The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 392 - Spicy

Thanks to Ning Chen's meticulous protection and the unified vigilance of the Zhao Chun Pavillion servants, she recovered after three months of bed rest. the time she was officially permitted by Imperial Physician Shen to go out and move about, it was already mid-November. At this point, her belly was over four months along.

She had begun to show, but due to the thick winter clothing, it wasn't very noticeable. Ning Chen initially intended to invite a maternal caregiver back to look after her, but Ye Yun felt it unnecessary and let it go. After all, since this was her second pregnancy, the servants in Zhao Chun Pavillion already knew how to attend to her needs.

This time, Ye Yun craved spicy food. Not in the traditional sense of spicy dishes, but she had a strong desire for spicy strips. Once a pregnant woman gets a craving, it can be unbearable; if she doesn't get to eat what she longs for, nothing else seems appetizing. Chef Liu in the small kitchen of Zhao Chun Pavillion was at his wits' end. He had tried making many Sichuan and Hunan dishes, yet none satisfied the tastes of the esteemed lady.

That day, the only dishes that made Ye Yun eat with enthusiasm were Mapo Tofu and spicy pan-fried tofu. The main issue was that Ye Yun couldn't quite describe how to make them, so she was just anxious without a solution. She was finally stable with this pregnancy, but unable to eat properly, leading to significant weight loss.

Ning Chen was also worried and anxious. He issued a decree to the Imperial Kitchen, instructing the staff to find a way to prepare dishes that Ye Yun could enjoy, promising heavy rewards for anything she could eat. It wasn't long before, under a hefty reward, a chef skilled in Hunan cuisine managed to whip up two dishes made of gluten and tofu skin, using chili powder along with a series of spices, creating a taste almost identical to the spicy strips of the later generations.

As soon as this dish was served on the table, Ye Yun's eyes lit up. She practically polished off those two plates of food, eating them alongside two bowls of rice. When Ning Chen heard that Ye Yun was eating well, he dropped his official document and rushed to Zhao Chun Pavillion, just in time to see her putting down her chopsticks.

"Can you eat?"

"Hmm, this chef is quite skilled," Ye Yun said, feeling content with her meal.

During this pregnancy, her temper had been a bit volatile; even Ning Chen had been scolded by her a couple of times. These past few days, as she had been feeling displeased with her meals, she wore a sour expression. Now, however, she finally smiled.

Ning Chen also let out a sigh of relief and immediately rewarded the chef with twenty taels of gold. He then ordered him to teach Chef Liu in Zhao Chun Pavillion how to make those dishes. The food Ye Yun consumed had to be carefully prepared and could not be mixed with those in the Imperial Kitchen.

However, pregnant women's cravings are fickle, and this was especially evident with Ye Yun. After indulging in the spicy strips she had craved for so long, she soon grew fond of other dishes. Luckily, this time, they were all common dishes within the palace, indicating her appetite had finally returned to normal.

Throughout the entire month of November, the whole harem kept a close watch on the meals in Zhao Chun Pavillion, primarily because the Emperor was concerned, leading everyone else to be attentive as well. However, as December rolled in, another event shifted everyone's focus.

Due to the cold weather, a band of bandits had taken over a nearby mountain, specifically targeting passing merchants for robbery. Recently, as there were fewer merchants around, they stormed into a village to pillage and burn. Huo Jieyu's brother personally led troops to eliminate this gang of bandits and even cleared out another group of local outlaws.

This group of bandits had been in the area for over five years, relying on the terrain that was easy to defend and hard to attack, and they had never been captured. However, General Huo managed to take them down all at once, making a significant contribution.

In no time, Chang Xin Pavilion became a hot spot. Continuous rewards were sent in as if Huo Jieyu had not been neglected for the past two years. Yet, despite the rewards, Ning Chen only visited once. He held a poor impression of Huo Shi; this woman was too lacking in responsibility and often acted in ways that left much to be desired.

Nevertheless, out of respect for General Huo, Ning Chen had to raise Huo Jieyu a bit in status. Thus, at the year-end New Year's banquet, Huo Jieyu was elevated among the nine consorts without having borne a child, and she would later be known as Huo Xiurong.

After this New Year, many others were promoted as well, including Yi Zhaorong, Qian Xiuyi, Xia Meiren, Cui Meiren, Qin Meiren, Li Wanrong, and Ying Cairen, all being elevated by one rank. This was roughly what Ning Chen remembered, as they all received promotions.

Additionally, Shu Fei was granted the title of "Rong." Having not promoted her for many years, and with the rise of Jing Xian Fei, it was only fair to give her something.

However, regardless of the honors conferred, the most eye-catching figure at the New Year's banquet was still Ye Yun. In the harem, those pregnant with a dragon heir were the most envied, especially those who were favored and expecting again.

Qi Jieyu looked at Ye Yun with eyes full of envy. This time, Ye Yun did not receive a promotion; Ning Chen planned to wait until after she gave birth before making any decisions. However, none of this was of concern to Ye Yun.

What pleased her was that this year, no one could make her run around. Pregnant and not needing to kneel in the ancestral hall, no one dared to bother her, fearing it might tire her out. She was truly enjoying a rare period of peace.

On the first day of the new year, she comfortably chatted with her family for half the day. This year, Ye Zhe and Yin Shi both returned; the first was to report on his duties, and the other was that the couple missed their child.

During their conversation, they learned that their daughter was not familiar with them. When they first returned, she had not allowed them to hold her, which made Yin Shi cry secretly for two days.

However, this was unavoidable. Ye Zhe's position made it so that unless he gave up his military authority and returned to the capital, mother and child would inevitably be separated.

There is also another option, which is for Yin Shi and her daughter to stay in the capital together. However, the couple does not want to be separated, especially since they are still young. So, they can only be apart from their child.

While Ye Yun enjoys her peace, Jing Xian Fei's Zhongcui Palace is quite lively. Now, the harem subtly seems to be led by Jing Xian Fei, and naturally, many people want to curry favor with her. Although Jing Xian Fei doesn't show it on the surface, she enjoys this feeling immensely in her heart.

In the first month, two more snowfalls occurred, and by the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival, the palace was covered in a thick layer of white snow, making it incredibly beautiful. Tonight, a family banquet is to be held, with only the concubines of the harem and the princes and princesses attending, along with Ning Chen. Therefore, everyone has dressed especially meticulously for the occasion.

Even Jing Xian Fei, who usually conducts herself in a proper manner, has taken on a more luxurious and elegant demeanor today. However, regardless of how well she dresses, who catches the Emperor's eye is what matters most.

For example, at today's Lantern Festival family banquet, while the various concubines are subtly hinting at Ye Yun's tardiness, a singing voice can be heard at the door. Ye Yun has arrived with Ning Chen, who is carefully holding her hand as they enter the hall together.

"It is I who arrived late and missed the chance to speak with my sisters. I seem to have heard a few remarks about my tardiness and being spoiled just now; they couldn't be referring to me, could they?" Ye Yun says with a smile that's not quite a smile.

This group of women, who had been chattering animatedly behind her back, fell silent upon her arrival, but the situation wouldn't be so easily diffused. If they dare to speak out, they shouldn't be afraid of being confronted.