CHAPTER 598: CHAPTER 598: A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

While Xia Jingfeng sized up Xia Ruqing, she was also taking in his appearance.

After looking him up and down, Xia Ruqing finally breathed a sigh of relief and felt at ease.

"Not bad!"

"You’ve grown so much since I last saw you!" Xia Ruqing said with a smile.

"This is also thanks to my elder sister’s efforts!" Xia Jingfeng replied with a gentle smile.

After emerging from the backyard of the Xia Residence and studying abroad for so many years, he had grown in stature, knowledge, and learning.

He, who had once struggled for basic food and clothing, now had teachers, classmates, and most importantly, a scholarly title.

This was his confidence—a scholar’s confidence.

With this confidence, he now possessed the capital to be neither servile nor overbearing.

"My efforts?"

Xia Ruqing was somewhat taken aback.

"If it weren’t for my elder sister providing the silver and rescuing me from the backyard,"

"I don’t know when I would have been able to study..."

Without his elder sister, he wouldn’t be where he was today.

Whether the sentiment belonged to the body’s original owner or to herself, Xia Ruqing felt a sharp pang in her heart upon hearing these words.

However, Xia Jingfeng smiled contentedly and said,

"I made a vow back then that once I made something of myself, I would certainly come to the Capital City to find my elder sister!"

"Now, I have at least achieved half of that promise!"

He had come to the Capital City, but as for making something of himself, he still couldn’t count it as such.

Currently, he was only a Scholar, not yet a Graduate. In the future, he still aimed to pass the examinations for the title of Graduate. The road ahead was still long!

Xia Ruqing nodded.

"Just do your best. If Mother could see from the afterlife, she would be happy to see what you’ve become today!" Xia Ruqing said earnestly.

She felt this message was conveyed on behalf of the original Xia Ruqing.

If the original Xia Ruqing saw her brother’s state today, she would be happy as well.

Xia Jingfeng nodded vigorously.

"Don’t worry, elder sister, I will work hard!"

"Mm-hm!"

Xia Ruqing smiled very happily.

Just then, the pastries and tea were also served.

The siblings shared another cup of tea and some pastries, and soon it was time to leave.

After all, the time they could spend outside was limited, wasn’t it?

...

After parting with Xia Jingfeng, Zhao Junyao then took Xia Ruqing to another place.

The bustling street was lined with lanterns on both sides.

Various types of lanterns lined the street, forming a continuous chain.

It was like a colorful dragon, winding and twisting as far as the eye could see.

The street teemed with people. The sounds of fireworks and firecrackers, the calls of peddlers, and the playful laughter of children all blended into a vibrant tapestry of noise.

These sounds wove together, creating the most prosperous, vibrant, and authentic tapestry of human life.

Xia Ruqing and Zhao Junyao walked side by side on the street.

One wore a goose-yellow brocade cloak edged with white fox fur, looking charming and adorable.

The other wore a dark Peacock Feather Cloak, his tall and stately figure exuding majesty and authority.

Xia Ruqing held a warm oil-paper package in her hands.

Inside was a crispy, sesame-coated flatbread, roasted to a golden brown.

Zhao Junyao was empty-handed, simply walking by her side, protecting her all the way.

Walking alongside Zhao Junyao, Xia Ruqing was as joyful and vibrant as a little bird just freed from its cage.

Her eyes shimmered like clear pools, the brilliant lanterns reflecting in them like a sky full of stars.

One was dashingly handsome, the other winsomely charming.

Walking together, they resembled a perfect couple straight out of a painting.

The crowd passing by couldn’t help but glance their way.

Only such a lady is fit for a man as radiant as the sun, moon, and stars, they thought.

The young ladies and married women they passed kept casting envious and jealous glances.

Xia Ruqing cuddled up in his embrace, bubbling with happiness and pride.

"My Lord, try this, it’s delicious," she said.

She tilted her head, stood on her tiptoes, and offered the delicacy to his lips.

Zhao Junyao gazed into her eyes and took a bite.

"Is it delicious?"

"Mm..."

Perhaps. Zhao Junyao wasn’t particularly concerned about it.

He just found the way she stood on tiptoe, her eyes sparkling like stars, to be exceptionally beautiful!

"Qingqing..."

"Hmm?"

She turned to him, her small, rosy face tilted upward, her large, limpid eyes gazing at him.

So adorable.

He wanted to kiss her.

Unfortunately, with so many people around, he restrained himself.

He simply straightened the wisps of hair on her forehead.

His fingertips touched her smooth, full forehead, lingering for a moment with a touch of possessiveness.

He caressed it gently, as if stroking the most precious gemstone, reluctant to pull away.

She’s so beautiful!

She really is beautiful!

A sweet, cloying feeling filled a place in Zhao Junyao’s heart, threatening to overflow.

They had strolled for over half a Shi Chen.

Xia Ruqing ate a roasted flatbread and a sweet potato, then contentedly patted her belly.

"My Lord, I’m full!"

Zhao Junyao rubbed her hair affectionately, his eyes full of doting.

"Good! Now that you’re full, let’s head back!"

Having said that, the two mounted their horses and returned to the palace before the gates were locked.

She had seen her family, and the New Year celebrations were over.

She had left the palace and enjoyed her outing.

This New Year, Xia Ruqing had no regrets at all.

In the following days, the harem returned to its peaceful state.

Xia Ruqing nestled in Qingya Residence.

She spent her days eating and drinking, enjoying time with her cat, dog, and child; her life was filled with simple joys.

Before long, it was February.

The weather was still cold, but it no longer had the biting chill that turned dripping water to ice.

When the sun came out, the icicles hanging from the eaves began to melt bit by bit.

The Third Princess would turn one year old in March.

Watching the little Princess in her cradle grow fairer and chubbier by the day, the Empress’s affection for her deepened.

"When she turns one, she will be officially entered into the Jade Butterfly!"

Once recorded in the Jade Butterfly, she would truly be her daughter.

Sister Ji smiled. "The Third Princess is indeed fortunate! From now on, she will be a princess of the direct line!"

The Empress stroked the Third Princess’s tender cheek. A wave of bitterness washed over her heart, but she merely smiled without saying a word.

The Third Princess is fortunate? she thought. I’m the one who’s fortunate!

If it weren’t for the Third Princess, would the Emperor... still be willing to come?

"Has Shih Jieyu chosen a name for the little Princess?"

The Emperor had decreed that Shih Jieyu would choose the little Princess’s name.

The mere mention of this matter made the Empress feel suffocated.

But however suffocated she felt, it couldn’t be ignored. The child needed a name!

Sister Ji’s smile stiffened. After a pause, she said,

"This servant already had someone relay the message!"

"She should have decided by now, after all this time. Perhaps Your Majesty could summon her and inquire?"

The Empress thought for a moment and then nodded.

"That’s a good idea!"

Upon receiving the Empress’s summons, Shih Jieyu rushed over without even changing her clothes.

The moment she entered, her face paled.

"Empress!"

"Is the Little Princess...?"

The Empress, startled by her reaction, quickly said,

"Don’t be afraid; the Little Princess is fine!"

"I merely wished to ask if you have chosen a name for her."

Upon hearing this, Shih Jieyu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The summons had been so urgent, she had feared the worst...

"Answering Your Majesty!"

Shih Jieyu composed herself and knelt.

"This humble consort wouldn’t dare overstep. I implore Your Majesty to bestow a name upon her!"

The Empress, seated in the place of honor, didn’t bid her to rise and simply smiled.

"What are you saying? The Emperor himself decreed it. It is not overstepping!"