Chapter 110: The Deer-Skin Backpack
Chapter 110: The Deer-Skin Backpack
There were seven or eight boxes of various sizes on the table.
Sui Sui couldn't believe that all of them were for her. She snuggled up to her mother, Queen Consort Qi, her eyes wide with uncertainty as she asked, "A-are they all for me?"
Sensing the little girl's anxiety, Queen Consort Qi gently rubbed her back and replied with a soft laugh in her voice, "Of course, they're all for our beloved Sui Sui."
In that moment, Sui Sui felt that this might be the happiest moment in the world. She snuggled into her mother's embrace, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the countless beautiful gifts.
Even though they were all packaged in boxes, just looking at them filled her with a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
Sui Sui felt a bit embarrassed to open them, but eventually, Queen Consort Qi took the child's hand and slowly began to open the boxes to reveal their contents.
The gifts from the two Concubines were naturally at the very front.
Queen Consort Qi held Sui Sui's hand as they first opened the gift from Concubine Ren.
As the box opened, a glittering golden collar was revealed, reflecting the candlelight in a dazzling display.
The collar, as thick as an adult's thumb, was made of pure gold and adorned with intricate floral engravings and inlaid with warm purple jade.
Although the design was simple, the combination of gold and jade was classic, and the craftsmanship was exceptionally delicate.
Moreover, it had a certain boldness to it, clearly indicating its value.
The Ren family was known for their wealth, and Queen Consort Qi was quite accustomed to Concubine Ren's generous gift.
Sui Sui, however, gasped and exclaimed, "Mother, it's... it's too big!"
It wasn't just large, it was also heavy.
This collar would feel oppressive even on an adult's neck.
In fact, it was less of an accessory and more of a valuable asset to be stored away.
"Indeed," Queen Consort Qi said, chuckling as she gently caressed Sui Sui's head. "This is from Aunt Ren. Sui Sui, you must remember to thank her properly later."
Hearing her mother's words, Sui Sui nodded obediently. "I will, Mother."
Not wanting the little girl to feel burdened, Queen Consort Qi quickly added, "You are my child, and your status is noble. When others give you gifts, if you like them, keep them. If you don't, simply decline politely. You don't need to worry about offending anyone."
There was no need to fear displeasing others or feel obligated to reciprocate.
Sui Sui only partially understood the deeper meaning behind her mother's words, but she nodded along anyway.
The golden collar was too large for Sui Sui to wear.
So, after checking with Sui Sui, Queen Consort Qi closed the box.
Aunt Xiang, who was sitting nearby, had been recording all the gifts in a ledger for future reference and management.
These were all the young girl's personal belongings, and they needed to be properly documented and organized.
After Concubine Ren's gift, it was time to open the present from Concubine Meng.
Concubine Meng's gift was more conventional.
It was a finely crafted pure gold longevity lock, adorned with large red gemstones.
Queen Consort Qi didn't even need to touch it to know...
Yes, it was solid and quite heavy.
Excellent, another item that Sui Sui couldn't wear.
However, it would make a fine addition to her stored assets.
From now on, they would carefully accumulate a dowry for the little girl.
By the time she came of age and marriage negotiations began, Sui Sui might very well be the richest young lady in all of Jingcheng, even without any additional dowry.
The thought brought a deeper curve to Queen Consort Qi's lips.
She gently caressed the girl's back and asked softly, "Do you like it, Sui Sui?"
Who wouldn't be enamored by something so shiny and golden?
Sui Sui didn't know what to make of the gift. She turned to her mother, Queen Consort Qi, for explanation.
Queen Consort Qi smiled and said, "It's a deer-skin backpack made by Aunt Wen. From now on, Sui Sui, you can carry this to your lessons and fill it with snacks."
A backpack for a child couldn't be that large. It was smaller than the two palms of an adult man like King Qing.
However, the size was just right for Sui Sui's frail build.
The deer-skin was soft, but the color was monotone.
Aunt Wen had put thought into it; she sewed on a few beautiful bamboo leaves, adding a splash of vibrant color to the otherwise dull backpack. This gave it a playful touch.
On one side of the backpack was a swinging tassel of cyan silk.
Imagine little Sui Sui carrying this bag; she would look absolutely adorable!
It was a backpack! Sui Sui had never seen such a bag before, and she couldn't help but feel excited.
But she was also afraid that her mother might not like it, so she stayed put, not daring to move.
A child's thoughts were always written on their face. How could Queen Consort Qi not understand?
She gently set Sui Sui down and picked up the backpack. "Come, Sui Sui. Let's try it on and see if it fits. If it doesn't, we can ask Aunt Wen to alter it for us, alright?"
Upon hearing that she could try it on, Sui Sui's eyes lit up.
She happily curved her eyes and said, "Yes, Mother."
The child's obedience and understanding tugged at Queen Consort Qi's heartstrings. Seeing the curve of Sui Sui's eyes and her carefree expression, the Queen's heart felt a mix of soreness and tenderness.
She gently helped Sui Sui put on the backpack and thought to herself: 'Lady Sea is also skilled in handicrafts. The fabrics in my collection may not be suitable for making clothes for Sui Sui, but they can certainly be used for making backpacks in vibrant colors.'
'I'll have her make a few more, so Sui Sui can wear a different one each day.'
Just thinking about it made Queen Consort Qi look forward to it.
The backpack was a perfect fit.
The opening of the bag had a deer-skin strap. A gentle pull closed the opening, and there was also a flap for secondary assistance, ensuring that the contents remained secure and wouldn't fall out.
Queen Consort Qi was well aware that such a labor-intensive gift couldn't have been prepared in a single day.
These gifts were most likely prepared for the young miss of their manor, who hadn't shown her face in many years.
However, the one who came before the so-called young miss was their beloved Sui Sui.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
