Chapter 1176: Chapter 1076: How Could We Possibly Break Up Now?

Zhao Junyao wasn’t someone who liked extravagance or luxury.

His only requirement for the place he stayed was cleanliness.

No matter how simple, nothing that others had used was allowed.

So the Imperial Censors came early to arrange everything, replacing all the items.

Now looking at this neat and tidy room, he was very satisfied.

Seeing that Qingqing liked it too, he proudly said.

"How is it?"

"Isn’t my taste great?"

Xia Ruqing took a look around and nodded.

"Not bad!"

"When I get old and don’t want to stay in the palace, I’ll come to Jiangnan and open an inn!"

"I’ll be the Madam Boss then!"

Zhao Junyao was used to her wild ideas and chuckled along with her.

"Then wouldn’t I be the boss?!"

Xia Ruqing’s eyes twinkled.

"That’s marvelous, if you become the boss, I won’t even need to spend silver and can be the Madam Boss directly!"

Zhao Junyao: "..." It’s always about silver.

This woman was really scared of being poor as a child.

So many years have passed, and she hasn’t moved past it a bit!

Indeed, childhood experiences stay with you for a lifetime.

He smiled indulgently.

"Alright! I’ll provide the silver, and you can just be the Madam Boss at that time!"

Xia Ruqing giggled.

"You’re the best!"

"By then, I’ll spend a fortune to invite the most famous chefs from all over!"

"Switching among the Eight Major Cuisines, never repeating in ten days or half a month!"

She couldn’t help but laugh out loud at her own words.

Being the Empress is really wonderful, hahaha...who would dare not to come?

Zhao Junyao was amused by her.

"Why are you always thinking about food! Even the Eight Major Cuisines!"

"No wonder you’ve been complaining about boredom lately, turns out you’re tired of the palace food!"

Xia Ruqing’s eyes lit up.

"You always understand me the best!"

"Those two Kitchen Maids are good, but...I just don’t have much interest!"

"How about...you get me a few more Kitchen Maids?"

After saying that, she hugged his arm and coquettishly pleaded.

Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but laugh.

"You’re a mother of four, and yet you’re still acting cute!"

Xia Ruqing vigorously shook her head in denial!

"No! You’re talking nonsense! I’m clearly still in my prime, where did the four kids come from?"

Zhao Junyao was helpless, her shamelessness was unbeatable.

He gave in, gave in!

"Alright!"

"It’s nothing much, I wouldn’t deprive you of your food!"

"Hmm? A young girl in her prime?"

Xia Ruqing giggled and kissed him on the cheek.

"That’s more like it!"

"I always knew you were the best!"

Zhao Junyao looked content as he held her, eyes half-closed.

Just about to indulge in something indescribable.

When suddenly Xia Ruqing’s stomach let out a loud growl.

His actions promptly halted.

Knowing how important meals were to Qingqing, Zhao Junyao didn’t dare waste a moment and stood up reluctantly.

"What do you want to eat? Let Li Shengan deliver the message!"

Xia Ruqing felt a bit shy and embarrassed.

"Husband, it’s getting late, and it should be cooler outside now, I want to go for a stroll!"

"I’ve tried dishes from various cuisines, nothing new to explore!"

"I want to eat some street food..."

Zhao Junyao glanced at the sky, then at the ground.

He consoled himself vigorously: It’s okay! It’s okay!

Who could blame her, she’s been through so much hardship without a mother to guide her when she was young!

Which well-mannered lady would crave such things?

Even if they did, they definitely wouldn’t show it.

If they couldn’t resist cravings, they’d send a Servant boy to buy them secretly.

If they could resist, they’d just suppress it, sticking to bland soup to maintain their figure.

Definitely, no one like her would rush out to eat, let alone show it in front of their husband.

They’d all be pretentiously demure. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Zhao Junyao took a deep breath.

"What I love is precisely this uncensored sincerity, isn’t it?"

"Having seen enough of false modesty, genuine authenticity is truly precious!"

After thinking it through, he finally agreed reluctantly.

"Alright!"

"I’ll accompany you, there’s nothing important anyway, is there?"

Xia Ruqing instantly blossomed with joy!

"Then let’s go, I’ll grab a veil!"

It’s better to wear a veil when going out at night!

Zhao Junyao stood by waiting for her.

Zi Yue came in with her veiled hat, helping her put it on carefully.

All set, the four of them, master and servants, headed out.

...

The night scene of Jinling City was beautiful.

Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing walked side by side along the Qinhuai River.

The lights on both banks gathered, casting blurry reflections, tea houses, taverns, shops, stalls, people coming and going, so lively.

A few pleasure boats were moored here and there on the river, with faint glimpses of pink curtains, silken screens, and bewitching voices coming from within.

In the cool summer breeze of the night, faint sounds of bamboo flute music wafted over, adding a touch of charm to the already chirping and bustling riverside.

Appreciating this night view that was so different from the Capital City, Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but marvel.

"It’s indeed much more beautiful here than the Capital City!"

The Capital City seemed like a dignified lady, beautiful yet too restrained, lacking a bit of charm.

Jiangnan, on the other hand, was like a lovely young woman, alluring and full of charm, captivating with her charisma.

"Husband, look at that pleasure boat in the middle of the river, it’s so big!"

"Ah! This place smells so fragrant, what kind of flowers are blooming?"

How would Zhao Junyao know?

He’s neither been to a pleasure boat nor had time to admire flowers, what could he say?

So he remained silent.

Seeing Zhao Junyao not responding, with an expression of composed calmness, not knowing what he was thinking.

Xia Ruqing didn’t mind him.

She continued to follow him half a step behind, chattering about bits and pieces.

Xia Ruqing was dazzled, her heart blossoming with joy.

Looking at his still elegant and steady back, her heart was filled with sweetness, as if finding the feeling of first love.

She felt lucky not to have brought the children along.

As long as there were children around, she would be preoccupied with them.

Now it was just the two of them.

They could finally play freely!

After walking along the riverbank for a while, they finally arrived at a street full of snacks.

Looking at the bustling street, she sighed with emotion.

"So places like this existed since ancient times!"

"Indeed a tradition!"

This was a north-south street, narrow and unassuming in appearance, but inside flames flickered constantly, and people were bustling, full of the homely smoke and fire of ordinary people.

Xia Ruqing excitedly rushed in.

Zhao Junyao...not acclimated, sneezed several times.

"What kind of...place is this!"

Li Shengan quickly handed over a plain kerchief.

"My lord!"

He hesitated and didn’t dare speak.

Zhao Junyao took the kerchief and bravely walked in!

After a few steps, he saw Xia Ruqing waving at him in front of a stall with Zi Yue.

"My lord!"

"Over here! I’m here!"

Zhao Junyao’s forehead was lined with black lines!

Is she really his Empress? She’s clearly a country girl!

But...so what?

It’s been so many years, could he just leave her now? Might as well make do and keep going!