Chapter 326: Save Her, Please Save Her!
Chapter 326: Save Her, Please Save Her!
When King Qi entered the palace, the Emperor had just returned to the Hall of Great Peace to work after napping in Concubine He's palace.
Hearing that King Qi had arrived, the Emperor was startled, "I thought he was at Lanruo Temple to fulfill his vow? Is he back already?"
The Emperor felt that something was amiss.
If he had returned, there should have been a timely message informing him. Could it have been a sudden decision?
Although the Emperor was perplexed, he remained accommodating to his younger brother. Soon enough, he had King Qi invited in.
Upon entering, King Qi quietly observed the Emperor's expression.
Though he couldn't discern much, the lack of a furrowed brow suggested that the Emperor didn't seem angry. King Qi boldly surmised that his brother's mood was probably good.
With these thoughts in mind, King Qi first greeted him and then cautiously voiced his daring conjecture.
Emperor: ???
Hearing him out, the Emperor found the situation slightly amusing and frustrating, "I understand your anxiety, but please be at ease. Even if the Jin Yang Marquis Estate comes looking for you, just deny it firmly, and they won't be able to do anything. If they act arrogantly, I will discipline them and revoke their titles."
Pausing here, the Emperor slowed his speech, "Since I have acknowledged Mingxi, she is now my niece, and no one can change that fact. No one will be able to take her away from the Feng family registry!"
These words from the Emperor warmed King Qi's heart, filling him with a sense of security.
However, King Qi's curiosity was sparked, and he quickly asked, "Brother, are you absolutely sure you won't assist your younger brother in investigating? What if...what if we are genuinely unrelated to the Golden Sun Marquis Estate? Wouldn't that be fantastic? Then, if they look for us, we will hold the moral upper hand!"
At this point, King Qi clicked his tongue and continued, "I always felt that Chen family's attitude doesn't seem like they're treating their own flesh and blood. Who knows, maybe that Chen Sanniang really did steal the child!"
The Emperor was both amused and exasperated by King Qi's words, but he couldn't resist his younger brother's cajoling.
After all, it was just an investigation into a child's past, and the child was still young, so there probably wasn't much to uncover. It wouldn't be a difficult task.
The Emperor thought to himself that it would be a way to appease his brother.
With that in mind, the Emperor nodded, "Alright, if you want to investigate, I'll have someone look into it."
Hearing the Emperor's agreement, King Qi happily expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Brother. I knew you would be the most understanding. I am truly grateful, and..."
The academically-challenged King Qi could only muster a few more sentences of thanks.
After listening to his roundabout expressions of gratitude for a while, the Emperor waved his hand helplessly, "You... now that you're back from Lanruo Temple, are you staying for the night?"
King Qi had already achieved his goal for this trip, and his heart was still with Suisu.
Hearing the Emperor's question, he raised his hand in a salute, "Your younger brother will take his leave now. I still need to fulfill my vow over there."
Emperor: ...
He felt like he had just been used and then cast aside.
However, his younger brother had always been straightforward and sincere, without any hidden motives, so the Emperor was used to it. As he signaled for King Qi to withdraw, he reminded him, "Remember to pay your respects to Mother."
King Qi didn't need this reminder, as he had already planned to do so.
But, having just gotten his way, he was feeling particularly agreeable, so he didn't argue with the Emperor. Instead, he hastily acknowledged the instruction.
Watching King Qi's cheerful retreating figure, the Emperor shook his head helplessly, "When will he ever grow up? He's still like a child."
Loyally, the Grand Commandant Zhong Quan, standing by the Emperor's side, echoed his sentiments with a few auspicious and flattering remarks, causing the Emperor to burst into laughter. Only then did he continue with his work.
After paying his respects to the Empress Dowager, King Qi left the palace.
However, as soon as he exited the palace gates, the heavens opened up and rain began to pour down.
Su Si glanced at the situation and frowned. Riding horses would be faster, but both of them would surely get drenched.
Changing their plans, they headed back to the mansion and waited for the rain to ease before switching to a carriage and returning to the temple.
Fortunately, their journey, though muddy, remained rain-free.
Upon King Qi's return to the temple quarters, he had yet to lay eyes on Suisu when the skies opened up once more, showering the earth with a gentle rain.
Witnessing this, King Qi burst into hearty laughter. "Even the heavens are favoring this old father!"
King Qi attributed this fortunate turn of events to the presence of his precious, beloved child.
Hee hee, how delightful!
After the rain ceased, Suisu and her two brothers went out to catch more water beetles.
The large, pitch-black insects scared Queen Qi so much that her soul nearly departed her body several times.
On one occasion, Feng Xuanrui even pushed a water beetle right up to her face, causing her to freeze in fear, her scream caught in her throat.
Once she regained her wits, she felt an overwhelming urge to give her son a good spanking.
Queen Qi kept reminding herself: They're my flesh and blood! They're my flesh and blood!
With great effort, she managed to suppress her fear and anger.
But then, Feng Xuanbin failed to grasp a water beetle properly, allowing it to escape and jump right onto her skirt.
Queen Qi: ...!
She felt like she was going to shatter into pieces, truly and utterly shatter!
Save her, someone please save her!
Just then, the king returned.
What a joyous occasion!
Queen Qi couldn't bear to stay another second and quickly excused herself to King Qi, saying, "I need to change my clothes." before hurrying away.
King Qi was still perplexed as he entered. He looked around at the three children in the room, then at the dozen or so black water beetles on the ground, and he couldn't help but shudder.
Ah...
He seemed to understand why the queen's face had drained of color earlier.
These children were indeed mischievous.
However, King Qi wasn't afraid. He had played with such insects when he was young.
Now that he saw his children enjoying themselves, he wanted to join in the fun.
With King Qi's participation, the number of water beetles they caught increased significantly.
Suisu clapped her hands happily, delighted to have her father's help.
She wasn't afraid of these insects. In fact, many insects had saved her life in the past.
Without them as a source of food, she would have starved to death long ago.
So, pinching earthworms and catching water beetles with her bare hands? It wasn't a problem at all. Suisu could even make them dance in the palm of her hand.
The children played and laughed the afternoon away.
That evening, due to the rain, King Qi didn't want to tire the children out too much, so he had someone bring over vegetarian meals from the dining hall instead.
Suisu, who had been playing all afternoon, was already hungry, and she dug into her food with gusto.
The children's hearty appetite rubbed off on Feng Xuanrui and Feng Xuanbin, and they too ate with great enthusiasm.
The little fatty, Feng Xuanbin, was a carnivore at heart, but even without meat, he ate with relish, influenced by Suisu's enticing eating demeanor.
After the meal, King Qi took the three children outside to play and aid their digestion.
The rain had just stopped, and the ground was still muddy, so they didn't venture far, staying on the paved area in front of the house.
When Haitang and the others returned after sending the dishes back, they brought news: "Your Highness, Your Majesty, the Third Prince encountered the rain and has come to take shelter in the temple. He's on his way here now."
Second update at 7 pm.
(End of Chapter)
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