The Empress’s brother was beheaded. Although a gag order forbade discussion, it was impossible to keep such a matter secret, as the palace attendants were always gossiping. After the news circulated throughout the palace for some time, the uproar gradually subsided.
The Empress’s misfortune was Noble Concubine Shih’s greatest delight. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing and mocking her.
"The Empress must have had a moment of foolishness despite her usual cleverness, actually asking Xia Jieyu to plead for her brother..."
"How brazen!
"Besides, would that despicable wretch Lady Xia, with her unsightly table manners, actually help her?"
"What a pipe dream!"
Ying Yue, seeing Her Highness so pleased, chimed in with flattering remarks.
The laughter of the master and servant echoed far beyond the room.
Aside from Noble Concubine Shih, others in the palace who had once fawned over the Empress now seemed to harbor secret schadenfreude, though they dared not speak of it.
In the depths of the palace, who could truly find favor in another’s eyes!
...
After lunch, later in the afternoon, the Emperor suddenly arrived at Qingya Residence.
Xia Ruqing, having just woken from her nap, was playing with Da Bai and Xiao Bai.
Seeing the Emperor, Xia Ruqing was somewhat surprised but rose to her feet nonetheless.
"Greetings, Emperor!"
Zhao Junyao walked over to the edge of the bed, sat down, pulled her into his arms, and asked, "Qingqing, is there anything you particularly want? Or... something you particularly wish to do?"
Xia Ruqing was taken aback by the question. "What do you mean?"
Zhao Junyao thought for a moment, then replied, "Hmm... exactly what it sounds like!"
Xia Ruqing: "..."
Emperor, can you not be so direct? Your emotional intelligence... is unbelievable!
She shook her head, trying to dismiss the question.
Xia Ruqing then pondered what she desired and what she wanted to do.
Before long, her eyes lit up.
"Emperor, I heard my brother has acquired a residence outside the palace. I wish to see it!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao nodded thoughtfully. "Alright!"
Xia Ruqing: "What do you mean by ’alright’? Could it be that the Emperor will take me there?"
Zhao Junyao looked at her and suddenly smiled. "I won’t tell you just yet!"
Xia Ruqing: "..."
Fine, if you won’t tell me, then don’t! Anyway, I know you’ll take me. Don’t ask why—it’s a woman’s intuition.
...
「Indeed, the next day, the eighth day of the ninth month.」
Just after noon, Zhao Junyao sent someone to fetch her. Even a warm palanquin was prepared.
Xia Ruqing had been mentally prepared and had already packed her things.
Seeing Little Zhuzi arrive, her face bloomed into a wide smile.
Calling for Zi Yue and Zi Ning to accompany her, she went straight to the warm palanquin.
Upon arriving at Zhaochen Palace, before Xia Ruqing could even curtsy, Zhao Junyao helped her up.
"Go change your clothes. We’re leaving the palace!"
Xia Ruqing turned, glanced at the small bundle Zi Ning was holding, and smiled like a flower. "Emperor, I’ve already prepared my clothes!"
Zhao Junyao looked at her, dark lines seeming to appear on his forehead.
This girl, she’s quite good at guessing my intentions, and... rather proactive too.
Zhao Junyao unconsciously quirked his lips into a smile.
In his heart, he felt that Qingqing was the most adorable.
She asks for what she likes and laughs when she’s happy. She is his source of joy.
He felt truly fortunate to have found such a woman in the harem.
As for Xia Ruqing, despite her prominent belly, her excitement about leaving the palace was undiminished.
She quickly changed her clothes, dressing in the guise of a commoner.
Together, she and Zhao Junyao left Zhaochen Palace in a small sedan chair.
Only when they reached the palace gates did they switch to a carriage.
On the road, the carriage moved very slowly to avoid jostling her.
Inside the carriage, Zhao Junyao held her.
Xia Ruqing sat comfortably on the soft cushions, leaning against his chest.
"Emperor, are we going to my brother’s house? Is it far?"
"Emperor, there are so many people in the Capital City! When can we get out and stroll through the streets?"
"Emperor? How do you have time to take me out today?"
"Emperor, I haven’t been out in so long!"
Xia Ruqing’s mind was like a miniature cosmos, firing off a series of questions that left Zhao Junyao somewhat bewildered.
He tightened his arm around her, thought for a good while, and finally answered, "Today is your birthday, Qingqing. Didn’t you know?"
At his words, it was Xia Ruqing’s turn to be stunned. "My birthday?"
That’s right. I’ve transmigrated so long ago yet still didn’t know this body’s birthday. How could I forget such an important day? It seems a bit unreasonable!
Xia Ruqing felt a surge of panic. Biting her lip in thought, she then looked up, her large eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Emperor..."
"My mother passed away early, so... I haven’t celebrated my birthday in many years!"