Chapter 248: Interrupted Plans
Chapter 248: Interrupted Plans
As the couple discussed Calendar's enlightenment, the subject of their conversation was already fast asleep, sprawled out on the bed. Perhaps the blanket was a bit too thick, as she had successfully kicked it off, exposing her adorable little tummy.
Aunt Xiang, feeling concerned, heard the noise and quietly entered the room. Sure enough, the child had kicked off the covers again, so she went over to tuck her in.
It was a warm day, and the evening brought no breeze to relieve the stifling air that seemed to foretell an impending rainstorm. Aunt Xiang felt certain that rain was on its way.
So, it was only natural that Calendar had kicked off her blanket.
Aunt Xiang, her footsteps silent, took advantage of the faint candlelight from the outer room to rummage through the cabinet for a thinner blanket. She then returned and gently covered Calendar once more.
Nuan Dong, who was on night duty, also came over, feeling a bit embarrassed as she witnessed Aunt Xiang's actions.
She had been sleeping at the foot of the bed and hadn't noticed the child kicking off the covers.
Although Aunt Xiang didn't reprimand her, she whispered a few words, reminding Nuan Dong to be more attentive.
Both Nuan Dong and Nuan Xia were still young and inexperienced, so Aunt Xiang felt the need to keep a closer eye on them.
After all, they were attending to the young miss, and it wouldn't do to say too much, lest the maids develop divided loyalties and become disloyal to their young mistress.
However, if Nuan Dong and Nuan Xia continued to be inattentive, Aunt Xiang knew she would have to speak to the Princess about finding a replacement.
The young miss was at an age where she required careful attention, and if the maids couldn't meet her needs, a change would be necessary.
In the latter half of the night, Calendar didn't kick off her blanket, but Aunt Xiang still couldn't help but check on her.
Nuan Dong had woken up a few times, and Aunt Xiang, being a light sleeper, had heard her each time.
When Aunt Xiang came over this time, Nuan Dong also got up to check. The two women met, nodded to each other, and said nothing, not wanting to disturb the sleeping child.
Calendar, oblivious to all this, slept soundly until morning.
When she woke up, the sky was still dark, and her head felt heavy and cloudy, which confused her. "Aunt Xiang, isn't it morning yet?"
She had been woken up by the urge to pee, so why was it still dark?
As soon as Calendar stirred, Aunt Xiang was already by her side.
Hearing the child's question, Aunt Xiang smiled and explained, "It's raining, so the sun isn't out. It looks a bit gloomy, but it's actually morning."
Speaking thus, she picked up Calendar and took her to the bathroom, while Nuan Dong efficiently held an umbrella over them.
With the rain, their visit to Lanruo Temple to fulfill their vow would have to be postponed.
After all, it wouldn't do to trek there in the rain.
Watching the light drizzle outside, King Qi felt a twinge of disappointment.
You see, they had spent the entire previous afternoon making a kite!
Although it wasn't very pretty, it had been made by his precious Calendar, and he felt it would be a shame not to fly it in the sky. Thinking of this, King Qi shook his head. "Rain is such a nuisance!"
Queen Qi, of course, understood her husband's disappointment and smiled helplessly. "It's alright. We can go another day. It will just be a shorter visit since we're nearing the end of the month, and we still need to prepare for Chen'ge's birthday at the start of next month."
The gifts had already been arranged, and the housekeeper was taking care of the purchases. All they needed to do was give it a final look, which wouldn't take much effort.
King Qi counted the days and finally shook his head. "Forget it. The roads will be muddy, and I don't want to risk bumping around and making my Calendar uncomfortable. We'll go next month. I forgot to ask my brother yesterday during the morning court session to have the Bureau of Astronomy choose an auspicious day. Oh well, if the rain stops tomorrow, I'll go to the palace alone."
Although he was disappointed about not being able to go out, King Qi was still happy to have the opportunity to play with Calendar.
Xiao Hu had just finished washing up and changing her clothes when she was happily scooped up by King Qi.
At breakfast, King Qi fed Xiao Hu bite by bite.
Fen Xuanrui watched with some displeasure and muttered, "Why can't I feed my sister? You're such a big meanie, Father!"
King Qi pretended to be deaf and ignored him.
Fen Xuanbin also chimed in from behind, whispering, "You big meanie! Big, big meanie!"
If Fen Xuanbin were to speak like this on his own, he wouldn't dare.
But with his sixth brother taking the lead, he felt bolder. Surely, Father wouldn't spank him for this?
With these thoughts, Fen Xuanbin snuck a glance at his father, only to be glared at.
Terrified, Fen Xuanbin shrank behind Fen Xuanrui.
Seeing his cowardice, Fen Xuanrui pouted, "If you're like this, how can we take our sister back?"
Fen Xuanbin timidly suggested, "Why don't... we hold off for now and come up with a better plan later?"
Without hesitation, Fen Xuanrui rolled her eyes, "If you don't dare, just say so. Don't make up so many excuses."
The two brothers discussed their plan without regard for those around them.
The other brothers couldn't help but find it amusing.
King Qi also watched the children's antics with amusement.
He didn't bother to stop them, and the two boys' plan became bolder.
King Qi couldn't be bothered and ignored them, content with having his precious Xiao Hu in his arms.
On a rainy day, King Qi stayed indoors and played with Xiao Hu, flying a bamboo dragonfly.
Shen Huatong and Liu Hemeng didn't come today.
The rainy roads were difficult to traverse, and the heavy dampness and cold made it easy to catch a chill.
Therefore, Doctor Liu and Master Shen sent their apologies for the children.
Queen Qi waved it off, unbothered, and sent someone to inquire about Guo Yiniang's situation.
Knowing that all was well, she felt relieved.
Aunt Qiu had already gone to select people yesterday, and this morning, two aunts from the separate residence came over.
After meeting with them and asking some questions, Queen Qi brought them along to let Guo Yiniang choose herself.
Guo Yiniang didn't really know whom to choose and ended up randomly pointing at Aunt Yuan.
As for the other aunt, Queen Qi didn't let her off the hook either, "You go back to the separate residence first. Later, I'll have Aunt Qiu select some people, and then you can help out by guiding them well to serve our little county lord."
The unselected aunt didn't feel disappointed. Although appearing before the main family offered more opportunities, the work at the separate residence was much more relaxed.
Upon hearing that she would be given an important task, Aunt Liang nodded solemnly.
By now, everyone in the mansion knew that the newly appointed little county lord was the most favored. King Qi wanted to hold her in his arms for twelve hours a day, afraid that she would run away!
So, when it came to selecting maids to attend to the little county lord, Aunt Liang knew she had to be careful.
After giving instructions, Queen Qi also handled some trivial matters and then listened to Aunt Qiu's report that the manager from the estate had come over. He said that the seeds Xiao Hu had planted before had sprouted, and they had taken the initiative to transplant them into the fields, and now they were growing well.
Hearing this, Queen Qi smiled in satisfaction, "Considering how attentive they've been, double their monthly salary. Ensure they have enough fertilizer and water, and don't spoil Xiao Hu's plants."
(End of Chapter)
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