Chapter 216: Princess Jiaoyang
Chapter 216: Princess Jiaoyang
Upon hearing Qi Wang's voice, SuSu recalled Che Lingzhi's earlier words: "Once my uncle returns to the mansion, he will definitely stand up for me."
These thoughts made SuSu feel even more aggrieved.
She turned away and buried her face in her mother's embrace, no longer paying attention to her father.
Seeing SuSu's reaction, Qi Wang's heart felt like it was shattering into pieces!
However, he couldn't blame the child.
In this matter, it was indeed his own fault for not considering things thoroughly. It was also because of his eagerness for a daughter that he ended up creating a tense atmosphere in the mansion.
Earlier in the palace, the Empress Dowager had already criticized him for this very reason.
In recent years, Qi Wang had only been concerned about which family had daughters who were well-raised, without giving much thought to their character.
As a result, all sorts of unsuitable women ended up in his mansion, leading to disharmony. The open conflicts and secret struggles among the wives were one thing, as they were adults and could handle themselves, which meant he didn't have to worry too much about it.
Moreover, the Queen Consort was there to help keep things under control.
However, when it came to the children, things were different.
This caused Qi Wang's expression to change slightly, and he also reflected on his own actions.
Qi Wang didn't get angry when SuSu turned away from him. Instead, he smiled gently and moved closer, speaking in a soothing tone to appease his little girl. "SuSu, don't be upset. Father knows he was wrong, and I will definitely protect you from now on."
"SuSu, don't be afraid. Bad people won't bully you anymore."
"From now on, whoever comes to our mansion, I will definitely ask for your consent first, SuSu. How does that sound?"
......
Qi Wang humbly sought a hug from his precious daughter.
SuSu's heart was touched by her father's words.
It was mainly because her father had said that he would protect her from now on and that there wouldn't be any bad people.
This was what moved SuSu.
Children didn't understand that adults could be deceitful.
SuSu only knew that whatever her father said, he would definitely keep his word and make it happen.
After all, that was what her mother always did.
With these thoughts in mind, SuSu gently emerged from her mother's embrace, her big eyes shining with anticipation, but her voice was soft as she asked, "Father, are you really telling the truth?"
Seeing that his precious daughter was finally paying attention to him, Qi Wang's mood instantly brightened, like the sun emerging from behind the clouds.
The smile on his face became even brighter, and he hurriedly nodded. "Of course, of course. When Father says something, he means it."
As he spoke, he reached out to try and hold SuSu again.
This time, SuSu didn't refuse him.
Holding his soft and delicate little daughter, Qi Wang gently rubbed his head against SuSu's fluffy little head.
When the two heads, one large and one small, came together, and they felt each other's warmth, Qi Wang thought to himself: Actually, it's not that bad to not be able to have children of my own.
I've been working tirelessly all these years, but I still haven't been able to produce a child. Where else can I find such a convenient and thoughtful solution?
As for the child not being my own flesh and blood, who cares about that?
As long as I raise her, she is my own flesh and blood!
Moreover, SuSu's eyes are exactly the same as mine. Who dares to say that she isn't my own flesh and blood?
She is indeed my own daughter!
It's just that Heaven played a trick on me, causing this child to wander outside for a few years.
Now that she's back, I must take good care of her and never let her suffer again.
With these thoughts in mind, Qi Wang couldn't help but chuckle softly.
He looked rather silly and simple-minded.
However, this unexpectedly made SuSu feel a sense of security.
She obediently looped her arms around her father's neck, her little head gently resting on his neck, and she thought to herself: So this is what it feels like to have a father.
It's warm and safe.
This was the feeling she had always longed for—to have a father.
It's so nice to have a father!
With these thoughts, SuSu hugged her father's arms even tighter.
After sensing SuSu's dependence on him, Qi Wang's smile became even brighter.
The Queen, standing by his side, felt a twinge of jealousy as she asked, "Are you tired? Do you want me to take the child?"
Qi Wang gently shook his head. "No, I'm not tired at all. SuSu is as light as a feather."
Then, he added, "We need to make sure she's well-nourished. Have the kitchen prepare meals for SuSu using the ingredients and dishes bestowed by the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince."
Hearing this, the Queen nodded, suppressing her emotions. "I've already asked Aunt Qiu to make the arrangements, so rest assured."
Qi Wang couldn't bear to part with SuSu and continued to hold her, occasionally remembering something and instructing the servants.
Noticing the modest quality of SuSu's nightgown, he turned to the Queen and asked, "Are there any suitable fabrics among those bestowed by the Empress Dowager? If not, I'll go to the palace and ask the Crown Prince for some. He must have plenty of good ones."
The Queen nodded. "I've already instructed the Jinxiu Workshop to make some, and they should be delivering them in the next day or two."
The Queen calculated the days, thinking that it was about time.
However, before the clothes arrived, a decree from the palace came first.
When Si Guo announced that someone had arrived from the palace, Qi Wang and the Queen exchanged a glance, guessing that it was probably a decree to bestow an honorable title upon their precious daughter.
SuSu was still unwell and had not fully recovered, so it wouldn't be appropriate to travel back and forth.
However, it wouldn't be proper to receive the decree without presenting themselves.
Qi Wang thought for a moment and then instructed Xiang Gugu to wrap SuSu snugly in a light blanket.
"Wrap SuSu up nicely, then you can just hold her while receiving the decree. She's still a child, so the Crown Prince won't mind," Qi Wang explained as he made the arrangements.
Xiang Gugu skillfully wrapped SuSu in the blanket.
Reluctantly, Qi Wang handed SuSu over to Xiang Gugu.
He then left with the Queen and the two side consorts to receive the decree.
When they heard the name that the Emperor had bestowed upon SuSu, both side consorts were surprised.
"Jiaoyang?" they thought, exchanging a glance. "The same title as the King's elder sister? Is this the Empress Dowager's intention?"
Among the two side consorts, Meng knew less about Princess Jiaoyang's story.
However, Ren was very familiar with the details.
Princess Jiaoyang had been forced to marry into the Su family of Cangzhou due to the schemes of the previous Emperor's concubines. Her husband already had someone in his heart, but he still pursued the marriage for the sake of power and influence.
After the marriage, she was not treated well and eventually died in childbirth, taking the life of her child as well.
Although the current Emperor had eradicated the Su family after his ascension, their mouths remained hard.
The body of Princess Jiaoyang had still not been found.
This matter was a thorn in the Empress Dowager's heart.
The fact that she had agreed to use this title for SuSu surprised Ren.
She thought, "Perhaps time has softened the Empress Dowager's heart?" But then she reconsidered, feeling that something wasn't quite right.
Ren couldn't quite understand the Empress Dowager's decision.
After the Grand Steward delivered the decree and Qi Wang generously rewarded him, sending him off, Ren finally realized that it was 'Jiao'yang, not 'Jiao'yang.
Seeing this title, Ren breathed a sigh of relief.
She thought to herself that although 'Jiaoyang' was a good name, it seemed too grand for a child like SuSu.
It was better for children to have less imposing names, as a grandiose title could affect their lifespan. By the time one realized it, it might be too late to regret it.
'Jiaoyang' was just right—a soft and adorable name for a little princess.
(End of Chapter)
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