Chapter 1325: Princess Consort’s Summoning

Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan went to Cloud Water Town to emphasize to Songshi the importance of avoiding conflicts at all costs, regardless of the circumstances.

She stressed that in situations where progress was challenging, there was no need to rush or become anxious. When faced with difficulties or peculiar situations, Songshi must remember not to make decisions independently but rather report them.

Every aspect of their daily operations needed to be meticulously managed and handled with great care.

There was a saying that even a thousand-mile dam could be destroyed by an ant’s nest. Failure to catch mistakes at the East Palace could potentially lead to a situation where they slowly and insidiously orchestrated issues from a small scale, eventually implicating the East Palace or even the Crown Prince. Such occurrences had transpired in the past.

Regardless, Qiao Xuan was determined not to make any mistakes.

However, she hadn’t anticipated that Princess Consort would send for her to visit the East Palace.

Auntie Fu, who was accompanying Princess Consort, didn’t appear to be in great spirits either. Qiao Xuan grew anxious and inquired about the situation. Auntie Fu wore a bitter smile as she replied, “Madame Shao, please don’t worry. It’s not a major issue, but it’s also not particularly significant. Madame Shao, please accompany me to the East Palace, and you will learn all the details when you meet with Princess Consort.”

Although Auntie Fu’s response didn’t provide a clear answer, she conveyed that the matter was not serious.

Qiao Xuan trusted Auntie Fu’s judgment.

“Very well, I’ll trust your judgment,” Qiao Xuan replied with a relieved smile.

Auntie Fu smiled back, relieved that she hadn’t pushed for further details.

Qiao Xuan was received by Princess Consort in the daily living area.

She couldn’t help but notice the initial frown on Princess Consort’s face upon her arrival, indicating that she held some reservations about her.

However, Qiao Xuan couldn’t fathom how she had managed to offend Princess Consort, considering she hadn’t even left the house for a while.

Princess Consort greeted her and offered her a seat.

“We’re on the same side, so there’s no need for formalities,” Princess Consort began. “Ms. Qiao, Prince of Qingdi has requested a few specific dishes, and our imperial chefs are at a loss. We heard that you possess culinary skills, and I’m uncertain whether you can provide a solution. If you can, we would greatly appreciate it. If not… Auntie Fu, please provide her with the details.”

Princess Consort sighed and rubbed her temples, appearing somewhat distressed.

The court, the East Palace, and the nobility had enlisted the finest cooks in the world, but none had managed to devise a solution. Princess Consort harbored doubts that Qiao Xuan could achieve what others could not.

The Crown Prince didn’t know who had suggested involving Qiao Xuan, but it seemed like a last-ditch effort.

Yet, what other options were available apart from this final attempt?

The Great Qin Empire was renowned for its abundant resources and capabilities. Yet, Prince of Qingdi had merely requested a few dishes and remained unsatisfied. It was a situation that left no room for embarrassment.

The Great Qin Empire couldn’t afford to lose face, and neither could the Crown Prince.

The origins of this issue were not particularly complex. The Great Qin Empire valued etiquette and extended warm hospitality to Prince Nuo Nuo and the delegation, as per their customs. However, such niceties were not well-received by the uncivilized and proud state of Qingdi.

Initially, they may have held some fear and reverence towards the Great Qin Empire. However, the Empire’s graciousness and hospitality inadvertently fueled their arrogance. The sheer opulence of the Great Qin Empire only heightened their envy and amplified their pride, making the situation even more awkward.