A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1199: War Breaks Out

After absorbing these ancient accounts and the lingering animosities of prior generations,

Xia Ruqing had a much clearer grasp of how Prince Yan's rebellion had ignited.

It was true.

He had been such a proud and exceptional figure back then, standing on the precipice of becoming the Crown Prince.

Then, abruptly, his legs were shattered, condemning him to a life confined to paralysis.

Such a fate would be profoundly difficult for anyone to endure.

Yet...

These circumstances weren't the fault of any external party!

It was his own malevolent schemes and cruel machinations against his own brother that led to this.

Had the former Emperor not intervened decisively at that critical juncture, it would have been the former Emperor himself who ended up paralyzed!

Such a predicament would be unbearable for any person!

Consequently, the former Emperor resolved to act with unyielding resolve!

He meticulously laid the groundwork, orchestrating a perfect arrangement for his younger brother.

While ensuring his brother faced the repercussions of his own actions, the former Emperor decisively seized the position of Crown Prince, ascending to the imperial throne and assuming control of the Great Chu Dynasty's empire.

What a masterful ploy.

Xia Ruqing could not help but offer a gesture of admiration, her thumb raised in approval: Well executed!

If there were any further words to accompany this admiration, they would be: Utterly merciless!

...

Once these historical narratives were concluded, a profound silence settled between the two once more.

The humble fishing boat meandered aimlessly across the vast expanse of the sea.

Feeling a wave of boredom wash over her, Xia Ruqing suddenly rose and made her way to the bow, positioning herself by the front railing.

Gazing out at the boundless, cerulean ocean.

A spark of inspiration struck her; she emulated the iconic pose from the film "Titanic," where Rose stood at the ship's prow. Spreading her arms wide, she closed her eyes.

She welcomed the invigorating coolness of the sea breeze, embracing the unparalleled beauty of the ocean.

Her flowing azure gown billowed dramatically in the wind, her dark tresses dancing wildly above her head, mirroring the movement of the breeze.

It was akin to elegant seaweed gracefully extending within the water, swaying with unrestrained freedom, radiating an ineffable allure.

Her skin, possessing a smoothness like polished jade, glistened under the sunlight, reminiscent of a perfectly peeled egg, radiating a luminous sheen.

Her elegantly flushed neck, slender and fair, stretched gracefully like that of an exquisite swan.

Her arms, her delicate forearms, her fingertips – every part of her form exuded beauty.

She appeared as a celestial being descended to the mortal realm, poised on the verge of ascension, possessing a beauty that was ethereal, graceful, and utterly breathtaking.

Zhao Junyao found himself involuntarily moving towards her.

He approached from behind and gently enveloped her in his arms.

A wave of warmth flooded Xia Ruqing's heart as she leaned into his embrace.

"Don't move, let me lean like this for a moment. This pose is simply classic!"

Zhao Junyao: "???"

Despite his confusion, he tightened his hold, keeping her securely within his embrace.

...

The modest fishing vessel continued its aimless drift upon the sea for more than half the day.

The pair spent considerable time enacting their poses at the bow, then sat by the side for a spell, and later partook in some snacks at the stern, engaging in conversation.

This continued until the sun began its descent, heralding the imminent arrival of darkness.

There was still no sign of activity from the other party.

A sense of puzzlement settled upon both of them.

"Could it be that they intend to launch their assault under the cover of night?"

"With the courtyard so heavily fortified, do you think they can even infiltrate it?"

"What precisely is their objective?"

Pondering these questions, Xia Ruqing couldn't help but voice her frustration to Zhao Junyao with a touch of pique.

"Your Majesty, how can you possibly fail to locate even a single individual?!"

Zhao Junyao's multicolored eyes darkened abruptly, and he responded with a chilling tone.

"Locating him presents no significant difficulty. However, ascertaining the full extent of his subordinate forces is a far more intricate challenge!"

After all, they had been operating from their established stronghold in Guangnan for such an extended period, maintaining an exceptionally deep level of concealment.

If a thorough investigation were to be initiated, it would necessitate a substantial undertaking!

"I have no desire to publicize the events of the past!"

He expressed his unwillingness to let such a scandalous affair involving internecine conflict within the royal family become common knowledge.

Xia Ruqing offered a thoughtful nod of understanding.

"Indeed, Your Majesty shows great consideration!"

A complex expression flickered across Zhao Junyao's eyes.

"What is there to consider? It is simply a matter of resolving this disturbance with utmost discretion!"

Xia Ruqing offered no further remark.

...

As nightfall descended, the group, who had remained in a state of anticipation, finally retreated to the courtyard.

Xia Ruqing, having completed her bath and changed into fresh attire, reclined comfortably on the bed, emitting a sigh.

"I spent the entire day outdoors, and my face feels utterly parched from the sun's intensity!"

"Zi Su, quickly apply some lamb fat cream to my skin!"

"Understood!"

Zi Su acknowledged the request and fetched a jar of the rich lamb fat cream.

"It's fortunate I anticipated this need beforehand, otherwise, where would we procure it now?"

"The sea breeze has truly left my face feeling so dry!"

Zi Su chuckled softly as she meticulously applied the cream.

"Still, it highlights the Empress's thoughtfulness. I hadn't even considered such a necessity!"

Xia Ruqing smiled, her eyes closed in enjoyment of the sensation.

"You rarely have reason to venture out, so naturally, you wouldn't think of it."

"Furthermore, I have also requested some aloe powder from Imperial Physician Zhang at the Imperial Medical Bureau. You can concoct a paste with it later for further application!"

"Understood!"

Zi Su responded once more.

Amidst the leisurely exchange between mistress and servant, a sudden commotion erupted from outside.

First, the chickens in the backyard began squawking wildly, followed by some screams.

Then someone yelled outside.

"Not good! The other side brought people here!"

"Protect the Emperor!"

"Protect the Empress!"

As the words fell, someone rushed in to take Xia Ruqing and her companions away!

Xia Ruqing panicked.

"What’s happening? Who even dares to intrude here? Are they tired of living?"

"Empress, the Emperor ordered us to escort you away; it’s dangerous here, please follow us quickly!"

Xia Ruqing found the voice of the Little Eunuch in front somewhat unfamiliar.

She was about to take a closer look at his face.

Unexpectedly, the Little Eunuch suddenly screamed, spitting a mouthful of blood, then collapsed before her.

"Qingqing!"

Zhao Junyao strode in with a bow and arrow, pulling her along to leave.

Xia Ruqing was scared into weak knees.

"Emperor, what’s going on!"

Zhao Junyao reassured her.

"It’s fine, they didn’t come during the day, so they came at night!"

"Don’t be afraid, I will stay by your side, listen to me, close your eyes, don’t look!"

Then he picked her up and walked out quickly.

Xia Ruqing obediently curled up in his arms, closed her eyes.

After roughly the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Zhao Junyao brought her to a cave.

"Qingqing, wait here, I’ll go out and check!"

Seeing the pitch-black surroundings, Xia Ruqing clung to his arm, frightened.

"No way!"

"I’m scared!"

"It’s just me and Zi Su here, what if someone comes?"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"It’s okay, I’ll be right outside the cave door!"

Then he took a letter from his robe and stuffed it into her hands.

"Don’t read it tonight, open it tomorrow morning, listen to me!"

Xia Ruqing didn’t care about the letter in her hand, just grabbed his sleeve.

"Are you sure you’ll be nearby?"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"Of course!"

"I’ve already prepared everything thoroughly. No matter how many people come, they’re walking into a trap, rest assured!"

Xia Ruqing finally felt relieved.

"Alright then!"

"Come back soon, I’ll wait here for you, won’t go anywhere!"

"Okay!"

Zhao Junyao smiled, pushed her hand away, and left in quick strides!

...

This cave is the safe place he found earlier, with a concealed path leading straight out of the mountain, so Qingqing will be safe here.

This hillside is also entirely surrounded by his forces.

Zhao Junqi!

Today, it’s either you or me, there’s bound to be an end!