Chapter 1197: Chapter 1197: Caught in a Stalemate

The paper and bamboo framework were bought back the next day.

Xia Ruqing, along with Zi Su, spent the entire morning just to craft an ugly kite.

Xia Ruqing looked helpless.

"I did my best!"

Zi Su couldn’t help but giggle.

"I think this kite is crafted better than the lantern you made during the Lantern Festival!"

"Can’t say it’s bad; you have made some progress!"

Xia Ruqing felt awkward hearing the forced compliment.

’Ahem ahem!’

’This is typically when there’s nothing to praise, so just praise the progress!’

"Enough with the chatter! Let’s go fly the kite this afternoon!"

"Sure!" Zi Su said happily.

Xia Ruqing excitedly set the kite aside and called for the preparation of lunch.

Today’s lunch was more plentiful.

Xia Ruqing specifically had someone buy plenty of seafood.

There were oysters, clams, sea crabs, and various sea fish.

She even had two local chefs come over to cook, ensuring the seafood was made authentically.

Of course.

Besides seafood, there was lamb, including charcoal-grilled lamb chops, natural lamb, and thick lamb stew.

Seafood is cold in nature and requires lamb to balance it.

Besides lamb, there were beef and pork, among others.

Finally, there was a stew made from an old hen raised in the backyard, five or six dishes of sautéed vegetables, and some seasonal fresh tropical fruits.

A table full of a very lavish feast was ready.

Zhao Junyao was almost startled when he came in.

"Prepared so much?"

Xia Ruqing giggled.

"We haven’t had a proper seafood feast since coming here, so I asked for a whole table to try thoroughly!"

Zhao Junyao thought it made sense and nodded, taking a seat.

His gaze swept around and noticed the bizarre kite not far away.

Zhao Junyao’s lips twitched.

"Did you make this?"

Xia Ruqing felt a bit embarrassed.

"It’s not well-made, but the wings are symmetrical enough, it should be able to fly!"

Curious, Zhao Junyao walked over and picked it up to have a look.

"What is this?"

"A crow or an eagle?"

Xia Ruqing was speechless.

"Emperor, this is... a swallow!"

Zhao Junyao: "..."

He coughed lightly, pulling out a smile of praise.

"Not bad!"

"At least you can tell it’s a bird!"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Her mind silently protested:

Hey hey hey, is this how one should praise people?

Forget it, forget it, considering the delicious feast, all can be forgiven.

"Emperor, let me serve you during the meal!" Xia Ruqing gritted her teeth.

"Mm!"

Zhao Junyao raised his eyebrows and sat down again.

They began the meal together.

The seafood tasted exceptionally good, especially the sea crab, being at its freshest and most delicious.

One weighed nearly half a pound, which is rare and valuable for wild sea crabs.

Gently opening the crab shell revealed bright yellow crab roe, emitting a fragrant aroma.

Xia Ruqing’s eyes gleamed with delight.

She lightly picked a bit with her chopsticks and brought it to her mouth.

The soft and fragrant taste instantly spread between her lips and teeth.

This delicious crab roe truly cannot be replaced by anything else!

"Is it really that good?"

Seeing her enjoying the taste, Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but ask.

Xia Ruqing nodded vigorously.

"Emperor, you must try it!"

Zhao Junyao frowned.

He had always disliked the fishy taste, and still wanted to refuse.

But under Xia Ruqing’s encouragement, he decided to give it a try.

He lightly touched some with the tip of his chopsticks and brought it to his mouth.

First was the soft texture, then the fragrant taste, followed by an indescribable deliciousness.

Zhao Junyao was shocked.

"Is there really something like this in the world?"

Smelling unpleasant, yet tasting good? And extremely good?

"How is it?" Xia Ruqing looked expectant.

Zhao Junyao nodded, responding honestly.

"Not bad!"

Then he tried to open another one to continue eating.

Xia Ruqing laughed heartily.

"You’ve had rice field crabs before!"

Zhao Junyao feigned calmness to rationalize.

"Those aren’t as tasty as these!"

Xia Ruqing smiled lightly, saying no more.

...

After lunch.

Xia Ruqing led Zi Su to fly the kite.

Zhao Junyao continued discussing with the Imperial Censor and Secret Investigators.

By evening.

Having run around and worked up a sweat, Xia Ruqing had just finished bathing and changing.

Zhao Junyao emerged from the study, but his expression was... somber.

Xia Ruqing was a bit surprised.

"What’s wrong?"

"Emperor, is it those assassins?"

Zhao Junyao took a sip of tea and nodded.

"They’re all dead!"

"Dead?!!!" Xia Ruqing was shocked.

"How could they be dead!"

Zhao Junyao’s expression eased as he spoke blandly.

"They were all death warriors!"

"Each had poison hidden in their mouths!"

"It’s normal that nothing could be extracted during interrogation!"

Xia Ruqing paused, then quietly nodded.

"So that’s how it is."

The atmosphere fell into awkward silence.

After a moment, Xia Ruqing quickly recovered and said with a smile.

"No worries, Emperor, you are wise, you definitely have other ways!"

Zhao Junyao’s gaze turned resolutely towards the window, his fists clenched.

"Indeed!"

Since the opponent has made a move, he certainly couldn’t sit back and do nothing!

Zhao Junqi.

I want to see how long you’ll stay a coward!

...

Another two days passed.

Zhao Junyao didn’t go anywhere, staying in the small courtyard continuously.

Since the last attack, the small courtyard was surrounded by spies and Hidden Guards.

It’s clearly improbable to initiate another attack.

Zhao Junyao pondered and decided to create an opportunity for the opponent.

He took Xia Ruqing and left the small courtyard, and ventured out of that little hill.

First, they strolled around the small fishing village, then went to the seaside.

Xia Ruqing looked at the fishing boats offshore and laughed.

"Emperor, I’ve never been on a fishing boat in my life, shall we go up and act as fishermen?"

Zhao Junyao’s smile was bright.

"Sure!"

Qingqing, I’m sorry!

I know it’s dangerous, but I must do it!

Making you suffer, rest assured, if there’s any life threat, I will protect you with my life.

Because my heart is filled entirely with you!

Xia Ruqing was pulled along by the hand, obediently following behind him.

Her heart was equally filled with sweetness.

’Emperor, if I’m captured, I’ll definitely take my own life!’

’It will fulfill the affection you have shown me!’ 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

’I know it’s dangerous, but I’m willing!’

’I’m sorry, please don’t blame me for abandoning you; as Empress, I have to contribute too!’

With thoughts hidden in their hearts, the two boarded a small, slightly worn fishing boat.

...

The sea scenery was extremely beautiful.

Commander Xu led several Hidden Guards, disguised as fishermen, rowing the boat.

Xia Ruqing sat quietly at the side, gazing at the endless sea near and far.

Zhao Junyao sat beside her, gently taking off the outer robe and placing it over her.

"The wind is strong here, don’t catch a chill!"

Xia Ruqing smiled.

"Thank you, Emperor!"

Their smiles were equally bright.

Yet their eyes were equally sorrowful.

’Emperor, I love you!’

’Qingqing, I will protect you!’