A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1188: An Unusual Mother-Son Relationship

Mother Empress always maintained a dignified and elegant appearance, positioned high above.

When he paid his respects, she would graciously excuse him from the usual formalities.

Upon inquiring about her well-being, she would offer a smile, bestow a compliment, and then subtly shift the focus to her own supposed ailments.

Though he was young, he was far from naive.

He could discern the insincerity behind her forced smile, recognizing it wasn't genuine.

Consequently, as he matured, his visits became less frequent, tinged with a growing reluctance.

When he did make the effort to visit, it felt like little more than a perfunctory duty.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, a conversational void would emerge, often leading to a strained parting.

Later.

He encountered Qingqing.

She was unlike any other woman he had ever known.

Her authenticity and straightforwardness were remarkable, openly voicing her desires without reservation, regardless of how they might sound.

She was unburdened, devoid of any artifice or scheming.

In his presence, she was as transparent as a delicate glass doll, her intentions laid bare.

She possessed a purity and flawlessness, akin to a child untouched by the passage of time.

For the very first time, he met a woman who overtly sought his closeness and depended on him.

This evoked within him a primal instinct to shelter and protect her, to cherish her well-being.

Later.

They welcomed children into their lives.

The first, the second, the third, the fourth.

Whether it was Chenchen, Henger and Yeye, or Yue Er.

Regardless of their birth order, whether the eldest, or the second, third, or fourth.

This applied to princes and princesses alike.

From the Crown Prince to any of their other offspring.

She attended to each one with meticulous care, her worry a constant companion, never wishing to be apart for even a moment.

...

Chenchen bore a striking resemblance to how he had once been.

Separated from his mother at the tender age of three, and personally instructed by his father.

Destined to ascend the throne, he could not be raised by women or indulged in the slightest.

However, Qingqing’s approach differed significantly from Mother Empress’s in those days.

When the time came for Chenchen to move to his own quarters, she was overcome with reluctance, yet she ensured the most trustworthy Palace Attendants were assigned to his care.

Witnessing Chenchen’s diligent studies, she would weep with a mother’s distress, visiting him frequently whenever possible.

She would check if he lacked anything, if he felt cold or hungry, or if he was being overworked or treated unfairly.

Initially, he couldn't comprehend her actions, viewing Qingqing as excessively emotional and overly indulgent.

Yet, Chenchen did not falter or weaken as a result of her attention.

On the contrary, he blossomed, becoming more spirited, open, and forthright.

At a mere ten years of age, embodying bravery, diligence, and an open mind, he already presented as a true young man.

Poised to surpass all who came before him.

It was only then that the realization dawned upon him.

Not all expressions of love are characterized by doting indulgence.

Not all affection impedes a child’s growth and development.

Genuine care serves only to foster a child’s better and stronger advancement.

Children raised under the loving embrace of both parents invariably possess a distinct quality.

Observe.

Even when a mother cannot maintain constant vigilance over her child, the essence of her love remains undeniable.

Conceal it with your lips, and it will radiate from your eyes.

Close your eyes, and it will emanate from the depths of your heart.

It will never fade or disappear.

Qingqing embodies this truth.

The Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines, too, reflect this sentiment.

But why did Mother Empress deviate from this pattern?

It was so profoundly abnormal!

This was far too abnormal!

Zhao Junyao’s brow furrowed, lost in contemplation for an extended period, unable to grasp the reason.

"Emperor!"

"Emperor?!"

Observing his increasingly somber expression, Xia Ruqing quickly tugged at his sleeve, calling out to him.

Zhao Junyao, submerged in his reverie and thoughts, abruptly returned to the present.

He found himself meeting Xia Ruqing’s gaze.

"Emperor, are you feeling unwell?" she inquired with genuine concern.

"No! No discomfort whatsoever!"

Zhao Junyao instinctively concealed his inner turmoil.

He gently placed his book aside, rose, stretched, and cleared his throat a couple of times.

"It is growing late, let us retire for the night!"

Xia Ruqing’s curiosity was piqued.

However, sensing his reluctance to elaborate, she refrained from pursuing the matter further.

She simply offered an understanding nod.

With that, she too rose, completed her nightly ablutions, and prepared for bed.

That night, Zhao Junyao experienced a peculiar dream.

Through a hazy interlude, he dreamt of a woman desperately crying out for her child.

She was drenched, as if she had just emerged from water.

Her hair, waterlogged, clung in tendrils, obscuring her face entirely.

Her countenance was marred by blood, as was her face.

He could not discern her features clearly, only her heart-wrenching pleas for her child resonated.

"Child?" Zhao Junyao jolted awake instantly.

He was slick with sweat, his body trembling.

This was not the first time he had been plagued by such a dream.

Even when he was a child, this spectral woman from his dreams had terrified him awake.

There was even an occasion when he clung to Mother Empress, weeping in fear.

Faintly, he recalled how Mother Empress had attempted to console him.

"Child, your waking thoughts often manifest in your dreams!"

"You must have gone fishing at Taiye Pool again, disturbing the water spirit residing there!"

"That woman is the water spirit, subsisting on the fish from the water. If you took her fish, she would surely be angered!"