A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1493 - 1491: Farewell

But since it was given by Auntie, I’ll like it even if reluctantly.

So, she looked up and smiled, her eyes sparkling like little stars.

"I like it!"

Little Xia Zeyu shook the jingling golden lock with one hand and tightly gripped the yellow gold bracelet with the other, giggling with delight.

"It’s fun, I like it!"

Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but remember Yue Er’s childhood; she was so mischievous too!

She didn’t care what was valuable or not, grabbed whatever she liked, and threw away what she didn’t.

Eventually, nothing valuable dared to be placed in her room for fear Yue Er would throw it away.

Watching the two children so cheerful, Xia Ruqing felt very happy.

"As long as you like it!"

"How about I give you more gifts in the future?"

The two Little Buns spoke in unison.

"Okay!"

"Thank you, Auntie!"

...

Tang Xun was somewhat amused yet helpless.

"Empress Dowager, don’t spoil them, these two children are quite naughty!"

Xia Ruqing affectionately ruffled each of their heads.

"It’s nothing!"

"They are still young, don’t be too strict!"

Tang Xun turned to the two kids, smiling.

"Aren’t you going to thank Auntie?!"

The two Little Buns responded in unison, ’Thank you, Auntie’.

"You’re welcome. As long as you like it!" she replied warmly.

Looking at their innocent faces, Xia Ruqing was reminded of her own children back then.

They were once so adorable too!

But they weren’t happy; being born into the Imperial family, the responsibilities they carried didn’t allow them such ease.

From the age of three, they had to absorb all sorts of knowledge, like sponges.

No matter how hard or tiring it was, they couldn’t stop.

Henger and Yeye were a bit better off, but Chenchen...

With a sigh, she lowered her head and kissed the children’s cheeks, then had them led away.

"Madam?"

Tang Xun asked cautiously.

"Aren’t you hungry? I’ve asked someone to prepare dinner, please, Empress Dowager, do join us..."

Xia Ruqing shook her head at her.

"It’s unnecessary!"

"We are family!"

"Just call me elder sister like Jingfeng, no need to be so formal!"

Sister?

Tang Xun felt like a thunderbolt hit her mind.

She was just a merchant’s concubine-born daughter! How could she have the right to call the Empress Dowager ’sister’?

Although she knew Xia Jingfeng’s status, the Imperial was still a distant existence she had never truly encountered.

The Emperor’s aunt, the Empress Dowager’s sister-in-law, the Imperial uncle’s wife, etc.

Those were just titles that seemed unattainable, and gradually she had almost forgotten them.

But now, the Empress Dowager stood directly in front of her, asking her to call her sister.

She really...

No matter how gracefully composed and generous a woman might usually be, faced with such an overwhelming status gap, it would be difficult to stay calm.

After much consideration, she compromised with a careful courtesy and called softly, "Big Sister."

Xia Ruqing let out a long breath.

"Ah!"

"Let’s go, it’s getting late, and I’m hungry too. Let’s have a meal!"

"Yes, Big Sister!"

As they held hands, they walked toward the dining area.

...

As it was a long time since their last meeting.

Zhao Junyao and Xia Jingfeng had a lot to talk about.

The two engaged in an in-depth discussion on matters of Guangnan and the future situation in Jiangnan.

Xia Ruqing and Tang Xun also found mutual interest and had an enjoyable conversation, enhanced by the presence of their little nieces and nephews.

They stayed in the Xia Residence for half a month before setting off again, heading toward Guangnan to catch up with Chenchen’s convoy.

Of course, they were never going to catch up!

But neither of them regretted it.

One had seen family, resolving many regrets.

The other had met a confidant, discussed numerous worldly affairs and court matters, and reached a relatively satisfying conclusion.

So, the half-month stay was worthwhile.

As they left the residence.

The two Little Buns were in tears and sniffles, which was to be expected.

Xia Jingfeng looked worried, and Tang Xun was also full of reluctance.

But knowing they couldn’t stop them, they just kept stuffing things into the carriage and giving advice.

"Big Sister, the climate in Guangnan is humid, I’ve had some dehumidifying prescriptions prepared for you!"

"Big Sister, I’ve had several sets of clothes made, the clothes there often don’t dry..."

"Big Sister, this bundle has dried fruits, these are jerky, and there’s your favorite Bamboo Leaf Green, along with a big pack of tribute chrysanthemums..."

The items weren’t valuable, but each package carried heartfelt thoughtfulness.

This long-lost feeling of family, being cared for, made Xia Ruqing incredibly reluctant to leave.

She was deeply moved.

"You all should go back quickly! If we linger any longer, there won’t be room for everything in the carriage!"

Zhao Junyao glanced at the other side of the carriage filled with detailed data about Guangnan and packs of medicinal herbs prepared by Xia Jingfeng, feeling both amused and helpless.

"Alright, that’s enough, your thoughts have been well-received!"

Not being good with words, he could only say something like that.

Xia Jingfeng and Tang Xun exchanged a look, both seeing the reluctance and concern in each other’s eyes.

They were about to say more when the two inside the carriage waved them off.

"Enough, nothing more needs to be said!"

"Look after Runrun and Yuyu, we’ll be back for a visit!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the carriage started moving.

They could only swallow the words they were about to say, bidding a serious farewell.

"Big Sister, be careful on the road!"

"Come back soon!"

"I know!"

Xia Ruqing responded from afar with the last words, reluctantly dropping the curtain.

...

The carriage rolled along the cobblestone road, making a rumbling sound.

As Xia Ruqing leaned against the carriage wall, she rested her head on Zhao Junyao’s shoulder.

Thoughtfully, she pondered.

"Come back soon? Who knows when we can return! Can Zhao Junyao’s health withstand it?"

Zhao Junyao secretly thought as well.

’I need to resolve the issues in Guangnan swiftly, so we can settle peacefully in Jiangnan for a few years!’

Both thought of each other’s welfare, yet neither expressed it, leaving the atmosphere silent.

...

Once they left Jiangnan, without lingering attachments, the journey indeed sped up.

However, the further south they went, the more mountainous the roads became.

With the bumpy journey and humid climate, their health took a toll.

As they neared Guangnan.

Zhao Junyao’s coughing intensified considerably, and Xia Ruqing also suddenly felt weak.

At night, she often couldn’t sleep, and when she did, she would break out in cold sweat.

That night.

Shortly after they rested, Zhao Junyao began coughing violently.

Startled by the cough, Xia Ruqing awoke drenched in sweat.

"Husband? Are you alright, Husband?"

Zhao Junyao, with a pale face, hugged her tightly as she panicked, gritting his teeth.

"It’s fine, just not used to the place, it’ll be better in a few days, don’t worry needlessly!"

Before he could finish speaking, feeling the sweat on her body, his expression grew serious.

"What’s wrong?"

Xia Ruqing quickly fabricated an excuse with a guilty conscience.

"The humidity, I can’t quite adjust to it!"

In the dark, they exchanged a long look, finally turning away.

"Alright then!"

"Rest well!"

"Alright!"