Zhao Junyao wasn’t soone who liked extravagance or luxury.
His only requirent for the place he stayed was cleanliness.
No matter how simple, nothing that others had used was allowed.
So the Imperial Censors ca 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 co 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 beco 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 lifeti.
He smiled indulgently.
"Alright! I’ll provide the silver, and you can just be the Madam Boss at that ti!"
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 co?
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 the best!"
"Those two Kitchen Maids are good, but...I just don’t have much interest!"
"How about...you get 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 pri, where did the four kids co from?"
Zhao Junyao was helpless, her shalessness 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 pri?"
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 sothing indescribable.
When suddenly Xia Ruqing’s stomach let out a loud growl.
His actions promptly halted.
Knowing how important als were to Qingqing, Zhao Junyao didn’t dare waste a mont and stood up reluctantly.
"What do you want to eat? Let Li Shengan deliver the ssage!"
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 so street food..."
Zhao Junyao glanced at the sky, then at the ground.
He consoled himself vigorously: It’s okay! It’s okay!
Who could bla 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.
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 blossod 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 ca 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 sumr 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 seed 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 slls so fragrant, what kind of flowers are blooming?"
How would Zhao Junyao know?
He’s neither been to a pleasure boat nor had ti 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 tis!"
"Indeed a tradition!"
This was a north-south street, narrow and unassuming in appearance, but inside flas flickered constantly, and people were bustling, full of the holy smoke and fire of ordinary people.
Xia Ruqing excitedly rushed in.
Zhao Junyao...not acclimated, sneezed several tis.
"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!
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