Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Zhao Junyao dealt with the Portland Country envoy and improved the cement formula, leading to widespread celebration and rewards. The Emperor's happiness brought prosperity and peace to the Capital and the harem. Meanwhile, Zhao Junyao refused his daughter Yue Er's request to learn horseback riding, causing her distress.
"That's absolutely right!"
"We really can't keep indulging her endlessly!"
Xia Ruqing nodded with firm resolve.
At this precise moment, Zhao Junyao's thoughts turned elsewhere, and he shot Li Shengan a stern look.
"You fool! Why haven't you already found someone to keep an eye on the Princess?!"
Li Shengan quickly stepped forward, bowing low.
"Yes, Your Majesty! I shall depart immediately!"
With that, he hastened away.
Xia Ruqing: "..."
She paused, contemplating if this was indeed a way to vent one's frustrations on another.
...
After dismissing the attending servants, Zhao Junyao took several sips of tea, allowing his mood to gradually settle.
He then drew Xia Ruqing closer and spoke with a gentle smile.
"Qingqing... it will be much better once Yue Er matures and gains a deeper understanding of matters!"
Xia Ruqing arched an eyebrow, her expression as placid as still water.
"Of course, I understand that!"
"Aside from her occasional stubbornness, Yue Er is generally quite sensible!"
When the weather turns cold, she'll ensure Da Bai and Xiao Bai's family receive a cozy new dwelling.
During the sweltering heat, she commissions a special two-tiered kennel for Yellow Bean to find relief.
Whenever I fall ill, this little girl exhibits more panic than anyone else.
"She's like a ball of pure fire!"
"Most of the time, she radiates warmth, but occasionally, her actions lack precision and inadvertently cause hurt!"
Zhao Junyao beamed, his smile widening.
"I never realized Yue Er possessed such a considerate nature!"
From his own observations, he had perceived his daughter solely as someone who knew how to act coquettishly, was spoiled, prone to outbursts, and generally difficult to manage.
"Who could have possibly imagined..."
"There are indeed many things that lie beyond your expectations," Xia Ruqing replied with a smile, her lips curving slightly.
"Alright!"
"She'll settle down in due time; you needn't fret over this!"
"I will speak with her later."
Zhao Junyao quickly interjected, stopping her.
"There's no need!"
"I believe she is wonderful just as she is, possessing a distinct personality!"
"Why should we burden her with countless rules and restrictions?!"
"Except for the matter of her riding horses unchecked?"
"What else is there that she cannot have her way with?"
"She is the Legitimate Princess; what obstacle could possibly impede her desires?"
Xia Ruqing: "..."
Watching him so ardently defend their daughter, it was almost as if he hadn't just been contradicted by her moments before, tsk tsk!
Is this truly the epitome of spoiling a daughter without restraint?
They conversed for a little while longer, their topic of discussion naturally shifting.
Zhao Junyao finally recalled the primary reason for his visit today. With a smile, he announced,
"Qingqing, make your preparations, for in ten days, we shall embark on our journey to Jiangnan!"
Xia Ruqing expressed considerable surprise.
"Ten days?"
"To Jiangnan?"
"Isn't that rather sudden?!"
She struggled to recall the last time she had actually visited Jiangnan.
Perhaps it was due to the long anticipation; the prospect had been building for an extended period.
As the moment finally drew near, she found it difficult to fully accept its reality.
It felt akin to waiting an eternity for someone, replaying their image countless times in the recesses of one's mind.
Yet, when that person finally stands before you, you're taken aback by the unfamiliarity.
It's likely a sensation of that nature.
"What do you think? Isn't it a delightful surprise?"
Zhao Junyao adopted an expression soliciting praise.
Xia Ruqing found herself momentarily speechless.
However, after regaining her composure, a genuine smile finally graced her face.
"It truly is..."
"This year, there are finally no obstacles; I can finally depart from the palace!"
On so many previous occasions when she had expressed a desire to venture out, it had been postponed for myriad reasons.
This year, at last... it was about to become a reality.
"Indeed! What about the children?"
"Henger and Yeye are already grown. They will have ample opportunities for travel in the future, both north and south!"
"But what of Yue Er?"
Zhao Junyao, despite a flicker of reluctance, stated firmly,
"We shall not take any of them with us!"
"I made a promise to you, and it is only you I will accompany."
"Huh?"
Xia Ruqing felt a mixture of joy and sweetness, yet a thread of apprehension also surfaced.
"Can Yue Er manage all by herself within the confines of the palace?"
Zhao Junyao hardened his resolve.
"Why would she not be able to manage?"
"While they are important, it is you who will accompany me through the journey of life!"
"She is nearly five years old. She has only ever known how to bully others, never how to be bullied herself!"
"So, please do not worry!"
Xia Ruqing's lips twitched slightly at the corners.
"But..."
"No 'buts,' I have already made all the necessary arrangements!"
"Qingqing, get ready, we shall depart very soon!"
Xia Ruqing: "..."
This is wonderful, but what if my worry persists?
If Yue Er discovers she isn't going, she might feel hurt.
Furthermore, Yue Er has never been separated from me since the day she was born.
What if she finds it difficult to adapt to this change?!
Xia Ruqing was consumed by deep concern.
She barely touched her lunch.
Unable to rest during her afternoon nap, her mind remained distracted throughout the entire afternoon.
She was preoccupied with contemplating the best way to convey the news of the trip to Yue Er.
...
During the evening meal.
The Emperor and Empress were on the verge of commencing their dinner when Yue Er came bounding in from outdoors.
The little girl was as spirited and adorable as ever, hopping around.
It was as if the incident from the morning had been completely erased from her memory.
"Father, Mother, were you looking for me?" Her voice bubbled with excitement.
Gazing at her daughter’s wide, innocent eyes, Xia Ruqing’s heart felt a familiar ache.
Promptly, she nudged Zhao Junyao’s arm with her chopsticks.
The unspoken message was clear: *You tell her; I can’t bear to start this conversation.*
The prospect of them venturing out alone, leaving their daughter behind, struck Xia Ruqing as somewhat heartless.
From any angle, it felt like abandoning their child!
Zhao Junyao cleared his throat, adopting a more serious demeanor.
"Your mother and I are going away for a little while!"
"You... will be staying at home!"
Yue Er appeared perplexed, her chubby little hand reaching out to snag a plump red shrimp. Chewing thoughtfully, she inquired,
"Where are you off to?"
Her calm, unruffled demeanor was far beyond what either parent had anticipated.
Zhao Junyao proceeded, weaving a tale that was partly truth, partly fabrication.
"We're traveling to Jiangnan. The summer there brings severe floods, and your mother and I are going to assist with disaster relief efforts."
Yue Er seemed to consider this, finishing her shrimp before selecting another. With deliberate calm, she responded,
"Then, you should go!"
Xia Ruqing was rendered speechless.
Zhao Junyao was equally stunned.
Surprise! Astonishment! Utter disbelief!
It was as simple as that? No tears? No dramatic outbursts? No plea to join them?
Xia Ruqing, unwilling to accept this passive reaction, pressed on.
"Yue Er! Mother will be gone for a very long time; aren’t you scared?"
Yue Er replied with her usual composure.
"What is there to be afraid of? Even if Mother isn't here, the Sisters are, and so is Xiao Luzi, Xiao Huzi, Xiao Yezi, Da Bai, Xiao Bai, Snow Ball, and also my brother and sister. They are all here with me..."
Xia Ruqing tried a different tactic. "Then... you won’t have any good food to eat!"
Yue Er tilted her head, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"What do you mean, Mother? Are you taking the kitchen maid with you?"
Xia Ruqing found herself teetering between tears and laughter. All her efforts, and her daughter’s primary concern was the kitchen maid!
"Ahem, ahem!"
Zhao Junyao coughed again, attempting to regain control of the situation.
"Alright, since everything is settled, you won’t change your mind, right?"
Yue Er shook her head with firm resolve.
"Rest assured, Father, I absolutely will not back out!"
Observing his daughter’s unwavering determination, Zhao Junyao couldn't help but feel intrigued.
"You truly don’t want to accompany us at all?"
He had braced himself for a different reaction.
Should his daughter throw a fit and refuse to be placated, he was prepared to let her come along.
After all, a family of three exploring together wouldn’t be so bad; children could keep things lively.
However, his daughter’s response was surprisingly nonchalant.
"I don’t want to go!"
"Why?!"
Zhao Junyao’s chest tightened slightly. Were they truly so unappealing to their own daughter?
Did she not miss them at all? Was she not feeling lost in their absence?
At this critical juncture, Princess Yue Er declared with regal pride.
"Father!"
"If I wish to go on an adventure, I will embark on my own!"
