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Chapter 175: He Furen Descends the Mountain
Chapter 175: He Furen Descends the Mountain
After Feng Xuanrui returned to the capital, Princess Qii considered paying a visit to her parental home.
However, with the prince absent from the mansion, although there was no issue with her usual outings as a princess, she wasn't sure if returning to her maiden family would invite some unwarranted gossip.
Furthermore, with the palace prone to sending news at any moment, Princess Qi had been hesitating all this time.
Now, hearing her sister-in-law bring it up, she smiled helplessly, "Let's go take a look together tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Zhou knew that something about Sui must be amiss, probably something that shouldn't be discussed in front of others.
Zhou didn't pry further but instead inquired about Feng Xuanrui's situation and then asked about Feng Xuanze.
After some casual conversation, Zhou spent some time playing with the children.
Having given birth to two sons after marrying into the Song Mansion, she couldn't help but adore the adorable little girl that Sui was.
Regarding the matter of Prince Qi having a child in another courtyard, Zhou was wise enough to not utter a single word about it.
In the midst of their conversation, they saw Autumn walk in and announce that He Furen had come to bid farewell.
In fact, it wasn't just to bid farewell; the other party had also prepared gifts and insisted on expressing their sincere gratitude to Sui.
Although Princess Qi had her doubts, she still smiled and welcomed the guest in.
He Furen was in a hurry to descend the mountain. At this moment, she no longer cared about the issue of sincerity. Her priority was to rush down the mountain to find the lifesaving medicine!
However, before leaving, she definitely needed to express her gratitude and bid her farewells.
She had brought very few things with her up the mountain, so she sent people to rush back and retrieve them.
A whole box of jewelry and two bolts of brightly colored fabric, all of which were top-quality floating light brocade.
If it weren't for Sui's lifesaving advice, He Furen wouldn't have been willing to part with these possessions!
As He Furen earnestly expressed her gratitude, Princess Qi felt a little embarrassed.
However, since all of this was thanks to Sui, she naturally wouldn't stand up and say, "There's no need. The child is still young, and her words are innocent."
Instead, she held Sui's hand and carefully explained the situation, leaving the decision to Sui.
Regarding the gifts, Sui didn't refuse.
Lele had said that she should accept them, and with these gifts, the He family could be at peace, and Sister Shuran would also be happy.
Moreover, with so many beautiful things, Sui also liked them, so she thought about it and accepted them.
Naturally, He Shuran also came over.
At this moment, she held Sui's hand and refused to let go.
Having made a rare friend, she wasn't ready to part and wanted to cherish their time together.
Sadness and reluctance filled her heart.
Seeing this, He Furen smiled and said, "After we recover, we can still go find Sui to play, okay?"
Although there was some gap in status between the two mansions, if their relationship was good, they could still send an invitation and play together.
Hearing this, He Shuran felt a little better. Reluctantly, she held Sui's hand and said softly, "Sui, I'll come find you to play later. Wait for me, sister."
Sui stood across from her and allowed her sister to hold her hand as she nodded solemnly, "I'll wait for sister. Mother Empress said that during the summer, it's very fun over at the estate. We can go pick apricots together then!"
The apricots were sour and sweet, and He Shuran loved to eat them.
However, due to her physical condition, she had to be careful with her diet and dare not eat too many even if she liked them.
Now, hearing Sui mention it, her mouth involuntarily watered, and her head nodded in agreement even faster than her thoughts, "Okay!"
The two little girls made a promise and then bade farewell to each other.
Princess Qi accompanied Zhou to see He Furen off, and only after the latter had left did they turn back into the room.
Zhou had a favorable impression of He Furen and didn't ask any further questions about the relationship between Princess Qi and He Furen, which had seemingly improved.
The two women chatted for a while, sharing amusing stories, before Zhou steered the conversation towards another matter. "In half a month, it will be Chen Ge's birthday. In previous years, Aunt Song didn't intend to hold a grand celebration, but this year is his coming-of-age ceremony, which holds a different significance. The invitations were delivered to the mansion early this morning, and I assume you received one as well. What do you think about bringing Sui..."
The latter part of Zhou's sentence was left unspoken, as she gestured towards Sui's direction. The meaning was clear—should Sui be brought along?
Chen Ge, whose full name was Lu Yincheng, was the eldest grandson of Aunt Song. His birthday fell on the second day of May.
Should she bring Sui to her nephew's coming-of-age ceremony?
This was a question that Princess Qi had not considered yet.
Now that Zhou had brought it up, Princess Qi furrowed her brows in contemplation.
Aunt Song was married to Lu Laodahen, the former Vice Minister of War. Due to this layer of kinship and the additional factor of Song's father's capability, the Vice Minister had been intentionally or unintentionally promoting Song's father over the years.
Song's father now held the position of Vice Minister of War and was likely to succeed the elderly Lu Laodahen, becoming the next Minister.
However, the situation in the capital was ever-changing, and royal power struggles further complicated matters.
Sometimes, things might not go as smoothly as envisioned.
It was too early to discuss future possibilities.
Princess Qi couldn't even bring herself to think that far.
The Lu family was known for their simplicity and integrity. After hearing this, Princess Qi began to contemplate bringing Sui along.
However, Sui's formal name had not yet been chosen, and her official status had not been established.
Princess Qi had claimed that she adopted Sui, and while this assertion might be accepted within the mansion, it had not been officially recognized beyond its walls. Without a formal introduction to society, bringing Sui out could potentially lead to unnecessary troubles.
There would be no shortage of inconveniences.
Princess Qi was unafraid of troubles, but she primarily feared that Sui would be wronged.
However, leaving Sui behind while the other children went to celebrate would also be heartbreaking. Just the thought of it made Princess Qi's heart ache.
This was indeed a dilemma that required careful consideration.
Noticing Princess Qi's hesitation, Zhou softly said, "You know I'm straightforward, so please don't take offense at what I'm about to say. I think it's best to leave her behind for now. After we hold a ceremony to establish her identity and gain recognition from the mansion, the royal family, and you, we can then take her out to socialize. With our established identities and confidence, those who look down on Sui will no longer dare to do so."
Zhou's words, while not pleasant to hear, were the truth.
Princess Qi nodded in response. "I'll think about it some more. I need more time to think."
Zhou didn't press further, having shared her thoughts. When it came to her family, she had no hidden agenda.
In fact, Zhou could understand Princess Qi's conflicted emotions.
Who wouldn't want to bring out and proudly showcase such an adorable and lovable daughter?
However, without a formally recognized identity, many would put on a friendly face in person but speak ill behind one's back.
There were plenty of two-faced, or even three-faced, individuals in this world. If this outing caused Sui to develop any shadows, it would be a case of gaining something at the cost of losing something more valuable.
As the two women fell silent, Autumn quietly walked into the room once more.
Seeing her enter, Princess Qi set aside her thoughts and gently inquired, "What is it?"
(End of Chapter)
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