Chapter 326 - 326: Becoming a Monk For a Month

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“She’s trying to compete with the Qiao family!”

“Let her be. I’d rather give up on her than sever ties with Qiao Mai.”

Accompanied by his wife and children, the emperor visited the Qiao family in disguise. As it was Royal Consort Rui’s first visit, Qiao Mai accompanied her in-laws to tour their home. Jiamei also joined them.

Having seen everything twice, the emperor naturally did not follow along for the tour. Yuan Jiaqi kept him company in the living room over tea. “Jiaqi, I heard Old Minister Wang and his wife are staying at your house?”

“Yes, because of their old age, I took the liberty not to invite them.”

“Hmm, I don’t mind. Is all your knowledge from Old Minister Wang?”

“Yes, thanks to his generous teachings. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“Well, you repay kindness and have a good character. Do you want me to promote Magistrate Wang to a higher position for you?”

“He doesn’t want to come to the capital. He says his temperament isn’t suitable for staying here and prefers doing practical things for the people in the local area. Over the years, a portion of Magistrate Wang’s earnings has been sent to Prince Shunqin’s mansion, and another has supported the commoners. He keeps only a small part for himself.”

“Don’t you have a share too?”

“We did initially, but because of Magistrate Wang’s daughter, my wife declined to accept it.”

Yuan Jiaqi knew the emperor’s spies were everywhere in the capital, and certain things could not be hidden from him. It was better to be straightforward.

“Hmm, I’ve heard about it. After she came to the capital, she was manipulated by some people. But rest assured, Prince Shunqin’s mansion won’t mistreat her. The legitimate wife’s title will always be hers, and there won’t be any foul play to cause her early demise.”

Hopefully, that would be the case. Otherwise, no one in their family would escape Qiao Mai’s retaliation.

Even though they were no longer sworn sisters, she would not passively accept the situation as long as Old Master and Mistress Wang is living here.

The conversation between the emperor and his subject flowed smoothly, covering state affairs and family matters, including some legal cases.

Yuan Jiaqi handled the earlier part well, but as the conversation progressed, he started feigning confusion.

His wife had done all those things, and he was not ignorant. Living with his wife for a long time, he had learned some of her virtues.

He believed decisive actions were needed. Those people should be dealt with; otherwise, there is a risk they will continue to harm his family.

While he kept up with the conversation, his mind roared in protest.

When Qiao Mai and the others returned, they were still chatting amicably.

Being on a private visit for the first time, Royal Consort Rui was refreshed by the experience. There weren’t many formalities, much like an ordinary family. “Your Majesty, our in-law’s home is truly wonderful. I feel enlightened.”

“It’s not inferior to my imperial palace, right? Especially the food, it’s even better than what the imperial chefs make.”

Yuan Jiaqi hurriedly explained, “While the food in our house may be delicious, the imperial physicians in the palace ensure it is good for the emperor’s health. ”

“Isn’t your family’s food good for health too?”

“We don’t often eat oily food. It’s not healthy. It’s just for your visit today.” “So, you’re benefiting from my presence? Serve the dishes quickly; I’m hungry.” Qiao Mai got up to leave, instructing the steward to prepare the meal.

Watching the servants laying out one dish after another, the emperor and his family couldn’t help but salivate.

They had come for the delightful food of the Qiao family. “Eat,” the emperor didn’t hesitate, sitting at the main seat.

“Sit. It’s been long since I’ve tasted your family’s food.”

Without waiting for Yuan Jiaqi’s reply, the emperor picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Yubao was outside anxiously waiting.

There was no food tasting and no effort to control his mouth. How could an emperor eat whatever he wanted like this?

He would occasionally sneak glances inside and only stopped when the emperor glared at him. Only then did the emperor happily resume eating.

Jia Mei and her mother also enjoyed the meal, drinking warm fruit juice and relishing the delicious food.

Royal Consort Rui, moved by the experience, almost shed tears. Having the Qiao family as her in-law was wonderful. If she could leave the palace, she hoped Qiao Mai could shelter her.

If the emperor passed away, she didn’t need to stay in the palace.

But the emperor wasn’t going to die. With Qiao Mai taking care of their family, she might even concoct a longevity pill for him if she continued to improve her skills.

If not, he could also die soon.

The steward had prepared a sumptuous feast in the side hall, inviting Yubao to join them. Yubao followed the steward when he saw the emperor no longer needed him.

Honestly, he also longed for the Qiao family’s cuisine. His actions earlier were merely part of his duty. He and the emperor had grown up together, so he was anxious due to the bond between them.

After enjoying the Qiao family’s meal, all grievances, fatigue, and weariness disappeared.

The two confidants to the emperor and Yuan Jiaqi enjoyed their meal and drinks together. They conversed easily, even adopting a fraternal tone as they continued to indulge in food and beverages.

After the meal, they visited the Qiao’s Small Eatery and Ling’er’s embroidery shop.

Upon seeing Nanny Jin, Royal Consort Rui recognized her at a glance, but they didn’t engage in much conversation.

Ling’er paid her respects to the three visitors, showing them around her shop. As a gesture of goodwill, she presented Royal Consort Rui and Jiamei with a set of ethereal dresses.

Royal Consort Tui gave Ling’er a waist token and invited her to visit the palace at any time.

With the conclusion of this covert visit, Qiao Mai’s expression turned stern as soon as the guests departed.

“You tell that old emperor not to come again. My time is wasted on these social obligations. How annoying.”

“Wife, I am a subject, and he is the emperor. How can I refuse?”

“I don’t care. Anyway, you figure it out. If he keeps coming, who can handle it? Do I have nothing to do?”

Biting his teeth, Yuan Jiaqi said, “Next time, if he comes again, I’ll say you’ve returned to Tianshui Town. I can’t cook.”

“If he really craves it so much, take him to the restaurant run by the Wang family. They have plenty of dishes there. You can bring a jar of wine from home. In the future, visit our house less. If Royal Consort Rui or Jiamei comes, it’s fine.’

“Uh, understood.”

“It’s only been so long, and he took away two carts of my things smoothly.

Hmph! Starting tomorrow, I’m going into seclusion for a month.”

“What about me?”

“Just consider yourself a monk for a month.”

Qiao Mai rolled her eyes at him and returned to Yuexian Residence, with Yuan Jiaqi closely following.

“Wife, don’t be angry. Anger harms the body. Let me give you a shoulder massage.”

Passing by several servants, all of whom suppressed their laughter, Yuan Jiaqi never cared about these things. His love for Qiao Mai was engraved in his bones.

Subsequently, every time the emperor wanted to speak, Yuan Jiaqi pretended not to notice or quickly found an excuse to leave.

Meanwhile, although Qiao Mai didn’t go into seclusion, her whereabouts were untraceable. She spent the whole day conducting free medical consultations. At the end of April, seeing no hope for the empress and Princess Heyi’s illnesses, the emperor transferred the management authority of the harem to Royal Consort Rui.

Now, she became the most powerful person in the rear palace and the one the emperor trusted the most.

Why wasn’t the power given to the consorts with sons? The emperor wasn’t foolish. Having enjoyed a peaceful period, he didn’t want to encourage the ambitions of those with sons.

He still had six sons and more than a dozen grandsons. He had no intention of sitting on the throne until death. He wanted to live a long life, which meant he couldn’t always be involved in state affairs.

So, he secretly sent the Golden Dragon Guards to observe his sons and grandsons, recording every move they made. He wanted to see who was suitable to become heir.

But these were all matters for the future.

Qiao Mai resumed her free clinic, bringing joy to the commoners. Once again, long lines formed on the streets.

She witnessed the decline of the Mingren Medical Hall. Sometimes, those in the same profession could be the most formidable enemies, even in medicine and pharmacy..