https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-319-What-Reputation-Does-She-Have-/12607290/
Chapter 320: Bedtime Story
Chapter 320: Bedtime Story
The afternoon rain drove the outdoor sermon indoors.
Incense filled the room as the group settled in, with Qi King holding Suishu, half-listening while dozing off.
Fortunately, the master didn't mind their discourtesy.
The Buddha guides those with destiny.
It truly is a matter of destiny.
Whether one is willing to listen or simply wishes to bathe in the Buddha's light, all are embraced.
As for Qi King...
He slept soundly.
When he awoke, the sermon was nearing its end.
Qi King hadn't understood much, but his primary concern was Suishu: "How's my good girl doing? Did you listen nicely?"
Suishu, to be honest, didn't understand a word.
The sutras were far too profound for her young mind.
However, she enjoyed the lively atmosphere, and the master's endurance in lecturing for an entire afternoon impressed her greatly.
So, when her father asked, Suishu eagerly nodded: "It was nice, really nice!"
She might not have comprehended the words, but the gathering had been so lively!
Suishu loved the excitement!
Qi King was delighted that Suishu had enjoyed herself.
Fenghuan Rui and Fenghuan Bin, unable to sit still any longer, had already run off to play.
Despite the rain, some visitors had come to offer incense during the morning's clear skies, and the two young masters of the manor had joined the children from the other estate in their playful antics.
Having found playmates for the time being, the group parted ways in the evening without much sadness.
After the vegetarian meal and a quick wash-up, Princess Qi first put the three children to bed.
They were staying in the outer room of the Courtyard House once again.
The large three-room and small two-room setup was more than sufficient for their needs.
Due to the recent incident involving the kidnapping of He Manor's children, they hadn't reduced their entourage for this visit. Instead, they had brought along two additional guards from the manor.
The children slept in one room, attended by Cousin Xiang.
Qi King and his wife occupied another room, with Aunt Qiu keeping watch.
The remaining servants stayed in the last room and the two small side rooms.
A light drizzle had persisted throughout the afternoon.
As evening approached, the rain let up slightly.
After everyone had freshened up, the rain slowly started to fall again.
There was a slight leak in the two small side rooms, but the servants took care of it and assured that it wouldn't cause any problems.
Qi King inquired about the situation and, learning that it was under control, didn't bother himself further.
At this moment, he sat by the bed, telling the three children a bedtime story—something he had never done before.
Qi King didn't even know what a bedtime story was, to begin with.
But Suishu wanted to hear one.
"Alright, alright," Qi King relented. "I may not know what it is, but I can learn! Isn't it just reading a storybook for children?"
Now that he understood.
To be honest, Qi King wasn't a fan of reading.
How many underachievers actually enjoyed reading?
He found storybooks tedious due to their excessive text.
However, for Suishu, to be a compassionate father, he reluctantly retrieved a storybook.
After flipping through a few, he reluctantly settled on one about fox spirits and other supernatural beings, not entirely satisfied with the selection.
"This one isn't really appropriate either," Qi King frowned. "How could I possibly read this to children?"
Fenghuan Rui, listening from the side, popped up in annoyance. "Why not? If my sister wants to hear this one, then she'll hear this one! That's final!"
Qi King rubbed his temples, exasperated by the ruckus. Seeing Suishu's big, round eyes, he reluctantly waved his hand in surrender. "Alright, alright, we'll read this one. Now lie down nicely, close your eyes, and Father will tell you a story."
...
Qi King's voice was deep and slightly hoarse, but it carried a profound paternal love.
So, Suishu listened to her father's voice, the incomprehensible story from the storybook, and the gentle patter of rain outside, slowly drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Fenghuan Rui and Fenghuan Bin fell asleep even faster than she did.
Who would've thought that storybooks...
With their abundance of text, could be so sleep-inducing!
Initially, Qi King had been genuinely reluctant to read this storybook; he wasn't a fan of reading in general.
However, wanting to see what would happen next, he persevered and ended up reading the entire book.
The Queen couldn't take it anymore and, sitting by the bed, propped her head up and dozed off.
It wasn't until his voice stopped, with a hint of reluctance, that the Queen jolted awake.
The King looked at this in exasperation: "How did you fall asleep again?"
After asking, he felt that his question might have been inappropriate, so he amended, "Or should we go to sleep too?"
It was a gloomy, rainy day, and the humid air made it feel like a waste to not sleep.
The Queen was indeed tired, and hearing the King's suggestion, she nodded gently.
The two tidied up and quietly went to the room next door.
With Aunt Qiu watching over this side, the two could rest at ease.
The two guards took turns keeping watch during the night, and there was usually no danger within the temple grounds.
So, they could sleep soundly.
Perhaps it was because he had slept too soundly during the afternoon sermon.
As a result, the King tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.
However, the Queen was tired, and she soon drifted off.
He kept turning over in bed, unable to find a comfortable position, and eventually sat up.
Aunt Qiu thought he needed something and quietly asked, "Do you need some water, Your Highness?"
The King wasn't thirsty, so he waved his hand: "You go to sleep. Don't worry about me."
Aunt Qiu understood that he wanted to be left alone, so she returned to her small, bamboo bed on the floor.
The conditions for the night watch were a bit rough, but at least they could get some rest.
Aunt Qiu dared not sleep deeply and kept an ear out for any sounds.
However, the light pitter-patter of rain outside was too soothing.
Before she realized it, she had fallen asleep without knowing if the King was asleep or not.
The King tossed and turned until midnight before finally drifting off.
As a result, he couldn't get up the next morning.
Suishu had already finished washing up, changed her clothes, and was ready for breakfast.
But the King was still asleep.
The Queen heard from Aunt Qiu that the King probably hadn't slept well the night before, so she didn't wake him.
However, not wanting him to go hungry, she instructed Haitang: "Ask Sui Si to go down the mountain later and buy some snacks. I remember there's a shop in the village that sells delicious treats."
The snacks from that shop were mostly steamed, and even the fried or more complex ones were made with oil pressed from beans.
So, there was no need to worry about breaking any temple rules.
Seeing the snacks, the Queen finally picked up Suishu and, along with the two children, headed to the dining hall.
They arrived a little early, so the hall wasn't very crowded.
The breakfast was simple, consisting of plain porridge, whole grain buns, and side dishes.
However, the side dishes were refreshingly tasty, and the Queen enjoyed them, whispering to Aunt Qiu, "When we return to the palace, let's eat like this too. I think this style of cooking is great."
It was refreshing and would be comfortable to eat during the summer.
Aunt Qiu nodded gently.
After hearing his mother's words, Suishu thought for a moment and then, after swallowing her mouthful, agreed, "I think it's delicious too."
Fenghuan Rui had been reluctant at first, but hearing his sister say it was good, he decided to try another bite.
He chewed expressionlessly and then swallowed.
He thought that while he was willing to endure bitter food for his sister's sake, some things were just too bitter to eat.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
