Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1072: Chapter 119: Noble Princess Consort Rong Pleads Again

In Yongxin Palace, Noble Princess Consort Rong was attending to the Emperor’s dinner.

"Cousin, you’ve worked hard recently. This is ginseng soup I specially prepared for you, have a taste." Tonight’s meal was entirely made by Noble Princess Consort Rong, without anyone else’s help. Her culinary skills have always been good, though not as refined as the Imperial Chef, but they have the taste of home.

Before she became the Emperor’s concubine, she often cooked meals with the late Empress Dowager for the Emperor and the late Emperor. Her cooking skills were learned from the late Empress Dowager, although she only learned home-cooked dishes, both the former Emperor and the Emperor enjoyed them.

After becoming the Emperor’s concubine, Noble Princess Consort Rong would occasionally cook meals or make soup for the Emperor. Since the late Empress Dowager passed away, the Emperor has favored the dishes she prepares even more, because they carry the taste of the late Empress Dowager, as her culinary skills were learned from her.

The Emperor drank a few sips of the ginseng soup and generously praised, "Tastes good."

Noble Princess Consort Rong, being praised, smiled broadly and said, "I started simmering this ginseng soup this morning, putting the essence of a hundred-year-old ginseng into the soup. It’s very nourishing for the body, cousin, you should drink more."

The Emperor said, "Since it’s so nourishing for the body, you should drink more too."

Hearing the Emperor say this, Noble Princess Consort Rong felt deeply moved.

"Then I’ll drink some more with you, cousin."

"Alright."

As Noble Princess Consort Rong accompanied the Emperor in drinking the ginseng soup, she began to talk about their childhood memories. Back then, both the late Emperor and late Empress Dowager were present, and whenever the family was together, they would sit together to eat and chat.

When speaking of their childhood memories, both the Emperor and Noble Princess Consort Rong showed nostalgic expressions. Then, they started discussing some mischief they caused as children, and both couldn’t help but laugh.

Once, the Emperor was chased and bitten by a dog, and Marquis Xuanping stood in front of the Emperor, his backside bitten hard by the dog, losing a chunk of flesh, which bled profusely, scaring them all.

As kids, Marquis Xuanping and his siblings loved to play follow-the-leader with the Emperor. The Emperor, being mischievous, often led them on rambunctious adventures, causing trouble and provoking chickens or dogs. Whenever something went wrong, Marquis Xuanping would bravely stand before the Emperor, taking the blame and admitting fault, reducing the times he got scolded.

Later, as they grew up, Marquis Xuanping followed the Emperor around in battles. Whenever the Emperor met danger, he would rush to the front lines. Although Marquis Xuanping’s combat skills were not outstanding, he served as an ideal supporter to the Emperor, always following his lead.

Now, Marquis Xuanping holds an exalted position, supporting his own nephew, Prince Dai, but he still remains loyal to the Emperor.

"Cousin, you know my brother well. He would never dare, nor think of rebellion." Noble Princess Consort Rong recounted many childhood stories just to remind the Emperor of the things Marquis Xuanping did for him. "My brother would never recruit troops in Annan. As for forging weapons, it’s solely to sell to the Annan people, making money from Annan. He hasn’t secretly transported weapons back to Great Zhou, cousin, please see clearly."

The Emperor listened quietly to Noble Princess Consort Rong speak, and when she finished, he thoughtfully picked up some food for her, "Cold dishes don’t taste good, hurry and eat."

"Cousin~~~" Noble Princess Consort Rong called out coyly.

"Eat first, don’t waste this good meal you prepared." After saying this, the Emperor spoke no further, eating quietly and seriously.

Seeing this, Noble Princess Consort Rong wanted to say more but felt it improper, so she obediently ate.

This meal left Noble Princess Consort Rong without appetite. Once the Emperor finished, putting down his chopsticks, she quickly did the same, then personally poured him a cup of tea to rinse his mouth.

When the Emperor finished the tea and put down the cup, she impatiently began again, "Cousin, my brother..."

She had just started when the Emperor interrupted, jokingly saying, "In your brother’s heart, I’m afraid he values the second more than me."

Noble Princess Consort Rong was startled by the Emperor’s words, she quickly shook her head saying, "No, cousin, in my brother’s eyes, you are certainly the most important."

"Are you sure?" The Emperor, propping his chin with his hand, looked at the anxious Noble Princess Consort Rong with interest, "I’m afraid now, in your heart, the second is also more important than me, after all, I’ve aged."

Noble Princess Consort Rong, unsure whether the Emperor was joking or serious, was so frightened she knelt on the ground immediately, raised her hand as if swearing, "Cousin, in my heart, you are forever the most important, nobody in this world can be more important than you." These were Noble Princess Consort Rong’s heartfelt words. Although her son was also important, the Emperor mattered more because since she was young, her heart has always been with the Emperor.