A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1197: Caught in a Stalemate

The following day, the necessary materials for building a kite, namely paper and bamboo, were procured.

An entire morning was dedicated by Xia Ruqing, alongside Zi Su, to the task of assembling a rather peculiar-looking kite.

Xia Ruqing expressed a sense of inadequacy.

"I truly gave it my best effort!"

Zi Su couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"I dare say this kite turned out much better than that lantern you fashioned during the Lantern Festival!"

"One can't deny there's been some improvement; you've definitely made strides!"

Xia Ruqing felt a twinge of awkwardness at the seemingly forced compliment.

'Ahem ahem!'

'This is the usual way to respond when praise is scarce – focus on the progress made!'

"Enough pleasantries! Let's head out to fly this kite this afternoon!"

"Splendid!" Zi Su readily agreed with a happy tone.

With excitement, Xia Ruqing set the kite aside and instructed for lunch preparations to commence.

The midday meal was considerably more elaborate than usual.

Xia Ruqing had specifically requested a substantial quantity of seafood to be purchased.

The selection included oysters, clams, sea crabs, and an assortment of marine fish.

To ensure the authentic preparation of these oceanic delicacies, she even engaged the services of two renowned local chefs.

Naturally.

In addition to the seafood bounty, there was an abundance of lamb, featuring succulent charcoal-grilled chops, tender roasted lamb, and a hearty lamb stew.

The rationale was that the cooling nature of seafood needed to be counterbalanced by the warming properties of lamb.

Complementing the lamb, the spread also offered beef, pork, and various other meats.

Rounding out the feast was a nourishing stew crafted from an old hen raised in the backyard, accompanied by five or six meticulously prepared vegetable dishes and a selection of ripe, seasonal tropical fruits.

A magnificent, opulent banquet was laid out upon the table.

Upon entering, Zhao Junyao was visibly taken aback by the sheer scale of the spread.

"You've prepared such an extensive meal?"

Xia Ruqing responded with a light giggle.

"We haven't indulged in a proper seafood feast since arriving here, so I thought we should try a bit of everything with this elaborate spread!"

Zhao Junyao found her reasoning sound and, with a nod, took his seat.

His gaze drifted, and he noticed the peculiar kite resting nearby.

A slight twitch played on Zhao Junyao's lips.

"Did you fashion this yourself?"

Xia Ruqing's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment.

"It's not perfectly crafted, but the wings seem adequately symmetrical; it should manage to fly!"

Curiosity piqued, Zhao Junyao approached, picked up the kite, and examined it closely.

"What creature is this supposed to be?"

"Is it meant to represent a crow or perhaps an eagle?"

Xia Ruqing was rendered temporarily speechless.

"Your Majesty, this is... a swallow!"

Zhao Junyao: "..."

He let out a small cough, managing a smile of forced approval.

"Not bad at all!"

"At the very least, one can discern that it is indeed a bird!"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

She internally grumbled:

Hey now, is that really how one offers praise?

Never mind, forget it. Considering the delightful feast that awaits, I can overlook it.

"Your Majesty, allow me to serve you throughout the meal!" Xia Ruqing declared, steeling herself.

"Mm!"

Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow and resumed his seat.

Together, they commenced their meal.

The seafood was exceptionally flavorful, with the sea crab, in particular, standing out for its peak freshness and exquisite taste.

Each crab weighed nearly half a pound, a rarity and a sign of its value, especially for wild specimens.

Upon delicately cracking open the shell, vibrant yellow roe was revealed, releasing an enticing aroma.

Xia Ruqing's eyes sparkled with pure joy.

With her chopsticks, she carefully extracted a small portion and savored it.

The soft, fragrant essence instantly enveloped her senses.

This delightful crab roe was truly an unparalleled culinary experience!

"Is the taste truly that remarkable?"

Witnessing her unadulterated enjoyment, Zhao Junyao could not resist inquiring.

Xia Ruqing nodded enthusiastically.

"Your Majesty, you absolutely must try it!"

Zhao Junyao's brow furrowed slightly.

He had always harbored a dislike for the 'fishy' taste and was inclined to refuse.

However, swayed by Xia Ruqing's persistent encouragement, he decided to sample it.

He lightly nudged a morsel with his chopsticks and brought it to his lips.

First came the tender texture, then the rich fragrance, followed by an almost indescribable deliciousness.

Zhao Junyao was utterly astonished.

"Can such a thing truly exist in this world?"

An aroma that was off-putting, yet a taste that was sublime? And exceptionally so?

"How was it?" Xia Ruqing inquired, her gaze full of anticipation.

Zhao Junyao offered a nod, his response entirely candid.

"Not bad!"

He then proceeded to open another crab, eager for more.

Xia Ruqing let out a hearty laugh.

"You've certainly tasted freshwater crabs before!"

Zhao Junyao, attempting to maintain an air of composure, offered a rationalization.

"Those were nowhere near as delectable as these!"

Xia Ruqing simply smiled, choosing not to elaborate further.

...

Following the conclusion of lunch.

Xia Ruqing, accompanied by Zi Su, ventured out to fly the newly crafted kite.

Meanwhile, Zhao Junyao remained engaged in discussions with the Imperial Censors and Secret Investigators.

As evening descended.

Having exerted himself and worked up a considerable sweat, Xia Ruqing had just concluded her bath and changed into fresh attire.

Zhao Junyao emerged from his study, his expression notably grim.

Xia Ruqing observed him with a touch of surprise.

"What troubles you?"

"Your Majesty, could this be related to those assassins?"

Zhao Junyao took a sip of tea and confirmed her suspicion with a nod.

"They have all met their demise!"

"Deceased?!!!" Xia Ruqing exclaimed, shocked.

"How is it possible for them to be dead!"

Zhao Junyao's demeanor softened slightly as he explained in a level tone.

"They were all designated as death warriors!"

"Each carried poison concealed within their mouths!"

"It is understandable that the interrogation yielded no results!"

Xia Ruqing paused momentarily, then gave a quiet nod.

"I see, so that is how it is."

An awkward silence descended upon the room.

After a brief pause, Xia Ruqing swiftly regained her composure and responded with a smile.

"Do not worry, Your Majesty; you are wise and undoubtedly possess other methods!"

Zhao Junyao's gaze drifted resolutely towards the window, his fists clenching.

"Indeed!"

Since his adversary had made a move, he certainly could not remain idle!

Zhao Junqi.

I am eager to witness how much longer you will continue to exhibit such cowardice!

...

An additional two days elapsed.

Zhao Junyao remained confined to the modest courtyard, venturing no further.

Ever since the prior assault, spies and Hidden Guards had been stationed around the small courtyard, creating an impenetrable perimeter.

It was evident that executing another attack under these circumstances was highly improbable.

Zhao Junyao contemplated the situation and resolved to engineer an opportunity for his opponent to strike.

He took Xia Ruqing by the hand and they departed the confines of the small courtyard, venturing away from the secluded hill.

Initially, they ambled through the quaint fishing village before proceeding to the seaside.

Xia Ruqing's gaze fell upon the fishing vessels bobbing on the offshore waters, and she chuckled.

"Your Majesty, I have never experienced a journey on a fishing boat before; might we go aboard and embrace the life of fishermen?"

A radiant smile graced Zhao Junyao's lips.

"Certainly!"

Qingqing, I beg your forgiveness!

Though I am aware of the inherent dangers, I must proceed!

I understand I am causing you distress, but rest assured, should any threat to your life arise, I shall protect you with my own.

This is because my heart is utterly devoted to you!

Xia Ruqing allowed herself to be gently guided, following him willingly.

Her own heart swelled with a similar sense of sweetness.

'Your Majesty, should I be apprehended, I shall undoubtedly take my own life!'

'It would be a fitting tribute to the affection you have bestowed upon me!'

'Though I comprehend the peril, my willingness remains!'

'I apologize; please do not fault me for leaving you behind, for as Empress, I too must contribute!'

With their private thoughts concealed, the pair stepped aboard a small, rather weathered fishing boat.

...

The oceanic panorama unfolded in breathtaking beauty.

Commander Xu, accompanied by several Hidden Guards who were expertly disguised as fishermen, skillfully maneuvered the boat with their oars.

Xia Ruqing sat serenely at the edge, her gaze lost in the vast expanse of the sea, stretching both near and far.

Zhao Junyao sat beside her, tenderly removing his outer robe and draping it reverently over her shoulders.

"The breeze is quite brisk out here; ensure you do not catch a chill!"

Xia Ruqing responded with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Their smiles mirrored each other in their brilliance.

Yet, a shared sorrow flickered within their eyes.

'Your Majesty, my love for you is profound!'

'Qingqing, I pledge to safeguard you!'