The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

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.

“`

The two only picked the larger ones and tossed them into a nearby bucket, while the smaller ones, if they were still alive, were casually thrown back into the stream.

“Brother-in-law, that’s probably enough, right? Fry a couple, and stew the rest into a soup, which will be great for my sister,” said the shorter man.

“Yes, that should be enough,” the taller man nodded, and began to gather up the fishing net, “Yuanzhong, you carry the small bucket, and I’ll take the large one. Later, as we go down the mountain, we’ll look for mushrooms or whatever else there might be. If we find any, we’ll pick some to take back. Your sister loves fried mushrooms the most.”

“Don’t just mention how much my sister loves them, the fried mushrooms you make, Brother-in-law, have me craving them too. Crispy and crunchy, and with a sprinkle of Sichuan pepper and salt, they are incredibly aromatic,” Zhuang Yuanzhong said with a grin.

“Then let’s find more mushrooms so we can fry them up when we get back,” the taller man chuckled, packed up their things, and followed Zhuang Yuanzhong onto a small path nearby.

From a distance, they could see Zhuang Qingning’s family on the hillside, carefully picking peach blossoms with a basket.

The current Princess of the Seventh Prince, Lord of Ninghe County, hailed from Enji Village.

Zhuang Yuanzhong had long heard of the extraordinary stories about Zhuang Qingning. However, seeing her here was somewhat unexpected.

But looking at the joyful togetherness of Zhuang Qingning’s family reminded Zhuang Yuanzhong of things from years ago in the village, filling his heart with a sense of guilt. Yet, thinking of how Zhuang Qingning’s guidance had led to a safe and peaceful life for him and Zhuang Qinghe, he couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

Seeing Zhuang Yuanzhong’s lingering gaze, the tall man wrapped an arm around his shoulder, “At your age, it’s time to talk about marriage. Yet you’re not in a hurry. By the look in your eyes, do you feel that getting married and having a wife and children would make life even better?”

“You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll keep an eye out for a good girl for you. If you take a liking to someone, I will go with your sister to ask for her hand in marriage,” the tall man said.

“Agreed,” Zhuang Yuanzhong nodded and then laughed, “But let’s get one thing straight, no matter whose daughter she is, there’s just one condition—she absolutely must not have as fierce a temper as my sister’s, or else I won’t be able to handle it.”

“You’d best not let your sister hear that, or else you won’t get a single sip of fish soup tonight. In fact, you might even end up cleaning the fish bones,” the taller man joked.

“Of course, I can’t let my sister hear that, no way…”

The two laughed and talked as they walked out of the valley with their fishing nets and buckets.

On the hillside, there was a scattering of fallen petals and a subtle fragrance in the air—an enchanting sight.

Chu Jinnian lifted the two little dumplings up to the branches, and their chubby hands carefully plucked the petals one by one, placing them into a small bamboo basket beside them.

When he grew tired of lifting, and enough peach blossoms had been gathered, Chu Jinnian and Zhuang Qingning sat down to rest on a nearby rock, watching Chu Zimo and Chu Siyu playing and laughing under the peach trees.

It was the afternoon, and the setting sun cast a warm glow over the western sky, bathing the whole valley in a hazy beauty.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of peach blossoms, and the trees swayed with the movements of the branches, interspersed with the delightful chirping of birds, which pierced the silence of the valley, making its seclusion all the more profound. Being there felt truly leisurely and free.

When music accompanies the emperor, no stillness is not peaceful.

It perfectly described the pleasant and tranquil good life at that moment.

Zhuang Qingning squinted her eyes and leaned on Chu Jinnian’s shoulder, her lips curved into a sweet smile.

Chu Jinnian also smiled, taking hold of Zhuang Qingning’s fair hand that rested on his knee.

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— The End —
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