside.

"Madam, bad news, Miss..."