Chapter 47: Fried Shrimp and Chicken Ramen

Chapter 47: Fried Shrimp and Chicken Ramen

The banquet before Empress Xu was the most sumptuous, but she only took a few bites before putting down her chopsticks. The intricately carved golden utensils remained spotless, not a trace of grease on them. She held a cup of chrysanthemum wine in her hand, sipping it occasionally while enjoying the music and dance performances. The other concubines followed suit, as if this would imbue them with an aura of noble elegance.

However, there were those who truly ate, such as Zhaoyi Changsun and Wei Zhaoyuan.

They were high-ranking concubines from prestigious backgrounds.

In other words, they had the confidence to eat without restraint.

This phenomenon seemed peculiar but was actually quite normal, something Fan Xueyao understood well. It was like in the twenty-first century: poor people and farmers wearing coarse cloth clothes and riding bicycles were seen as rustic and tacky, often met with disdainful looks.

But what about a tycoon?

Their simple attire and lifestyle would be seen as refined and carefree, their choice of clothing and transportation a return to simplicity and a sign of cherishing blessings.

The same action or attire could lead to vastly different conclusions based on one's status and background.

As various performances accompanied by wine and dishes continued, Fan Xueyao soon felt exhausted. Others could take breaks, but she was the center of attention, and any sign of laziness could become a topic of gossip. She had to maintain perfect posture, keep her back straight, and place her arms correctly. After sitting for a short while, all she felt was fatigue.

Finally, when some concubines left, she instructed Huaping to inform Empress Xu and quickly returned to her palace.

After the banquet, Fan Xueyao couldn't even recall the taste of the food; she had barely eaten anything, merely watching the performances. Exhausted, she collapsed onto her bed upon returning.

She hadn't slept long when she heard voices outside. Without opening her eyes, she called out, "Who is that?"

Su'e hurriedly replied, "It's someone sent by the Empress to deliver gifts for the Chongyang Festival. Huaping has taken them to another room. Shall Jie Yu rise now?"

"I'll get up now. Take them to the eastern secondary room."

Since it was someone sent by the Empress, Fan Xueyao had to greet them, so she got dressed and went to the eastern secondary room.

The palace maids delivering the gifts wore round-collar robes and adorned their hair with flowers, indicating they were from Empress Xu's inner circle.

"Here are the gifts bestowed by the Empress. Please inspect them."

The gifts from the Empress were symbolic, not as grand as the official festival offerings. They included a pair of chrysanthemum hairpins, two pairs each of silk, satin, and chiffon flowers, and a pair of red coral bee and butterfly hairpins.

After sending the maids away, Fan Xueyao sat with Huaping, Qiaoqiao, and Zhu Zhu to play Double Sixes, passing the time.

She assumed Chu Nan would either stay at Hongning Palace or visit Empress Xu today. However, just before dinner, Zhang Qing'an, Li Huairen's disciple, came to inform her that the Emperor would dine with her.

Since Chu Nan was coming, she had to prepare a proper meal. She changed the original menu, keeping only two dishes. Her current tastes did not align with Chu Nan's; she preferred lighter flavors, while he enjoyed saltier and more flavorful dishes.

Chu Nan arrived as the lamps were lit.

He asked her about her days, what she had eaten, and what she had done. Then he inquired about the banquet.

"It was good. There were songs and dances, so it wasn't boring. But it was a bit cold, and the dishes arrived with the oil congealed. I didn't eat much," Yao Niang said honestly.

Chu Nan nodded. "Yes, it was quite cold today. The kitchen's failure to use warming plates was a significant oversight. The Empress should have been more attentive. In the future, if something similar happens, don't hesitate to tell the Empress directly to bring warm food. Don't force yourself."

"Understood."

Yao Niang nodded obediently.

Chu Nan set aside his imperial meal and focused on hers, insisting that she eat without serving him, leaving the task to the palace maids.

The maids, lacking Fan Xueyao's ability to read minds, struggled to anticipate Chu Nan's preferences. Despite the limited selection, they often failed to serve what he wanted. After several attempts, Chu Nan marveled at how well Fan Xueyao understood him.

"I'll head back now. Rest early and avoid anything taxing. Early to bed, early to rise keeps you energetic."

"Understood, Your Majesty. You should also rest early."

After dinner, they rinsed their mouths and washed their hands, then took a walk to digest the meal. As the hour grew late, Chu Nan stayed a little longer before leaving just before the palace gates closed.

Ever since she became pregnant, Chu Nan would come to dine with her and leave before the gates closed.

She knew he yearned to stay, sometimes holding her hand tightly, his palm sweaty, reluctant to let go. His gaze lingered, hoping she would invite him to stay.

But given her condition, she pretended not to notice. Otherwise, if anything happened to the child, it would be her fault. She wouldn't risk harming herself or her child. Let him yearn; it would make him appreciate her more.

By November, Fan Xueyao's pregnancy had reached three months, and she began to show. Morning sickness set in, causing her to vomit every morning, after eating, and at the slightest smell. Eating became a challenge.

To ensure her child received nutrients, she forced herself to eat, even if it meant vomiting immediately afterward. To make eating easier and more nutritious, she requested a bowl of vegetable and meat mince porridge at every meal. Made from mixed grains and containing egg bits, it provided vitamins, proteins, fats, and iron.

She used to love fish, shrimp, and mutton, as well as fried foods, but now even the slightest whiff made her nauseous.

Seeing her suffer so much, Chu Nan grew anxious, his brows furrowed deeply.

"Why is she vomiting so much?"

He had never seen a concubine experience morning sickness before; they always maintained their composure to avoid displeasing him. This was his first encounter with a pregnant woman's symptoms, and he felt both panic and concern.

Seeing her pale, tired face and her struggle to eat, his heart ached.

He urgently ordered the imperial physicians to find a solution to alleviate her nausea.

Given her pregnancy, medication was not an option. After much deliberation, the physicians suggested she drink tea made from grapefruit peel and consume a spoonful of honey daily. Chu Nan immediately had the finest grapefruits delivered to Spreading Fragrance Hall.

The entire palace filled with the fragrance of grapefruit.

Though simple, the remedy proved effective.

Fan Xueyao drank grapefruit tea and ate honey daily, and within half a month, her morning sickness improved. She could now tolerate less greasy and strongly scented foods.

Now she spends her days with a few embroidery palace ladies making winter clothes. Chun Die, Diao'er, Yue Chan, and Xiu'er were making hers, while Hua Ping and the others were making winter clothes for their maids. She always had some sour and sweet appetizers nearby, occasionally grabbing a couple to eat.

She now eats five meals a day. Just after finishing lunch, she was hungry again. Fortunately, the kitchen always had snacks ready. Upon hearing that the rear hall wanted food, they immediately sent over a small snack table.

The dish presented was pulled noodles, with a broth made from chicken bones and soy sauce. The noodles were snow white and evenly thick. The bowl was filled with more than half of the noodles, topped with thinly sliced braised beef. Beside it were neatly arranged shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, pickled bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and a halved boiled egg, with chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

In addition to these, there was also a plate of fried shrimp and a plate of pickled radish cubes mixed with cornus berries.

Fan Xueyao first picked up a few strands of noodles and put them in her mouth. The noodles were smooth and chewy, covered with a layer of oil from the chicken bone broth. She then picked up a slice of beef; its aroma was rich, and the braising sauce was delicious—exactly as she had instructed the kitchen to prepare.

After tasting the noodles, broth, and meat, Fan Xueyao picked up a fried shrimp. The fried shrimp was made according to her method: first baking bread, then drying and crushing it into breadcrumbs, coating it with starch, egg liquid, and breadcrumbs before frying until golden. It was best eaten hot to be crispy and delicious; otherwise, it would become soft when cold, and the shrimp inside would turn tough.

With one bite, there was a light crunch. The outside was crispy, the inside tender, with the unique texture of shrimp, incredibly delicious.

She ate three fried shrimps in one go before returning to the pulled noodles. The noodles needed to be eaten quickly; otherwise, they would become mushy in the hot broth and lose their chewiness. As she ate, Fan Xueyao thought about developing rice noodles. She was tired of hand-pulled noodles and longed for the smoothness of rice noodles.

However, the pickled bamboo shoots were really well done. One bite and her mouth watered, sending shivers down her spine. They were so sour and refreshing that she couldn't get enough. Unfortunately, she could not eat too much of such pickled foods now, only a few to satisfy her craving and whet her appetite.

Although cornus berries had only a mild spiciness and a slight bitterness, they were better than no spice at all. With no chili peppers available, she had to make do with cornus berries. Thankfully, the radishes were crisp, and the spiciness was just right, complementing the cornus berries perfectly, making them even more appetizing.

After finishing the noodles, half a bowl of broth remained. Fan Xueyao did not drink the broth; clear broth was tasteless, and soy broth was better with noodles but too salty. Eating too much salt would cause severe swelling later on, something she knew well. So she only ate the noodles and skipped the broth.

After finishing the bowl of pulled noodles, Fan Xueyao contentedly patted her round belly. Her appetite had grown larger, and she felt hungry soon after eating. It seemed she had a little glutton in her belly.

Hua Ping smiled warmly. Being able to eat was a good sign, indicating that Jie Yu's child was healthy. The palace ladies who had witnessed Fan Xueyao's severe morning sickness were relieved to see her eating heartily, their smiles never leaving their faces.

"Jie Yu, what would you like for your late-night snack?" Hua Ping asked as she cleared away the snack table.

Fan Xueyao thought for a moment. With the cold weather, she craved something warm and comforting.

Something with soup...

"Wontons," Fan Xueyao suddenly remembered she hadn't had wontons in a long time. She hadn't had them since entering the palace. The last time was before the selection process, almost half a year ago.

Hua Ping paused, then asked, "What kind of filling?"

"Shrimp, mountain mushrooms, leek and fresh meat, and pork and cabbage. A few of each. Small wontons, with paper-thin wrappers, soft and slippery." Fan Xueyao specified. The wontons here were similar to dumplings, with thick skins that lacked the smoothness and tenderness of true wontons.

"Yes, my lady. I'll inform the kitchen right away." Hua Ping left to inform the kitchen. The distance between the rear and front halls was short, and she was used to handling matters personally without feeling it beneath her status. Besides, her mistress valued the kitchen, and building a good relationship with the kitchen staff benefited her. Thus, Hua Ping went to the kitchen herself.

Meanwhile, Su'e and Yue Chan went to the supply office to fetch kitchen materials. Thinking back to Jie Yu's comment that the cranes were delicious, Su'e wanted to get a couple more, one for stewing and one for cooking, to satisfy Jie Yu.

As they were listing the materials they needed, a palace lady in a peach-red jacket entered and said rudely, "Our Shen Jie Yu wants to eat cranes, so give me a few plump ones."

Su'e frowned slightly, wondering who this palace lady was and why she was so impolite, barging in without any manners. She seemed less trained than even the maidservants in noble households.