A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 1497

Handing over a package of small pieces of silver from her body to Zhao Junyao, she solemnly said.

”I’m not giving it to anyone else, just to those women from earlier, and their children!”

Women and children.

In modern society where gender equality exists, they are considered vulnerable groups; imagine how helpless they must have been in ancient times.

Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but chuckle, nodding with a smile.

”Alright!”

”I will definitely deliver it, Madam, please be at ease!”

Only then did Xia Ruqing breathe a long sigh of relief, nodding.

”That’s more like it!”

Zhao Junyao also breathed a sigh of relief.

This silly woman, he finally managed to persuade her.

Even though he felt guilty inside, given the circumstances, there was no other choice for him.

Qingqing, I’m sorry.

...

The two carriages left the city, winding and turning, finally reaching the small courtyard in the suburbs.

Seeing fewer and fewer people by the roadside and the terrain becoming more remote, Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but remark.

”I wonder why Chenchen chose such a secluded place for us!”

Zhao Junyao naturally answered.

”The situation here is complicated, it’s naturally better to be more isolated. Besides, this isn’t really secluded!”

Xia Ruqing relaxed a bit and laughed.

”But it’s okay, the mountains and water around here are quite lovely!”

”When I came yesterday, I didn’t pay attention; now that I’ve noticed, I just want to go for a stroll!”

Zhao Junyao held his forehead and gazed at the sky.

’This silly woman, can’t she just stay quiet for a while?’

She still didn’t know that there was an outbreak of plague in the city, she wasn’t aware that the refugees were always risking their lives, nor did she know...the kind of situation Chenchen was currently facing.

He didn’t want to tell her, nor did he dare to tell her, and he couldn’t bear to tell her.

Having managed to come out, he couldn’t bear to let her be so worried.

However.

Even if he didn’t say anything, Xia Ruqing still sensed something was wrong.

”What’s the matter, why do you have that expression?”

”I’m just going for a stroll in the mountains, and look how scared you are!”

She teased him with a laugh.

Zhao Junyao touched the moisture on his forehead and replied stubbornly.

”I’m feeling a bit unwell!”

”It’s too humid here, there’s moisture in the air!”

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing’s eyes lit up.

”Right, the Imperial Physician said that the air in Guangnan is calming and good for the lungs, you should walk around in the mountains more!”

”If you’re tired, we can walk slower! It’s good for your health!”

Zhao Junyao reluctantly agreed.

”Alright then!”

”As you say!”

Xia Ruqing laughed heartily.

Seeing the carriage had already stopped steadily in the courtyard.

She lifted the curtain and lightly jumped down.

Zhao Junyao became worried sick, unable to help but grumble.

”Do you think you’re still a young girl of 16, jumping around like this, be careful of your waist!”

Xia Ruqing frowned and retorted.

”What’s wrong with my waist?”

”My waist is fine, I’m just slim! You got a problem?”

Lines of black instantly appeared on Zhao Junyao’s forehead.

”Alright, alright, you’re slim.”

”Just don’t complain about foot pain later at night...”

Xia Ruqing took his arm.

”Why can’t I? Why can’t I have foot pain? You...”

She argued back unreasonably, affectionately entwined with him.

The two walked side by side into the courtyard.

...

Even though they talked about going out, it was just talk.

Zhao Junyao’s body was already very weak.

Back in the room, he started coughing heavily.

Xia Ruqing felt distressed, turning to fetch medicine.

Zi Yue followed behind, comforting her.

”Don’t worry, Madam. The Imperial Physician said this is normal!”

”He’s been taking medicine on time, and the air in Guangnan is good, so he’s alright!”

Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but shed tears.

”I’m not worried, I’m just pained!”

”He’s already feeling so unwell, yet he tries hard not to show it to me!”

”It breaks my heart!”

He worked hard all his life for the Great Chu Dynasty, only to suffer in old age.

She felt it was unfair to him.

’Why should it be?’

’Why can so many people live peacefully to a ripe old age, but not him?’

’Why can older princes and commandery princes live leisurely and prosperously, but not him?’

Knowing this, it would’ve been better if...

She thought crazily.

Yes, she knew her thoughts were childish and selfish.

But she couldn’t help it; she just wanted him to be safe and healthy for a few years!

He’s never had an easy life; only in old age now.

But why does he have to be ill, hasn’t he earned a peaceful and joyful old age after working hard all his life?

Seeing her trapped in an unsolvable dilemma, Zi Yue hurriedly consoled her.

”Madam!”

”Taishang Huang’s health isn’t as bad as you think!”

”The Imperial Physician said, as long as he takes good care, doesn’t get angry or exhausted, there won’t be any major issues!”

”Taishang Huang must be tired from the carriage ride; he’ll be fine after taking medicine and resting for a while, don’t worry too much!”

Xia Ruqing silently wiped her tears, biting her lip as she suppressed her inner pain.

”I understand!”

Indeed, she had lost control just now.

Such matters were not for outsiders; she could only vent in front of a confidant like Zi Yue.

Seeing her recovering, Zi Yue smiled.

”Madam, don’t worry!”

”It wouldn’t be good if he noticed later!”

Handing her a handkerchief.

Xia Ruqing took it, wiped her tears, then washed her face, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

”Alright!”

”Don’t worry, I understand!”

”Hey!”

Zi Yue responded, then turned to fetch the medicine.

...

Inner Chamber

When Xia Ruqing entered with the medicine bowl after lifting the curtain, Zhao Junyao had already drifted off to sleep on the couch.

She placed the medicine bowl on the small table by the window and stepped forward to check.

Seeing Zhao Junyao’s complexion had eased a bit and his sleep seemed peaceful, she finally felt relieved.

Murmuring to herself.

”He was indeed exhausted!”

She sighed in relief, smiling self-mockingly.

’Seems my worry was unnecessary, a false alarm!’

But she liked such false alarms.

Putting the medicine bowl inside the small white porcelain jar, she used hot boiling water to keep it warm.

She then got up to the couch.

”Ah, been out for most of the day, I’m tired too! Let’s rest for a while.”

It was just about time for a midday nap; maybe after waking up, let him take the medicine.

Thinking like this, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

...

When she woke again, it was near dusk.

Groggily opening her eyes, she saw it was already late outside, jumped up in a panic.

”The medicine!”

”The medicine!”

Zi Yue heard the noise and quickly entered through the curtain.

”What’s wrong, Madam? What do you need?”

Xia Ruqing, still bewildered, kept muttering.

”The medicine!”

”I forgot the medicine!”

Zi Yue was puzzled.

”You forgot what?”

In her rush, Xia Ruqing flung off the thin quilt and ran barefoot.

”I said the medicine!”

She dashed off the bed and headed for the warming box to check.

It was only then Zi Yue understood what she meant by the medicine.

She breathed out in relief and smiled.

”He’s already had it, Madam, don’t worry!”

Hearing this, Xia Ruqing stopped her actions, feeling relaxed inside.

”That’s good, as long as he’s had it...”