https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-83-The-Princess-Consort-s-Change-of-Heart/12606785/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-85-Suisui-I-m-Your-Third-Brother/12606789/
Chapter 84: Suisui's Household Registration
Chapter 84: Suisui's Household Registration
Zhou Yiniang enjoyed a slightly higher status in the manor due to her connection with Feng Xuanbin.
However, maintaining this status wasn't easy.
One wrong move on her part could bring trouble to Feng Xuanbin as well.
And that was the last thing Zhou Yiniang wanted!
The Queen of Qi's gentle reminder served as a wake-up call for her to distinguish between what was truly important.
Zhou Yiniang understood the underlying message, and as the Queen finished speaking, she promptly knelt down and repeatedly knocked her head on the floor to show her agreement and gratitude.
Thinking about her family...
Zhou Yiniang felt a nagging worry.
She had already discreetly advised her closer relatives, who were well aware that her position in the princely manor was precarious.
To maintain their current prestige, they knew they must avoid causing any trouble that might incur the prince's displeasure, lest even Feng Xuanbin's influence fail to save them.
However, more distant relatives in Wenzhou were a different matter.
With physical distance and infrequent communication, she had no idea what they might be doing in her name.
The previous incident had been serious, but fortunately, Prince Qing had taken responsibility, and the Queen hadn't pursued harsh punishment.
She didn't want to cause further distress to Feng Xuanbin.
So, after a few brief words of caution, the Queen indicated that Zhou Yiniang could leave.
Zhou Yiniang's legs felt weak, and she had to be supported by Fang Xing as she left.
Autumn Auntie smiled as she saw them out, and once they were outside, she specifically filled Zhou Yiniang in on what had happened.
The Queen hadn't elaborated on the details, as the matter was lengthy and complex.
However, Autumn Auntie wanted to ensure that Zhou Yiniang and her servants understood the nature of their offense so that they could better control their relatives in the future.
After explaining the situation, Autumn Auntie sighed, "The main culprit behind this incident has already been imprisoned in the Dali Temple's dungeon. If you wish to visit them out of familial affection, you may do so, but that's all."
In other words, visits were permissible, but any attempts at pleading for leniency were futile.
After all, the culprit had targeted their sixth young master.
Attempting to harm a noble's son was no minor offense.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yiniang's legs gave out, and she slumped to the ground.
Only then did she understand the Queen's earlier words.
Zhou Yiniang's heart sank as she thought bitterly: What are my relatives doing? I'm just a concubine in the manor. Why are they making things difficult for me?
She forced herself to stand and returned to her quarters, where she collapsed in a heap and burst into loud sobs as soon as she closed the door.
The Queen of Qi, meanwhile, had already put the matter behind her and was now fully focused on Suisui.
"Tomorrow, send a tailor from the Jinxiu Workshop to take Suisui's measurements and make her some clothes. The child has nothing, so start with four sets for spring and summer, and prioritize those. The rest can wait."
"If they have any new styles, add two more sets for spring and summer."
"Later, open my private treasury and see if there's any jewelry suitable for a child."
"Oh, and tomorrow, pick two clever maids, and assign an older one to accompany them to serve Suisui. If you can't find suitable candidates in the manor, go to the slave market and choose carefully."
...
The Queen had many instructions, and she relayed them all to Autumn Auntie, who was experienced and trustworthy.
The Queen felt more at ease knowing that Autumn Auntie would handle these matters.
After taking care of everything, the Queen still couldn't help but check on Suisui again. Seeing the little girl sleeping peacefully, she finally returned to her own chambers.
On their way, Autumn Auntie cautiously broached the subject of Suisui's household registration.
Suisui was still a stateless person.
Although it wasn't a major issue, it was still something to be mindful of.
Regarding this matter, Queen Qi considered it for a moment before waving her hand dismissively. "Let's leave it be for now. We'll see what the King thinks when he returns. If he's amenable, Suisui can take his surname, Feng, and be registered in the manor. If not, she can take my surname, Song. Either way, our Song family is more than capable of raising a child."
Currently, King Qi had his heart set on having a daughter with his potential concubine.
It was only natural for people to yearn for their own flesh and blood, and Queen Qi had no objections to that.
The fact that she found Suisui adorable didn't mean others would feel the same.
Thus, Queen Qi's attitude was one of non-attachment.
If King Qi liked Suisui, then it would be wonderful for her to take his surname and be registered in the manor.
If not, she would be registered under the Queen's surname, Song.
What did it matter who raised her?
After all, she would still be her child.
Hearing this, Autumn Auntie knew what she had to do.
The next day was sunny.
Suisui had a remarkable ability to adapt, perhaps because the Queen's gentle pats the night before had been so comforting that she slept exceptionally well.
When she woke up, she was greeted by a smiling Hallie: "Are you awake, young miss? Do you want to get up now?"
Suisui hadn't been one to sleep in, but she had picked up the habit of indulging in a little laziness during her time with her brother.
Nonetheless, she was inherently diligent.
At Hallie's question, she obediently got up.
Previously, Suisui had only heard her brother mention that the tea used for rinsing one's mouth in the morning was quite expensive.
Now that she had actually entered the manor, she realized it was true...
Hallie helped her get dressed and then handed her a cup of warm tea with a delicate floral fragrance.
Fearing that the young girl might not understand, Hallie gently reminded her, "Young miss, this is for rinsing your mouth. You don't need to drink it."
Suisui obediently followed Hallie's instructions.
The tea was warm and fragrant, and she almost couldn't resist drinking it.
However, Suisui managed to restrain herself! After swishing the tea around in her mouth, she spat it into a small basin by her side.
Hallie then handed her another cup of warm water. "This is for you to moisten your throat. Take your time and drink slowly."
After drinking half a cup of warm water, Suisui got out of bed and put on her shoes. With Hallie's assistance, she brushed her teeth and washed her face.
Hallie carefully wiped Suisui's hair and gently stroked the short, stubbly hair, wishing for it to grow longer soon.
She was afraid that people would make fun of the young girl's hair, and the thought pained her.
Her voice was soft, but apart from the two of them, there were only the two maids waiting at a distance.
Suisui heard her clearly and thought for a moment before saying softly, "Grandfather Liu said that it will grow long and shiny. Sister Hallie, don't worry."
Hearing the little girl call her "sister" in her childish voice, Hallie felt her heart melt!
She hadn't felt this way when she had helped take care of the sixth young master before.
Hallie's heart was screaming: Ahhh, she's so cute! I just want to pinch her cheeks!
She wanted to ask the Queen for permission to get married and have a daughter of her own. Was it too late to ask the Queen to pick someone for her so she could have a daughter soon?
As they walked, Hallie's steps were light and dreamy.
When they arrived at the side hall where meals were served, it was still early, and Prince Feng, Xuanbin, and the others hadn't arrived yet. The Queen was also absent.
Puzzled, Hallie asked one of the servants waiting at the door, "Where's the Queen?"
Second watch at 7:00 PM
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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