Chapter 103 (1/2)

Because this is those westerners' first time in Hua Chen Kingdom, the people of Hua Chen Kingdom does not know their eating habits.

When the Empress Dowager sees this, she asks them, ”What is wrong, Foreign King and Queen?  Are the meals not suitable to your taste?”

The King and Queen does not understand what the Empress Dowager had said and can only turn to Mo Qi Qi to serve as a translator.

Mo Qi Qi smiles and tells them that the Empress Dowager is inviting them to eat.

The King and Queen exchange an awkward smile.

Mo Qi Qi turns to Ban Xiang and whispers something to her.

Very quickly, two eunuchs from the Imperial Kitchen walks in while carrying knives and forks.

Jun Qian Che looks at Mo Qi Qi curiously.

Mo Qi Qi simply smiles, ”Your Majesty, chenqie especially prepared this for the King and Queen.”  Then, she leans in closer to him and whispers, ”Their eating etiquette is different from ours.  They don't use chopsticks, they usually use forks and knives.”

Jun Qian Che nods in understanding, ”How did the Empress know all these?”

”Huh?  Hehe, chenqie heard it from the King and Queen themselves,” Mo Qi Qi lies smoothly.  After all, Jun Qian Che does not speak the language, so he cannot really ask the couple, can he?

Jun Qian Che lets the matter go.

When the knives and forks are served, the couple stands up and courteously thank Jun Qian Che and Mo Qi Qi.  They express their grat.i.tude at the warm treatment.  They felt that the kingdom has been treating them very kindly, and that the relationship between the two countries will be even more prosperous from now on.

Mo Qi Qi picks up a delicious dish and eats it.  Her stomach suddenly feels uncomfortable and she retches a couple of times.

Jun Qian Che hands her a cup of water.

Mo Qi Qi accepts it and drinks it.  Only then does she feel a little better.

”Are you ill, Empress?” asks Jun Qian Che in worry.

Mo Qi Qi shakes her head, ”No.  Chenqie probably ate something bad.”

Ban Xiang refuses to let this go, ”Her Ladyship has been quite ill lately.  This servant wanted to invite the Imperial Physician so many times, but Her Ladyship kept saying that she was fine.”

Mo Qi Qi glares at Ban Xiang, ”Nonsense!  We are talking about bengong's health, bengong naturally knows better.  Your Majesty, don't listen to this girl.  Chenqie really is fine.”

Jun Qian Che does not ask further and diverts his eyes to the stage.

The banquet runs really smoothly.  The King and Queen are very pleased, and Jun Qian Che is satisfied by the course of things as well.

After returning to Feng Yang Palace, Mo Qi Qi heads straight to bed to rest.

Ban Xiang approaches her in worry, ”Your Ladyship, are you ill anywhere?”

Mo Qi Qi sighs, ”I'm not ill, I'm just tired.”

”Your Ladyship, this servant think it is better if you just invite a physician over,” suggests Ban Xiang.

Mo Qi Qi suddenly stands up and glares at Ban Xiang, ”Good for you to bring it up!  Who told you to tell Jun Qian Che I was ill?  There is no need for him to get involved in my business!”

”But, Your Ladyship, His Majesty is your husband.  You should tell him if you are ill, so that he can care for you,” replies Ban Xiang.

Mo Qi Qi scowls, ”I do not seek his care!  In fact, it's better for him to stay as far away from me as—–”

”The Emperor arrives!” an announcement comes from outside, cutting her short.

Mo Qi Qi flings herself to the bed before wailing, ”Wuwuwuwu, can't I ever get a break?  He just won't let me off, won't he?  It is already so late, what is he doing coming over this time of the night?  This lady has no time and energy left to bicker with him!”

Ban Xiang, on the other hand, is enthusiastic, ”Your Ladyship, hurry and welcome His Majesty in!”

Mo Qi Qi sighs before tiredly standing up, ”Ah, why is my life so tragic?”