A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1194: Assassin Alert!

The master and servant pair ambled into the residence, accompanied by several other attendants prepared to assist at a moment's notice.

Upon crossing the threshold of the courtyard gate, Xia Ruqing surveyed her new surroundings with keen observation.

She discerned that despite the courtyard's rather unassuming appearance, it was meticulously maintained in a pristine and orderly fashion.

A closer inspection revealed it possessed a certain air of secluded tranquility.

Before the courtyard, a meandering path ascended the mountain, fashioned from blue stone slabs, appearing remarkably smooth though spanning less than a zhang in width.

The rear of the courtyard housed a chicken coop and a vegetable patch.

A handful of mature hens pecked leisurely within the confines of the coop, while the garden boasted a vibrant display of verdant vegetables.

Dominating the backyard was a majestic pagoda tree.

A closely woven fence encircled the courtyard, adorned with a tapestry of various wildflowers.

The entirety of the courtyard was quite compact, its area not even rivaling that of a principal hall within the palace.

Yet, this very modesty lent it an appealing rustic charm.

It was akin to someone accustomed to lavish feasts suddenly discovering a surprising delight in simple sorghum bread.

Xia Ruqing completed two or three circuits around the grand pagoda tree, a surge of excitement washing over her.

"When I was a child, our humble dwelling in the countryside also featured a pagoda tree much like this one. During April and May, the air in the courtyard would be perfumed with the sweet scent of pagoda blossoms!"

"We'd use a hook to gather the flowers; they could be steamed or fried, and were utterly delectable. A single tree's yield could sustain us for half a month!"

Zi Su, covering her mouth, let out a soft laugh.

"Mistress, your thoughts persistently turn to food!"

Xia Ruqing's countenance radiated with a touch of pride.

"Sustenance and desire are primal instincts! It is the very essence of human nature!"

"Do you dare claim you have no fondness for eating?"

"Anyone who professes a dislike for food is surely a hypocrite!"

Regardless of one's upbringing, inherent nature remains irrepressible!

"Very well, very well!"

Zi Su found herself oscillating between amusement and exasperation!

It was a well-known fact that people were easily swayed by culinary delights, and these servants had all developed a strong liking for the dishes prepared by their mistress.

Upon reflection, the mistress’s assertion held merit; it was best not to engage in further debate.

The master and servant exchanged pleasantries for a spell, and as the hour grew late, they retired to their respective chambers.

In the briefest of moments, evening descended, signaling the time for dinner.

Owing to the limited resources, only a single kitchen maid had been accommodated, resulting in a modest spread.

Xia Ruqing issued an instruction.

"The vegetables in the backyard appear quite promising; prepare a few fresh dishes for us to savor!"

Zi Su respectfully conveyed the command.

Before long, the air within the small courtyard became imbued with the subtle, inviting aroma of cooking.

Unable to remain confined indoors, Xia Ruqing positioned herself at the courtyard's entrance.

Her gaze drifted idly towards the distance, where she could just discern the outlines of a small fishing village.

In the encroaching darkness, the minuscule points of light resembled the most brilliant stars scattered across the nocturnal expanse.

Beneath each solitary lamp.

Perhaps a wife eagerly anticipating her fisherman's return.

Perhaps a mother fondly awaiting her son's homecoming.

Or perhaps a family intentionally leaving a lamp lit to guide a traveler safely back.

Regardless of the specific story, the lights twinkling in the darkness invariably offered a comforting warmth to the heart.

She found herself reminiscing about her childhood.

Whenever she lingered outside to play until late, her grandmother would invariably leave a lamp burning for her.

The sight of that familiar lamp signified that her grandmother was patiently waiting.

That profound sense of security was a feeling that could never be replicated or diminished.

Lost in these memories, Xia Ruqing felt a prickle of tears at the edge of her eyes.

She felt an intense longing for her grandmother, a profound yearning!

Her grandmother was, without question, the person who cherished her most in the entire world.

Even Zhao Junyao's affection was remarkable.

He showered her with love and protection, to such an extent that he abstained from taking any other women into his harem. What a monumental sacrifice and concession!

After all, he was an emperor of ancient times!

But!

There was always an insurmountable "but.".

Because he held the position of Emperor, her very existence depended entirely upon him.

Every amenity she enjoyed – her status, influence, offspring, opulent lifestyle, and accolades – was bestowed by him.

Consequently, the foundation of their relationship was inherently unbalanced.

Without the bedrock of equal standing, how could one truly speak of a soulmate?

It is often said that beauty fades while favor diminishes first. When that favor eventually wanes completely, what recourse would she have, other than to rely on her children's elevated status to secure her position and desperately strive to avoid a life of hardship?

Navigating life in a bygone feudal era, she had always maintained a clear and pragmatic perspective.

All the women within this society were dependent on men for their survival, and the dynamics of male-female relationships here would never achieve true parity.

The scenarios depicted in those transmigration novels, where heroines effortlessly navigated complex court politics and power struggles, simply did not reflect reality.

In the genuine historical context of ancient times, women possessed virtually no standing whatsoever!

Although the Great Chu Dynasty was reputed for its relatively progressive societal customs.

The underlying dependency of women on men remained an undeniable reality.

As a woman herself, she was naturally subject to the same societal constraints, even with her transmigrated soul.

Therefore...

No matter the depth of her admiration and affection for Zhao Junyao, a sliver of self-preservation and cautious reserve was always maintained deep within her heart.

To ensure she could live with dignity, even if he one day truly abandoned her.

She knew her judgment was correct.

Observing the women who thrived within the palace, which one had genuinely relied on the Emperor's affection?

She couldn't afford to be complacent!

Gazing at the distant sparkling lights, countless thoughts swirled through her mind.

Lost in contemplation, a voice suddenly echoed from behind her.

"What are you pondering?"

Startled, Xia Ruqing spun around to find Zhao Junyao standing there.

Only then did a sense of relief wash over her, and she patted her chest with a soft laugh.

"It's nothing, just indulging in a daydream. That little fishing village is so picturesque, and its lights possess a truly warm glow!"

Zhao Junyao followed her line of sight.

The shimmering lights were mirrored in his profound eyes, creating a scene of exquisite beauty.

After a brief pause, he let out a chuckle.

"Indeed, it is remarkably beautiful!"

"However, the wind is quite strong here. Since you aren't particularly robust, it would be best to return indoors!"

With that, he gently guided Xia Ruqing back inside.

Xia Ruqing offered no resistance, obediently following him, a sweet sensation blossoming within her heart.

She finally grasped the profound meaning of a certain phrase.

'Should you treat me with unwavering kindness, I shall remain by your side through life and death!'

'If your love embraces me from dawn till dusk, we shall find shared joy in every passing day and night!'

Such beautifully crafted verses...

The dinner served was exceedingly simple.

Even more so than the most basic meals offered within the palace.

Yet, within this courtyard, amidst the scenery and tranquil atmosphere, it possessed a delightful rustic charm.

They both dined with evident enjoyment.

Xia Ruqing plucked a piece of green vegetable and offered it to Zhao Junyao.

"How did you discover this place, Your Majesty?"

"These are from our backyard greens, do try them!"

Zhao Junyao simply smiled and popped the greens into his mouth.

Finding them exceptionally delicious, he proceeded to help himself to two more bowls of rice.

Following their meal, Xia Ruqing continued her inquiries.

"How did you find this location?"

"It hardly resembles a farmhouse; it feels more like the secluded abode of a hermit!"

Zhao Junyao burst into hearty laughter.

"What hermit's retreat!"

"It's merely a common courtyard that I had renovated!"

Xia Ruqing appeared even more perplexed.

"But what about these vegetables? They clearly show signs of long-term cultivation!"

"And the chickens too!"

Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow.

"They were all relocated here!"

"Did you not notice the soil on the ground has been freshly turned?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Indeed, she hadn't noticed.

She had mistakenly thought the signs were merely from regular tilling and fertilization.

Just as she was about to probe further.

Suddenly, a chilling gust of wind swept through the backyard, causing the hens to erupt in a cacophony of frantic squawks.

Immediately, a shout pierced the air.

"Assassin!"

"Protect the mistress!"