A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Compared to the bustling scene of Nanjing, Jiangnan, the Capital City is more inclined toward a sense of wealthy affluence.

Throughout the city permeates a solemn aura unique to the King’s dominion; those nobles and officials are often constrained by various etiquettes and rituals, rarely causing trouble, regardless of how they are privately, they maintain harmony on the surface.

The trend of power struggles is prevalent.

Jinling City in Jiangnan contrasts greatly with this.

During late spring and early summer, willow catkins flutter, pavilions and towers, small bridges and flowing water, blossoms as if embroidered, a dazzling array of colors, opulent yet elegantly exquisite.

For comparison.

If the Capital City is like a painting of peonies that symbolizes wealth and national beauty.

Then Jinling City is like a romantic depiction of moonlight adorned with handsome men and beautiful women pledging eternal love.

In the bustling streets and alleys, teahouses and wine shops, amidst apricot blossoms under misty rain, beneath paper umbrellas on arching bridges, each scene infused with the unique romantic elegance of Jinling City.

”It’s so beautiful here!”

Sitting in the carriage returning to the residence, Ni Manxue lifted the curtain slightly to gaze at the scenery, exclaiming in wonder.

On streets paved with blue bricks and stones, men and women of all ages come and go, most clad in silk spring attire, their coiffures adorned with unique ornaments.

They seem in no rush, casually walking in pairs, talking and laughing, appearing leisurely and carefree.

Antique and exquisite little pavilions line both sides of the street, featuring taverns, teahouses, wine shops, rouge stalls, silk stores, and more.

”The buildings here are different from those in the Capital City! Delicate and exquisite!”

”Also, everything sold in the shops here is so novel!”

Ni Manxue felt as if her eyes were not enough, contemplating that once settled, she must explore every single shop.

Indeed, no matter the era, shopping is every woman’s nature.

Dong’er laughed.

”Master, you’ve been looking all the way, take a rest!”

”If you really like it, we’ll come back for a stroll later!”

Only then did Ni Manxue reluctantly lower the curtain.

...

The small courtyard arranged by Xia Jingfeng was nestled in a quiet alley south of Jinling City.

The environment was serene, surrounded by similar-sized courtyards.

Some belonged to minor officials, others to merchants; in essence, all were wealthy families.

The road was flanked by various flowers and drooping willows.

The path paved with blue bricks, looking ahead, one could see it winding into the distance.

The scene evoked the words from ancient poetry, ’curved pathways leading to secluded spots’.

Stepping off the carriage, Ni Manxue glanced around, her eyes filled with uncontainable joy.

”It’s truly beautiful here!”

Xia Tingfeng felt indifferent.

Having grown up in Jiangnan, he was accustomed to this architectural style.

However, seeing Ni Manxue’s joy, he felt genuinely happy.

”As long as you like it!”

Xia Jingfeng then smiled faintly.

”I am but humble, only able to find such a relatively peaceful place, I hope Brother and Sister-in-law enjoy!”

Ni Manxue laughed gracefully.

”Why do you say that Jingfeng?”

”This place is fresh and unique, couldn’t be better!”

”How considerate of you!”

Xia Tingfeng also patted his shoulder.

”No need for formalities between brothers! This residence is splendid!”

Xia Jingfeng smiled without further words.

He then glanced at Xia Chengze and Xia Chenghui, who had been standing behind them the whole time, and asked with a smile.

”Do you two like it?”

The two, familiar with their uncle who had lived in the mansion for quite a while, straightforwardly smiled.

”We do!”

Xia Jingfeng lovingly tousled the heads of his nephews.

”As long as you like it, let’s quickly go in!”

”Brother and Sister-in-law, after you!”

He made a gesture of invitation.

Xia Tingfeng, being not pretentious, did not decline further, walked in confidently with Madam.

Behind them was Xia Jingfeng leading the two nephews.

The group entered the door, first seeing a massive stone screen wall; bypassing it was the passage hall, passing through that, and around the Arcade Gallery was the front yard and study.

Further in was the second gate, leading inside was the backyard.

This courtyard wasn’t large, the front yard had no garden, only the backyard had a small garden.

Yet, even so, the courtyard’s lush bamboo and Taihu Stone, along with towering ancient trees, made the whole place appear beautiful yet not vulgar, tranquil yet not lonely.

If this were a most exquisite painting.

Then the trickling sound of two spring streams in the courtyard and the melodious bird songs atop the towering trees.

Would be the final touches, rendering the entire picture full of vitality.

Xia Tingfeng and Xia Jingfeng with the two nephews remained in the front yard.

Ni Manxue took the maid and servant women to the backyard to settle in.

Led by the maid, Ni Manxue entered the backyard, seeing the more than twice as charming small garden compared to the front yard.

She was instantly overjoyed.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, exclaiming in delight.

”Why does the air here feel sweet to me!”

”Madam must be joking, the air has no taste!”

”Let’s hurry to our room and tidy up!”

Dong’er tugged on her to persuade.

Ni Manxue thought for a bit, then agreed, leading the group to the main room in the backyard.

The main room wasn’t large, only half the size of her courtyard in the Capital City at most.

However, being accustomed to living in large houses, occasionally staying in such fresh and unique small houses, especially ones with such beautiful garden landscapes.

Ni Manxue felt a thousand times refreshed.

Furthermore, the tables, chairs, window screens, canopy curtains, carpets, and quilts here were all brand new.

Also made from materials unique to Jiangnan, surpassing those of the Capital City.

Ni Manxue was inwardly even more fond of it.

”The more I look, the more I find this place wonderful!”

”In the future, I certainly won’t miss following our home’s lord back to recognize our ancestral roots!”

The Xia Family’s ancestral home was in Jiangnan.

When Xia Tingfeng retires and returns home, it’s inevitable that I will also come along.

At that time, I will choose such a small courtyard to enjoy my later years peacefully.

Just imagining this life feels blissful!

Dong’er, while tidying up the master’s clothing, couldn’t help but laugh.

”Madam, you sure have great imagination!”

”However...”

Ni Manxue raised an eyebrow.

”What, don’t you want to come?”

Dong’er chuckled.

”I was just about to say, by then, you must bring me along, madam!”

Only then did Ni Manxue relax and feel at ease.

She looked at the furnishings filling the room, thoroughly satisfied.

Then instructed.

”No need to rush about, the things here are fine, we can move right in!”

”Certainly!”

After Dong’er took out the daily wear, she put the remaining spare items back into the trunks.

”Madam, after such a long journey by carriage, you should rest for a while!”

”I’ll tell someone to prepare some food first!”

”When it’s time for lunch, the lord will surely inform you!”

Ni Manxue acknowledged, reclining on the beauty couch, resting on the mugwort pillow she brought from the Capital City, and closed her eyes.

Dong’er went out to instruct the other maids, then returned to stand by the master’s side.

Ni Manxue couldn’t fall asleep for a while, casually chatting with Dong’er.