Chapter 1196: Chapter 1196: I Would Fall in Love with You Without Hesitation

Zhao Junyao’s emotions were complicated, previously he thought Qingqing was just making things up.

Unexpectedly, the other party really sent someone to assassinate on the first night.

Could it be that Zhao Junqi was really targeting Qingqing?!

The more he thought about it, the more restless he became, tossing and turning like a pancake, unable to sleep at all.

Xia Ruqing’s mood wasn’t much better.

What was originally just random talk, now it seemed she was truly going to be taken as a hostage.

Oh God! Being a hostage is not easy!

If the other side uses the country and people as leverage, she couldn’t avoid self-sacrifice even if she didn’t want to.

Under such circumstances, not being a hero would automatically make one a coward.

To save millions from suffering and not do so would be a grave sin, there’s no third path of compromise.

Xia Ruqing became more and more afraid as she thought about it.

’What if I get caught? I really don’t want to be a coward!’

’Alas, it’s better to sacrifice and be a hero, after all, saving millions with one life is quite worth it!’

’I never expected that an ordinary woman like me would have a chance to be a hero one day!’

’So, ancient and modern heroes have all found it difficult to be heroes!’

She sighed to herself.

She began to ponder how to die in a dignified way, and one that wouldn’t be too painful.

’Slitting wrists, too slow, and that way is not dignified, with blood spurting out, it looks bad!!’

’Poison, it’s quick but too painful, twisting body and distorted expressions, even more unsightly!’

’Hanging is relatively dignified, but might not have the chance to do it when the time comes!’

’Then... fasting? No way, I’m a glutton, definitely don’t want to die of hunger!’

’If it comes to it, I’ll bite my tongue to commit suicide! But...’

Xia Ruqing lightly tested biting the tip of her tongue.

"Ouch, it hurts!"

Just a light bite hurts this much, biting the tongue off would be so painful?!

Probably those who commit suicide by biting their tongues die of pain!

Xia Ruqing pondered for a moment, feeling she really didn’t have that courage, and decisively gave up.

Instead, she thought of asking Zi Su if there was any poison that could allow someone to die peacefully in their sleep.

That seemed more suitable for her, after all, she’s a coward!

"What are you thinking about?"

Zhao Junyao gazed at her intently, his tone somewhat chilly.

Xia Ruqing was startled by his sudden question, patted her chest, still in shock.

"Well..."

"Nothing... nothing at all!"

She managed to squeeze out a stiff smile from her face.

Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Are you sure?"

"Earlier you seemed to grit your teeth, like you made some decision?"

"What, you don’t want to tell me?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

This guy is he a monster? How does he know everything?

Is there anything in this world that he doesn’t know?

Xia Ruqing took a deep breath and said with a smile.

"Your Majesty, really, it’s nothing!"

After saying that, she looked at the time and seeing it was late, persuaded with a smile.

"It’s getting late, it’s already midnight!"

"We should go to bed early!"

"Your Majesty, I’m sleepy!"

After speaking, she appropriately yawned.

Zhao Junyao thought for a while, feeling perhaps there’s nothing important.

Since she didn’t want to say, there was no need to probe further.

He nodded immediately.

"If you’re sleepy, then sleep!"

Xia Ruqing closed her eyes quickly.

Zhao Junyao, with no other choice, also turned around and went to sleep.

...

On the next morning, they woke up later than usual.

The backyard was already cleaned up thoroughly.

Besides a mess of footprints, nothing was left, even the old hens were perfectly fine.

Xia Ruqing was extremely surprised.

"Truly swift!"

If it weren’t for seeing it with her own eyes last night, who would think there was a bloodbath here? Over twenty people died?

Zhao Junyao, standing beside her, gave a faint smile.

"Not worth mentioning?!"

Breakfast was served.

Two bowls of millet porridge, a few plates of small greens, and a dish of salted vegetables, along with a few ounces of fried peanuts.

With a table set with bowls and dishes, the greenery looked quite refreshing.

Unfortunately, neither of them had much appetite.

After briefly moving the chopsticks, they put them down.

After breakfast.

Zhao Junyao discussed important matters with the Imperial Censor and secret investigators.

And indeed.

Picking up a basket of rice, scattering it in the coop, and watching the hens cluck and scramble to eat.

The process was truly satisfying, reminding her of beautiful childhood memories.

After feeding the chickens, Xia Ruqing strolled with Zi Su around the small courtyard.

Now and then standing on higher ground to gaze at the sea.

Occasionally picking a few wild fruits, unsure if they were edible, just playing with them in her hand.

From time to time catching a few butterflies with a handkerchief.

The entire morning, Xia Ruqing played joyfully, laughing non-stop.

Zi Su was quite puzzled.

"Madam, what’s with you today?"

Having just gone through those events last night, how could Madam act like nothing happened?

Those servants hadn’t even come to terms yet.

This morning during breakfast, the kitchen maid’s hands were shaking so much she could barely hold anything.

Eunuch Li’s eyes were blackened with blood threads, clearly showing he hadn’t slept all night.

But Madam... is too strange!

Xia Ruqing, however, laughed lightly.

"It’s nothing really; we’ve finally come out, and with such beautiful scenery, it’s a pity not to enjoy it properly!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Those unpleasant matters are past, let them be!"

"People, after all, should look forward, aren’t we one day less every day?"

Zi Su was utterly baffled; Madam’s words were odd.

This was completely out of character for the Madam, back then.

She wouldn’t dare venture out, preferring to stay indoors for at least two to three days until back to normal!

And this time...

"Alright, alright!" Xia Ruqing interrupted her again.

"Don’t overthink it, the wind is strong here, should we make some paper kites and fly them?"

It’s been a while since I’ve played with these?

In the palace, I was too lazy to think of it.

Now there’s time and mood, flying kites sounds nice too.

Zi Su looked utterly amazed.

"Mistress... are you sure you’re okay?"

"Oh, I’m perfectly fine, just go quickly!" Xia Ruqing urged.

"Alright then!"

Zi Su forcibly suppressed her shock and went to find someone to buy things in town.

There’s nothing here; everything needs to be bought in town!

After Zi Su left.

Xia Ruqing’s smile gradually stiffened on her face.

She ran to a high place, climbed onto a big rock, and looked at the distant sea, the near small fishing village, and finally at the exquisite little courtyard beneath her.

Finally, her eyes fixated on the study in the courtyard.

Shadows moved inside the study, a few people speaking.

There, was her emperor husband of this life.

Accompanying each other for many years, what could be given, he gave it all!

To say she wasn’t moved would be a lie.

Yet such a rather twisted love in ancient times made it impossible for her to call it love.

Sorry!

I do love you, but I can’t love you!

Xia Ruqing shed two lines of clear tears.

If there’s truly a chance to sacrifice, I won’t hesitate.

Consider it my debt to you in this life!

If there’s a chance to meet in the modern world in another life, I would surely fall in love with you without hesitation!

Yes, without hesitation!

Just the two of us, without others!