Chapter 356 Loss of Appetite

The atmosphere inside Weiyang Palace was somewhat somber the following morning.

Jiang Huan slumped listlessly on the soft couch by the window, her face even paler than yesterday, her brows furrowed, looking utterly lifeless.

This pregnancy is truly tragic.

I threw up last night, and it took me ages to recover.

What's most infuriating is that she just couldn't bring herself to eat the steaming hot food served from the small kitchen this morning.

Does this baby in my belly not inherit the good qualities of its parents?

Jiang Huan weakly lifted her eyelids, her voice filled with longing for the delicious food.

"Take it away, I have no appetite."

Huo Lin sat beside her, his brows furrowed tightly, his face even more unpleasant than Jiang Huan's.

He held a bowl of warm bird's nest porridge in one hand and a small spoon in the other, trying to coax her to eat a little, his tone full of anxiety.

"Just one bite, no more, otherwise your body won't be able to handle it."

Seeing her not eat is more painful than me going hungry myself.

[How about I try cooking in the small kitchen myself? But I'm afraid my skills are even worse...]

Listening to his self-assessment of his cooking skills, which lacked any real confidence, Jiang Huan sighed helplessly, forced herself to open her mouth and take a small sip of porridge, then frowned and pushed his hand away.

"I can't take it anymore, they won't even give me face, I feel like throwing up just from the smell."

Huo Lin was like an ant on a hot pan, anxious and helpless, and could only wave his hand impatiently to have the palace servants remove the food.

Just then, Wang Degui came in to report that Princess Ping'an had arrived.

Huo Lin was in a bad mood and wanted to refuse outright, but Jiang Huan raised her hand and said, "Let her in."

Princess Ping'an wore an elegant light green dress today, which made her look even more gentle and beautiful.

After she entered, she bowed respectfully and greeted Jiang Huan, her gaze falling on Jiang Huan's pale and haggard face.

"Your Majesty seems to be unwell?" Her voice was gentle, carrying the soft warmth characteristic of the Jiangnan water towns. "Is it due to pregnancy symptoms?"

Jiang Huan forced a smile: "I had to spank this baby the moment he was born, it almost drove me crazy."

Upon hearing this, Princess Ping'an curtsied slightly and said, "When I was in Jiangnan, my sister-in-law was pregnant and suffered from severe morning sickness, which was very difficult for her. The old nanny in my family has an ancestral recipe for a sour soup noodle dish that is sour, spicy, and appetizing, and is very effective in relieving morning sickness. If Your Majesty does not mind, I am willing to go to the small kitchen to try it and share Your Majesty's burden."

Huo Lin raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

[They seem only good at writing, but I never expected they could also handle cooking!]

[Don't tell me she's here to curry favor. I'll make her a stinky soup later and then stuff it in her mouth.]

Jiang Huan was also somewhat surprised, but looking into Princess Ping'an's clear and honest eyes, which were devoid of any flattery, her heart stirred slightly.

Princess Ping'an is a clever woman who knows how to assess the situation and, more importantly, how to curry favor.

Hot and sour soup doesn't sound too disgusting, so it must taste alright.

He nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Princess."

Princess Ping'an smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. It is my honor to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."

She bowed and withdrew, then followed Xiao Zhao to the small kitchen.

About half an hour later, an enticing aroma, a blend of sour, spicy, and uniquely fresh, wafted in from outside the palace, instantly stimulating Jiang Huan's dormant taste buds.

She couldn't help but sniff, and her usually listless eyes brightened slightly.

Hmm? This taste... seems interesting.

Huo Lin also smelled it and looked out of the hall in surprise.

[It smells quite good; although it's not as good as what she makes, it's still miles better than what the imperial kitchen makes.]

Soon, Princess Ping'an walked in carrying a white jade bowl.

The bowl contains translucent vermicelli soaked in a bright red and tempting broth, garnished with tender green scallions and crunchy peanut crumbs. It's steaming hot and has a tantalizingly tangy aroma.

"Your Majesty, please try this. This is a recipe I improved based on my family's recipe. I reduced the sourness and spiciness a bit, making it milder." She gently placed the bowl on the small table in front of Jiang Huan.

Jiang Huan picked up a spoon, scooped up a small spoonful of soup, and put it in her mouth.

The tangy and refreshing taste explodes on the tongue, stimulating the taste buds just right without being too intense. This is followed by a rich aroma of bone broth and a hint of sweetness, which perfectly balances the spiciness and sourness, making one's appetite soar.

Hmm! In this world, if I'm number one in cooking, Princess Ping'an can be number two!

Her eyes lit up, and she couldn't resist taking another bite of the vermicelli. It was smooth and chewy, soaked in the broth, and tasted delicious.

"Delicious!" she couldn't help but exclaim. Her appetite seemed to have been truly whetted by the bowl of sour soup noodles. She ate half a bowl in a row, and her pale face gradually regained some color.

Huo Lin watched from the side. Seeing that Jiang Huan was finally willing to eat, his tense nerves finally relaxed, and his gaze towards Princess Ping'an softened considerably.

Princess Ping'an smiled even more when she saw that Jiang Huan liked it, but she did not take credit for it. She simply said softly, "It's good that Your Highness likes it. If you want to eat it again in the future, or if you want to try some other flavors, please just tell me."

She then carefully explained some dietary precautions during pregnancy, speaking in a natural and friendly tone, as if it were just a casual chat between sisters. She struck the perfect balance, neither showing off nor being pretentious, while expressing her concern in just the right way.

As Jiang Huan ate and listened, her opinion of Princess Ping'an rose even higher.

Intelligent, tactful, and resourceful.

After finishing the sour soup noodles, Jiang Huan felt much better and her stomach felt much more comfortable.

Princess Ping'an, having achieved her goal, wisely took her leave.

Huo Lin chatted with Jiang Huan for a while, and seeing that she was a little tired, he helped her to lie down and rest in the inner palace, while he went to handle government affairs.

At this moment, He Ling also heard that Jiang Huan was unwell and rushed over.

"Your Majesty, are you alright? I heard you vomited a lot?" He Ling approached with a worried expression.

Jiang Huan smiled and said, "I'm fine now. I just ate the sour soup noodles made by Princess Ping'an, and I feel much better."

He Ling breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest: "That scared me to death!"

She sat down on the edge of the bed and started chattering about the funny things she had heard, trying to cheer Jiang Huan up.

Listening to her speak, Jiang Huan felt her mood brighten up a bit.

However, the system in He Ling's mind started beeping restlessly.

"Ding! Fluctuations in the target person Jiang Huan's physical function data have been detected. Her pregnancy reaction intensity is higher than average. Physical condition assessment: weak."

"System Shop Recommendations: Pregnancy-Nourishing and Blood-Consolidating Pills, Soothing and Calming Incense..."

He Ling was getting a little annoyed by the series of system prompts.

[Oh, I know, I know, stop arguing. Can't you see Her Majesty is feeling a little better?]

[Weak constitution? It's probably just the strain of pregnancy.]

System: "The host has a negative attitude. According to data analysis, proactively offering help can significantly increase..."

Jiang Huan listened clearly to the argument between the two people, especially the system's comment about her weak constitution, which made her inexplicably a little annoyed.

Who's weaker? She's just experiencing morning sickness! Is it wrong to be pregnant and have a hard time?

She suddenly looked up at He Ling, a half-smile playing on her lips: "You look a little pale today. Have you not been getting enough rest lately?"

He Ling was arguing with the system in her mind when she heard this, and she was stunned. She subconsciously touched her cheek.

"Huh? Is there?"

Jiang Huan didn't answer, but continued to look at her with a meaningful gaze: "Some things are better left quiet. Too much noise can be annoying, don't you think?"

He Ling: !!!

She understood; the Empress was instructing the system.