Chapter 663 - Chapter 663: Extra—Harmony at the Royal Court (1/2)
Chapter 663: Extra—Harmony at the Royal Court
“I see this is not just about enjoying the peach blossoms, but also about seeking a peaceful retreat,” the Empress said with a raised eyebrow. “You’re worried that Zhuang Qingning won’t adapt to life in the capital city, and also worried that we summon her to the palace too often, afraid that she might feel constrained and aggrieved, so you’re hastily keeping her under protection.”
“In my view, that’s exactly the case.”
“However, Chu Jinnian doing so is understandable; he suffered himself when he was young and is afraid Zhuang Qingning will go through the same.” The Empress smiled and shook her head, “This kid, fortunately, he didn’t take after his father’s nature, knows how to cherish his wife.”
“Well, since they do not wish to be constrained, let them be. From now on, if they do not come to the palace on their own initiative, there’s no need to deliberately summon them. If I really start to miss them too much…”
“At worst, we’ll just make a trip out of the palace to see them,” the Empress concluded.
Perhaps the real point is making a trip out of the palace.
The Queen noticed the Empress’s intention but didn’t point it out, instead, she smiled with pursed lips, “What Mother says is very true, I must remember to bring your daughter-in-law along when the time comes.”
Aren’t I also taking advantage of this good opportunity to bask in their light?
“You…”
The Empress was amused into laughter by the Queen.
The Queen also smiled with pursed lips.
The maids waiting outside exchanged glances.
Such a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law scene, which had never been seen before, became quite common after Mrs. Qiao was conferred the title of the Queen.
It’s often said that mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are natural enemies, but this clearly does not apply to these two.
But come to think of it, the Empress had always been generous and broad-minded, and the Queen is also very smart and virtuous; the two of them together ought to have a mutual admiration for each other.
At this very moment, Chu Jinnian was enjoying the mountain retreat with Zhuang Qingning and the two little buns.
The straw hut built of bamboo looked very simple but was clean and tidy.
Most importantly, being in the midst of the mountains and forests, surrounded by blooming flowers and singing birds, it was truly a paradise on earth, refreshing the heart and delighting the soul, making one linger and forget to return.
That day, Zhuang Qingning, Chu Jinnian, and the two little buns went to pick peach blossom petals to make peach blossom cakes. They also had the cakes sent to the palace as a filial gesture to the Empress and Queen.
As a family of four, dressed very simply and plainly, their good looks and temperament still made them the center of attention in the mountains and forests.
However, as it was the peak of the blooming season in the mountains and, being close to the capital city, there were many nobles who came to enjoy the spring and view the flowers, so their presence was not too much of an anomaly to the accustomed crowd.
Only some who were not local villagers, hoping for good fortune in the spring, cast sideways glances upon seeing Zhuang Qingning’s family.
In the valley, there was a fairly wide stream, made lively by the fish in the melting snow. The fish jumped from time to time, attracting locals with spearfishing gear and nets to catch them.
Right now, by the water’s edge, two men, one tall and one short, possibly brothers, were fishing. As they talked, they cast their fishing net into the water.
When they lifted the net, their catch was abundant.
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