Chapter 1519 - 1517: Distributing Porridge

Chapter 1517

The woman was humiliated and mocked by the group of people from the Southern Ocean Kingdom for quite some time.

Two soldiers of the Great Chu stood by, watching indifferently; not only did they refrain from helping, but they also watched the spectacle with an air of amusement.

There was not a trace of urgency in their demeanor, they even seemed to have some hidden anticipation.

They hoped she would be killed, as that would prove they weren’t exchanging secrets.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t killed, after all, she was ultimately spared.

"Hmph! You’re lucky!"

"Let’s go!"

The two eventually walked away.

The group from the Southern Ocean Kingdom guarding nearby also relaxed.

"They watched without helping, they probably aren’t together!"

...

Ultimately, the battered woman managed to avoid all suspicion and reached the porridge shelter set up by the Imperial Court.

She hid herself curled up in a corner, waiting for the Court officials to distribute the porridge.

The poor commoners and homeless victims waiting beside her didn’t have many doubts.

Everyone was equally miserable, who would suspect one another?

Seeing the impoverished victims lying around in various postures, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finally... survived!"

Joyful anticipation filled her heart: finally, she could save him.

As long as she could rescue him, what did a few injuries mean?

The corners of her mouth had an indescribable smile, her hand subconsciously touched the note kept close to her, feeling at ease entirely.

He said: a beautiful madam would come to distribute porridge, she must wait here and hand over that note to the madam personally.

She thought with some sourness.

What is the relationship between that madam and him?

...

Not far from the street, the general who released her watched her closely with shifting eyes.

A curious soldier beside him asked quietly.

"Boss, since this person is related to the Emperor’s whereabouts, why don’t you send someone to protect her?"

The general seemed worried.

"Didn’t you see the Southern Ocean Kingdom’s people are also here?"

"If we go to protect her, wouldn’t that harm her!"

Everyone around fell silent.

Indeed, wouldn’t it be harmful?

No wonder the boss didn’t tell the escorting two soldiers the truth; he feared exposing their intentions, their general was truly wise!

"Then boss, should we notify the Empress Dowager’s people?"

Looks like she’s waiting for the porridge distribution!

The Empress Dowager often comes to inspect the porridge distribution area, she’s bringing the Emperor’s whereabouts, if she’s not waiting for the Empress Dowager, what is she waiting for?

The general hesitated for a moment, finally shaking his head.

"Don’t take rash actions, don’t alert the people from the Southern Ocean Kingdom!"

"Since that woman dared to come, she must have her ways; if necessary, we’ll step in, but remember, act only when absolutely necessary!"

The city was tense with both sides stalemated, neither dared to act recklessly.

In such times, any reckless action could lead to disaster, it’s best to adapt to changes by remaining unchanged.

"Yes!"

The soldiers answered in unison.

...

Xia Ruqing stayed in the small courtyard for several days.

Seeing Zhao Junyao still busy, she didn’t want to disturb him and busied herself instead.

Just as well, the grain from Jiangnan arrived along with some medicinal herbs.

With the victims finally rescued, she happily went to help distribute porridge and medicine.

After half a month of busywork, she was fulfilled, and her face was full of smiles.

She was gratified by the victims’ rescue, hoping in her heart.

It would soon be over; when all this ended, they could leave, find a nice place, and live the life of seclusion.

How wonderful!

Growing old together, sunsets, rivers, lakes, and the sea, love for each other.

This kind of life only found in poems would soon descend upon her, how great, how wonderful! How lucky she was!

...

Early this day.

Xia Ruqing finished dressing and as usual took Zi Yue and Zi Ning to the porridge shelter.

The carriage swayed for two quarters of an hour, passing through most of the street before reaching the porridge shelter.

Along the way.

Seeing fewer victims and almost no dead bodies, Xia Ruqing’s mood further brightened.

"Finally, it’s almost over!"

"When this storm passes, our Great Chu Dynasty will fully recover!"

"Chenchen has gained experience; no disaster will be scary in the future!"

She spoke confidently.

Zi Ning nodded excitedly.

"Yes! I also feel we’re about to make it!"

Xia Ruqing beamed as she looked outside, holding a small charcoal stove, the warmth flowing from her fingertips into her heart.

Everything seemed beautiful to her at the moment, even the northern wind outside appeared more lovely than in past years.

"Oh, right!" She suddenly remembered something, turning to ask Zi Yue.

"I asked you to deliver the medicine to the Taishang Huang, did you deliver it on time!!"

"His health is poor, the Imperial Physician said the medicine can’t be interrupted! Remember to remind Li Deming to ensure the Taishang Huang takes it on time!"

She nagged continuously.

Zi Yue’s face was somewhat pale, but she managed a smile to respond.

"Master, rest assured, I constantly remember!"

"Now every three days, all the medicinal materials are fresh!! Li Deming beside the Emperor is also reliable, he’ll remember!"

Xia Ruqing nodded with satisfaction, and continued to lift the curtain to look outside the carriage window.

Zi Ning noticed Zi Yue’s poor complexion.

"Sister, are you feeling unwell? Why does your face look so pale?"

Zi Yue quickly regained her composure and replied softly.

"No... nothing!"

"Perhaps because the Mistress lifted the curtain, I feel a bit cold!"

"Mistress, you’d better put down the curtain, the weather in Guangnan is truly cold and damp!"

Xia Ruqing looked at her face and saw it was indeed pale, hastily lowered the curtain.

"Why didn’t you wear more clothes, girl?"

"This place is damp all year round, winter seems harder to endure than other places!"

"Yes!"

Zi Yue managed a smile but said nothing further.

The porridge shelter arrived quickly, and their conversation ended.

...

Getting off the carriage, Xia Ruqing led the two to distribute porridge.

Zi Ning went happily, but Zi Yue seemed distracted.

As for the reason: naturally she knew a bit of the truth.

She is the one delivering medicine to the Taishang Huang.

Even if no one told her the truth, she could vaguely guess something was off.

For instance: why does the Taishang Huang appear alone, anxious all day?

And why did the Taishang Huang’s health suddenly worsen?

Moreover: why are there suddenly so many oddly dressed and looking people in the city?

These matters she dared not ask nor could she ask.

Since everyone was intentionally keeping the Empress Dowager in the dark, she dared not speak.

She could only bury everything in her heart, observing the situation quietly.

The Mistress was unaware, she couldn’t be completely unguarded.

"Zi Yue, Zi Yue, what are you daydreaming about, hurry up and help!"

Xia Ruqing called her.

"Oh, coming!"

She snapped back to reality, quickly collecting her thoughts to join in.