A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1211: You Finally Came

Despite enduring a thorough scolding, Zhao Junqi harbored no genuine annoyance. After a period of quiet reflection, he simply regarded her with a chilling gaze. “Feel free to curse away!” he declared. “Tonight, you shall be on your knees before me, begging for mercy!” Xia Ruqing’s expression turned wary. “What did you just say?” she questioned, her voice sharp. “What are your intentions?” Zhao Junqi let out a sneer. “My intentions? Naturally, I am taking you to meet your impeccable husband!” He gazed out the window for a spell, a mysterious smile gracing his lips. “Allowing him to escape last time was an oversight on my part!” His chuckle held a cold edge. “This time... none of them will get away!” Xia Ruqing trembled at his ominous tone, goosebumps prickling her skin. Inwardly, she sighed, pondering if this man was truly a devil. She asked no further questions, and Zhao Junqi offered no more words. The carriage resumed its journey. After another half-day’s travel, it gradually halted as evening settled in. Zhao Junqi personally removed the black veil obscuring her vision, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Come down!” he instructed. The light assaulted Xia Ruqing’s eyes, requiring a moment to adjust. She stood and stepped down from the carriage. As she followed him into the compound, she took in her surroundings. It was a small, remarkably rudimentary courtyard, featuring thatched eaves and a simple tile-roofed house, all but swallowed by overgrown weeds. Xia Ruqing curled her lips, remarking with cutting sarcasm, “Your taste continues to decline! A distinguished Prince, residing in such squalor?” Zhao Junqi offered a cool chuckle. “You shouldn’t be pitying me just yet! You should reserve your pity for Zhao Junyao! Because this place... will become his burial ground!” Xia Ruqing was even more perplexed. “What do you mean by that?” Zhao Junqi erupted into wild laughter. “Hahaha… Qingqing, oh Qingqing, you are truly amusing! If you still haven’t grasped my meaning, allow me to enlighten you!” Abruptly ceasing his laughter, he leaned close to her ear, whispering in a voice heavy with insinuation, “I declared that the kingdom and the beauty will, in the end, both be mine! If you doubt my words, simply wait and see!” Xia Ruqing’s expression hardened, and she cast a cautious glance around. The house stood intact. The courtyard walls were solid. He hadn’t brought a large contingent of men. So, how exactly did he intend to bring about Zhao Junyao’s demise? Zhao Junqi strode away, his laughter echoing. Xia Ruqing followed reluctantly, her mind a whirlwind of speculation regarding his plan. Yet, after relentless thought, no answer presented itself. In a surge of profound anxiety, her eyes suddenly brightened. Wait! Something felt amiss about this place moments ago. She quickly looked back, noticing that beneath the row of unadorned courtyard walls, not a single weed grew. It was evident that excavation had taken place here. Dug?! Her expression gradually turned grim as the conclusion she most dreaded began to form in her mind. Gunpowder! Precisely, gunpowder, and with the backing of Portland Country, Zhao Junqi would have access to it! It’s over. If it truly is gunpowder… Xia Ruqing dared not contemplate further and rushed forward to confront him. “Did you bury gunpowder?” Zhao Junqi appeared taken aback. “Oh my, Qingqing, how did you discover my secret?” He added smoothly, “Rest assured, as long as you cooperate, your safety is guaranteed!” Xia Ruqing’s voice trembled with fury. “You… how despicable!” Zhao Junqi wore a smug grin. “Despicable? Haha, even at my most base, I am superior to those sanctimonious hypocrites!” Xia Ruqing’s anxiety mounted. “What is it you truly desire? All of that is in the past! Moreover, wasn’t that incident your father’s responsibility?” Xia Ruqing feared nothing, except for Zhao Junyao falling into his trap and losing the life he had so painstakingly reclaimed. He was the Emperor; any harm befalling him would plunge the realm into chaos! Who knew how many would suffer then. Furthermore, if Zhao Junqi ascended the throne, she shuddered to imagine the fate of the common populace. If it came down to her actions. She would sooner embrace death herself to ensure Zhao Junyao’s survival! Zhao Junqi, however, ignored her pleas and stormed off in anger, leaving Xia Ruqing under the watchful eyes of two formidable maids. … That night. Xia Ruqing rested in one of the tile-roofed rooms within the courtyard. The accommodations were meager; the bed and wooden furnishings were in a state of disrepair, and even the chairs were missing limbs. In essence, only a few cobwebs were absent to complete the picture of a dilapidated temple from an old drama. In the past, Xia Ruqing would have undoubtedly expressed profound disdain. But now, ensconced in her current predicament, she felt utterly devoid of such emotion. After consuming a meal of coarse fare and simple brew, she retreated to bed, hiding beneath the covers, her mind desperately formulating a plan. The two maids, perceiving her as asleep, swiftly closed the door behind them as they departed.

To ensure she wouldn't make an escape.

One individual was stationed at the doorway, while another positioned themselves below the window ledge.

Xia Ruqing poked her head out, assessing the situation and realizing that with both the doors and windows secured, any attempt at escape would likely prove futile.

She quickly hid her head once more.

After a thorough consideration of her available options.

She concluded that keeping Zhao Junyao alive would serve her best interests.

’Perhaps I should end my own life?’ she pondered.

’Ever since I administered that drug to Zhao Junqi last time, he had my person and my quarters meticulously searched!’

’Almost all of the antidotes were discovered and confiscated!’

’Fortunately, due to my quick thinking, I had the poison distributed and not all kept in a single location!’

’Now, I possess only a meager remaining packet of poison, just enough for a single use!’

Xia Ruqing placed a hand on her chest, finding a sliver of reassurance in its comforting presence!

However, upon further reflection.

No, perhaps not!

If I were to perish, Zhao Junyao would remain unaware.

He would still fall into the trap and make his appearance!

In that case, would my demise not be entirely in vain?

Absolutely not!

Xia Ruqing vehemently shook her head.

While she didn't fear death itself, she dreaded dying pointlessly.

I must devise an alternative strategy.

Yet, after enduring the entire day confined within the carriage, she was utterly depleted of energy.

Her mind raced, but no viable plan emerged, and she eventually succumbed to a dazed sleep.

...

The following day, as the early morning light broke.

Upon waking, Xia Ruqing discovered that she had been bound.

Zhao Junqi stood beside her, his gaze fixed upon her.

A malevolent smirk played on his lips.

"What is it that you intend to do?"

Xia Ruqing surveyed her limbs, now securely fastened, and felt a surge of indignation!

"Tsk, tsk, you truly are a vision of beauty!"

"Even in your anger, your loveliness is undeniable!"

"It’s no wonder I was smitten the moment I first laid eyes on you!"

Xia Ruqing’s annoyance intensified.

"Cease your prattling; kill me or do as you please, but cease looking at me with that loathsome expression!"

"It sickens me, truly!"

"Oh, my dear!"

Zhao Junqi straightened up and grasped her chin.

"Such a feisty beauty!"

"However..."

"I find it quite appealing!"

As he spoke, he leaned forward, preparing to plant a kiss upon her.

Xia Ruqing shrieked in alarm.

"Ugh! You scoundrel! Release me at once!"

"If you dare to lay a hand on me, I swear I will end you!"

Her desperation was palpable, tears welling in her eyes as sweat beaded on her brow, her body writhing in a fervent struggle to break free.

Yet, alas, ensnared by the ropes, her every movement was futile. Her delicate arms bore the marks of her struggle, appearing bruised and white.

Just as Zhao Junqi was about to press his lips to hers,

a deep, resonant voice sliced through the air.

"Release her!"

The sound of the voice was incredibly familiar, and without delay, tears streamed down Xia Ruqing's face.

"Zhao Junyao, save me!"

Zhao Junqi, too, stirred at that moment, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the newcomer.

"You have finally arrived!"