A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1160: The Bride Really Had a Hard Time

A simple-minded man known as Tiger.

On the day following his own wedding, he discreetly summoned a physician.

The local populace was astounded.

’Astonishing! How bold!’

’Goodness, the bride must be enduring much suffering!’

’Truly, Brother Tiger lives up to his formidable name…’

Qin Huarong found herself speechless, her face flushing like a perfectly ripe persimmon.

A complex blend of embarrassment and tenderness filled her heart.

Embarrassment arose from her husband’s obliviousness, fetching a doctor simply because she felt weary. How indeed was she to face anyone now?

Tenderness stemmed from the profound care he showed, sparking hope for their shared future.

A curious mix of surprise and delight, mingled with chagrin and affection.

Is not life itself a tapestry woven with the flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty?

...

It is often said:

The most exquisite love is born from deep admiration reciprocated fully.

Tiger, illiterate, and Qin Huarong, not significantly more learned, shared this characteristic.

Profound philosophical insights eluded their grasp.

However.

Tiger, a distinguished Imperial Officer within the Ministry of War, wielded his formidable saber with the ferocity of a tempest, a renowned figure.

He was, in her heart, her most stalwart and courageous protector.

Qin Huarong, possessing a gentle and virtuous disposition with an underlying pride, had acquired basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Within their home, she presided as the Family Matriarch, embodying grace, virtue, charm, and loveliness.

Outside, she was the General’s Lady, her bearing elegant, neither avaricious nor demanding, maintaining a quiet dignity that commanded respect among her peers.

During daylight hours, her kindness, courtesy, and competence shone as she expertly managed both social engagements and domestic affairs, ensuring order in their home.

By night, she transformed, vibrant and playful, moving with her husband with an intimacy akin to that of graceful swans.

In the mornings, he honed his martial prowess with his great blade, observed by her with admiration as she offered tea and wiped his perspiration.

Upon his nightly return from the barracks, she ensured warm meals awaited, the bed was prepared, his face and feet were washed, his back massaged, and the bed itself was warmed for him.

Together, they embarked on a life of diligent effort, their days filled with shared joy and harmonious affection, their bond growing ever more passionate.

The neighbors, once quick to judge, now watched with a mixture of envy and inspiration, their initial mockery silenced.

Numerous esteemed wives and newlywed brides actively sought her companionship, desiring guidance on managing their own husbands.

Qin Huarong, naturally magnanimous, dispensed her wisdom freely when consulted.

In time, her renown burgeoned, earning her widespread affection within the noble circles of the Capital City.

Concurrently, Tiger’s professional endeavors prospered remarkably.

Firstly, the adage that a virtuous wife brings fortune to her husband proved true.

Secondly, secured by the patronage of Xia Tingfeng and Yang Chenyi, his career advancement was consistently smooth; with no one creating undue obstacles, success compounded, leading to an increasingly prosperous existence.

Those who had been poised for criticism gradually fell into silence, their extraordinary marital union becoming the subject of whispered legends.

Even the matchmaker responsible for their introduction experienced a surge in her reputation over the subsequent two years.

An increasing number of individuals sought her services for future marital arrangements.

After all, if even such seemingly challenging unions, facilitated by her expertise, had culminated in such profound happiness, then ordinary matches should undoubtedly prove simpler.

During the second year of their marriage, Tiger and Qin Huarong were blessed with a robust, chubby son.

Overjoyed, Tiger exuberantly carried his son, exclaiming repeatedly.

"I am now a father!"

"Not only have I escaped the solitary life of a bachelor, but I am also blessed with an heir! Hahaha… Fortune truly smiles upon me!"

To share this profound joy with his departed father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Tiger requested leave and journeyed back to Jiangnan to venerate his ancestors' graves.

The Zheng family lineage, stretching back eighteen generations, had consistently faced hardship.

It was only with the nineteenth generation, embodied by Zheng the Tiger, that true success finally emerged.

It felt as though ancestral blessings ascended like ethereal smoke from their resting places.

Should they possess awareness in the afterlife, they would undoubtedly experience overwhelming emotion, deep gratitude, and tearful joy.

In the third year following their nuptials, Tiger welcomed another son.

Subsequently, within the fifth year, their family expanded further with the arrival of twins.

Holding the two infants, he gazed from one to the other, his heart swelling with paternal affection for both.

Qin Huarong delivered a gentle slap.

"Big Tiger, your utmost devotion should be to me! Me!!"

Had he entirely overlooked her in the immediate aftermath of her childbirth?

"Are you consumed by the children, such that you barely notice your wife?"

Tiger promptly set the infants down and obediently approached his wife's side.

"Reporting for duty, I have noticed!"

Qin Huarong’s expression softened with contentment.

"That is much better!"

She then issued a gentle command.

"Big Tiger, I thirst; please fetch me some water!"

A cup of her cherished rose honey tea was promptly presented.

"Big Tiger, I am hungry!"

A bowl of her favorite chicken noodle soup was carefully spoon-fed to her.

"Big Tiger, I am weary!"

The robust man effortlessly lifted her, tenderly placing her onto the bed, his actions both endearingly simple and commandingly decisive.

"Since you are fatigued, rest peacefully! Absolutely no strenuous activity!"

Qin Huarong’s radiant face glowed with the sweetest of smiles.

The young couple’s life, so utterly sweet and delightfully fulfilling~

...

As time reversed its course, the calendar turned back to the winter of the Fourteenth Year of Jiayuan.

Following the triumphant conclusion of the conflict with Western Xia, the populace of Great Chu reveled in a winter-long celebration.

The entirety of the Capital City buzzed with an even greater prosperity than in years past.

A pervasive peace settled across Jiangnan and Jiangbei, as well as the Southwest and Northwest, allowing the people to live and work in joyous contentment.

Harmony prevailed among the officials of the Imperial Court and the generals of the military, creating a stable and secure environment.

Zhao Junyao found this state of affairs immensely gratifying.

The nation's flourishing prosperity translated directly into peace and well-being for its citizens.

Even the Emperor's harem remained remarkably calm and tranquil.

Xia Ruqing finally let out a long-held sigh of relief.

"At last, I no longer have to live in constant apprehension!"

The safe return of her brother and Chenchen had brought her immense peace of mind.

Yet... the question lingered: When would Jingfeng make his return?

He had been away for such an extended period; could it be that he had... been swayed into becoming the Prince Consort of Portland Country?

Though she uttered this thought with a touch of jest, a genuine worry gnawed at her heart.

During the twelfth lunar month, subsequent to a heavy snowstorm.

Xia Ruqing, enveloped in a cloak of snow-white fox fur, stood beneath a blooming plum tree in the courtyard, her brow furrowed with deep concern.

Zhao Junyao, attired in a cloak of black wolf fur, approached her, having entered from outdoors.

"Qingqing?"

He called out her name a second time, still without eliciting a response.

Zhao Junyao felt compelled to move closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"What profound thoughts occupy your mind?"

Xia Ruqing started, a slight jolt running through her.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your footsteps are so silent; you quite startled me..."

Zhao Junyao offered a helpless smile.

"But I already called you twice!"

"What were you so lost in thought about?"

The biting cold outside prompted Zhao Junyao to take her hand, guiding her back indoors.

Inside, the 'Ground Dragon' system ensured the room was comfortably warm.

Palace attendants promptly assisted them, helping to remove their cloaks and change their footwear.

The pair settled themselves on the heated kang beside the fireplace.

"Now, tell me, what is troubling you?"

Zhao Junyao inquired casually, taking a sip of his tea.

Xia Ruqing's impatience surfaced.

"Your Majesty, when are Jingfeng and the others expected to return?!"

The question nearly caused Zhao Junyao to spit out his tea.

"What impeccable timing!"

Xia Ruqing quickly offered him a handkerchief.

"Impeccable timing? Could it be that there is news?"

Zhao Junyao gave a slight nod.

"Seventh Brother received word this very morning; they are en route and expected back before the year concludes!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing finally exhaled a breath of relief.

"That is wonderful news!"

"To have been without word for so long, I had begun to fear..." that something untoward had occurred.

Considering Jingfeng's rather stubborn disposition.

He was known to refuse returning unless he had achieved his objectives.

What if he were to insist on remaining there for three to five years, and then what?

But he is my brother!