无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

This morning, she only managed to eat half a bowl of Bird’s Nest Porridge before throwing up some of it.

Now, as she looked at the exquisite and simple dishes in front of her, her appetite grew.

She reached out to pick up a piece of pastry.

“Your Highness, no!”

The palace maid stopped her, whispering, “Be careful, these may not be clean.”

Concubine Yu valued the child in her belly more than her own life, so she hesitated upon hearing this.

“How is that possible?” She stared at the pastry in her hand, “Not even outsiders know about my pregnancy yet, how could she possibly harm me?” “Even so, it’s always better to be cautious.”

Concubine Yu nodded, but her hand still held the pastry tightly, her expression uncertain.

Seeing her reluctance to let go, the close palace maid smiled and said, “Let me try the food for you, Master.”

“Chunxiao, we grew up together, we are like sisters, how can I ask you to try the food for me?”

“Then…”

“Call Su’er.”

“Yes, your Highness is wise.” Chunxiao smiled knowingly.

They had always suspected Su’er was sent by the Empress and could not trust her.

Having her try the food would be the most appropriate.

Soon, Su’er was called in.

Chunxiao instructed, “Come and taste these dishes.”

Su’er appeared startled.

Since she arrived, she had been assigned menial tasks and was rarely allowed near Concubine Yu.

Now, she was asked to try the food?

Su’er glanced at the dishes on the table, considered the Emperor’s earlier words, and began to understand.

They didn’t consider her one of their own and deemed her expendable.

Without showing any emotion, Su’er bowed, picked up her chopsticks, and tasted a bit of every dish.

Concubine Yu and Chunxiao watched her intently.

“How do you feel?” Chunxiao asked.

“This humble servant has no discomfort.”

“The food…”

“The flavors of these dishes are all excellent, and I have never tasted anything so delicious.”

Concubine Yu and Chunxiao exchanged glances, both feeling relieved.

“Alright, you may leave,” Chunxiao ordered.

After Su’er left, Chunxiao fetched a clean pair of silver chopsticks and handed them to Concubine Yu.

Concubine Yu eagerly picked up a piece of the green vegetable.

“Your Highness, how is it?”

“It’s crisp and delicious; I find it very appetizing.” Concubine Yu said happily. Chunxiao was even more delighted, “I had heard that Princess Consort was skilled in cooking, but I didn’t take it seriously. I never thought it was actually true. No wonder the always picky Concubine Jin is so fond of her.”

As Concubine Yu enjoyed the dishes and soup, she asked, “Peel some shrimp for me to taste.”

“Your Highness, you never eat shrimp.”

“I just want to taste it.”

“Yes, right away.”

Since her Highness became pregnant, she had little appetite, which worried Chunxiao. Seeing her eat with gusto now, Chunxiao’s heart was filled with joy. She carefully peeled a few shrimps and placed them on a small plate.

Concubine Yu took a bite and exclaimed, “The shrimp is fresh, tender, tangy, and sweet. It’s truly appetizing.”

Chunxiao became even more delighted and peeled a few more.

With growing enthusiasm, Concubine Yu continued to eat until she finished the whole plateful of shrimp.

“Your Highness, that’s enough.”

After some persuasion from Chunxiao, Concubine Yu finally put down her chopsticks with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

Concubine Yu wiped her mouth with a cloth and smiled contentedly, “If I could have the food made by Princess Consort every day, I wouldn’t have trouble eating.”

Chunxiao hesitated, “Having her cook every time might not be possible…”

“I know it’s not possible, I’m just saying.” Concubine Yu snorted, “Although Princess Consort is a good cook, her arrogance and overbearing attitude are also true. She hurt Baodan so badly, as his aunt, I cannot let this matter go unchecked..”