A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1166: Husband, Aren’t You Tired?

The street was alive with activity.

Xia Ruqing disembarked from the carriage, her fox fur cape settled around her shoulders, following Zhao Junyao closely. Despite the biting cold, a chill did not penetrate her. She finally grasped the ancient idiom 'shoulder to shoulder, heel to heel.' Usually a lover of bustling scenes, Xia Ruqing felt a touch of dizziness.

"Your Majesty..."

"Where are we going? How much further?" she inquired with a pout.

Zhao Junyao appeared perplexed. "Aren’t you the one who cherishes lively atmospheres the most?"

"I heard a foreign juggling troupe, unlike any seen before, has arrived in the Capital City! Do you find it appealing?"

"I specifically dispatched someone to ascertain this information!" Zhao Junyao looked on, anticipating a compliment.

Indeed, Xia Ruqing’s eyes brightened upon hearing of the juggling troupe. However, gazing at the overwhelming throng ahead, she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her once more. She promptly placed her hands on her hips in protest.

"You are tall and strong, moving through the masses with ease!"

"But I... I feel as though I’ll be crushed flat and vanish into the crowd!"

The 'Big Grey Wolf' navigated the throng effortlessly. The 'little fox' felt like a solitary leaf adrift in the populace, buffeted by the surging crowd, nearly losing sensation of her feet on the ground! Witnessing the 'Big Grey Wolf' forge ahead unconcerned, the 'Little Fox' couldn't help but feel anxious!

Is this what you call 'everything is arranged'? Emperor, you are the Emperor... Can’t you wield a little privilege in such predicaments...

Zhao Junyao observed the little fox with fur like snow-white bristles and found himself at a loss for words. He extended his hand, silently measured her height against his shoulder, and furrowed his brow.

"You speak the truth; you barely reach my shoulder!"

Xia Ruqing: "..." She felt a surge of emotion, finally realizing it!

Help me!

Zhao Junyao withdrew his hand, pondered for a moment, then, without a word, suddenly stooped and lifted the little fox into his arms.

"This arrangement should suffice!" His tone was one of smug satisfaction, his expression conveying 'Observe my cleverness; hasten to offer praise.'

Xia Ruqing: "..." Her face flushed crimson as she nestled into his embrace, too embarrassed to lift her head or reveal her countenance. She felt an overwhelming sense of mortification.

In ancient times, weren’t people more reserved! Emperor, your boldness and thick skin have grown! Do you truly disregard the opinions of others?

Held in his arms, she felt a heat spread throughout her body, as if subjected to hundreds of piercing gazes! How utterly mortifying!

Suddenly, she yearned for the past. The former Zhao Junyao was exceedingly dignified, his face perpetually stern, blushing at the slightest teasing, his expression shifting to one of awkwardness. But now...

Emperor, what has become of your composure? Emperor, where is your integrity? Where is the imperial sedan? Did we not always utilize a sedan before?

Amidst Xia Ruqing’s speechless, blushing embarrassment, with the surrounding populace casting curious glances and whispering amongst themselves, the pair finally propelled themselves through the throng towards the grandest performance area of the juggling troupe, only to find the location already densely packed with onlookers.

Zhao Junyao gently set Xia Ruqing down and gestured proudly towards the juggling platform. "Qingqing, what are your thoughts on this spectacle?"

"Is it unlike anything you have witnessed before?" He had invested considerable effort in procuring this, having heard it was unparalleled within the Capital City.

Xia Ruqing followed his pointed finger. Indeed, this juggling troupe presented a distinct spectacle compared to any prior ones. Earlier juggling stages commonly featured wooden stakes, fiery hoops, and plum blossom piles. However, upon this particular stage, there was nothing – absolutely nothing.

"There is nothing here, and the space is so vast. What will they perform?!" Xia Ruqing was utterly bewildered. Her earlier embarrassment dissipated, replaced by burgeoning curiosity.

Zhao Junyao shared her bewilderment. "I haven't the faintest idea!" He had spoken in jest; how could he possibly foresee such matters? His sole intention was to accompany Qingqing today. He recalled Xia Tingfeng mentioning that taking one's wife to witness such a troupe was a commendable act. How could he possibly know the specifics of past or present troupes? Everyone is simply striving to please their wives!

(Xia Tingfeng interjects: Emperor, no need for such pronouncements; my wife is gentle and requires no flattery! I am content to cherish her!) More and more individuals gravitated towards the stage, engaging in discussion and brimming with anticipation. The residents of the Capital City, being relatively prosperous, possessed an inherent curiosity for novelties. News of the foreign juggling troupe’s arrival had disseminated rapidly through word of mouth. In truth, Manxue had overheard from others and mentioned it casually at home. (Zhao Junyao retorts: Xia Tingfeng, your words proved accurate? Is this not akin to seeking favor?!) ... Approximately fifteen minutes later, the juggling troupe commenced their performance.

As it was out in the open street market, there were no distinct sections like a grand first-floor hall, charming second-floor seating, or exclusive third-floor private rooms.

Perhaps you wish to witness the spectacle?

Regardless if one hails from the confines of the Imperial Palace or is merely a humble commoner, everyone was compelled to stand, packed together.

And thus...

Xia Ruqing found herself still unable to see a thing.

Following a vibrant opening act on the juggling stage, the surrounding atmosphere rapidly ignited with excitement.

Loud applause erupted, interspersed with cheers of approval that filled the air.

The surrounding crowd murmured amongst themselves, craning their necks in an effort to catch a glimpse of the performance.

Yet, Xia Ruqing alone.

She could only see a sea of heads and the tops of shoulders.

"..."

Her expression grew increasingly strained.

While it was certainly commendable for an Emperor and Empress to mingle incognito amongst the populace, aiming to connect with the people.

This level of immersion, however, felt excessively intimate...

Within the hearts of the Hidden Guards, who were discreetly shadowing the Emperor, silent grumbles began to surface.

'Your Majesty, you cannot solely consider your own desires!'

'Your Majesty, we are still unable to locate the Empress!'

His Majesty, perhaps next time, let's avoid such a deep immersal with the common folk...

...

As Xia Ruqing's gaze implored for assistance, filled with a pitiful plea.

Zhao Junyao, harboring a secret delight, lifted Xia Ruqing effortlessly into his arms, then gracefully positioned her atop his shoulder.

"How is this?"

"Can you see clearly now?"

Xia Ruqing was momentarily taken aback by the sudden elevation.

Fortunately, her petite frame rendered her inconspicuous amidst the bustling throng (primarily because no one's attention was directed towards them...).

Resting securely on his arm, her vantage point immediately expanded, offering a much clearer view.

It was nowhere near as awkward as she had initially anticipated.

Glancing around, Xia Ruqing nodded in marked satisfaction.

"I can see perfectly!"

A mischievous smile played within her thoughts.

'Though I may be small, I still possess a certain weight! Let's see how long you can sustain holding me up?'

'Even with your formidable strength, I wager holding me for half a "Shi Chen" will surely bring some fatigue!'

'Then... I shall thoroughly enjoy teasing you!'

Absorbed in this playful contemplation.

She became captivated by the dazzling performance unfolding on the stage.

When she finally returned to the present, a full half "Shi Chen" had already passed since the show concluded.

Looking down, Zhao Junyao remained as composed as ever, exhibiting not the slightest indication of strain or exhaustion.

Xia Ruqing: "..."

"My... husband, are you not feeling tired at all?"

Zhao Junyao's expression was one of utter indifference.

"Tired?"

He casually followed up with another question.

"Have you lost weight again? Are those two kitchen maids not attending to you properly?!"