A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1177 - 1077: Don’t Say Such Nonsense!

Xia Ruqing’s dainty frame, swift as a swallow, navigated the bustling crowd, making a beeline for each stall that caught her attention. Zi Su took charge of the finances, while Qingqing's sole occupation was indulging in the food. Zhao Junyao, completely out of his element in this vibrant setting, spent the entire evening frantically searching for Qingqing. Each time he spotted her, she would vanish in the blink of an eye. Left with no other option, Zhao Junyao could only trail behind her. Li Shengan also found himself in a state of utter bewilderment. Had the Empress lost her mind? He then observed the Emperor, his face a mask of dark frustration and dripping with sweat, yet still preoccupied with finding his wife. This sight left him profoundly astonished. "The Empress behaves with such abandon, and yet the Emperor shows no anger!" Li Shengan knew the Emperor far too well. Despite his visibly displeased expression, akin to the bottom of a burnt pot, he wasn't truly angered; a subtle sweetness permeated his demeanor. Had he been genuinely upset, he would have stormed off long ago. How could he possibly continue trailing behind her like this?! Witnessing the Emperor, who had gone hungry all evening, Li Shengan felt his understanding of the world shattering. Indeed! The Emperor's devotion to the Empress had been unwavering for so many years! And the Empress, in turn, had dedicated herself solely to the Emperor, bearing heirs, diligently managing the imperial household, and exerting every effort to ensure his comfort and peace of mind! The Empress's efforts were certainly worthy of all she received. But now... Li Shengan truly couldn't comprehend it?! What exactly were these two up to?! He wasn't a man, so he couldn't fathom the male psyche. He couldn't grasp the 'peculiar' sentiments that took root within men. These very sentiments often drove them to perform 'unusual' deeds. Consider a certain official in the Capital City, enamored with cold beauties and finding pleasure in their chastisement. Or perhaps a wealthy merchant who favored fiery women, the more resistance and struggle offered during intimacy, the more aroused he became. And extending even further... Li Shengan focused his attention on his master before him. His master enjoyed being deliberately ignored by the Empress?!! Ahem! Li Shengan genuinely couldn't understand, nor did he feel the need to. His only duty was to follow his master with his head bowed! ... That night. Xia Ruqing spent a considerable amount of time, a full 'Shi Chen,' exploring the food stalls. She satisfied her long-deprived appetite with a basket of crab roe soup dumplings, a serving of shrimp dumplings, a bowl of rice noodles, a portion of sour fish balls, a cup of sweet fruit brew, and a generous heap of other unidentifiable yet incredibly delicious dishes. Clutching her full stomach, she finally emerged from the snack street. Zhao Junyao's expression was as dark as the bottom of a pot. "Satisfied?" his voice was cool. Xia Ruqing let out a soft giggle. "Completely full!" "Husband, you are the Emperor; such rich foods would likely not agree with you! You certainly wouldn't enjoy them!" "I shall accompany you to dine on something else!" Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow. "You finally remember that you have me as your husband!" Xia Ruqing felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "It was so crowded and lively, I got a little carried away, husband. You won't hold it against me, will you?" Zhao Junyao shot her a glare. "What good would blame do?" Having eaten and drunk to your heart's content, you now pose such a question – isn't that a bit too late? Xia Ruqing quickly appeased and cajoled him, eventually soothing the anger simmering in her husband's heart. In the process, she also managed to help him regain his composure in front of the attending servants. Zhao Junyao didn't dwell on the matter further, and his expression brightened considerably. The couple then proceeded to a more tranquil tavern. They ordered several classic dishes from the Jiangnan region. Zhao Junyao partook in some of the meal, finally achieving a state of complete calm. ... By the time they returned to their chambers, it was quite late. After cleaning themselves, Zhao Junyao eagerly pulled her beneath him. "Little rascal, daring to overlook your husband, do you require a lesson?!" Xia Ruqing understood that escape from this night's 'calamity' was impossible, so she complied willingly. He was already quite an expert in such matters. And she, no longer an innocent maiden, both were experienced. Their movements became increasingly passionate. The candlelight flickered, their mingled sweat glistening. A perfect depiction of heavenly 'Biyi' birds, and water-bound mandarin ducks. To truly capture this intimate scene, a classic poem would be most fitting. "Light drinks shared amongst company, soft jade embraced by lamplight, a backward glance into an embrace that fulfills desire, pain, pain, pain!" ... Early the following morning. At the first hint of dawn, as the initial sunlight streamed into the room, Xia Ruqing awoke. She reached out to the space beside her, only to find it already empty. She promptly sat up with a start. Zi Su, hearing the commotion, entered to assist her with dressing and washing. "Where is... Master?" Zi Su chuckled. "Master is currently practicing in the backyard! He has been there for over half a 'Shi Chen'; you can still catch him if you hurry!"

"Practicing?"

Zi Su nodded her head.

"Yes, swordsmanship practice!"

"I also took a quick peek, our young master's swordsmanship is truly exceptional!"

Xia Ruqing's interest was piqued. After a swift freshening up, donning her attire and adornments, she descended with Zi Su. However, she had arrived a moment too late. Zhao Junyao had already made his return. He had merely washed himself, his hair not yet styled. His ink-black tresses flowed down his back like a silken cascade, and clad in a robe of pristine white, he emerged from the morning mist of the Phoenix Tree Forest in the rear courtyard. A warm summer breeze swept past, causing his white robe to flutter with graceful elegance with every stride. He presented a figure that seemed to have descended from the heavens – authoritative yet otherworldly, vibrant yet unburdened, potent yet dignified. Xia Ruqing found herself captivated. So this was his appearance stripped of the Dragon Robe. So a man could indeed possess an immortal's visage, untouched by the dust of the mortal realm. So a man could be this extraordinarily handsome. He was truly celestial, spirited, commanding, profound, composed, and elusive. Was there anything beyond his reach? Xia Ruqing was overcome with elation; this man was her husband, the one she was destined to accompany for the remainder of her days. How fortunate she was to have encountered him! How blessed she felt to have received his kindness and his affectionate regard. What right did she possess for such fortune?! Such thoughts were not entirely her fault. After all, she was merely a simple woman who began with nothing. Transmigrating across worlds without any significant gains, not even remotely as fortunate as the typical transmigrated female protagonists. She could never have envisioned marrying such an exceptional man. The heavens had truly bestowed their blessings upon her most generously! ... "Qingqing? What are you gazing at so intently?" Zhao Junyao's voice pulled Xia Ruqing back to reality, jolting her senses. "Nothing!" "Ah, husband, I was simply admiring your walk!" Zhao Junyao appeared perplexed. "What could possibly be so fascinating about my walking!" "Let us head back inside!" With that, he gently led her back into the residence. Xia Ruqing followed him sweetly, like a young maiden, retrieving a handkerchief. "Husband, you looked incredibly dashing just now!" "You must be feeling warm, allow me to wipe away your perspiration!" "Also, Zi Su, quickly prepare hot water for Master's bath?" "And procure an additional egg for breakfast; you need to replenish your nourishment after all that exertion!" Zhao Junyao seemed somewhat touched. "Last night, I nearly got lost; what is with this sudden change?" Xia Ruqing's cheeks flushed. "No getting lost, no getting lost! Please don't speak of such things!"