Chapter 131: Visiting the Forbidden City
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Do you know you’re playing with fire?” Zhou Chao savored the lingering taste of strawberries on his lips, gently licking them.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it!”
“Meow-” Shoufu’s sudden appearance drew their attention. Shoufu’s big head popped out from behind the sofa, curiously observing the two.
“Hehe, Shoufu, you’re so chubby.” Jiang Li picked up Shoufu and surprisingly, he didn’t resist at all. Instead, he gazed earnestly at Jiang Li, as if trying to etch her into his memory.
Watching the playful scene between Jiang Li and Shoufu, Zhou Chao suddenly thought that having a daughter would make everything more perfect!
“All Li, you play with Shoufu for a while. I’ll go prepare some food. What would you like to eat?” Zhou Chao glanced at the time; it was almost noon. He stood up, ready to impress Jiang Li with his culinary skills.
Jiang Li looked up at Zhou Chao with affectionate eyes. “I like whatever you cook!”
Zhou Chao chuckled at her words. At this moment, being with Jiang Li made him smile more than ever before. He felt unusually relaxed and at ease, perhaps this was what a sense of belonging felt like.
Zhou Chao turned and walked into the kitchen. He opened a few refrigerators and took out some beef, seafood, and vegetables. Before long, the kitchen was filled with the symphony of cooking.
Jiang Li carried Shoufu to the kitchen door, leaning against the frame and silently watching Zhou Chao’s busy figure and his serious expression. There was an inexplicable sparkle in her eyes.
“Why did you come in? There’s cooking smoke in the kitchen, which isn’t good for your skin. You should stay outside and wait for the meal.” Zhou Chao observed Jiang Li’s gaze and promptly set aside what he was holding before gently urging her to leave.
“Okay!” Jiang Li could only go back to the sofa with Shoufu and gaze affectionately at Zhou Chao.
They were separated for half an hour…
“Dinner is ready!” Zhou Chao emerged from the kitchen with the final dish.
“It smells amazing! i didn’t know you were so talented, Brother Chao!” Jiang Li picked up her chopsticks and looked at the exquisite dishes on the table, not knowing where to start. They all looked like pieces of art.
“Eat quickly, or it will get cold!” Zhou Chao served a small piece of beef into Jiang Li’s bowl.
“Alright!” They began to eat.
“I’ve eaten so much. What if I get fat?” Jiang Li patted her round belly.
“Even if you get fat, I’ll still want you!” Jiang Li rolled her eyes at Zhou Chao.
“Is there anywhere you want to go? 1 can be your tour guide!” Jiang Li’s question made Zhou Chao ponder for a moment.
“I want to visit the Forbidden City and watch the flag-raising ceremony.”
“The flag is only raised in the morning. How about we go to the Forbidden City in the afternoon?” Seeing Jiang Li’s excitement, Zhou Chao smiled and nodded.
“Yay…” Jiang Li was seen spinning around with Shoufu in her arms, leaving Zhou Chao both bewildered and delighted. He thought he should be the one spinning with happiness instead.
Quickly snapping back to reality, Zhou Chao started clearing the table of the remaining dishes and leftovers. In no time, he had everything cleaned up.
“All Li, I’ll take a shower and change clothes, and then we can head out!” Zhou Chao announced as he made his way upstairs. But halfway up, he suddenly paused.
“No peeking while I’m showering!” Zhou Chao’s words made Jiang Li blush instantly.
“Go to hell, who wants to peek at you?” Jiang Li grabbed a pillow and playfully threw it at Zhou Chao.
“Hahaha.” Zhou Chao had already disappeared into the staircase, his laughter echoing from upstairs.
“Hmph, you rascal. Who wants to watch you shower?” Jiang Li muttered derogatory words about Zhou Chao, but her gaze involuntarily meandered upstairs.
“Shoufu, you mustn’t learn bad habits from your dad. You should be a good kitty, honest, brave, diligent…” Jiang Li whispered continuously in Shoufu’s ear while gently rubbing its big head. Shoufu wanted to resist but was held firmly in Jiang Li’s embrace.
“Meow-” In the end, Shoufu surrendered to Jiang Li’s care, allowing her to pamper it.
Soon, Zhou Chao finished showering and changing his clothes before coming downstairs. He saw Jiang Li playing with Shoufu on the sofa and discreetly took a few pictures with his phone.
“Let’s go, my tour guide extraordinaire!” Jiang Li placed Shoufu back on the sofa and stood up.
“Let’s go!” Jiang Li waved her hand enthusiastically and headed outside, leaving Zhou Chao momentarily stunned.
The Forbidden City was initially constructed in the fourth year of the Yongle reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty. It was modeled after the Palace of Nanjing and took until the eighteenth year of Yongle’s reign to complete. It served as the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Forbidden City was not only the largest existing wooden structure in the world but also one of the most well-preserved ancient architectural complexes.
Over hundreds of years, the Forbidden City had been the center of power during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With changing times, this ancient palace had returned to the hands of the people. It was a witness to history and a monument to the progress of time.
Jiang Li had grown up in Jingdu, so she was more familiar with the Forbidden City than anyone else. Walking into this magnificent palace complex under the gentle breeze and the scorching sun, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but be amazed.
As they passed through the Meridian Gate and entered this grand and majestic palace, with its numerous palaces and exquisite architecture, covering an area of over 720,000 square meters, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but be overwhelmed. It was a sacred imperial palace, a place that had witnessed the glory of the past, a monument to history.
As Zhou Chao and Jiang Li ventured deeper into the Forbidden City, it brought about a deeper appreciation. This resplendent Forbidden City showcased the millennia-old culture of China to the fullest extent.
Despite enduring the tumultuous centuries and the test of time, the Forbidden City remained intact, exuding an aura of grandeur in every corner. Unbeknownst to them, they had wandered into the magnificent palace, taking in the artistic essence of that era, marveling at the exquisite and unparalleled artworks created by their ancestors. They felt as if they were experiencing the life of an “emperor” for a moment, living a supremely privileged existence. History is relentless yet undeniably real. Regardless of how one lives and what choices they make, ultimately, they become frozen in that period, becoming a permanent part of history, preserved in the annals for future generations to judge their deeds, both good and bad.
Reluctantly, the two of them left the Forbidden City, their hearts still yearning for more. Their visit had been somewhat rushed as they only had half a day to explore. Now, they had to make their way back since the Forbidden City was about to close.
By the time Zhou Chao and Jiang Li exited the Forbidden City, it was already past 5 o’clock, and the sky was gradually darkening. Zhou Chao promptly took Jiang Li to the same private restaurant they had visited earlier.
After finishing their meal, Zhou Chao didn’t ask Jiang Li to accompany him further. Instead, he drove her back home because he intended to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square the next day. When Jiang Li heard Zhou Chao’s plan, she pouted and reluctantly agreed to accompany him, her lips seemingly ready to hold an oil bottle.
Zhou Chao dropped Jiang Li off at her residence within the compound. They spent some affectionate moments in the car before Zhou Chao drove back to his own home.
After a simple wash-up, Zhou Chao took out his phone and checked the time for tomorrow’s flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. Once he had the details, he sent a message to Jiang Li, confirming their meeting time for the next morning. After setting his alarm clock, he quickly dozed off..