A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1163: Brother Loves Yue Er the Most in the World

Zi Su quickly offered her counsel.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is far too cold outside. Please return and rest. I will personally attend to it!"

"No!"

Xia Ruqing's decision was absolute.

"I intend to personally escort her back!"

...

Within the training grounds.

A figure, enveloped in a dark fox fur cape and adorned with purple-gold shoes and black boots, stood upon a vast, snow-covered expanse.

His features were stern, his lips set in a firm line, possessing finely chiseled attributes. His movements emanated an aura of power and unwavering stability, his gaze as steadfast as rock, exuding a presence that was both gentle and noble.

Though typically known for his icy demeanor and cool brown eyes, he was now looking with tender affection at a vivacious young girl beside him, who pranced about playfully like a white mink.

The little girl was dressed in an immaculate white fox fur cape, her feet clad in the finest white lambskin boots.

The luxurious fox fur trailed luxuriantly, its soft strands gently caressing her fair face with each passing breeze. The lambskin of her boots was supple and pristine, radiating an air of refined elegance.

Her delicate features seemed as though sculpted by celestial hands, her eyes resembling the tranquil clarity of a green lake, her nose a perfect small curve, and her cherry lips adorably tinged with color. When she offered a smile, charming dimples appeared on her cheeks.

Standing amidst the snow, the petite snowy figure of the girl resembled a playful and utterly adorable white mink.

"Brother! Did you truly promise to teach me how to ride a horse?"

The little girl's eyes twinkled with excitement, like the most brilliant stars illuminating the night sky.

Zhao Qichen responded with an indulgent smile, offering a soft, affirmative nod.

"Yes!"

With unrestrained glee, the little girl bounced around him, her voice ringing with cheers.

"Hooray! Brother has agreed to teach me to ride!"

"Brother, you love Yue Er the most in this entire world, even more than Father and Mother!"

The coldness that usually resided in Zhao Qichen's eyes completely dissipated, replaced by a warmth as gentle as the softest spring breeze.

"But... Brother has a condition!"

"What condition is it?" Yue Er inquired with eager anticipation.

Zhao Qichen gently lifted his gaze, whispering in a soft tone.

"When Yue Er can ascend onto the horse's back all by herself, then Brother will teach you to ride!"

His tone was resolute, leaving no room for argument.

Yue Er's small face crinkled with a look of distress.

"Ah? Climb onto the horse's back by myself?"

Zhao Qichen slightly tilted his head upwards.

"Hmm? If Yue Er cannot even manage to climb onto the horse's back, how can she claim she is ready to ride a horse?"

Yue Er tilted her small head, pondering his words, and found them to be logical.

She extended an arm, attempting to gauge her height, only to realize she barely reached her brother's waist, causing her to look dejected.

"Brother!"

"I am merely this height, when will I ever be able to climb onto the horse's back?"

Zhao Qichen chuckled, his gaze, akin to polished glaze, sparkling like the most brilliant stars, reminiscent of spring's gentle awakening.

"If Yue Er eats her meals heartily, that day will arrive soon enough!"

Yue Er pouted her small, cherry-red lips.

"Well... alright then!"

She uttered this with a distinctly aggrieved expression.

"Then can Brother hold me while I ride? Yue Er truly, truly wishes to ride a horse!"

Zhao Qichen raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I can hold you, but you must promise Brother that before you learn to ride, you will not run about the training grounds unsupervised!"

Yue Er was slightly tempted by the offer, quickly wrapping her arms around her brother's leg, acting with charming affection.

"Then will Brother come with me from now on, okay!?"

"Okay!"

Zhao Qichen readily agreed with a nod.

"Yay! Brother is the absolute best!" Yue Er exclaimed joyfully.

The little girl, draped in her white fox fur cape, hopped about in the snow, resembling a tiny white rabbit, or perhaps a lively, endearing white mink.

Suddenly.

The little white rabbit seemed to have detected an impending danger.

In the blink of an eye, she retreated to hide behind her brother, leaving only her large, startled eyes visible.

"Oh no, oh no, Brother, Mother is here!"

Zhao Qichen had also noticed their mother's arrival.

However, his sister's dramatic reaction elicited both helplessness and amusement from him.

Turning, he gently gathered the little white rabbit into his arms, softly murmuring words of reassurance.

"Do not be afraid; Brother is right here with you!"

The frightened little white rabbit finally found solace within his embrace.

...

Upon Xia Ruqing's arrival with her retinue.

She observed Chenchen cradling Yue Er in his arms, the child behaving remarkably well, showing no signs of any mischief.

A sigh of relief escaped her.

"As long as she isn't causing any trouble!"

Yue Er pouted, feeling slightly indignant.

"Mother! I have been exceedingly well-behaved, not causing a single bit of trouble!"

Xia Ruqing regarded her with a look of gentle reproach.

"Do you consider running this far away as not causing trouble? Hurry now, come back with us!"

Yue Er obediently lowered her head.

"Okay!"

The small, fur-clad child rested in her brother's embrace, appearing like a small, content kitten.

"No need to worry, Mother! Yue Er was not causing any trouble at all!"

Chenchen let out a soft chuckle while holding his sister.

Xia Ruqing released another sigh of relief.

Noticing the expressions on both children, who seemed to be avoiding her as if she were a fearsome beast, she found herself unable to say much more.

"Hurry and return with me!"

"It is cold out here; do not catch another chill!"

With those words, she turned and led her attendants away, feeling a sense of relief that they had not managed to sneak a ride on the horses.

Zhao Qichen was holding Yue Er.

"Shall we go back too?" he inquired.

Yue Er tilted her head, sparkling with anticipation.

"Will there be stories when we return?"

"Indeed!" Zhao Qichen responded with a touch of helplessness.

"Okay then, Brother!"

...

That evening, the New Year's Eve banquet commenced in Ninghe Hall.

Zhao Junyao, accompanied by Xia Ruqing, personally attended to the Empress Dowager, joining the grand assembly.

The gathering was a vibrant occasion filled with ladies, outwardly displaying harmony while secretly vying for attention and splendor.

Xia Ruqing was seated in a prominent position, her mind busily calculating:

The coming year would mark the fifteenth year of the Jiayuan era.

In what felt like an instant, thirteen years had slipped by within the palace walls.

Initially, she hadn't even possessed the standing to be seated at such banquets.

Now, she occupied a high seat, overseeing matters of importance.

Her initial objective was simply to secure enough food and survive.

Now, she wielded the power of life and death over others.

From the very beginning, she harbored no grand ambitions regarding that aloof man; seeking his favor was purely a means of survival.

Now, they had four children, and for the past decade, he had showered her with unwavering affection.

Even though…

He possessed numerous concubines and had fathered children with others.

But ultimately, what did that truly signify?

Within his heart, a special place was reserved solely for her, and was that not sufficient?

This was an ancient era, and he was the Emperor.

He had bestowed upon her the very best he was capable of giving.

What more could she possibly desire? In what other manner could she expect him to conduct himself?

Excessive calculation and boundless greed—what was the point if it all resulted in nothing?

Of course, this sentiment was confined to the context of ancient times.

Xia Ruqing sat there, lost in a daze of contemplation.

'Oh, how wonderful it would be if I had encountered him in modern times!'

'With no one else, just the two of us!!'

'He would be like any ordinary man, with his job and his daily duties.'

'We'd live a simple life together, raise our children, watch the sunrises, and cherish our weekends...'

'We would be soulmates, just the two of us, for a lifetime. How truly wonderful that would be...'

"Qingqing, what is occupying your thoughts?" Zhao Junyao inquired with a gentle smile.

His words pulled her abruptly back to the present.

Xia Ruqing turned around suddenly.

Zhao Junyao stood before her, clad in resplendent yellow robes, gazing at her with eyes full of adoration, a smile gracing his lips.

"What were you contemplating so deeply?"

Xia Ruqing offered a bright smile in return.

"I was thinking about home!"

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Do you wish to return home?"

However, upon further reflection, it didn't quite add up. What was so appealing about her home that she would miss it?

Was it her father? Or her stepmother? Ah, yes, there was that one concubine who had shown her kindness.

Considering this, Zhao Junyao paused for a moment before speaking.

"Then, next year, I shall escort you for a visit. What do you say?"