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Chapter 183: The Qi King Returns Home
Chapter 183: The Qi King Returns Home
The Qi King's wife only found out that the king had returned when she reached the entrance of the mansion.
And he was just a quarter of an hour earlier than her!
Upon hearing this from the gatekeeper, the Qi King's wife furrowed her brows slightly and asked softly, "Why didn't someone come to inform me earlier so that I could return in time to prepare?"
The gatekeeper smiled and explained, "The King said to let the Queen attend to her matters first, as he is not in a hurry."
The Qi King's return disrupted the Qi King's wife's original plans.
Initially, she had intended to accompany Suisui for an afternoon nap, as the young girl hadn't slept well in the carriage.
After waking up, she planned to listen to a storybook with the little girl, then look for some fabric, and draw a design. Later in the evening, she would embroider a sachet for Xiaoliu.
In the evening, she would accompany the children during dinner and watch them play while observing Xiaoliu's growth, making up for the maternal love she had neglected due to her guilt.
Everything was planned out perfectly, but the king's sudden return interrupted it all.
This caused a bit of irritability to arise in the Qi King's wife's heart.
However, she skillfully adjusted her emotions, waking Suisui and waiting again in the carriage until the young girl became more alert. Only then did they head back.
Since the king was returning with his concubines, they would most likely be in the Eastern Court.
The Qi King's wife prepared to return to the Main Court first to settle Suisui for her afternoon nap.
However, upon returning to the Main Court, she discovered that the king hadn't gone to the Eastern Court. Not only that, but the king, along with Ren Cefei and Meng Cefei, and even Che Yiniang, who had been taken to the Separate Court by the king, were all sitting in the Main Court, sipping tea.
With everyone present, it would be rather inappropriate for the Qi King's wife to avoid them while accompanying Suisui.
Thinking of this, the Qi King's wife first spoke softly to Suisui, explaining, "Your father has returned and is sitting over there. Mother will take you to meet him, alright?"
"Your father is a very kind person. Suisui, don't be nervous or afraid. Just follow Mother."
"Mother is here."
The last sentence was very reassuring.
Although Suisui was initially quite tense, after listening to her mother's words, she felt her heart filled with strength.
As the Qi King's wife led Suisui into the main hall, they drew everyone's attention.
Suisui was actually a bit nervous.
However, feeling her mother's hand holding hers, warm and soft, Suisui felt much more at ease.
After the Qi King's wife entered with her entourage, she first nodded towards the king.
Ren Cefei and Meng Cefei both stood up and greeted her.
On the other hand, Che Yiniang, who was sitting across the table from the Qi King, remained seated, unperturbed.
When the Qi King's wife looked in her direction, Che Yiniang lifted her veil, covering her lips as she smiled and said, "Please forgive me, Queen. With my current condition, it's not very convenient for me to greet you properly. I hope you won't take offense."
Over the years, the Qi King's wife had seen many concubines who took advantage of their favored status, and she had grown accustomed to it.
She wasn't someone who liked to compete for attention. As long as her interests weren't affected, she would usually go along with the king's wishes, making it easy for him and not creating difficulties.
So, after Che Yiniang finished speaking, the Qi King's wife was about to habitually nod her head.
However, before she could even nod, she heard Ren Cefei laugh out loud, "Che Yiniang, how is your body not convenient? If you were to conceive now, the King's head wouldn't be cold anymore."
For the first three months after Che Yiniang entered the mansion, she followed the advice of a master and nourished her body with various tonic soups. During this time, the Qi King hadn't touched her.
It was only after the master calculated an auspicious day that the Qi King brought people to the Separate Court.
An Auspicious Hour, an Auspicious Place, and an Auspicious Person.
"Perhaps it's an auspicious day for a girl's birth too!" As soon as these words left Ren Cefei's mouth, an awkward chill descended upon the gathering.
The Qi King hadn't been particularly concerned, but upon hearing this, he too became uneasy. His face turned cold as he snapped at Che Yiniang, "And you're already making excuses before we even know if you're pregnant? Can your body handle bearing my precious child?"
With those words, Che Yiniang's face alternated between red and white.
Initially, she had intended to use her favored status to her advantage and assert herself.
But now, her attempt at asserting herself had backfired, and she found herself on the receiving end of the king's displeasure.
In the end, Che Yiniang reluctantly stood up and greeted him with a forced smile.
From the sidelines, Ren Cefei watched this unfold and smiled as she chimed in, "Your Majesty, Che Yiniang's manners are lacking. If we're not careful, she might set a bad example for the young ladies of our manor."
Che Yiniang's thoughts were plain to read: That Ren Cefei sure has a lot to say. Who does she think she is?
However, Ren Cefei's family background was prominent, and her words carried weight. The king himself rarely contradicted her, and Che Yiniang knew she was no match for her.
In the end, Che Yiniang could only grit her teeth and bow once more, her pride taking a blow.
The Qi King's wife, unperturbed by the exchange, casually waved her hand and gently inquired of the king, "Why the sudden return, without sending word ahead?"
The Qi King casually laughed it off, "We calculated an auspicious time, and it was time to return. The master confirmed it."
As he spoke, the Qi King's gaze fell upon Suisu, his eyes softening with affection.
Upon seeing this, Ren Cefei took the opportunity to tug at the king's sleeve, her voice coquettish as she teased, "Your Majesty~"
At this, the tea that Ren Cefei had just sipped threatened to spray from her mouth, and she barely managed to swallow it in time.
Meng Cefei, who had been quietly sipping her tea, nearly joined in, but after some hesitation, she too swallowed her words.
However, Ren Cefei was not one to let things slide. With a smile, she gently wiped her mouth and said, "Your Majesty, I do believe Che Yiniang still has some energy left in her. Why, with some effort, perhaps she could even deliver twins! Wouldn't that be wonderful, adding two more young ladies to our manor?"
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
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