Chapter 423: The Grand Princess' Passing
Chapter 423: The Grand Princess' Passing
Chen Yueyao couldn't understand.
When Prince Xing mentioned this matter to Duke Ling, it was to let the other party understand the Chen family's situation and feel some relief.
After all, Duke Ling truly cared for Suixui.
After hearing this, Duke Ling burst into hearty laughter, "It's their just deserts, and that child isn't entirely innocent. When we were in the Chen family, we were often bullied by that little brother. Don't be fooled by his young age; he's done his fair share of bullying."
When the Chen family was mentioned, it inevitably led to the Jin Yangzi Manor.
Oh no, it's no longer the Jin Yangzi Manor; it's now the Humiliated House of Xu.
The former Lady Xu of Jin Yang Manor had orchestrated the child-snatching incident, causing Suixui and Lu Yinsong to get injured. This matter couldn't be concluded with just an investigation.
There had to be corresponding consequences.
However, being a Viscount's Manor, the process couldn't be rushed; it required following the proper procedures.
The Ministry of Justice's procedures were almost complete, and soon the entire Xu family...
...would be sent to the Southwest to quarry stones.
Duke Ling imagined the scene and laughed, "From being demoted to a Viscount to becoming a humiliated family, they got off lightly. They dared to harm my Suixui, and I didn't break their legs; that was already showing mercy."
Prince Xing, listening on the side, nodded repeatedly, "Who said they weren't beaten?"
His voice was deep, and it was hard to discern his emotions.
But Duke Ling understood, "You..."
Before he could finish, he burst into laughter, then muttered softly, "No, I need to make arrangements. I'll have the Xu family speed up; there are many tasks awaiting them in the Southwest."
Prince Xing, listening on the side, nodded incessantly, "The Xu family seems physically fit, and they've never endured hardship or labor. What's the harm in hurrying? If they're in a rush, it's only right to quicken the pace."
Duke Ling nodded in agreement, "Indeed, I'll make the arrangements immediately."
Duke Ling quickly set things in motion, and Prince Xing also took the opportunity to make some arrangements.
Through the bitter wind and rain, they arrived at their destination and got to work. It was said that many areas in the Southwest were still plagued by miasma, and one could imagine the fascinating living conditions there.
However, it was what they deserved.
Prince Xing recalled the dream that the Emperor had mentioned about Lady Xu, and for some reason, he felt...
Perhaps his Suixui had already lived a lifetime in the Xu family, but unhappily, so Heaven intervened, setting things right and returning everything to the proper path.
But thinking of this possibility, Prince Xing felt increasingly displeased with the Xu family.
Tormenting them without killing them was already showing mercy.
At this moment, Suixui was sound asleep in the carriage, while Feng Xuanrui was by her side, initially stiff-necked, insisting on guarding his sister.
However, not long after they set off, he too succumbed to sleep.
After the Empress's birthday celebration, the Princess Qi's birthday was approaching.
The Qi Manor naturally planned a grand celebration, partly to enhance the prestige of the primary wife and partly for social interactions.
The invitations for the banquet had been sent out early.
However, the day before Princess Qi's birthday, an unexpected event occurred.
The Grand Princess had passed away.
When the Marquis of An Yuan sent news to the Qi Manor, Princess Qi was discussing with Aunt Qiu and the others about which dress Suixui should wear the next day.
Feng Xuanrui and Feng Xuanbin huddled together, constantly offering suggestions for their sister.
Children's aesthetics often favored bright and vibrant colors.
Feng Xuanrui thought the water pink color was the most beautiful, and the ones embroidered with silver thread and little horses were the cutest!
Paired with a dazzling golden hat, it looked absolutely adorable.
Feng Xuanbin, on the other hand, had the opposite opinion. He thought the pink dress, with a light green overlay, and a pair of noble purple shoes adorned with two rubies, was the most stunning combination.
Princess Qi listened to the children's fashion choices, feeling her vision darken with each suggestion.
Suixui indulged her brothers, constantly changing outfits to showcase their styling skills.
Throughout the process, Suixui's emotions ran high.
"Brother's outfit is so pretty!"
"Seventh Brother's is great too!"
"Wow, Seventh Brother's choice is amazing!"
...
Regardless of whether it was beautiful or ugly, the children thought it was all good.
Just then, the people from An Yuan Marquis Manor arrived.
Aunt Qiu, upon hearing the news from the gatehouse, was momentarily stunned.
However, she quickly recovered and rushed inside to inform Princess Qi.
Princess Qi's pupils quivered as she listened, "How could this be?"
Although Princess Qi was surprised, she had somewhat anticipated this.
Recently, the Grand Princess had taken a fall and had been bedridden ever since.
During the Empress's birthday celebration, Princess Qi had met Lady Sun from the Grand Princess's manor, who mentioned that the Grand Princess's condition was not well, and the imperial physicians had advised them to be prepared.
The Grand Princess's health hadn't been in the best shape this year, with intermittent illnesses and a fluctuating condition.
After the fall, her health deteriorated further, and according to Lady Sun, she had barely left her bed since.
The once vigorous and robust old lady had to succumb to old age and rest in bed.
Princess Qi hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
The Empress's birthday was just a couple of days ago, and Lady Sun had mentioned that the Grand Princess was doing well that day, sitting up and drinking half a bowl of porridge, even engaging in conversation.
But now it seemed...
Perhaps it was a last glimmer of life.
Princess Qi composed herself and quickly instructed her servants to make the necessary arrangements.
As a younger generation, Prince Qi would definitely have to pay his respects.
Prince Qi and Prince Xing had been discussing how to use the princess's birthday as an opportunity to publicly announce Suixui's status and showcase her favor in the capital.
They had planned to take turns showing off Suixui to impress the capital's residents and make them aware of the young duchess's favored position.
But then...
An unexpected development occurred!
Although the Grand Princess was fierce, she had been quite supportive of Prince Qi.
She had contributed to His Majesty's ascension to the throne.
Hearing of her passing, Prince Qi felt a sense of sorrow, having not even had the chance to see her one last time.
He sighed softly, wiped his eyes, and turned to Prince Xing, "Let's change our clothes and head over immediately."
Suixui and the others, who were initially excitedly preparing for the next day's banquet, were suddenly informed that it had to be canceled.
Because the formidable-looking but actually approachable Grand Princess, whom they had met before, had passed away.
Suixui was slowly coming to understand that when someone passed away, it meant they were dead.
Death wasn't a stranger to her, as she had witnessed the deaths of elders and children due to various accidents in her village.
To pass away meant to depart, never to be seen again.
Perhaps, they would start a new life in another world.
However, in everyone's future, there would no longer be each other.
Second Update
(End of Chapter)
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