Chapter 179: A Happy Childhood
Chapter 179: A Happy Childhood
Su Su couldn't help but feel embarrassed by the continuous praise, her face reddening as she lowered her head modestly, too shy to speak.
The Marquis of Huguo continued his accolades, and his words were not empty flattery but sincere compliments backed by specific examples.
It was clear that he was also generous with his praise for the children in his household.
No wonder he was so adept at praising others.
After heaping compliments on Su Su, the Marquis of Huguo turned to Princess Qi and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, the Ministry of Works will report the matter of the briquettes to the Emperor. When the time comes, if His Majesty bestows rewards, Su Su will surely receive her share."
Hearing the Marquis praise Su Su, Princess Qi was naturally delighted.
At this moment, she intended to respond with a modest refusal, as it wouldn't do to accept so readily.
Of course, she wouldn't outright refuse; instead, she smiled and said, "It's also because this child is lucky to have met you. Others might not have taken it seriously. It's mostly thanks to you."
The Marquis of Huguo waved his hands in humility. "No, no, it's my luck to have met Su Su."
Princess Qi thought, It's not just luck.
Of course, it was mostly because her Su Su was lucky.
But to be so fortunate...
She didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse.
Princess Qi sighed inwardly.
She wanted to invite the Marquis to stay for a vegetarian meal, but he said that he had urgent matters to attend to at the Ministry of Works and had to leave immediately.
Seeing this, Princess Qi did not insist further.
After seeing the Marquis of Huguo off, Zhou Shi returned with Song Kuan.
Song Kuan had been weaving during the walk and had made a small rabbit and two tiny hats.
When he saw Su Su, he eagerly took out his creations. "Su Su, look!"
Su Su's eyes lit up at the sight of the adorable trinkets, and she happily drew closer. "Wow, a little rabbit and hats! Song Kuan, you're so amazing!"
The young boy blushed at the praise and waved his hands shyly. "No, no, it's Su Su who's kind enough to appreciate my craftsmanship."
The two children quickly resumed playing together.
Zhou Shi didn't ask much about the Marquis of Huguo's visit. She knew that if Princess Qi wanted to share the details, she would. If not, it meant that the matter was sensitive.
Zhou Shi was straightforward, but not foolish. So, she quickly changed the subject with a smile. "I noticed that digging for wild vegetables looked quite fun. How about we go and take a look this afternoon? The flowers on the mountain are in full bloom, and we can pick some to weave into a floral crown for Su Su. I'm sure she'll look adorable in it!"
Before Princess Qi could respond, Song Kuan stood up excitedly. "I can do that! I'm really good at it!"
Song Kuan believed in his skills, but he rarely had the chance to showcase them.
He didn't have a younger sister, but he had two female cousins in his father's brother's household.
Unfortunately, one of them disliked playing with them, saying they smelled funny, while the other was too timid to even leave her room.
Whenever they saw their group of brothers approaching, they would scamper away faster than rabbits.
If it weren't for the annual gatherings during the holidays, when the two households dined together, Song Kuan wouldn't even know what his younger cousin looked like!
So, how could he ever display his craftsmanship?
He had never had the opportunity!
Now that he heard about making a flower crown, Song Kuan eagerly raised his hand, confident in his abilities.
Amused by her son's enthusiasm, Zhou Shi teased him. "Make sure you do a good job, or Su Su won't wear it if it's ugly."
Song Kuan replied confidently, "Don't worry, I'm really skilled!"
Initially, Princess Qi wasn't too keen on the idea of wandering in the sun to dig for wild vegetables.
However, upon hearing that the mountains were covered in flowers, her interest was piqued.
When she heard about making a flower crown for Su Su, she became even more intrigued.
In the end, she decided to go.
After lunch and a nap for the children, they set out with all the necessary tools.
Princess Qi didn't want Su Su to get sunburned, so she brought a parasol and even had a simple little one made for Su Su, which she carefully placed on her head.
"We've taken such good care of Su Su, making sure she stays this fair. We mustn't let her get sunburned now," Princess Qi murmured as she adjusted the parasol.
Zhou Shi, standing by, couldn't help but smile.
She, on the other hand, was less inclined to bother with such precautions. Compared to other ladies of her status, she lived a slightly more rugged life.
However, Princess Qi had been persuading her, and now Song Kuan chimed in with a heart-wrenching comment: "If you get tanned during spring and summer, Mother, people will probably laugh at you for a long time."
Zhou Shi: ...!
So, it's better to be a delicate daughter.
That unyielding son of hers sure knows how to strike where it hurts!
In the end, Zhou Shi reluctantly put on the parasol.
But she found it cumbersome and obstructive to her vision.
After walking for a while, she grew impatient and took it off, setting it aside.
Her maid, concerned about the sun, tried to persuade her, but Zhou Shi was adamant. Finally, the maid could only insist that she wear a veil.
"Oh, my lady, please cover up a little. What if you get tanned all over?" the maid pleaded.
Zhou Shi, unmoved, retorted, "Having half of my face tanned and the other half not would be even worse, wouldn't it?"
Maid: ...
The maid's hands, holding the veil, froze in mid-air, unsure what to do.
Su Su and Song Kuan, however, were carefree and without such worries.
The little girl found the parasol bothersome and soon took it off, holding it in her hand as she ran alongside Song Kuan.
Xiang Gu, their nanny, kept up with them, her stamina impressive.
The servant boy attending to Song Kuan was also busy running around, plucking wildflowers to be used later when his young master would weave the flower crown.
Meanwhile, in the capital, at the Manor of Prince Qing, the prince had just returned from tending to some matters. Without even pausing to drink some water, he hurriedly sought out Mister Han Shuang, his advisor.
Prince Qing held Mister Han Shuang in high regard, and upon entering, he waived the formalities and spoke first: "I heard that you sent someone to Qingzhou to swindle all the money from that family?"
Mister Han Shuang nodded. "Yes, it's true. I didn't think it was a major issue, so I didn't inform you, Your Highness. But if you feel that this course of action is inappropriate, I can call it off."
Hearing this, Prince Qing pursed his lips in thought, then said hesitantly, "I'm just concerned that if they have no money and still come to the capital, they might cause trouble for Su Su once they recognize her..."
He had no sympathy for Chen Dalao's family. His only worry was that they might disrupt Su Su's peaceful life.
Understanding his lord's hesitation, Mister Han Shuang smiled and asked, "What was that, Your Highness? I was lost in thought and didn't quite catch it."
Prince Qing didn't doubt his loyalty and repeated, "I'm worried that if they don't have any..."
Before he could finish, Mister Han Shuang interrupted with a laugh, "Not that part. What you said before."
Prince Qing was not suspicious by nature, so he thought back to what he had said upon entering and repeated, "I heard that Mister Han Shuang..."
He repeated the same sentence again.
This time, Mister Han Shuang listened quietly before shaking his head. "I did not give such instructions. It must be someone beneath me spreading false rumors. Rest assured, Your Highness."
Prince Qing: ???
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
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