A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1208: He’s Definitely Not Dead

"Something is amiss!"

"In the cave that day, Zhao Junyao’s undergarment was distinctly white!"

"Yet the corpse I inspected today possessed black inner sleeves!"

Xia Ruqing's agitation grew, her breaths becoming ragged and uneven.

Despite the dimness of the chamber, she harbored absolute certainty that the deceased's inner garment was black, not merely stained with blood.

"That's it!"

A sudden surge caused Xia Ruqing to sit bolt upright, her breathing heavy.

’Zhao Junyao, you aren't dead, are you?’

’That wasn’t you, was it?’

With this crucial realization, all the previous inconsistencies seamlessly unraveled.

Firstly, why had Zhao Junqi hesitated to present the body to her immediately?

The reason was simple: he hadn't actually found the body either.

Thus, after days of fruitless searching, he resorted to fabricating a corpse to deceive her.

Secondly, why did the corpse lack the familiar scent she associated with him?

Zhao Junyao, as the Emperor, possessed exclusive access to precious ambergris, a substance rivaling gold in value.

Having been enveloped by this unique aroma for years, she had grown accustomed to it, failing to notice its absence.

However, today's corpse emitted no trace of ambergris whatsoever.

Even the strongest scent of blood couldn't entirely mask the distinct perfume of ambergris.

It was clear that Zhao Junqi had overlooked this critical detail.

Thirdly, why were the hands of this corpse covered in such pronounced calluses?

Zhao Junyao, having practiced martial arts for years, would indeed have calluses.

However, one must remember his station as Emperor, not a mere guard. He wouldn't constantly wield a blade or carry a sword, meaning the webbing of his hands shouldn't bear such thick calluses.

Conversely, due to years of handling documents and writing, his right middle finger bore calluses on the first knuckle.

The hand she had held on that corpse bore no resemblance to this description.

Therefore... Xia Ruqing felt a near certainty that this was not Zhao Junyao; it was the body of a guard!

Wait!

A spark ignited in her eyes as another thought surfaced.

If he had genuinely perished from falling rocks, the body should have exhibited numerous contusions, a crushed skull, or mangled limbs.

Yet, this corpse showed no signs of blunt force trauma.

Only... dismemberment!

Yes, it was torn apart!

Xia Ruqing vividly recalled that fateful day, her eyes gleaming with sudden insight.

"Perhaps this body wasn't a victim of falling rocks; the true cause of death should be... gunpowder!"

He was obliterated by gunpowder!

This explained why the body was torn asunder rather than crushed!

Although both falling rocks and explosions could result in bodily damage, distinct differences remained.

Xia Ruqing massaged her temples, her mind a tangled mess as she desperately tried to piece everything together.

’I don’t know if I’m entirely correct, but what I am absolutely sure of now is that the corpse does not belong to Zhao Junyao!’

’Zhao Junyao must still be alive!’

Her body trembled with sheer elation.

If he is not dead, then he must be safe at this moment.

You... must be concerned!

Xia Ruqing's heart pounded, exhilaration surging through her very being.

If you are safe, you will undoubtedly come to rescue me!

I will not die; I will await your arrival!

She reached out, concealing the Bewitching Drug and Paralysis Drug within her left and right sleeves, making a quiet vow.

’I shall not perish; these two packets of medicine are for dire emergencies!’

’You see, I still cherish my life dearly; I cannot bear to lose you!’

Xia Ruqing brushed away her tears, yearning to release the pent-up sorrow of these past days with an unrestrained laugh.

However, with a guard stationed outside her door, she dared not.

Instead, she simply wrapped herself in her quilt and rolled around on the bed.

Xia Ruqing then rose and eyed the food laid out on the table.

Grabbing a bowl of rice and vegetables, she devoured it ravenously, washing it down with the prescribed medicine!

Upon finishing, she obediently returned to bed, pulling the quilt over herself to sleep.

Indeed, when it comes to valuing one's life, no one in this world surpasses her.

Zhao Junyao, if you still draw breath, I will certainly live well to see you again!

...

The following day.

Xia Ruqing had just awakened.

As she groggily opened her eyes, she saw Zhao Junqi gazing at her with a sinister smirk.

Xia Ruqing gasped in shock, sitting up instantly.

"You..."

"When did you enter?!"

She felt on the verge of hysteria; what kind of brain-dead lunatic was this person?!

Spying on someone while they sleep was utterly repulsive; she longed to cleave him in two with a blade!

"You are awake?"

Disregarding her alarm, Zhao Junqi maintained his warm smile.

Yet, that smile sent shivers down her spine.

Xia Ruqing adopted a defensive posture, her senses on high alert.

"You... what is it you intend to do?"

Zhao Junqi chuckled, spreading his hands wide.

"I mean you no harm; why are you so suspicious of me?!"

Xia Ruqing scoffed inwardly.

’If not you, then whom should I be wary of? You treacherous, untrustworthy scoundrel!’

Zhao Junqi continued, his grin widening cheerfully.

"The maid informed me that you consumed all your meals and medicine!"

"Excellent work; are you finally considering a future with me?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Such a wild and baseless fantasy; to be with him? She would rather embrace death.

Zhao Junqi proceeded.

"Have no fear, I shall shower you with kindness! Qingqing..."

He moved closer to her face, his voice a hushed murmur meant only for her ears.

"While Zhao Junyao possesses considerable might, he ultimately entertains countless beauties in his vast harem!"

"But my devotion is singular; at this moment, my world revolves solely around you!"

"With me by your side... you are the singular, irreplaceable jewel in my heart, a treasure no other can supplant!"

Xia Ruqing couldn't resist a sharp, mocking retort, her voice laced with icy disdain.

"Does this imply... that with me, you would forgo establishing a harem?"

Zhao Junqi faltered for a mere instant before his smile swiftly returned.

"Qingqing, what absurdities are you uttering? Is there any Emperor who shuns the creation of a harem?"

"However, rest assured, in the days to come... the selections for my harem, and the dignities they shall receive, will entirely hinge upon your desires!"

"You shall preside over my harem! What do you say to that?"

A tempest of amusement and revulsion raged within Xia Ruqing; the situation was almost unbearable.

In her estimation, Zhao Junqi was nothing more than a pathetic jester.

Unable to tolerate any further.

She abruptly rose, her finger extended in a cold accusation towards him.

"Begone!"

Zhao Junqi registered surprise.

"What was that you said?"

Xia Ruqing swiftly dismounted the bed, alighted on the floor, and pointed resolutely towards the exit.

"Leave!"

The smile on Zhao Junqi's face began to stiffen, unveiling a possessive, dark ambition.

The malevolent Zhao Junqi finally exposed his true, chilling self.

"Do not be ungrateful!"

He stood and advanced towards her deliberately, his countenance turning incredibly grim, an aura of frigid menace suffusing his entire being.

Any other woman would have been paralyzed by terror.

Yet, Xia Ruqing remained unfazed.

As he drew nearer, she did not yield an inch, standing resolute and meeting his gaze directly.

Xia Ruqing harbored a firm conviction within her heart.

Should Zhao Junyao still draw breath, Zhao Junqi would never dare to lay a hand on her.

It was akin to a high-stakes gamble.

Victory would ensure her safety and well-being.

Should she falter, she would face her end with no regrets.

Thus, they stood, locked in a silent confrontation, the air thick with palpable tension.