A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 1290: Chapter 1288: Touring Mountains and Waters

Li Shengan thought for a moment and cautiously said, freewebnovёl.ƈom

"Marquis, it is said... matters beside the Emperor, this old servant shouldn’t disclose even a bit!"

"However... considering the Emperor’s trust in you!"

"I must give you a word of advice!"

"The Emperor has already made a decision on this matter, but what it is, this old servant doesn’t know!"

Xia Tingfeng knew better than to ask more.

"Thank you, Eunuch!"

Li Shengan waved his hand.

"No need to thank me; since the Emperor has decreed, Marquis, you can go with ease!"

Xia Tingfeng nodded and decided not to say more.

He took out an exquisite pouch from his bosom and personally placed it in Li Shengan’s hand.

Then he respectfully saw him out.

...

Ever since the Xia Residence received the Imperial Edict, Ni Manxue started getting busy.

Since it was a long journey.

Everything in and out of the house naturally needed to be well organized.

First, the outer farms and shops, after checking the accounts, must be handed over to reliable stewards for management.

Then it’s the estate inside, which cannot be neglected at all, and people chosen must be picked with utmost care.

Finally, the two children.

Their eldest son, Xia Chengze, had turned thirteen after the new year, and the youngest was already ten.

They were at the age of growing bodies and acquiring knowledge, so their studies couldn’t be neglected.

Even if teachers couldn’t accompany them, arrangements had to be made for their studies so they wouldn’t fall too far behind.

This busyness over a few days made Ni Manxue lose a significant amount of weight.

Xia Tingfeng felt distressed watching her.

"It’s just a pity I don’t understand these things and can’t share the burden with you!"

Ni Manxue shook her head while massaging her waist.

"This is all my responsibility!"

"Isn’t it the same for every matriarch of the house? Everything inside and out must be managed!"

"Besides, we’re going on a long journey, once we leave, it’ll be a year or more before we return!"

"So everything must be carefully organized!"

"Though I’ve been tired these few days, it’s worthwhile, everyone staying behind is trusted so we can leave with peace of mind!"

Xia Tingfeng smiled, gently placing his large hand on her waist to massage it slowly.

"Thank you for your hard work, Madam!"

Ni Manxue comfortably lay on the bed, letting him massage.

"Husband, thank you for your hard work as well!"

"In the past, you worked day and night, and I had to share more of the burden for you!"

"Now it’s better, you can finally rest, and I can relax a bit too!"

"We can finally go out and see the world!"

Xia Tingfeng gently stroked her long hair hanging over her shoulders.

On his normally cold and sharp face appeared a rare, tender smile.

"Yes, indeed!"

"I know you also cherish this great land, but never had the time. This time, I’ll be sure to accompany you well!"

Ni Manxue turned and smiled,

"Every time the Emperor and Empress went on a private visit, you didn’t know how envious I was!"

"I’ve always thought, when can we two go out on adventures?"

Xia Tingfeng placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Right now!"

Ni Manxue blushed.

"We’ve been together for ages, you old rogue!"

Xia Tingfeng feigned seriousness in protest.

"I’m not old!"

Ni Manxue couldn’t help but tap his broad forehead.

"You may not be old, but our son is growing up, and in a couple of years, we’ll be arranging marriages!"

"In a few more years... you’ll be holding grandchildren, will you still say you’re not old then?"

Xia Tingfeng felt a twitch in his lips.

Cursing inwardly: This brat, how did he grow up so fast!

Seeing his stiff expression, Ni Manxue burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this anymore!"

"We’re leaving in two days, time for a good night’s sleep!"

Xia Tingfeng nodded.

He stood up, scooped Ni Manxue up by her waist, and said fiercely,

"I need to prove, I’m not old yet!"

Ni Manxue gasped and then pounded his broad shoulders.

"You’re really incorrigible, calling you improper was spot on!"

Xia Tingfeng kept his dispassionate face as he spoke flirtatiously.

"In front of my wife, do I need to be proper?"

He laid her on the bed, drew the curtains with one hand, and extinguished the lights with the other.

The sharp wind from his palm made the curtains fall, the lights go out.

Soon, a vibrant sound filled the room.

...

Three days later, the caravan set out.

Xia Tingfeng rode ahead with their two sons, Ni Manxue sat on a spacious carriage in the center with two trusted maids.

Two carts of luggage followed behind, with ten or so house servants escorting at the back.

The group left the Capital City and headed south.

The Emperor had set no deadline.

So, the family traveled leisurely, enjoying the scenery along the way.

They climbed mountains when they came upon them, rowed boats when encountering water, explored cities when they arrived, and savored delicacies they found.

It took them over a month to travel from the Capital City to Jiangnan.

As the family entered Jiangnan territory,

Xia Jingfeng received the news.

He had anticipated their arrival half a month earlier and arranged a residence for his brother’s family.

That day.

Just after roll call at the Yamen, Xia Jingfeng received a message.

"Sir! The Marquis’s family has reached the city gate!"

Xia Jingfeng’s eyes lit up instantly, he put down the documents and quickly changed his clothes to go welcome them.

At the city gate.

Seeing each other again, the brothers were full of warmth.

The two brothers patted each other’s shoulders then exchanged smiles, unable to look away for a long time.

After the greetings were exchanged.

Xia Jingfeng bowed to Ni Manxue.

"Sister-in-law!"

Ni Manxue laughed grandly,

"Long time no see, you’ve become much more mature, Jingfeng!"

Xia Tingfeng watched him, pride written all over his face.

Xia Jingfeng was dressed in a moon-white robe, with his hair fastened by a White Jade Crown.

Though his demeanor was no different from a regular scholar, he bore no air of pedantry.

On the contrary, his bearing was much more generous than most scholars, a true man of profound literary knowledge.

Indeed,

Xia Jingfeng was gaining quite the scholarly reputation in Jiangnan.

He had made friends with a circle of literati; his residence often welcomed talented individuals unappreciated by society.

Apart from handling official duties,

His greatest interest was debating history and current affairs, exploring ancient and modern studies with his friends.

Over the years, his knowledge had far surpassed the standard scholarly essays for exams, encompassing a wide array of scholarly and worldly wisdom.

Nevertheless, he remained humble and modest.

Upon hearing his sister-in-law’s compliments, he modestly replied he was unworthy, and then smiled,

"Elder brother, sister-in-law, and nephews must be tired from the long journey; the residence is prepared, please follow me!"

Xia Tingfeng found his scholarly language a bit much, patting his shoulder with a smile,

"You brat, there’s no need for formality between us brothers. Can’t you speak plainly?"

Xia Jingfeng lowered his head with a smile,

"Here in Jiangnan, all the literati speak like this, I’ve gotten used to it. Please don’t mind, elder brother!"

Xia Tingfeng waved it off.

"Alright, let’s go quickly!"

"Alright!"