Chapter 162: Madame He
Chapter 162: Madame He
Someone was approaching.
Although, they were still a fair distance away.
Queen Qi recognized the voice and found it familiar.
Unconsciously, she turned her head to see who it was, and noticed a group of people less than five meters away.
Upon recognizing the newcomer, Queen Qi greeted with a smile, "Madame He."
Upon seeing Queen Qi turn around, Madame He hurriedly pulled her child's hand to quicken their pace.
Madame He was holding the hand of a pale-faced, frail-looking little girl.
The girl was very pretty, but unusually quiet, like a doll that could only blink.
As Madame He quickened her steps, the little girl struggled to keep up.
Queen Qi noticed the girl's face turning even paler, beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead, and felt a twinge of concern.
She raised her hand and said with a smile, "There's no rush, we're not in a hurry to get to the sermon. Let's take our time."
Madame He knew that she was walking too fast for her child's frail health.
However, when out and about, one had to consider etiquette.
Hearing Queen Qi's considerate words, Madame He bowed slightly, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness."
As they were acquainted, Queen Qi casually waved her hand and, looking at the child, asked softly, "How is your second wife doing?"
The distance of five meters was quickly closed as Madame He and her daughter approached.
Hearing Queen Qi's question, Madame He sighed, "She's still the same."
Speaking of this matter, Madame He couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.
Queen Qi's heart sank as she listened, feeling a pang of sadness.
Madame He's second daughter was only two years older than Sui Sui, still a child herself.
At that moment, she followed quietly by Madame He's side, her big eyes flitting anxiously and curiously around the surroundings.
Obedient to her mother's instructions to remain silent, she allowed herself to be led along.
Other children her age, at seven or eight years old, would be mischievous and playful.
But Madame He's second daughter, at seven years old, was so quiet that it tugged at one's heartstrings.
She seemed even thinner than she had been the previous year.
The children of the powerful and influential in the capital sometimes struggled to even stand on their own two feet at the ages of nine or ten.
This was why the Empress Dowager had been reluctant to reveal Sui Sui's true identity.
Queen Qi looked at the frail, thin form of Madame He's second daughter and felt that the child's situation was truly precarious.
It was uncertain if she would even be able to stand on her own.
However, it was best not to voice such unpleasant thoughts.
Queen Qi only spared a brief glance, careful not to show even a hint of pity, lest it be misinterpreted.
The two women exchanged pleasantries for a while.
Madame He was also on her way to the sermon, hoping for blessings for her child.
Since they shared a similar intention and Madame He had a gentle disposition, not given to currying favor with the powerful, Queen Qi invited her to join them.
Madame He did not refuse, repeatedly expressing her gratitude and concern about being a bother.
Queen Qi felt a bit guilty about her true intentions.
She had invited Madame He to avoid being alone with Madame Tang and having to endure her incessant chatter and attempts at ingratiating herself.
With a third party present, Madame Tang would have to restrain herself to some extent.
As they walked and chatted, they soon encountered Madame Tang once more.
If it weren't for her previous suspicions, Queen Qi might not have given it much thought.
However, with her earlier conjecture now seemingly confirmed, seeing Madame Tang again filled Queen Qi with a sense of unease.
On a brighter note, Tang Lingheng was not with her.
He was probably taking a nap after tiring himself out earlier in the day.
She wondered if he would be energetic again come evening.
The thought of it gave Queen Qi a headache.
She wished she had brought her sixth and seventh sons along.
They were still young and could afford to miss a little schoolwork.
Madame Tang was indeed a very sociable woman. After joining them, it didn't take long for her to insert herself into the conversation between Queen Qi and Madame He, skillfully taking control of the dialogue.
Some people just have that talent. They effortlessly seize the initiative with ease.
However, Queen Qi wasn't in the mood to compete, and Madame He wasn't the type to enjoy such struggles either. Additionally, Madame He had to consider the Queen's connection to the Empress and subtly flatter Madame Tang.
Madame He wasn't foolish, just not interested in socializing.
The three women walked together towards the afternoon sermon location.
Due to the warm weather, the afternoon sermon was held in an eastern lecture hall, a spacious venue. When they arrived, the master had already begun his discourse.
The hall was filled with devotees, although some had left to forage for wild vegetables. Yet, many remained, maintaining a respectful silence.
Upon her arrival, Madame Tang also fell quiet, refraining from further interruptions.
She intentionally asked Tang Youqing to take the two children to play, hoping to provide an opportunity for Tang Youqing to showcase her abilities before Queen Qi.
Madame Tang indeed harbored the intention to marry Tang Youqing into the Qi Wang Estate.
Marrying into the Qi Wang Estate meant becoming the main wife of the heir apparent. In the future, even if the estate split among the sons, the heir would still be the most honorable one.
Then, Tang Youqing would become the mistress of the estate, overseeing all affairs.
This was far better than being a concubine in the Eastern Palace or a consort to a new emperor.
However, Tang Youqing was reluctant to give up the wealth and prestige of the Eastern Palace for someone else.
Mother and daughter disagreed on this matter.
For now, Tang Youqing temporarily yielded to her mother's wishes.
When she heard that her mother wanted her to take the two children, Tang Youqing nearly lost control and blurted out in protest: Why should she have to take them? She didn't want to deal with these brats! Little Five had been screaming his head off the entire journey, and the siblings had already fought more than once.
Tang Youqing, being young, hadn't yet mastered the art of expression management.
Thus, her displeasure was evident on her face.
Neither Queen Qi nor Madame He were fools, and they naturally noticed her obvious reluctance. They smiled and politely declined, not wanting to trouble the young girl.
Madame He naturally spoke up, saying, "I want to bring Er Niang to listen to more sermons and bathe in the Buddha's light. Perhaps her body will improve then. We really can't afford to miss any sermons."
Upon hearing Madame He's words, Queen Qi was inspired. She smiled and said, "I came here to pray for my child as well. Naturally, I want to bring her to listen to more sermons."
After explaining, Queen Qi lowered her head and looked at Sui Sui, gently asking, "Isn't that right, Sui Sui?"
Sui Sui had been observing the two beautiful sisters, her curiosity evident.
Children's likes and dislikes are simple.
If you mean no harm, I like you.
Tang Youqing didn't have any ill intentions, but her impatience was written all over her face.
Thus, she maintained a stiff expression, not revealing a hint of a smile, which made Sui Sui nervous.
In contrast, Sui Sui preferred the equally curious but wide-eyed He sister, who occasionally glanced at her with a smile.
When her mother asked, Sui Sui quickly nodded, her voice crisp and decisive: "Yes, Mother."
The young girl's voice was like a clear bell.
Queen Qi couldn't help but feel delighted.
Her child seemed to have made great progress today!
Second update at 7 pm
(End of Chapter)
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