A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1081: My Big Brother Will Catch Me

After all the elaborate preparations, the Crown Prince's birthday finally dawned.

Zhao Qichen's birthday fell on October 24th.

Once this birthday passed, he would officially be ten years old by nominal age.

Zhao Junyao cherished his eldest legitimate son immensely.

From a young age, he imposed rigorous demands on him in both scholarly and martial pursuits.

Zhao Qichen never fell short of expectations.

He embodied all the finest qualities of both his father and mother.

Not only did he boast striking good looks and impressive height, but his talents in literature, military strategy, and tactics shone brilliantly too.

In every endeavor—be it studying, martial training, or interacting with others—he displayed remarkable skill and keen perception.

Zhao Junyao could find no fault in him whatsoever.

Especially impressive was the boy's extraordinary perseverance.

In his studies.

Though he didn't resort to extreme measures like suspending himself from the beams or pricking his thigh with an awl as imperial exam candidates might, a book was always in his grasp.

His knowledge spanned a vast array, from poetry and essays to songs and military treatises.

He excelled at playing the zither and penned calligraphy with graceful elegance, proficient in all six arts befitting a true gentleman.

Picture him in a flowing white robe, fan in hand, poised on the delicate bridges amid Jiangnan's rippling waters.

He'd be the epitome of a suave, refined young noble, captivating countless maidens' hearts.

His prowess in martial arts was equally formidable.

He trained rigorously under veteran Great Generals and exchanged blows with even the lowliest fighters from the Ministry of War.

He also dueled with Royal Clan peers of matching age.

Should he clad himself in gleaming silver armor and charge into battle,

he'd without doubt emerge as a valiant young General.

In recent years,

Zhao Qichen's schedule grew ever busier, keeping him away from the palace frequently.

Each time Xia Ruqing laid eyes on him, the transformation was striking.

Back then,

she could scarcely believe a boy merely ten by nominal age could develop so profoundly.

Maybe he took after his father's towering stature.

He matured swiftly and gained wisdom through real-world trials.

Regardless, setting aside his youthful face and build,

the man standing there exuded adult poise and steadiness.

His eyes, posture, and handsome features mirrored his father's perfectly.

Sharp and resolute eyes, composed bearing, and noble countenance.

On his birthday,

he threw a grand banquet in the Eastern Palace at midday for his teachers, mentors, Royal Clan elders, and fellow brothers.

Come evening, he headed back to Duanning Palace to revel with his father, mother, siblings, and sisters.

And so,

right after lunch, the Duanning Palace's small kitchen sprang into action.

Xia Ruqing crafted an extensive menu.

She scrapped all flashy dishes, opting instead for the family's beloved favorites.

Cheese for Yue Er,

chicken legs and steamed fish for brothers Henger and Yeye,

subtle appetizers that Zhao Junyao favored,

and her personal indulgences like spicy shrimp and pepper chicken.

Above all,

smoked sausages, salted rabbit meat, and braised venison that Chenchen adored.

Since Chenchen was the birthday boy, the rest of the sides and treats catered primarily to his tastes.

Once done,

Xia Ruqing double-checked meticulously to confirm no oversights, then passed it to Zi Yue.

"Direct the small kitchen!"

"Ensure every ingredient is the freshest possible!"

"Pour all your effort into it today!"

"Yes!" Zi Yue replied firmly and departed with the menu.

Xia Ruqing reclined against the bed.

She ticked off items on her fingers.

"Gifts and feasts are set—what else could we have overlooked?"

Zi Su shook her head.

"Empress, everything's covered!"

"The Crown Prince is bound to be delighted!"

Xia Ruqing relaxed completely.

Zi Su suggested once more.

"Empress, it's early yet—why not rest a bit?"

Xia Ruqing massaged her temples.

"Fine!"

With that, she withdrew into the inner chamber.

After settling her comfortably, Zi Su straightened the bedding and drew the curtains, then slipped out quietly, shutting the door.

Outdoors, preparations continued apace.

She needed to supervise closely to prevent any slip-ups.

…

Xia Ruqing stirred awake in the late afternoon.

Chenchen had returned by then.

From inside, she heard Yue Er calling out to her brother.

She rose swiftly and summoned Zi Yue for washing water.

As she dressed before the bronze mirror, Xia Ruqing beamed.

"Yue Er can't get enough of her big brother!"

"With him home, she'll have endless fun!"

Zi Yue giggled.

"The Crown Prince spoils the Princess rotten, always returning with heaps of treasures!"

"She stays thrilled for half a month straight!"

Xia Ruqing laughed softly.

"How right you are!"

A slight headache suddenly afflicted her.

"Yue Er always favors items for boys. When she matures, I won’t know how to handle her!"

Zi Su hastily comforted her.

"Empress, what is there to fret over?!"

"Even the Emperor declares that our Princess of Great Chu ought to possess a heroine's spirit!"

"I believe the Princess is splendid just like this!"

"At least she won’t get bullied by her in-laws later on!"

Xia Ruqing felt a mix of amusement and annoyance.

"Bullied by in-laws! I’ll count my blessings if she doesn’t bully them back!"

Yue Er’s stubborn temperament.

She might completely wreck her in-laws’ household if they clash with her!

Sympathy surged in her for the future Prince Consort.

Deep down, Xia Ruqing made a firm decision.

’I should prepare a larger dowry for my daughter to make up for her future in-laws!’

Zi Yue and Zi Su both chuckled softly.

Zi Yue said laughingly,

"Empress, you’re exaggerating too much; the Princess is quite sensible!"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

"Alright!"

She slipped into her robes and glanced at her image in the mirror.

Satisfied that everything was proper, she headed out.

...

Within the courtyard.

Chenchen, Henger, and Yeye were swinging Yue Er on the swing.

The little girl, adored by her three brothers, brimmed with utter delight!

"Third brother, fourth brother, higher, a bit higher!"

Yue Er urged with excitement.

Henger inquired,

"Aren’t you afraid of falling?"

Yeye felt it looked perilous too.

"Yue Er, be good. We shouldn’t push higher!"

The little girl pouted right away,

"No, no, I want to go higher!"

"Brother, I want to go higher!"

Tears welled up in her big eyes.

Who could say no to that?

Henger and Yeye shared a look; they yielded and swung her even higher.

They pushed with greater force.

Chenchen watched from the side, somewhat concerned.

That elevation appeared rather hazardous.

But when sister enjoys it, what recourse is there?

He wrinkled his forehead, pondered briefly, then quietly folded his arms and shifted to the swing’s other side.

The spot was ideal.

Should Yue Er tumble, he’d snatch her up instantly—flawless!

Zhao Qichen gave a faint smile, his gaze brimming with doting affection.

...

With the swing soaring ever higher, Yue Er’s giggles echoed louder and louder.

This startled the nannies and wet nurses stationed below.

"Princess..."

"Princess, please come down!"

"Princess! Falling wouldn’t be funny at all! Get down now!"

After all, the Emperor and Empress possessed only one legitimate Princess.

The Emperor treasured her immensely, fearing any harm or hardship for her.

Should she sustain an injury.

Their entire existences would end.

Their legs turned to jelly.

Deeply worried, they found themselves helpless.

Yue Er laughed merrily.

"You don’t need to worry!"

"If I fall, my big brother will definitely catch me!"