A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1131: Pinky Promise!

The passage of time brings about inevitable change. As Zhao Junyao observed the shifting seasons and came to fully grasp the wisdom his father had imparted, he steadily matured.

He realized that maintaining the overall stability of the empire was paramount for effective governance. Simply expanding territories and conquering the world would not truly forge a strong Great Chu Dynasty; stability was the key. A stable dynasty, he understood, fostered an unprecedented level of public enthusiasm for production, leading to a flourishing economy – something years of war and vast, unmanaged lands could never achieve.

Therefore, after much contemplation, Zhao Junyao concluded that his immediate priority was to consolidate control and bring the ongoing war to a swift conclusion.

Li Shengan entered from outside, reporting with utmost respect, "Your Majesty, as per your decree, the old servant has already disseminated news of the great victory!"

"The populace of the capital has received the tidings and is greatly uplifted, which has slightly stabilized the current situation!"

Zhao Junyao offered a slight nod. "Excellent!"

He then turned and settled behind his imperial desk, meticulously reviewing the documents before him. Once he confirmed all had been examined, he rose. "Prepare the carriage to Duanning Palace!"

"Yes!" Li Shengan replied respectfully before departing.

...Amidst the sweltering heat of high summer, over a month had passed since Chenchen's departure, and time seemed to fly. The situation at the front lines grew increasingly precarious.

Initially, upon hearing that the Prince's journey was merely a secret inspection and not a direct confrontation, Xia Ruqing had found some measure of peace. However, with armies now engaged in fierce combat on the front lines, her days were filled with an agonizing torment, as if she were being seared in hot oil.

Though she had never been devout, she now found herself engrossed in Buddhist scriptures. Even without comprehending the chanted verses, the act itself provided a strange sense of solace. Holding the scriptures, she harbored a comforting illusion: that by reciting them with sincere devotion, her child would remain safe and sound.

Consequently, when Zhao Junyao arrived, Xia Ruqing was diligently copying Buddhist texts. (This was mainly because she couldn't recognize the unfamiliar characters, rendering her unable to read them, so she could only meticulously imitate the strokes...)

Zhao Junyao observed her calligraphy for a while, unable to decipher the meaning of her strokes. He subtly twitched the corner of his lips and took a seat opposite her at the desk. After silently enjoying his tea, he couldn't help but try to reassure her. "Qingqing, it truly is nothing to worry about! They are all accounted for; the soldiers are the ones fighting on the front. It is not as if he is personally engaging in battle!"

Without lifting her eyelids, Xia Ruqing replied softly, "You are mistaken!"

"How so?" Zhao Junyao inquired, perplexed.

"Chenchen is not a turtle; he would never hide!"

"Since he has gone, he will undoubtedly be heading to the front lines!" Deep within her heart, she understood her son exceptionally well and felt a surge of pride. How could her son possibly remain hidden far behind? Hadn't all his martial arts training been for naught? Surely, he would want to dispatch a few more enemies before returning.

Yet, subconsciously, she dreaded the thought of him venturing into such perilous territory. These two conflicting emotions intertwined, knotting themselves into a chaotic skein in her heart—impossible to sever, a profound disarray difficult to unravel. Copying scriptures was partly a way to occupy herself, to ward off excessive worry. In reality, she was quite rational!

Zhao Junyao seemed to sense her anxiety, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Yes!! You are right! I misspoke! Our son has been exceptional since childhood, courageous and gifted in both literary and martial arts! He is the Crown Prince whom I have meticulously groomed! How could a few barbarian enemies possibly instill fear in him!"

Xia Ruqing released a soft sigh, set down her brush, and drained a cup of tea. "Your Majesty! Say no more; I understand! I empathize with your concern!" Her gaze was firm, her tone resolute, and her heart as steady as a mountain.

Since he had gone. Since it was what Chenchen ought to do. Since it was Chenchen's ambition, how could she possibly prevent him? Why should she obstruct his path? If her heart ached, then let it ache. If she felt the urge to weep, then let her tears flow freely. If she felt restless, then let her copy scriptures, practice calligraphy, and take her daughter out to distract herself.

She would eat when hungry and drink when thirsty. The only thing she absolutely must not do was to interfere excessively and impede their growth. She comprehended it all!

Zhao Junyao appeared somewhat taken aback. "Have you come to terms with it?"

Xia Ruqing cast a cool glance out the window. "And what if I haven't?"

"He is the Crown Prince; it is his duty to protect the Zhao family's kingdom! These are his responsibilities! Common soldiers also shed blood and make sacrifices!"

"Must the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne, idly reap the rewards? Must he ascend by trampling others?"

That approach simply wouldn’t be equitable.

Although, in the context of ancient feudal systems, justice and fairness were seldom considered when it came to imperial power and riches.

Yet, even if Zhao Qichen were not to endure hardship or make sacrifices, he ought to witness these firsthand.

He needed to see with his own eyes.

To truly comprehend the savagery of war.

To feel the profound sorrow of lives extinguished, turning into mere corpses before him.

To genuinely appreciate the tranquility that others had fought and died to secure.

Only by grasping these truths.

Could he possibly become a benevolent emperor in the future?

And more importantly, to honor those who bled and gave their lives!

Zhao Junyao gazed at her, his eyes filled with profound emotion.

His heart churned with immense surprise, tinged with a palpable ache.

"Just how formidable must she be to utter such words?"

He distinctly recalled the time when Father had decreed that Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Fourth Brother would accompany General Shi to the southwest to quell the rebellion.

The mothers of the three princes – Consort An Taipin, Consort Zhou Taipin, and Empress Dowager Jing – had thrown themselves at the entrance of the Imperial Study Room.

They wailed and created a scene, even threatening their own lives, desperately imploring Father to revoke the order.

Naturally, Father refused, standing firm:

"A scholar’s promise is his solemn vow; how can one arbitrarily alter imperial edicts?"

Overwhelmed by the potential blow, one threatened to hang herself, while two vowed to renounce the world and become nuns.

These women, typically gentle and virtuous, seldom raised their voices.

Witnessing such extreme reactions, he had found it utterly incomprehensible!

Now, however, the understanding finally dawned on him.

There exists a peculiar form of ferocity known as maternal love, and a particular brand of self-interest termed protectiveness.

He enfolded her in a warm embrace, offering soothing words intended to comfort.

"Qingqing, please be reassured; I give you my solemn promise, Chenchen will suffer no harm whatsoever!"

Xia Ruqing managed a wry smile.

"If only promises held such power..."

They shared a prolonged, silent gaze, a universe of unspoken understanding passing between them.

In times past, Zhao Junyao frequently jested about her lack of education and disinterest in reading, noting how she grasped minor details yet missed the broader significance of matters.

He understood now.

His dearest Qingqing possessed an insight that surpassed all others.

Her comprehension far exceeded that of women lauded for being ’scholarly and talented’, by a hundredfold or more.

Her grasp of logic was impressively keen, and her emotional depth was profoundly moving.

He brushed his lips against her hairline.

"Qingqing!"

"I am aware of your aversion to being confined in this manner!"

"Once all this is concluded, I shall take you away!"

"Just the two of us, how does that sound?!"

"Whatever delicacies you desire to taste, I shall partake with you; whatever sights you wish to behold, we shall witness together; whatever games you wish to play, I shall join you!"

"I will remain by your side, exclusively by your side!"

"Would that be acceptable?"

A faint spark kindled in Xia Ruqing’s eyes.

"Truly?"

"Indeed!"

"Then let us make a pinky promise!"

"Very well!"