Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Xia Ruqing and Zhao Junyao journey to Guangnan during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Meanwhile, their children bicker, with Yue Er determined to learn horseback riding against her mother's wishes, aided by her older brothers who are reluctant participants in a scheme orchestrated by the Crown Prince. Upon arrival in Guangnan, Zhao Junyao reflects on the absence of his uncle and cousin, the bitterness of past conflicts, and envies the familial harmony of ordinary families. Xia Ruqing finds the heat oppressive but is comforted by Zhao Junyao's presence, marveling at the beautiful moonlit night.
"Of course they are separated!"
"There are so many moons!"
"A full moon, a half moon, a first quarter moon, a last quarter moon, a crescent moon..."
"I know those too..."
Xia Ruqing mumbled, then drifted back into sleep.
Zhao Junyao, with no other option, bent down and carried her to the bed.
The bed curtains were drawn, allowing slivers of moonlight to penetrate the fine gauze.
This faint light fell upon Xia Ruqing's innocent and sweet slumbering face, instantly bringing a sense of calm and peace to Zhao Junyao's heart.
He felt akin to an eagle, worn out from prolonged flight, finally discovering its warm nest and being able to rest.
Perhaps she was his sanctuary.
...
From the second day he arrived in Guangnan.
Zhao Junyao began venturing out, leaving at dawn and returning late.
Initially, Xia Ruqing couldn't comprehend his actions.
Later, it occurred to her: could this man be using himself as bait to draw out the hidden enemy?
"Your Majesty!"
One morning, Xia Ruqing intercepted him.
"Hmm?" Zhao Junyao turned, a questioning look on his face.
"I wish to go out and explore as well!"
"Absolutely not!" Zhao Junyao refused without a second thought.
"It is far too perilous outside!"
Xia Ruqing remained firm.
"I want to go!"
"Your Majesty, if your intention is truly to lure the snake from its den, I am far more suited for the task than you are!"
She was the Empress, the mother of the Crown Prince, Zhao Junyao's most cherished person, his 'Achilles' heel' (a rather self-righteous thought, o(╯□╰)o).
Her mere appearance.
Might compel those who were watching in secret to make their move immediately!
"Your Majesty, please permit me to go!"
Zhao Junyao's brow furrowed deeply, remaining silent.
He understood that Qingqing's reasoning was sound!
To draw out the lurking danger, he couldn't achieve it alone!
He was like a lost soul wandering the streets aimlessly.
The opposing side would discover his preparedness with even the slightest inquiry.
This was analogous to using a straight hook to fish; it was a blatant signal of a trap, and no discerning fish would take the bait.
Seeing his resolve waver, Xia Ruqing pressed her plea.
"Your Majesty, I implore you, let me go!"
Zhao Junyao pondered for a moment, yet his refusal remained steadfast.
"No!"
Xia Ruqing: "..."
"Why not? Why will you not allow me?"
"I am the Empress, the mother of the nation. This is my responsibility!"
"Why must you bear all the burdens yourself?"
"What purpose do I serve if you prohibit me from acting?"
Xia Ruqing's anxiety began to surface.
Zhao Junyao had been acting peculiarly of late.
She was aware of his difficult past and the complex relationship with his mother.
To prevent him from dwelling on unpleasant memories, she had resolved not to bring them up or inquire further.
Furthermore, Zhao Junyao was not one for eloquent speeches, let alone engaging in lengthy conversations.
Consequently, a subtle distance had formed between them.
Perhaps Xia Ruqing was overthinking, or perhaps it was the reality.
Regardless, a feeling of a slight rift persisted.
...
Confronted by Xia Ruqing's insistent protest.
Zhao Junyao was taken aback, requiring a moment to process, disbelief evident.
"Qingqing, you..."
"Do not add to the chaos!"
"How could I possibly bear to let you face such a risk?"
Xia Ruqing felt a hollowness within, as if unable to find solid ground.
She was immensely frustrated.
"Your Majesty, I understand you are doing this for my well-being!"
"You have stationed numerous guards to watch over me daily, like a bird in a cage, ensuring my safety and that no harm befalls me!"
"But..."
"I truly do not wish to always be the one who needs protecting!"
"I want to share the burden with you!"
As she spoke these words, her heart felt a bittersweet mix of emotions, indescribably profound.
She had no clear understanding of love.
All she knew was that he had cherished her for so many years, and she couldn't possibly be indifferent; she didn't want to be!
Perhaps a connection of love existed between them, or perhaps nothing at all!
Who could tell? Who even cared?
She simply desired to face everything together!
Zhao Junyao gazed at her intently, and Xia Ruqing met his gaze equally.
Their eyes locked in mid-air, igniting a cascade of vibrant sparks.
The room's temperature rapidly climbed, becoming intensely warm!
...
Under the brilliant sunshine, beneath a clear sky.
The two embraced, their spirits and bodies united as one.
After an indescribable interlude that lasted more than a Shi Chen.
They lay together, hands clasped, facing each other, resembling a pair of devoted mandarin ducks.
Zhao Junyao glanced at the blazing sun outside and let out a helpless sigh.
"It seems venturing out today is out of the question!"
Going out in broad daylight would undoubtedly draw the attention of their adversaries.
Should a confrontation arise, it would be problematic given the presence of eunuchs and palace maids.
Xia Ruqing let out a soft, playful chuckle.
"Then perhaps we should venture out tonight?"
"I must accompany you!"
Zhao Junyao appeared exasperated.
"If you accompany me, my focus will be divided on protecting you, and if we are apprehended, neither of us will escape!"
Xia Ruqing let out a scoff.
"Apprehended? Are we not adequately prepared on our side?!"
"Can we not defeat them?"
Zhao Junyao's brows knitted together.
"Who can say for sure?"
He angled his body slightly, his arm tenderly draping over her shoulder as he caressed her silky, soft hair.
"Behave yourself!"
"Please don't leave, alright?!"
He genuinely had no idea about the number of individuals his opponent commanded.
It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility for Zhao Junqi to muster tens of thousands of soldiers if he was pushed to desperation.
Zhao Junyao's eyes narrowed as a sudden recollection surfaced.
During the Guangnan campaign, he had made an inspection of the naval and ground forces stationed there.
At that time, Prince Yan had indicated a combined force of merely tens of thousands, yet the training facilities seemed disproportionately large for such a number.
Such extensive grounds, densely populated with thousands of Iron Plum Blossom Poles! Mountains of iron weights and weaponry, much like a veritable Xiao Shan.
It was improbable to have only tens of thousands; the number was likely ... hundreds of thousands.
After all, each military encampment was equipped with such items.
While not allocated one-to-one with each soldier, the proportions were similar, with ratios of one for every two or three soldiers being common.
By performing some calculations based on this proportion, one could estimate the military might present.
Zhao Junyao's memory clicked into place.
"I recall seeing approximately ninety thousand troops back then!"
"Considering the years that have passed, they should possess at least a hundred thousand now!"
If fewer than a hundred thousand forces were to rise in rebellion, could it truly be termed a rebellion?
Xia Ruqing regarded Zhao Junyao's line of reasoning with admiration.
"Your Majesty, please recall, that was prior to Prince Yan's estate being confiscated!"
"I believe even if he commanded any troops, it would only be one or two thousand at most!"
"Not to mention Prince Yan's demise and Zhao Junqi's exile!"
"As you stated, Zhao Junqi was banished to a desolate, frozen land, and it required immense effort for his return."
"How could he possibly have had the opportunity or the energy to marshal any troops?"
Zhao Junyao gave a slight shake of his head.
"Even so, do not let your guard down!"
"We still have the Empress Dowager within the palace, and the remnants of Prince Yan's former forces outside!"
"It's uncertain how much strength they have managed to amass."
Prince Yan was a cunning old fox, utterly shrewd and deceitful, while he himself had been careless, and thus...
Zhao Junyao shook his head once more.
"No more deliberation!"
"Tonight, you absolutely must remain here and heed my words!"
