A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1176 - 1076: How Could We Possibly Break Up Now?

Zhao Junyao did not fancy extravagance or opulence. His sole stipulation for his living space was immaculate cleanliness. Regardless of how simple the furnishings, nothing previously used by others was permissible. Thus, the Imperial Censors arrived early to meticulously arrange everything, replacing all existent items. Now, observing this neat and orderly chamber, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Noticing Qingqing’s approval too, he declared with pride,

"How is it?"

"Do I not have excellent taste?"

Xia Ruqing surveyed the surroundings and offered a nod.

"Not bad!"

"When I grow old and tire of the palace, I shall venture to Jiangnan and establish an inn!"

"I shall be the Madam Boss then!"

Zhao Junyao, accustomed to her whimsical notions, chuckled along.

"Then would I not be the proprietor?!"

Xia Ruqing’s eyes sparkled.

"That is marvelous! If you are the proprietor, I need not spend any silver and can be the Madam Boss immediately!"

Zhao Junyao: "..." It invariably circles back to money.

This woman harbored a deep-seated fear of poverty stemming from her youth. So many years had elapsed, yet it had not lessened in the slightest! Indeed, childhood experiences cast a long shadow. He smiled indulgently.

"Very well! I shall provide the funds, and you can simply assume the role of Madam Boss at that time!"

Xia Ruqing giggled.

"You are the absolute best!"

"By then, I shall expend a fortune to summon the most renowned chefs from across the land!"

"We shall cycle through the Eight Great Cuisines, without repetition for ten days to half a month!"

She couldn't help but erupt in laughter at her own vision. Being the Empress truly was wonderful, hahaha… who would dare refuse such an offer?

Zhao Junyao was amused by her pronouncements.

"Why are your thoughts constantly on food! Even the esteemed Eight Great Cuisines!"

"No wonder you have been lamenting boredom recently; it turns out you’ve grown weary of the palace cuisine!"

Xia Ruqing's eyes gleamed.

"You always understand me better than anyone else!"

"Those two Kitchen Maids are adequate, but… I simply lack significant enthusiasm!"

"How about… you procure a few more Kitchen Maids for me?"

Having spoken, she embraced his arm and pleaded with charming coaxing.

Zhao Junyao couldn't suppress a laugh.

"You are a mother of four, yet you continue to act so adorably!"

Xia Ruqing vigorously shook her head, refuting the claim.

"No! You speak utter nonsense! I am clearly still in my prime; where did these four children materialize from?"

Zhao Junyao felt resigned; her sheer audacity was unparalleled. He yielded, completely giving in.

"Alright!"

"It’s a minor matter; I would not deny you your culinary desires!"

"Hmm? A young lady in her prime?"

Xia Ruqing giggled and planted a kiss upon his cheek.

"That’s more like it!"

"I always knew you were the very best!"

Zhao Junyao held her, gazing contentedly with eyes half-closed. Just as he was about to immerse himself in something indescribable, Xia Ruqing’s stomach let out a resounding growl. His actions abruptly ceased. Aware of how paramount meals were to Qingqing, Zhao Junyao did not dare delay and stood up with evident reluctance.

"What delicacy do you desire? Let Li Shengan convey the message!"

Xia Ruqing appeared somewhat shy and embarrassed.

"Husband, it grows late, and the air outside should be pleasantly cool now. I wish to take a stroll!"

"I have sampled dishes from myriad cuisines; there is nothing novel to explore!"

"I desire to savor some authentic street food…"

Zhao Junyao cast a glance at the sky, then at the ground. He vigorously reassured himself: It's acceptable! It's fine!

Who could fault her, given the hardships she endured without a mother's guidance during her formative years! What well-bred young lady would harbor such cravings? Even if they did, they would certainly conceal them. If succumbing to temptation, they would discreetly dispatch a servant boy to procure the item. If capable of resistance, they would simply suppress their desires, adhering to bland soups to maintain their figure. Assuredly, no one like her would eagerly venture out to eat, let alone display such impulses before her husband. They would all maintain a facade of demure propriety.

Zhao Junyao took a deep breath.

"What I cherish is precisely this unadorned sincerity, is it not?"

"Having witnessed an abundance of feigned modesty, genuine authenticity is indeed a rare treasure!"

After a moment of contemplation, he reluctantly conceded.

"Very well!"

"I shall accompany you; there is nothing of great import, is there?"

Xia Ruqing’s spirits instantly soared!

"Then let us depart; I shall retrieve a veil!"

It is prudent to wear a veil when venturing out after dark! Zhao Junyao waited for her. Zi Yue entered, carrying her veiled hat, and assisted Xia Ruqing in carefully putting it on. Once all were ready, the four individuals, master and servants, set out.

...

The nocturnal panorama of Jinling City was truly breathtaking. Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing strolled harmoniously along the Qinhuai River. The myriad lights from both banks converged, casting shimmering, indistinct reflections upon the water. Tea houses, taverns, shops, bustling street stalls, and throngs of people moving to and fro created an atmosphere of vibrant energy.

Several pleasure boats were anchored here and there on the river, with faint hints of pink curtains, silk screens, and alluring voices emanating from within.

Borne on the cool summer night breeze, delicate sounds of bamboo flute music drifted over, adding a layer of enchantment to the already chirping and lively riverside.

Admiring this night scenery, so distinct from the Capital City, Xia Ruqing couldn't help but express her wonder.

"It truly is far more beautiful here than in the Capital City!"

The Capital City, she mused, was like a dignified lady – beautiful, yet far too reserved, lacking a certain captivating charm.

Jiangnan, conversely, resembled a lovely young woman, alluring and brimming with allure, drawing people in with her captivating charisma.

"Husband, look at that pleasure boat in the center of the river, it's so magnificent!"

"Ah! The air here is so fragrant; what kind of flowers are in bloom?"

How could Zhao Junyao possibly know?

He had neither frequented pleasure boats nor had the leisure to admire flowers; what could he possibly offer as an answer?

Thus, he remained silent.

Noticing Zhao Junyao's lack of response, coupled with his expression of composed tranquility, as if lost in thought, Xia Ruqing paid it no mind.

She continued to follow him, staying half a step behind, cheerfully chattering about all sorts of trivial matters.

Xia Ruqing was utterly enchanted, her heart swelling with pure delight.

Gazing at his still elegant and steady figure moving away, her heart overflowed with sweetness, evoking the sensation of first love.

She felt incredibly fortunate not to have brought the children along.

With children present, her attention would inevitably be consumed by them.

Now, it was just the two of them.

They could finally indulge in carefree enjoyment!

After strolling along the riverbank for some time, they finally reached a street teeming with food stalls.

Observing the bustling thoroughfare, she couldn't help but sigh emotionally.

"So, places like this have existed since ancient times!"

"Truly a timeless tradition!"

This was a north-south street, narrow and appearing unremarkable from the outside, yet within, flames flickered incessantly, and people thronged, exuding the comforting aroma and warmth of ordinary life.

Xia Ruqing eagerly plunged into the crowd.

Zhao Junyao, unaccustomed to the environment, sneezed multiple times.

"What sort of... place is this!"

Li Shengan promptly offered a plain handkerchief.

"My Lord!"

He hesitated, seemingly reluctant to speak.

Zhao Junyao took the handkerchief and resolutely entered the street!

After a few paces, he spotted Xia Ruqing waving him over from in front of a stall, with Zi Yue beside her.

"My Lord!"

"Over here! I'm right here!"

Faint lines of exasperation appeared on Zhao Junyao's forehead!

Could she truly be his Empress? She behaved just like a common country girl!

But... what did it matter?

So many years had passed; could he simply abandon her now? It was better to make do and continue!