Chapter 974: Excitement

To be honest,

This life is without pressure, indeed nourishing, but doesn’t it isolate one from the world?

Ultimately, people must return to society, whether in ancient times or modern.

While mountains and countryside are beautiful, the bustling Capital City isn’t bad either.

It’s like wild game will forever be wild, not suitable for regular meals.

"Madam..."

Zi Yue seemed a bit worried, fearing she’d upset her body.

Still, she understood there was a reason Madam felt uncomfortable.

She cautiously spoke.

"Madam, whenever you decide to go back, just let me know!"

"These matters are out of the Emperor’s concern too!"

"If you feel unwell, talk to me about it!"

"Please don’t harm yourself with anger!"

Xia Ruqing pondered whether her tone earlier was inappropriate.

Upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Alright, alright, I’m not angry, just a bit helpless!"

After all, he is the Emperor, yet his actions resemble those of a child.

Thinking this way,

a warm smile appeared on her lips, unnoticed by her.

"It’s fine, really!"

"I’m really okay! I’m thirsty, go pour me some red date tea!"

"Alright!"

Zi Yue responded and left, returning shortly with the tea.

Xia Ruqing took two sips, and holding the tea bowl, said.

"In a few days then!"

"I’ll return after the White Dew is over!"

The Indian summer can get quite intense.

Ever since this pregnancy, she’s been feeling especially warm.

Zi Yue thought for a moment and smiled.

"Alright!"

"That’s just perfect!"

"By the time we return, White Dew will be halfway through!"

"Soon it will be the autumn equinox, and perhaps chrysanthemums will bloom by then!"

"Returning, we might still savor fresh chrysanthemum cakes!"

Xia Ruqing teased her with laughter.

"They say one becomes like the master they serve!"

"You’ve been with me for so long, and indeed, you’ve turned into a gluttonous cat!"

In ancient times, the term ’foodie’ didn’t exist.

Gluttonous is simply gluttonous.

Gluttonous cat is what women jokingly refer to, showing intimacy.

Zi Yue blushed upon hearing this, stomping in protest.

"Master, I’m just thinking of you!"

Xia Ruqing was about to laugh.

Zi Su suddenly came in excitedly asking.

"Chrysanthemum cakes? Where are chrysanthemum cakes?"

Xia Ruqing and Zi Yue paused for a moment.

Then, the master and servants burst into laughter.

"Goodness, as soon as we mentioned one, another came along. You truly are sisters, hahaha..."

Zi Yue almost laughed until tears came to her eyes.

But Zi Su was somewhat baffled.

"Master, why are you laughing? Did I misspeak?"

Xia Ruqing held her stomach.

"No, no!"

"Oh dear... almost laughed myself silly, Zi Yue, quickly rub my belly!"

Zi Yue listened and dared not laugh anymore, holding back as she went to rub the master’s belly.

Her face turned red from holding back.

Zi Su, however, pouted, displaying indifference.

"Alright, you’ve had your laugh now!"

"But..."

She suddenly leaned in.

"Master, if you really laugh till you’re out of breath, don’t blame me!"

Xia Ruqing laughed again, continually hitting Zi Su with a handkerchief.

Zi Yue couldn’t hold back her laughter either.

Laughter filled the small room in waves.

Honestly,

relaxation was Xia Ruqing’s main purpose for coming this time.

Bonding with Zi Yue and others was perhaps an unintended consequence.

While away from home,

She didn’t like strict regulations.

Kneeling and kowtowing every day, constantly saying the maid deserves death.

Young girls being stifled, losing their vitality.

Really, wasn’t that dull?

How wonderful is so much lively spirit?

Besides,

In military strategy, winning hearts is paramount.

There’s nothing harder to divide than emotions.

Once gratitude reaches its peak, loyalty naturally follows, doesn’t it? Who needs schemes?

The master and servants chatted for a while.

Soon, lunchtime arrived.

Lunch was still abundant.

Though it couldn’t compare to the palace’s luxurious feasts, it was composed of wild game, vegetables, and fruits.

Not greasy, quite healthy, yet spicy.

Consistently spicy.

Roast fish, chicken, beef soup, all topped with bright red chili powder.

Zi Yue and Zi Su watched, feeling apprehensive.

But Xia Ruqing was already salivating.

"Where’s the rice? My rice?"

With those dishes, she could eat two large bowls of rice.

Zi Yue and Zi Su exchanged glances, both feeling rather helpless.

’Seems there’s no hope!’

’Indeed!’

After lunch, Xia Ruqing took a nap.

Upon waking,

She sought Ni Manxue and Xia Caiying to discuss returning to the Capital City after White Dew.

Both nodded immediately.

"We’ve been away for quite a while, it’s time to return!"

Xia Caiying nodded.

"I think so too!"

"If we don’t return soon, mother will surely worry!"

"A few days ago, she even had someone bring me a letter asking about my health!"

Xia Ruqing was a bit puzzled.

"Mother?"

"Isn’t your mother in Jiangnan?"

Xia Caiying paused, then sheepishly lowered her head.

"Sister, I meant... my mother-in-law!"

Xia Ruqing realized and laughed.

"That’s nice!"

"They say a good relationship with one’s mother-in-law is like with one’s mother!"

"The Yang Family’s reputation is traditionally upright, not prone to troublesome matters!"

"Cherish this opportunity! Don’t overthink!"

Xia Caiying, feeling embarrassed, said.

"Understood, Sister!"

She also felt she’d grown sentimental since marriage.

Far less decisive than before.

Yet...

In his presence, what need is there for decisiveness?

She felt only boundless affection, longing to become as pliable as water, forever wrapping around him.

After confirming the schedule for returning to the Capital City.

The Capital quickly received the news.

Two long-isolated men.

Both received the news one after another, excitement nearly keeping them awake.

Zhao Junyao handled it much better, after all, an Emperor must possess patience.

What hasn’t he endured over the years?

A few days of solitude is insignificant.

As for another, he nearly couldn’t contain himself.

A young, vigorous man, not seeing his wife for one or two months.

Even if he’s patient, certain instincts can’t resist.

The day he received the news, he didn’t sleep a wink, including his instincts.

He managed to sleep a bit on the second day, experiencing a vivid dream.

Upon waking, he found a large wet patch beneath him, drenching the bedding too.

When the maid tidied his clothes and bedding, her face instantly flushed red upon touching them.

By the third day, he finally got a proper night’s sleep.

But midway through sleep, he was suddenly disturbed awake.

Straining to open his eyes for a closer look, his supposed warming maid was stark naked, kneeling beside him.

Engaged in some unspeakable action against him.

The room was filled with an unusual fragrance.

He immediately realized.

’It’s aphrodisiac incense!’

Then sprang up, kicking the maid off the bed while dressing himself.

Angrily shouted in a low voice.

"How audacious!"