A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1196: I Would Fall in Love with You Without Hesitation

Zhao Junyao's emotions were a complex mix; he had previously believed Qingqing was merely fabricating stories. To his surprise, an assassination attempt was indeed launched on their very first night. This revelation led him to question if Zhao Junqi was truly targeting Qingqing, a thought that plagued him, causing him to toss and turn sleeplessly.

Xia Ruqing's own mood was far from tranquil. What began as casual banter now felt like a genuine prospect of being taken hostage. Oh, the trials of a hostage! If the opposing side were to use the nation and its people as bargaining chips, self-sacrifice would be inevitable, even if she wished to avoid it. In such dire circumstances, refusing to be a hero would brand one a coward, and failing to save millions from suffering would be a grave sin with no middle ground. The more Xia Ruqing contemplated this, the more her fear grew. 'What if I'm captured? I truly don't wish to be a coward!' 'Alas, it would be better to sacrifice myself and be a hero; after all, saving millions with one life is quite a worthy exchange!' 'I never imagined an ordinary woman like myself would have the chance to become a hero one day!' 'It seems even heroes of ancient times found the path of heroism fraught with difficulty!' she mused with a sigh.

She then began to consider methods of dying with dignity, preferably in a manner that wouldn't inflict excessive pain. 'Slitting one's wrists—too slow, and undignified, with blood spurting everywhere, it would look rather ghastly!' 'Poison—quick, but agonizing, contorting the body and distorting the features, even more unsightly!' 'Hanging offers a degree of dignity, but I might not have the opportunity when the moment arrives!' 'Then... fasting? Absolutely not, I'm a glutton and certainly don't want to starve to death!' 'If all else fails, I'll bite my tongue to commit suicide! But...' Xia Ruqing gingerly tested biting the tip of her tongue. "Ouch, it hurts!" A light bite already caused pain; imagine biting her tongue off! The agony would likely be unbearable, perhaps the very reason for death in such cases. Xia Ruqing pondered for a moment, realizing she lacked the true courage for such an act and decisively abandoned the idea. Instead, she contemplated asking Zi Su about a poison that could induce a peaceful death in one's sleep. That seemed more fitting for her temperament, being a coward after all.

"What are you contemplating?" Zhao Junyao's gaze fixed on her, his tone carrying a hint of chill. Xia Ruqing jumped, startled by his sudden question, clutching her chest in shock. "Well..." "Nothing... absolutely nothing!" She managed to force a strained smile. Zhao Junyao raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Are you certain?" "You seemed to grit your teeth earlier, as if you'd made some resolution?" "What, you're unwilling to tell me?" Xia Ruqing was momentarily speechless. 'Is this man a monster? How does he perceive everything?' 'Is there anything in this world beyond his knowledge?' Taking a deep breath, Xia Ruqing replied with a smile, "Your Majesty, truly, it's nothing!" She then checked the time, noting the late hour, and suggested with a smile, "It's getting late; it's past midnight!" "We should retire early!" "Your Majesty, I am feeling sleepy!" As she spoke, she feigned a yawn. Zhao Junyao considered her words, concluding that it was likely nothing significant. Since she was reluctant to share, he saw no need to press further. He nodded immediately. "If you are sleepy, then sleep!" Xia Ruqing quickly closed her eyes. With no other recourse, Zhao Junyao also turned over and settled down to sleep.

... The following morning, they awoke later than usual. The backyard had been meticulously cleaned, leaving no trace of the previous night's events except for a scattering of footprints; even the old hens were unharmed. Xia Ruqing expressed her astonishment. "Truly swift!" If she hadn't witnessed it firsthand last night, who would have believed a bloodbath had occurred, resulting in over twenty fatalities? Zhao Junyao, standing beside her, offered a faint smile. "A minor matter?" Breakfast was served: two bowls of millet porridge, several small plates of greens, pickled vegetables, and a few ounces of fried peanuts. The spread, with its bowls and dishes, presented a refreshingly green appearance. Unfortunately, neither of them had much appetite. After a brief gesture of moving their chopsticks, they both set them down.

After breakfast, Zhao Junyao convened with the Imperial Censor and secret investigators to discuss important state affairs. Meanwhile, Xia Ruqing found a basket of rice, scattering it in the coop for the hens, who clucked and eagerly pecked at the grains. The sight was quite satisfying, evoking pleasant childhood memories. Having finished feeding the chickens, Xia Ruqing strolled with Zi Su around the small courtyard, occasionally pausing on higher ground to gaze out at the sea.

Wild fruits were occasionally plucked, their edibility unknown, merely toyed with in her hand.

Butterflies were sometimes caught with a handkerchief, a fleeting amusement.

The entire morning passed with Xia Ruqing playing joyfully, her laughter echoing without pause.

Zi Su found herself quite perplexed.

"Madam, what is happening with you today?"

After the tumultuous events of the previous night, how could Madam act as if nothing had occurred?

Even the servants had not yet recovered from the shock.

During breakfast that morning, the kitchen maid’s hands trembled so severely she could barely hold anything.

Eunuch Li's eyes were bloodshot, a clear sign of a sleepless night.

But Madam... she was far too strange!

Xia Ruqing, however, let out a light laugh.

"It's really nothing; we have finally emerged, and with such beautiful scenery, it would be a shame not to savor it properly!"

"Those unpleasant matters are in the past, let them be!"

"People should always look forward, aren't we a day closer to the end with each passing moment?"

Zi Su was utterly bewildered; Madam's words were peculiar.

This was entirely unlike the Madam she knew before.

She would typically hide away for at least two to three days until she felt composed again!

And this time...

"Alright, alright!" Xia Ruqing interrupted once more.

"Don't overthink it. The wind is strong here, shouldn't we make some paper kites and fly them?"

Has it been a long time since I've played with these?

In the palace, I was too lazy to even consider such things.

Now, with time and a good mood, flying kites sounds quite pleasant.

Zi Su looked on in absolute amazement.

"Mistress... are you quite certain you are well?"

"Oh, I am perfectly fine, just hurry!" Xia Ruqing urged.

"Very well then!"

Zi Su forced herself to suppress her shock and went to find someone to purchase the necessary items in town.

There is nothing here; everything must be procured from town!

After Zi Su departed.

Xia Ruqing's smile gradually faded from her face.

She hurried to a high vantage point, climbed onto a large rock, and gazed at the distant sea, the nearby small fishing village, and finally, the exquisite little courtyard below.

Her eyes ultimately settled on the study within the courtyard.

Shadows moved inside the study, and a few voices could be heard speaking.

There resided her emperor husband of this life.

After many years of companionship, he had given her everything he could!

To claim she was unmoved would be a falsehood.

Yet, this rather twisted form of affection in ancient times made it impossible for her to define it as love.

Forgive me!

I do love you, but I cannot love you!

Xia Ruqing let two clear tears fall.

If there were ever a chance to make a sacrifice, I would not hesitate.

Consider it my recompense to you in this lifetime!

If, in another life, we had the opportunity to meet in the modern world, I would undoubtedly fall in love with you without reservation!

Yes, without hesitation!

Just the two of us, with no one else!