Chapter Sixteen: Please Let Me Explain

As dusk gradually enveloped the sky, the hotpot broth specially concocted by Huarong, after enduring the trial of a fierce flame, finally revealed its proper aroma.

“Duck intestines—I think five seconds is just right!” Huarong was the first to pick up a piece, dropping it into the pot and stirring it gently. When she fished it out again, it had shrunk to a tiny segment.

“The very first duck intestine goes to our hero of the day—Suxin!” As the piece landed in the bowl, Suxin appeared a little flustered. “Your Grace, with so little time just now, could it be that this isn’t fully cooked...?”

No matter how hungry one might be, surely there was no need to eat something barely done, not even leftovers.

At her words, Huarong shot her an exasperated look. “Relax. These little intestines are even thinner than your skin—just a quick blanch and they’re good to eat. And don’t forget to praise the sauce I made for you—I am second to none in this craft!”

Urged on by Huarong, Suxin at last yielded to fate and hunger, dipped the piece in the sauce, and took a bite.

At that moment, all eyes were fixed on her, as if she were a test subject, everyone anxious in case something went wrong.

Yet Suxin didn’t react for a long while. She just stood there, dumbfounded, her mouth moving faster and faster as she chewed. At last, she swallowed it down in one go.

“How does it taste?” Huarong watched her with eager anticipation, though everyone else remained lost in uncertainty and concern.

“It’s absolutely delicious! The crisp, tender duck intestine paired with the sauce—perhaps not the finest delicacy on earth, but it has a flavor all its own. You all must try it!” Suxin was so excited she nearly jumped up, and without waiting, picked up another piece, imitating Huarong, and quickly ate it.

Her look of satisfaction dispelled everyone’s doubts for the day, and soon each was eager to sample for themselves.

One had to admit, the charm of hotpot was formidable. In no time at all, even those who had never encountered such a thing quickly adapted. They grew bolder with their choices, eating with a deftness that outshone Huarong herself.

“Yes, just like that! Eat and drink your fill!” Huarong was having the time of her life, juices running down her chin. Yet, once her belly was half full, she felt as if something was missing.

“Hotpot with wine—may such joy last forever. What’s a sumptuous meal without fine wine? Cuiyu, fetch the wine, and let’s drink our fill!”

With the arrival of the wine, merriment only increased among the group.

But just then, Jun Yeli’s footsteps came to a halt before the gates of the Xuanji Palace. Seeing the doors tightly shut, with only thin wisps of smoke spiraling up and carrying a rich, savory aroma, his brows furrowed.

“What’s going on? Why is there so much smoke and such a fragrant smell?”

Confused, Jun Yeli turned to the two guards at the door. “You two, why are you just standing there? Don’t you see smoke pouring out? Isn’t there a fire inside?”

Though each palace had its own kitchen, the direction from which the smoke billowed did not seem to be the kitchen of Xuanji Palace.

The two guards started, quickly clasping their hands in nervous salute. “Reporting, Your Majesty, the consort is inside... having hotpot!”

“What kind of pot?” Jun Yeli’s eyebrow arched in puzzlement.

“Hotpot,” one of them managed to reply, not without a hint of helplessness.

Were it not for their duties, they too would have joined the fun, rather than standing here inhaling the aroma and nursing their loneliness.

Jun Yeli fell into deep thought. “What is this unheard-of thing? Trust Consort Rong to always come up with something new. Could it be she prepared this specially knowing Zhen would come?”

With a touch of inner conflict, the emperor adopted a stern expression and glanced at the closed door. “What are you waiting for? Do you mean to keep me locked out?”

The two guards, flustered, hurried to open the door. What met their eyes was a group of palace maids, faces flushed with drink.

“Your Grace, once we finish this cup, we’ll be sisters for life!”

“No, no, you’re a servant; Her Grace is a consort—how could we be sisters? We must remain loyal and true!”

Jun Yeli was struck speechless on the spot. What was this chaos?

All sense of rank had vanished, laughter and banter filled the hall, and drunken nonsense flowed freely. It was enough to make anyone cringe.

Not only was the emperor bewildered, but even Huarong was at a loss. “You lot—if you can’t hold your drink, you should have said so...”

Barely any food had been eaten, and yet they were already drunk.

Had she known they’d end up like this, Huarong would have bitten her tongue before suggesting they drink.

With everyone in such a state, who would clean up the aftermath later?

“How did I bring this on myself?” Huarong took a deep breath, fished out the cooked duck liver from the pot, and popped it into her mouth.

Delicious as it was, the sight of this unruly gaggle of palace maids made her feel the price a bit steep.

Jun Yeli stood at the doorway for ages, and not a single person noticed him. He might as well have been invisible!

At last, unable to contain his complex feelings, Jun Yeli spoke out: “What are you all doing? Such disgraceful conduct! Maids behaving nothing like maids, consorts nothing like consorts—is this proper?”

What irked him most was that he had thought all this—this hotpot!—was prepared for him. But in reality, Huarong was simply enjoying herself with the others in his own palace, celebrating with her attendants.

He had only been flattering himself; it was a slap in the face—bare and direct!

His sudden outburst drew all eyes to him.

Huarong spun around, shocked. “Your Majesty, why are you here?”

“Ahem! The emperor is here—why are you not rising to pay your respects?” Huarong coughed desperately, hoping to sober them up with the noise.

Who could have guessed that in this remote, desolate palace, the emperor would deign to visit? It was a rare honor, but of all times, he had to arrive at this most inopportune moment!

“It’s over, it’s over... If not quartered, then I’ll be buried alive on the spot...” Huarong could already picture the grim outcome.

But the maids, befuddled by drink, propped each other up, linked arms, and lined up to deliver a ninety-degree bow. “Good evening, Your Majesty!”

“...”

Huarong’s face was ashen. “It’s over... now we’re truly finished.”

Struggling to suppress her inner panic, Huarong forced a smile and said, “Your Majesty, please, let me explain!”