A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1210: We Will Meet Again

For three consecutive days, Zhao Junqi remained absent, his visits to Xia Ruqing ceasing entirely.

Living in a state of constant fear and anxiety, Xia Ruqing incessantly pondered any possible means of escape.

However, her efforts were met with futility.

Zhao Junqi was resolutely determined to keep her imprisoned.

Where she once had the freedom to wander the courtyard, she was now confined strictly indoors, unable even to step outside.

On a positive note, her daily provisions of food and medicine were not withheld.

Xia Ruqing, fearing for her life, dared not refuse the meals presented to her.

She reasoned that if Zhao Junyao were indeed alive, she served as a crucial bargaining chip for Zhao Junqi, making him reluctant to poison her.

Furthermore, these past three days had afforded her the opportunity to completely calm her mind and thoroughly analyze her present predicament.

It became clear that Zhao Junqi’s abduction of her stemmed not from any genuine affection.

The most probable aim was to leverage her as a means to coerce Zhao Junyao.

The underlying motive was undoubtedly related to acquiring power, influence, or perhaps vengeance; in any case, benevolent intentions were entirely absent.

Regarding Zhao Junyao's whereabouts.

Based on his typical conduct.

If he had managed to evade capture, he would likely not remain lingering outside the city but would swiftly return to Guangnan City to rally his forces and strategize his counterattack.

Having served as Emperor for many years, he possessed a keen understanding of how to capitalize on his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses.

The mountainous terrain surrounding the city, intimately familiar to Zhao Junqi, offered Zhao Junyao no strategic advantage.

Only by retreating into the city to preserve his strength could he enhance his prospects of orchestrating her rescue.

Moreover, it was certain that he had covertly deployed numerous hidden guards to track her location.

He must be frantically searching for her, and contemplating this, Xia Ruqing felt an unusual sense of reassurance.

Clenching her teeth, her eyes hardened with resolve.

"As long as I do not give up, we shall be reunited soon!"

Indeed, her intuition proved correct.

On the morning of the fourth day, Zhao Junqi, unable to maintain his restraint any longer, escorted her out of the confines of that courtyard.

Xia Ruqing was blindfolded and placed inside a carriage, with Zhao Junqi occupying the seat beside her.

Under the guise of accompanying her, his true intention was to keep a close watch on her.

"Where are you taking me?" Xia Ruqing inquired, her voice laced with caution.

Zhao Junqi cast a cold glance at her, offering no verbal response.

Observing his unwillingness to communicate, Xia Ruqing decided against further inquiries.

The silence between them grew, and the atmosphere became heavy with an oppressive quiet.

...

The carriage continued its onward journey.

Initially, they navigated rough and uneven mountain paths, resulting in considerable jolting.

Despite the cushioning within the carriage, Xia Ruqing suffered from motion sickness, feeling utterly wretched.

With no alternative.

Zhao Junqi was compelled to instruct the driver to halt, allowing her to disembark and recover.

He removed the black blindfold.

Xia Ruqing exited the carriage and proceeded to vomit near a large tree.

Notwithstanding her discomfort and the intense glare of the sun outside.

She subtly scanned her surroundings from the corner of her eye.

'A cluster of rocks, a narrow pathway, enveloped by dense woods stretching endlessly!'

'How could anyone possibly memorize this desolate location?'

As Xia Ruqing surveyed the area, she frantically sought a viable solution!

Suddenly, a spark ignited in her mind, and an idea took shape!

Following a violent bout of vomiting, and while Zhao Junqi’s attention was diverted, she swiftly used her foot to conceal the vomit with loose gravel.

Thereafter, she deliberately arranged several large stones on top, forming a distinct triangular marker.

'If I ever need to return here, I will recognize this spot!'

Xia Ruqing quickly re-entered the carriage.

Zhao Junqi, observing her from a distance, knitted his brows.

He perceived nothing out of the ordinary, merely inquiring with a hint of impatience.

"Why did it take you so long?"

Xia Ruqing, appearing pale and feigning indifference, wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her garment.

"Why don't you try it yourself?"

Zhao Junqi elected not to reply, instead turning to fix her with a stern glare.

"Get back in the carriage!"

Xia Ruqing met his fierce gaze with an equally defiant look.

"Fine! I'll get back in the carriage!"

She harbored a strong premonition.

That Zhao Junqi intended to transport her to Guangnan City to confront Zhao Junyao.

Considering the prevailing circumstances.

Zhao Junyao still held the position of sovereign ruler, wielding supreme authority.

Once he regained his strength, a fierce storm of retribution was virtually guaranteed.

In essence.

The longer he procrastinated, the greater the peril for Zhao Junqi.

The most advantageous course of action would be to preemptively strike, perhaps securing a slim possibility of survival.

Indeed.

After approximately half a day's travel, the carriage’s jarring movements abruptly ceased, as if they had transitioned onto... a main road.

Given Guangnan Mountain's prominent geographical features, the existence of a main road in its vicinity...

'Doesn't this imply we are nearing Guangnan City?'

Xia Ruqing's heart began to race with escalating speed.

Zhao Junyao must undoubtedly be in the vicinity, desperately searching for her.

Would he succeed in finding her?

There's a saying that 'the most dangerous location offers the greatest safety.'

Might he overlook Guangnan City, a place imbued with both peril and sanctuary?

Zhao Junyao!

Please come and rescue me; I can scarcely endure much longer.

Though Xia Ruqing remained blindfolded, she could distinctly sense the briny sea breeze wafting through the carriage curtains.

She turned towards the window, her gaze filled with endless prayer and hope.

Her posture was that of a caged beast, fiercely longing for liberty.

Witnessing her desperate state, Zhao Junqi let out a cold sneer.

"Don't fret, you'll soon have your reunion!"

Xia Ruqing scoffed in return.

"Would you truly grant me such a favor?"

Zhao Junqi arched an eyebrow and opened his hands.

"I'm always this kind. What, you doubt me?"

Xia Ruqing emitted a sarcastic laugh.

"Believe you? I might as well believe the sky will fall or pigs sprout wings!"

Zhao Junqi: "..."

Calm down! Stay calm!

Though he was perplexed by the source of her endless barrage of insults,

he reminded himself to maintain composure.

Forcefully suppressing his rising anger,

Zhao Junqi suddenly flashed a smile.

"Your disbelief matters not!"

"Because... you will see him tonight!"

"But sadly for you... you will see his corpse!"

Xia Ruqing's heart skipped a beat, then she let out a sound of amusement.

"Oh?"

"Haven't I already seen his corpse? Crown Prince Yan, how do you explain that?"

Her words were framed politely, yet her tone dripped with mockery.

Zhao Junqi's expression contorted for a moment before he regained control, his eyes blazing with fury.

"You knew all along he was not dead?!"

Sensing no further need for pretense, Xia Ruqing casually laid out the truth.

"Indeed!"

"I knew from the start that he was not dead!"

Zhao Junqi's gaze intensified, becoming increasingly distorted.

"How could that be possible?"

"I arranged the most convincing disguise, procured his attire, found a body double who bore a striking resemblance! I found..."

"Whatever you found is utterly useless!"

Xia Ruqing proudly interjected.

"We have cherished each other for many years!"

"I know the lines etched on his palms, the calluses on his fingertips, his unique scent!"

"Can your disguise account for such intimate details?"

Zhao Junqi stared at her, his disbelief palpable.

"This is impossible!"

"He is a cold, unfeeling emperor, solely focused on power and status. Women are merely vessels for heirs and fleeting pleasure; he would harbor no genuine affection for anyone!"

Xia Ruqing let out another sarcastic chuckle.

"You misunderstand!"

"Every characteristic you've described applies to you, not to him!"

"On the contrary, he possesses greater humanity and magnanimity than you. He cherishes his people as if they were his own children, implements benevolent policies, and reigns as the True Dragon King of Great Chu, bestowing blessings upon the entire realm!"

"And you! You cannot compare to even the smallest fraction of his worth!"

"Never!"