Chapter 340: Here Come the Study Buddies
Chapter 340: Here Come the Study Buddies
Master Shen held a certain disdain for Feng Xuanyu, the academic underachiever.
Nonetheless, he didn't drive him away, merely allowing him to quietly listen from the sidelines.
Suisui was now chatting with Liu Hemei and the others.
Having not seen her sisters for over half a month, she missed them dearly.
Even Shen Huatang couldn't contain her excitement, chirping away.
Master Shen gave them some time to catch up, but not too long before resuming the lesson.
Suisui sat up straight, her back especially erect.
Seeing this, Feng Xuanyu couldn't help but nod in approval, thinking to himself: 'My sister's posture is perfect for martial arts!'
Today, Prince Qi entered the palace, while Princess Qi, accompanied by her two side consorts, continued to go over the accounts.
Having already sorted them out mostly, they just needed to finish checking them today so they could set their minds at ease and prepare for the small identity banquet tomorrow.
In addition to reviewing the books, Princess Qi also had to handle various matters in the mansion.
This included what had been previously agreed upon—going to fetch Suisui's new study buddies.
Princess Qi had arranged for a carriage early this morning, sending Haitang personally to bring them back to the mansion.
Soon after, Princess Qi received a visiting card from He furen of the He mansion, expressing their desire to pay a visit.
Their purpose was likely to express their gratitude for saving their lives.
Although Elder He had already expressed his thanks and sent gifts before, he had not formally visited to show his appreciation, which may have seemed lacking in sincerity.
Therefore, He furen sent a visiting card, indicating that she wished to bring her children tomorrow to express their thanks to the Prince and Princess Qi in person.
Princess Qi did not refuse, instructing the butler to promptly reply to the He mansion while also asking Aunt Qiu to make the necessary arrangements.
With guests arriving tomorrow and likely staying for lunch, preparations had to be made.
As noon approached, Suisui and the others finished their morning classes, chattering away as they exited.
Around the same time, Haitang returned with the three young masters and mistresses from the three mansions.
Princess Qi did not rush to take the children to lunch but instead led Suisui and the others to greet the new study buddies.
From the Song mansion came the young master of the second wife, Song Kuan.
Although the first wife's son would have been a more suitable choice, the first wife's health was not the best, and she was probably reluctant to let her youngest son leave her side.
Princess Qi could understand this, and having already discussed it with her maternal family, she knew it would be Song Kuan coming over, so she didn't say anything more.
From the Ren mansion came Ren Shuhan, the young mistress they had been thinking about all this time. The young girl was ten years old, two years older than Song Kuan.
Ren Shuhan had a tall and slender figure for a ten-year-old, with fair skin and a shy personality.
From the Meng mansion came the second young master, Meng Jundong.
Initially, Prince Qi had decided on the eldest young master, Meng Junqiu.
However, as he had recently passed the examination to attend the academy, it would have been inappropriate to decline, so the seven-year-old Meng Jundong was sent instead.
The people of the Meng mansion seemed to carry an air of literary elegance.
Meng Jundong was an inwardly refined child with a round face that made him look rather adorable.
His behavior and demeanor carried a hint of bookishness, but he didn't come across as overly rigid or stuffy.
Princess Qi personally went to the entrance to welcome the three children into the mansion, introducing them to each other with a smile.
Feng Xuanrui and the others were already familiar with these cousins, and despite not having seen each other for a long time, the reunion felt familiar.
Suisui, who had never met them before, followed her mother obediently, greeting them politely: "Sister Shuhan, Brother Kuan, Brother Jundong."
"Actually, it's more accurate to refer to them as cousins, but among children, there's no need to be too formal. Something along those lines will do.
The three children all had relatively reserved temperaments.
So, even though Song Kuan had played very well with Feng Xuanrui before, he wouldn't come over and start chattering away or speaking loudly right off the bat. There would inevitably be an adaptation process.
By lunchtime, the children had already become quite familiar with each other.
Being a girl, Ren Shuhan was the first to get close to Suisui.
Moreover, Liu Heme and Shen Huatang served as intermediaries, and the little girls grew close quickly.
After lunch, they played together with the small cart.
Unfortunately, they didn't have the strength to pull it.
Feng XuanYu knew it was his time to shine!
Not only could he pull four little girls, but he could even pull five without breaking a sweat. He could even lift them all with one hand.
To Feng XuanYu, these little girls were...
Almost weightless.
There was no other way to put it; he was just that confident!
Feng XuanYu entertained the girls, making them laugh and squeal.
Song Kuan watched from the sidelines, his heart filled with envy. "Second cousin is so strong. I'm truly envious."
Upon hearing this, Feng Xuanrui pouted and said, "It's just that I'm still young. Just you wait until I grow up!"
However, as he looked at his burly second brother, Feng Xuanrui secretly glanced at his own little belly and thought to himself, "Darn it, I probably won't be able to grow up to be like Second Brother."
How melancholy!
By lunchtime, the children had grown accustomed to each other.
Being the oldest, Ren Shuhan was the most considerate and quickly took it upon herself to look after Suisui. Occasionally, she would even care for Liu Heme.
After lunch, the four little girls refused to part ways and insisted on napping together.
Fortunately, they were still young, so it was fine for them to squeeze into one bed.
However, due to the heat, it didn't take long for the little girls to sprawl across the bed in various positions, which made for a rather amusing sight.
Concerned, Princess Qi came to check on them and felt relieved to see the children sleeping soundly.
Among the boys, Song Kuan was closer to Feng Xuanrui, as they were similar in age and were also blood-related cousins.
Meanwhile, Meng Jundong stuck closer to Feng Xuancang, his blood-related cousin. However, he also displayed friendly signals towards the others.
Considering Meng Jundong's young age and the possibility of him missing home, Feng Xuancang accompanied him during their afternoon nap.
Feng Xuanrui and Song Kuan squeezed together, and when Feng Xuan Bin wanted to join them, the three plump boys ended up...
Being too hot.
The three fiery boys together were like a burning fire basin on a scorching summer day.
They soon scattered, each seeking their own space. Feng Xuanbin nearly fell to the ground, but Qing Shun quietly carried him to a side couch by the window.
The soft couch by the window caught a gentle breeze, making it a more comfortable spot to sleep.
The little chubby boy's furrowed brow soon relaxed, and he fell into a deep, sweet sleep.
After their afternoon nap, the children freshened up with a simple wash and then headed to the small classroom to begin their studies.
Feng Xuanze helped the Queen with the accounts, and Feng Xuan Yu went to observe.
Princess Qi's mind was only half on the accounts, as her eyes frequently wandered outside.
Surprised, Lady Ren also voiced her confusion, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Why hasn't the Prince returned yet?"
The second update will be at 7 pm.
(End of Chapter)
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