After all, the children are still young. Being treated like this by their parents, do they really not feel disappointed?
She was a bit uneasy.
Specifically asked someone to check on their meals.
Confirmed they all went to eat and ate quite a lot, only then did she feel relieved.
Zhao Junyao seemed somewhat indifferent.
"Qingqing, you can’t spoil the Princes like this!"
"If they’re really so petty, then what would become of them?"
Xia Ruqing didn’t say anything.
Stern father, kind mother.
Their father is already so strict; she must send some warmth over.
Otherwise, her children would be too miserable!
...
After breakfast.
Zhao Junyao played with Yue Er for quite a while.
Teaching her to call father, call mother, teaching her to ride a big horse, and so on.
It was not until almost noon, when Yue Er got sleepy, that he called someone to take her down.
Because breakfast was eaten late.
By lunchtime, neither of them was hungry.
Xia Ruqing thought about what to eat to stave off hunger until a normal dinner.
"I’ll have a bowl of beef noodles, the usual kind, with extra green onions and vinegar."
Zhao Junyao didn’t know what he wanted to eat.
Xia Ruqing helped by ordering a few refreshing side dishes, a bowl of rice, and a thick fish soup.
Lunch was simple.
But they still ate with gusto.
After lunch, with nothing else planned for the afternoon.
Xia Ruqing snuggled in Zhao Junyao’s embrace, happily preparing for a nap.
Before sleeping, she turned over and sighed.
"Emperor, Yue Er is already more than one year old, but my handwriting hasn’t improved at all!"
"Am I getting old?!"
Zhao Junyao toyed with her hair, eyes half-closed, mumbling.
"How can you call yourself old at such a young age?"
"I’m asking you, have you practiced diligently, or are you fishing for three days and drying nets for two?"
Xia Ruqing remained silent.
Thinking inside, is he a worm in her stomach?
But speaking of this.
Yue Er is already this big, if she doesn’t improve herself, she might end up being surpassed by her daughter.
That would be embarrassing.
Thinking about it, she decided to work hard after the new year.
She must educate her only daughter well.
Zhao Junyao commented again.
"Actually, you don’t necessarily need to teach much!"
"Yue Er’s straightforward nature might mean she doesn’t like these things at all!"
After all, during the grab activity, Yue Er chose a dagger and a whip.
If someday the daughter doesn’t like writing or studying, he will definitely not force her.
It’s his daughter, she should learn what she likes!
Xia Ruqing paused.
"Oh? I hadn’t thought of that!"
"If that’s true, wouldn’t my efforts be wasted?"
Zhao Junyao gave her a look that said ’isn’t that right.’
After a while, Xia Ruqing shook her head vigorously.
"No, no! Whether Yue Er likes it or not, I still have to improve!"
As the Empress, she cannot remain as lazy as before.
If word got out.
The Empress was born into a humble background, ignorant and talentless, that would truly be disgraceful!
Zhao Junyao thought for a moment, then nodded.
"It’s good if you’re happy!"
"But don’t exhaust yourself, just choose what you like to learn!"
When the children are older, she’ll have more free time.
Reading, writing, and expanding knowledge would be great.
Better than those women in the harem who only know how to scheme.
Xia Ruqing rolled her eyes at him.
"Learning can really be selective?"
"I like reading storybooks, should I study that then?"
Zhao Junyao raised his eyebrows.
"Sure, as long as you like it!"
Xia Ruqing sighed in resignation.
Zhao Junyao reached out to tousle her hair again.
"Alright, sleep now!"
Xia Ruqing felt sleepy from his gentle caress.
Resting her head on his arm, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
From the third day to the tenth day of the lunar calendar, the palace was quite leisurely.
After the tenth.
Preparations for the Lantern Festival began.
Fortunately, this task was managed by Consort Hui.
Xia Ruqing merely nodded and used her seal.
Overall, it’s not too busy.
As the Lantern Festival approached.
The palace gradually became lively.
From the Imperial Garden to various palaces and courtyards, lanterns of all kinds were hung everywhere.
At night, when the lanterns were lit, the palace seemed transformed to another world.
Majestic with a touch of wonder.
Yue Er saw everything for the first time (last year she was just one month old, undoubtedly she doesn’t remember!).
The little girl was excited all day long, not even taking her midday nap.
Holding the lantern, she refused to let go.
Xia Ruqing was amused and tried to persuade her.
"Dear Yue Er, how about mommy makes you a better one?"