Chapter 343: Memorization
Chapter 343: Memorization
Upon hearing that it concerned the Jinyang Marquis Manor, Prince Qi's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity as he asked, "What happened at their manor?"
The butler couldn't hide it and quickly explained, "It's said that yesterday, Madam Xie brought along Xu's clan relatives to confront Madam Xu and one of his concubines. Regarding that concubine, there was an incident where the first and second Miss Xu were switched. This matter has already caused quite a stir last night on Xuanwu Street. I only heard the full story this morning, so I thought I should inform the Princess."
Although the Jinyang Marquis Manor was not on their invitation list, Madam Xie was!
As a result, the butler was afraid that the incident at the Jinyang Marquis Manor might affect Madam Xie and eventually drag them down as well.
Prince Qi's eyes widened noticeably as he listened, and it took him a while before he could speak.
After a long while, it was only when Si whispered softly that Prince Qi found his voice again: "...Oh my, is that true or false? Did the concubine switch the two children? This..."
Although Prince Qi had suffered a setback with Concubine Chi, he didn't believe that a concubine could stir up so much trouble in the manor.
Thus, Prince Qi incredulously murmured and then looked at the butler.
The butler nodded slightly. "It's all over the town now. Indeed, it was Concubine Su who dared to switch the two children. She also deliberately raised the real First Miss Xu to be very unpresentable."
The butler wanted to add that a bad bamboo doesn't produce good shoots, but he refrained from speaking ill of others in front of the prince.
First Miss Xu had a bad reputation in the capital, and now it seemed the source of it had been found.
With such an audacious mother, was there anything she wouldn't dare to do?
The butler didn't want to discuss other people's business in front of the prince, so he held back the rest of his words.
Prince Qi was indeed shocked by what he heard.
However, when he heard that the concubine was also surnamed Su, he frowned, "Also surnamed Su?"
The butler understood what he was implying and quickly assured, "Your Highness, rest assured, she is not related to the Su family of our manor."
Prince Qi was relieved to hear that, but he still felt annoyed.
The mention of Concubine Su reminded him of Concubine Chi, and thinking of her brought back unpleasant memories.
Prince Qi didn't want to dwell on those thoughts, but he was intrigued by the developments in the Jinyang Marquis Manor, "Why did Madam Xie suddenly go there to create a ruckus? That doesn't seem like her usual style."
The butler hadn't found out the reason behind it.
So, he didn't want to speculate randomly.
Prince Qi found the news intriguing and decided to share it with the princess and her consorts when he returned.
When he arrived, the princess and her two side consorts were discussing the small banquet.
They greeted him and, after some brief pleasantries, Prince Qi shared the news he had heard.
Upon hearing it, Side Consort Ren rolled her eyes. "Nothing that happens in that fool's manor surprises me."
Hearing this, Side Consort Meng gently tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to be mindful of her words in front of the prince and princess.
Side Consort Ren didn't heed the warning and continued, causing Princess Qi and Prince Qi to exchange glances, accustomed to her frank nature.
Princess Qi was surprised, "I didn't expect Madam Xie to do something like this."
Madam Xie was known for her soft-heartedness and even softer ears.
Over the years, she had been bullied by the Jinyang Marquis's wife, and the peace in the Xie Manor was often disrupted because of her gentle nature.
It was unexpected that she would be so assertive about such a major event.
This kind of matter was originally a family disgrace to be kept behind closed doors.
After all, having a concubine switch one's children, altering the original birthright order, was something that should be resolved privately within the family.
But now that it has caused an uproar throughout the capital, it's hard to say how it will eventually be settled.
Princess Qi sighed, and Concubine Meng was somewhat perplexed. "But how did Madam Xie suddenly find out about this?"
The butler hadn't managed to dig up that information.
All he knew was that Madam Xie had shown up at the manor the previous day with a group of witnesses, causing a huge scene, and then failed to control her people, allowing the news to spread.
Prince Qi surmised, "She must have been bottling it up for a long time, so she decided to go all out."
If she's not going to have a good time, then no one else will!
The Jinyang Marquis' household was already in disarray due to the presence of several outside women, and the relationships between the children were complicated.
Now, with the reversal of birthrights, who knows what else might happen.
The eldest Miss Xu had been raised by Madam Xu for so many years; surely she must have some affection for her?
With that in mind, Princess Qi suddenly recalled something.
It was an inside scoop Autumn Aunt had once shared with her, mentioning that Madam Xu had been drugged after giving birth to the eldest Miss Xu, rendering her unable to have more children, and that her health hadn't been the best since then, which was why she didn't treat her biological daughter very well.
If that was the reason for the switch, perhaps she wouldn't be too attached?
Princess Qi wasn't sure if this matter would affect Sui Sui, but she decided to ask Autumn Aunt to gather more information later.
As for the present...
She hesitated slightly before turning to Prince Qi, "What about Madam Xie's side...?"
With such a big fuss kicked up, who knows what impact it might have when they come over later.
Princess Qi didn't finish her sentence, but Prince Qi understood and nodded slightly. "Don't worry, I'll make some inquiries. If necessary, I'll speak to my uncle about it."
Princess Qi felt relieved to hear that he already had a plan in mind, and her expression eased.
At that moment, Sui Sui was being called upon to recite her lessons.
With Ren Shuhan's private tutoring in the evenings, Sui Sui's progress had been remarkable.
So, when Shen Fuzi asked her a question, she wasn't afraid at all and stood up confidently, reciting her lessons aloud.
Due to her age and life experiences, her articulation wasn't entirely clear, and this wasn't something that could be corrected overnight.
Shen Fuzi didn't rush to correct her, but instead listened, nodding along as Sui Sui recited.
The little girl had become much bolder, and her voice was loud and clear as she imitated Shen Fuzi's teaching style, trying to match his intonation.
The more Shen Fuzi listened, the more pleased he became, and he gently stroked his little goatee.
After Sui Sui finished reciting, she quietly relaxed the small fist she had been holding at her side.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous!
Even though she was reciting what she had memorized the day before, she still felt anxious!
After finishing, Sui Sui lightly pressed her lips together, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Shen Fuzi expectantly.
Shen Fuzi met her eager gaze and nodded gently. "Not bad, not bad at all. Excellent performance."
Shen Fuzi's praise was simple.
But Sui Sui was so delighted that she couldn't help but let out a soft cheer.
She had done well!
The little girl proudly tilted her head, feeling proud as she sat back down.
(End of Chapter)
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