Chapter 196: Who Doesn't Love a Little Greed?
Chapter 196: Who Doesn't Love a Little Greed?
Qi Wang quickly scooped up Feng Xuanrui and Feng Xuanbin, preparing to take the children back for dinner.
Suishu leaned on her mother's shoulder, watching as Fourth Brother, Feng Xuanjie's eyes lit up, only to dim again soon after. She couldn't help but whisper, "Does Fourth Brother want Father to hold him too?"
No one expected Suishu to say something like that.
Hearing the little girl's words, everyone's gaze subconsciously turned to Feng Xuanjie.
Feng Xuanjie had been thinking that after seeing his father hold the youngest, he might also get a chance.
Although he was already a big kid and an older brother, he was still a teenager and longed for his father's affection and closeness.
However, after seeing that his father had only picked up the two youngest brothers, Feng Xuanjie, despite his preparations, couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
Qi Wang probably didn't think too much about it either.
He subconsciously held the two youngest children, and now, being called out by Suishu, he was somewhat taken aback and surprised.
After reacting to her words, he couldn't help but laugh, "You are all your father's beloved children. I will hold you all."
Holding them all was impossible.
After all, no matter how powerful Qi Wang was, he couldn't possibly lift several children with one hand.
So, he squatted down, hugged all the children one by one, and then led them towards the dining hall.
Dinner was sumptuous, especially since the Duke had returned to the mansion; naturally, a feast had to be prepared.
Once everyone was seated, even before they could start eating, Autumn Auntie hesitantly walked in and said in a low voice, "Car Auntie's servant, Qiao Zhi, came to say that Auntie is feeling unwell and wants the Duke to come and take a look."
Everyone: ...
Even the youngest, Feng Xuanbin, understood these petty tricks of Car Auntie.
How should one put it?
They were truly beneath contempt.
If it were a few years ago, the Duke's sons might not have understood these schemes.
However, over the past few years, the tactics employed by the concubines and maids had become increasingly low-level, exposing the Duke's sons to these manipulations from a young age.
Autumn Auntie hadn't wanted to say anything, but she was afraid that if Car Auntie really had some issue, she would turn around and blame their Princess Consort later.
So, after hesitating, Autumn Auntie still honestly conveyed the message.
The Princess Consort of Qi Wang seemed indifferent. She smiled and looked at the Duke, "Why don't you go and take a look, Your Grace? If it's nothing serious, you can always come back, and the princes still need to be taught their lessons."
Qi Wang had just poured himself a cup of water and was about to arrange for his sons when he planned to coax Suishu to feed him.
But then, he heard Autumn Auntie come in and announce Car Auntie's antics.
Qi Wang wasn't foolish. Even if he had been in the past, the experiences with his concubines over the years had opened his eyes, and he now understood their schemes.
So, when Autumn Auntie spoke, Qi Wang immediately understood what Car Auntie was trying to do.
He waved his hand impatiently, "If she's feeling unwell, call for a physician. I can't treat her, so what's the point of going there?"
After saying that, he thought about it again and still felt uneasy. Qi Wang stood up and strode towards the door, "Wait here. I'll personally go and speak to Qiao Zhi."
As Qi Wang left, the princes couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
Their father had just returned to the mansion after several days of absence, and they had barely spent much time with him before he had to leave again to attend to someone else.
The youngest, Feng Xuanbin, had tears welling up in his eyes again.
Although Feng Xuanrui also felt a sense of loss, he had come to understand these things better over the past few years.
So, he quickly concealed his sadness and lowered his head to speak to Suishu, "Sister, there's braised pork and meat jerky today, and they taste so delicious. After the meal, we can also drink sweet cherry milk..."
Suishu had not seen her brothers for two days and naturally missed them greatly.
Spending time with Father King had prevented Suishu from chatting much with her brothers. Now that she had the chance, she stuck close to Feng Xuanrui, nodding repeatedly as she listened to her brother's words. "When the time comes, I'll drink half and give most of it to my brother!"
"No, no, we have a lot. But if my sister wants my brother to drink, then my brother will drink, and my sister's intentions are the most important."
The siblings were getting along splendidly. Feng Xuanbin, who had been on the verge of tears, now looked on with surprise...
Uh-oh?
Was Father King not enough, and was his sister also going to run off with Sixth Brother?
That wouldn't do. He had to keep at least one of them here! Feng Xuanbin quickly squeezed his way over, and Feng Xuanbo didn't yield an inch either.
The children huddled together, temporarily forgetting about their dinner.
Queen Qi didn't stop them; she only asked Autumn Auntie to keep an eye on them.
If the King went to attend to Car Auntie, they would start eating without him.
There was no reason for them to starve while waiting for him to appease the women in the rear courtyard.
Qi Wang had just enjoyed a happy moment with his children when he was interrupted, and his mood wasn't exactly pleasant.
Qiao Zhi had been delighted to see the King come out.
Since her master had gained the favor of the head of the household, even she, as a servant, felt she had gained some face.
However, before she could fully unfold her smile, she heard Qi Wang's cold voice: "If you're feeling unwell, call for a physician. There's no point in me going there if I can't treat you. Behave yourself and stop causing trouble. Don't teach the young ladies of my manor your mischievous ways, Car."
After speaking, Qi Wang turned and left.
He had been looking forward to testing his sons' lessons and holding Suishu, coaxing her to eat.
He had never personally fed a young lady before, and Suishu had truly captured his heart.
Although he longed for his own biological daughter, Suishu was just as wonderful.
At that moment, Qi Wang realized that everyone had their greedy desires. If not for one thing, then for another.
Just like him—he wanted both a biological daughter and Suishu.
Thinking of this, Qi Wang smiled at his own greed. "Oh dear, greed is truly a pitfall~"
Qiao Zhi never expected the King to say such things.
Moreover, he spoke without any regard for who might hear.
The sweepers outside and the rough-duty servants from the Queen's courtyard were all watching and listening.
By speaking so bluntly, Qi Wang left Qiao Zhi unsure how Car Auntie would survive in the manor from now on...
Unless she had some good news, like being pregnant with a girl.
Otherwise, after receiving such a cold response from the King, how would she continue living there?
The problem was...
There was no way Auntie could get pregnant!
With these thoughts, Qiao Zhi concealed the darkness in her eyes and made a mental note: "Tonight, I must find an excuse to leave the manor!"
As for Car Auntie's reaction and feelings upon hearing Qi Wang's words, Qi Wang and the others didn't care.
Qi Wang only knew that feeding his daughter with his own hands was a joyful and blissful experience.
He couldn't control himself! If not for Suishu's limited appetite, Qi Wang would have loved to see her taste everything!
Suishu finally had to stop eating when she felt full, and if not for Queen Qi's intervention, Qi Wang would have continued feeding her.
Later, noticing that the little girl was truly full, he worried that she might have overeaten.
After the meal, Qi Wang held Suishu and gently rubbed her tummy to aid digestion.
His technique wasn't great, as he had only learned it temporarily from Doctor Liu.
However, Qi Wang was very patient as he massaged her.
From time to time, he would ask, "Does it hurt?"
"Is it too hard?"
"Are you feeling better?"
...
The second update will be at 7 PM.
(End of Chapter)
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