A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 505: Visit to an Elder Brother

Ever since that day a girl, bitten by a poisonous snake and near death, was saved, the military generals knew there might be poisonous snakes in the nearby woods. Consequently, no one ventured deep into the dense forest anymore. No one wanted to show off their bravery at this time; it wasn’t as if they had a death wish. When idle, they would pair up in small groups and wander around the periphery of the woods. If lucky, they might catch a couple of fat wild chickens or hares. Then, they would gather to eat roasted meat and drink wine. In the evenings, with beautiful companions, the days of the military generals were extremely leisurely.The Censorate officials hadn’t brought beauties with them, not even a maid to warm their beds. Facing the green mountains and clear waters, they composed one sour and broodingly passionate poem after another, unable to find even a sliver of emotional solace. Truly, it was a great shame. To alleviate this regret, they could only find other things to occupy their time, channeling their unexpressed feelings into different pursuits. Thus, they became ’angling fishermen,’ ’paddy-planting old peasants,’ ’thatched-cottage old hermits,’ and so on, living a life found only in poetry. Although without the company of beauties, it was... not bad.

The women of the Harem were also doing quite well. Though they still awaited the Emperor’s favor, The Summer Resort was cool, and the food was good. The new environment temporarily made them forget their worries. Picking wildflowers and painting a few pictures, their days were much happier than those spent in the palace. Every chamber and courtyard was relaxed and joyful, and even the servants benefited from this atmosphere.

...

Zhao Junyao had promised Qingqing that she could see her brother, and he would make sure it happened. Outside the palace, the rules were not so strict, and it was not a major issue. Anyway, being idle was boring.

Therefore, on the third day after returning from the hunt, Xia Tingfeng found himself free. Having received permission, he went straight to Consort Xian Pin’s courtyard! It had been a long time since he had seen his sister. Although he served in the palace, he hadn’t been to the Harem for quite some time!

Xia Ruqing had already instructed people to prepare a meal, determined to have her brother stay for lunch. Even the snacks and tea were selected from the finest available. Little Bun had also been changed into a new bib. The plump, pink-dough-ball-like baby wore a bright red one. Two large carp were embroidered on it with soft, golden silk threads. The eyes of the fish were adorned with two glistening black pearls. Sparkling and vivid, they looked incredibly lifelike. Little Bun curiously reached out to touch the pair of pearls.

Xia Ruqing quickly pulled his little hand away. "Don’t touch!" she chided. "You must be good when you meet your uncle for the first time!"

Little Bun seemed to understand and obediently nodded his head.

After a while, Xiao Xizi came to report, "Your Ladyship, Commander Xia has arrived!"

Xia Ruqing quickly carried Little Bun out.

In the front hall stood Xia Tingfeng. He was dressed in a Gold-Lined Black Everyday Robe, with a Ribbed Jade Belt around his waist and Cloud-Patterned Black Boots on his feet. He stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze calm and gentle.

"Brother?"

When Xia Tingfeng turned, he saw Xia Ruqing emerging from the inner room, carrying the child.

"Consort Xian Pin!" Propriety could not be neglected; he clasped his fists and bowed.

Xia Ruqing hurriedly asked him to stand. "Please, sit down, Brother!"

"Thank you, Consort Xian Pin!"

She had all the other palace attendants withdraw, leaving only Zi Su and other trusted attendants. The atmosphere finally became less stiff.

It was Xia Tingfeng’s first time seeing Little Bun. From his robes, he took out a Small Wooden Sword he had carved himself from Huali wood and gave it to Little Bun.

Little Bun, who had initially been a little wary upon seeing a stranger, immediately... rushed into Xia Tingfeng’s embrace the moment he saw the Small Wooden Sword. The child giggled, his little hands tightly clinging to the Small Wooden Sword. He was so excited that drool pooled on the floor.

Xia Ruqing pressed her forehead and looked to the heavens. Son, where is your integrity!

She teased, half exasperated, half amused, "What if a stranger uses this to lure you away? What then?!"

Xia Tingfeng held the baby with extreme rigidity. He could wield a greatsword with ease, but... holding such a tiny child was something he truly didn’t know how to do. Little Bun squirmed in his arms, and he dared not move an inch.

Xia Ruqing quickly stepped forward, smiling as she reached out to take Little Bun. Unexpectedly, the little one was unwilling.

Xia Ruqing was speechless, chuckling with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Son, you’re really something!

"This Small Wooden Sword has made you so attached to your uncle that you don’t even want your mother anymore? You little heartless thing!"

Xia Tingfeng burst into hearty laughter. My little nephew is truly impressive!

After some playful banter, Xia Ruqing had the Wetnurse Nanny take Little Bun away. Only then did they begin to discuss serious matters.

"Actually, it’s nothing urgent. Brother, you’re getting married at the end of the year, and as your sister, I wanted to express my well wishes!" With that, she had Zi Yue bring out a box she had prepared earlier. It was made of Huali wood, its exterior intricately carved with elaborate and exquisite patterns. The edges were smoothly rounded, gleaming with a soft luster. "This is a set of jewelry, a meeting gift for my new sister-in-law. I’m afraid I won’t be able to go out when the time comes!"

Xia Tingfeng didn’t decline. He accepted it graciously and then expressed his thanks. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Little Sister!"

Xia Ruqing smiled again. "Brother, that hairpin you gave me must have cost a lot of silver, mustn’t it? Such high-quality, precious jade is truly valuable! You have excellent taste, Brother!"

Xia Tingfeng quickly said, "Actually... it wasn’t me who chose it, it was..."

Xia Ruqing smiled, "I already knew..." She trailed off, then chuckled. "Brother, you’re so honest!"

Xia Tingfeng was at a loss for words. He had never been good at expressing himself, even as a child. Chatting with women was truly... difficult for him.

Xia Ruqing stopped her teasing and turned to serious matters. "When will Father and Mother return from Jiangnan? Will they wait until after your wedding, Brother?"

Xia Tingfeng thought for a moment. "Perhaps!" he said. "Marriage is a major event that involves one’s parents!"

Xia Ruqing felt a surge of anger. Do they even deserve to be called parents? "Brother, your life was hanging by a thread, yet they only cared about themselves! They were worse than strangers!"

Xia Tingfeng’s eyes narrowed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. "Little Sister, don’t worry about it. Whatever they do is their business. In any case, they won’t gain any advantage!" Xia Tingfeng was neither foolish nor blindly filial. He wouldn’t take the initiative to cause trouble, but he had his limits. "Let them stir up trouble. We don’t need to concern ourselves!"

Xia Ruqing could only nod in agreement. "Yes! What can we do? And there’s still Maternal Aunt Wen and Second Sister to consider!" It wouldn’t be good to openly fall out with them. This feeling of being oppressed and unable to fight back was truly infuriating!

Xia Tingfeng also felt somewhat helpless. The two exchanged a few more idle words. Xia Ruqing then inquired about his injuries. Learning he had largely recovered, she finally felt at ease. She offered a few more words of advice before letting the matter drop.

Just then, lunch was served. The siblings ate with Little Bun before Xia Tingfeng departed. Xia Ruqing had Xiao Xizi see Xia Tingfeng out properly. Only then did she return to the inner chamber.

Little Bun was sleepy too, so she got him ready for an afternoon nap.

Before falling asleep, she sighed. "Filial piety is considered so important. If children make any mistake, they face condemnation from the entire world! But what about when the parents make mistakes? Do such people even deserve to be parents?" If I were there, I would have surely slapped them on the spot!