Chapter 1165: Chapter 1165: Three Sons Can’t Compare to a Daughter’s Mischief

Additionally, the royal prince’s marriage is not something ordinary folks can casually deal with.

So their wedding was postponed until this year.

...

The Lantern Festival is fast approaching.

Previously, Xia Ruqing’s greatest wish was to cling to Zhao Junyao during the Lantern Festival.

To have him take her out for a proper stroll through the night market of the Capital City.

To see the sea of lights like thousands of stars, to watch the various lanterns lining up on the street in a long string, resembling a vast star river under the starry sky, beautiful and magnificent.

To watch the fireworks like a meteor shower, accompanied by a festive sound, they soar into the night sky and blossom into their most beautiful moments, fiery trees and silver flowers, dazzling with colors.

To see the spectacular street performances, the dragon and lion dances wonderfully skillful, the drumbeats lively and boisterous, stilt walking, folk dances, ghost face performances expelling evil, and the circus troupe, all making the street a fantastic spectacle that leaves one spellbound.

And finally, to taste the Capital City’s snacks.

First, there were the round and plump dumplings, then the fragrant steamed buns, followed by the crimson candied hawthorn, sweet sugar figurines, and the wonton soup, hot noodle soup, rice cakes, stinky tofu, fried gluten, tea eggs... after a tour, there’s nothing one cannot taste.

These were her past dreams.

But this year, perhaps because the year-end was exhausting, or maybe because she now has four children, her mood isn’t quite like before.

In short, she surprisingly doesn’t feel like leaving the palace.

Yet Yue Er, that girl, had been clamoring to go out for days.

Xia Ruqing felt overwhelmed with laughter and tears: "Perhaps Yue Er took all my enthusiasm away!"

Zi Yue and Zi Su also laughed.

"Madam, you’re really humorous!"

"But ever since you had the Princess, you truly have become much steadier!"

Xia Ruqing felt helpless.

"It’s not about being steady or not steady!"

"I just don’t feel like leaving the palace because I’m tired!"

"First of all, there’s the worry of whether to bring the children!"

"If I bring them, I basically can’t see or do anything!"

"And if I don’t bring them, I’ll be constantly wondering what the children are up to! Are they misbehaving or sneaking out!"

"Chenchen, Henger, and Yeye are okay, but Yue Er, that girl, I really am...!"

Zi Su’s eyes lit up.

"So that’s what you’re worried about, Madam!"

"In that case, just don’t bring the little ones!"

"You don’t need to worry about the Third Prince and Fourth Prince!"

"As for the Little Princess, leave her in the care of the Crown Prince, and you’ll be assured..."

Xia Ruqing froze for a moment, almost as if hearing the biggest joke ever.

"Assured?"

"Chenchen would love to keep Yue Er in his hands!"

"If she acts out, he’d probably only join her in mischief!"

"How on earth could I be assured!"

Talking about these made her heart feel cold, almost gut-wrenching.

She always looked forward to a little padded coat.

Only now she woke up to realize: not even three sons are as cheeky as one daughter!

Daughter!

Your mother is now starting to worry about you getting married.

...

Initially, there was no plan to leave the palace for the Lantern Festival.

But Zhao Junyao had someone inform her just past noon:

"I heard it’s exceptionally lively outside this year. I’ve prepared everything!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing was moved beyond her control.

I must admit.

The traditional New Year celebrations of the past were far richer than today’s.

Modern lifestyles are too fast-paced, everything is about convenience and speed.

Work, social engagements, have already made life vexing.

Furthermore, people live far from home, with only a few days off each year, rushing around busily, how can they find the mood for New Year celebrations?

But ancient people were different.

Their jobs were simply categorized into scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant.

The citizens in the Capital City ranged from officials, landlords outside the city, to laborers and merchants.

When New Year approached, aside from street shops and vendors, all households went on hiatus, and many people from nearby counties came to the city for festival shopping, bustling with activity.

The Lantern Festival especially was extraordinarily lively.

Moreover, this year, the Great Chu Dynasty defeated Western Xia, resolving border troubles, not only boosting military morale but also instilling a sense of pride in the populace.

With such a diligent, people-loving, thunderous, majestic True Dragon King, they believe the Great Chu will prosper, and its people will thrive.

The sense of security born from this is beyond any wealth.

Xia Ruqing reflected for a while and decided not to bring the children out.

Bumping around, what if they got hurt?!

Besides, they don’t seem to enjoy such occasions.

Chenchen prefers solitude, dislikes noisy crowds.

Henger and Yeye, especially, run off faster than rabbits when there are many people.

Yue Er, however... she enjoys the bustle.

But if she brings Yue Er out, she can’t guarantee to bring the little girl back intact.

So, don’t bring any of them!

Xia Ruqing instructed.

"Go tell Yue Er’s wetnurse nanny, take Yue Er to the Eastern Palace later! If we return late today, let Yue Er stay there instead of running back and forth."

Zi Yue said: "Madam, the Little Princess has already gone to the Eastern Palace..."

Xia Ruqing: "..." Alright, let’s pretend she didn’t say anything.

"Then pack some things, change clothes, and let’s go!"

Xia Ruqing stood up.

"Right away!" Zi Yue and Zi Su responded.

...

In the late afternoon.

An inconspicuous little green-oiled elm carriage departed from a small corner gate of the Imperial Palace, heading straight towards the bustling streets.

Xia Ruqing was wearing a violet long dress, her hair styled like an ordinary woman of the Capital City, adorned with a set of exquisite violet jade ornaments, with her wrist’s Purple Jade bracelet further highlighting her fair, luminous skin.

Zhao Junyao was dressed in a plain dark long gown, a wolf-embroidered sapphire silk cape casually draped over his shoulders, a jade crown on his head, and a folding fan in hand, looking like a rich young master from the Capital City’s nobility.

Outside, the cold bite lingered, while inside the carriage, the warmth of a charcoal burner greeted them.

Xia Ruqing snuggled in Zhao Junyao’s arms, embraced by him, her head nodding into a drowsy state.

Zhao Junyao laughed at her.

"Why are you so sleepy!"

"Didn’t you sleep well last night?"

Xia Ruqing yawned and shook her head.

"Slept well!"

"It’s just... I’m still tired!"

"Can’t seem to get energized!"

"Why?" Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow.

Xia Ruqing pondered for a moment.

"Perhaps I’ve stayed in the palace for too long, without encountering new sights, which feels dull."

Zhao Junyao thought for a moment and nodded.

"Indeed!"

"You certainly haven’t gone out for a long time!"

In his heart, secretly planning, this year, he must make time to go out.

Xia Ruqing asked.

"Emperor, did Jingfeng resolve the envoy matters with Portland Country? Are they agreeable?!"

Zhao Junyao shook his head.

"Not yet!"

"The effectiveness of the clay, and whether it can be used on embankments isn’t determined yet!"

"This matter needs further discussion!"

"Oh..."

Xia Ruqing nodded and stopped speaking.

After a while, they arrived at Capital City Street.