Chapter 89: Flowers for SuiSui
Chapter 89: Flowers for SuiSui
After entering, Aunt Qiu first reported to Princess Qi about the progress of inviting Aunt Chi to the mansion.
Aunt Qiu had already asked Shaoyao to invite someone from the Zhuangzi.
In the past, Aunt Chi had taught King Qi, and being elderly and experienced, she had quite a reputation in King Qi's mansion.
This time, Princess Qi invited her over specifically to snub Concubine Su and put her in her place, making her aware of her standing.
Since Aunt Chi lived outside the city, it would take some time for her to arrive.
Princess Qi nodded upon hearing this, "I understand."
Afterward, she was about to ask Aunt Qiu to invite Doctor Liu over.
Just because SuiSui's hair hadn't grown back didn't mean she couldn't wear other jewelry.
Noticing the little girl's bare ears, Princess Qi prepared to pierce them so she could wear earrings.
However, as she wasn't skilled in this, she decided to ask Doctor Liu for his opinion—whether to pierce them now or to wait a little longer.
After piercing, the earlobes would need to be carefully cared for to prevent infection.
Just as Princess Qi was about to speak, she heard Aunt Qiu bringing up another matter, "Regarding the potted plant that the Sixth Young Master and the young lady brought back yesterday, I specifically asked the manager who came from the Zhuangzi this morning. He mentioned that the seeds have only sprouted and aren't growing into seedlings. He said that it's probably due to insufficient temperature, and if convenient, we can send it to the warm room at the Zhuangzi. Once the seedlings have grown taller and the outdoor temperature is suitable, we can transplant them into the ground. What do you think, Your Highness..."
As the manager had already left, they would need to send someone else if they wanted to deliver it there.
Aunt Qiu needed to know Princess Qi's thoughts to make the necessary arrangements.
Princess Qi had originally intended to say, "Just send someone to deliver it."
However, before she could speak, she felt the little girl in her embrace stir.
Upon hearing that it was about her flower, SuiSui widened her eyes and asked softly, "Mother Empress, is it my flower?"
The soft, milky voice warmed one's heart.
It was a completely different feeling from the voices of those stinky boys.
With the little girl speaking so close to her heart, Princess Qi felt as if her heart were melting.
The words that had reached her lips were forcibly changed, "Yes, they are SuiSui's flowers. Does SuiSui want to go with Mother Empress to the Zhuangzi to plant flowers?"
As for returning to her maternal home and discussing matters with her brother, those could wait.
Spending time with her daughter took priority!
What is a Zhuangzi? And where is it?
SuiSui didn't understand, so she asked softly, "Is Gege going too?"
Princess Qi wanted to bring Little Six along, but his lessons had already been delayed for over a month, and she was afraid that he would fall behind, develop an even greater aversion to studying, and become an ignorant fool!
Thinking of this, Princess Qi shook her head, "Gege still has classes to attend. However, we'll be able to see him this afternoon. They'll be going to the Zhuangzi for their horsemanship and archery lessons."
Hearing that she would be able to see her brother in the afternoon, SuiSui happily nodded.
Her little head bobbed up and down, gently brushing against Princess Qi's neck.
The fluffy little head grazed the skin of her neck, tickling and softening it.
Unable to resist, Princess Qi caressed SuiSui's little head and then carried the child out as they walked.
Just before leaving, Princess Qi called for the butler, Uncle Li, "If there's anything in the mansion, you can consult the two Concubine Princesses. For urgent matters, you can find me at the Zhuangzi or the Young King at the separate yard."
After speaking, Princess Qi still felt uneasy and added, "Actually, just find me directly at the Zhuangzi. Don't disturb the Young King."
Uncle Li hurriedly acknowledged the order.
Princess Qi quickly gathered her things and, along with SuiSui, set off in the carriage toward the Zhuangzi.
Since they were in the capital, Princess Qi traveled in the luxurious carriage of the Wang Manor.
It was a grand and opulent carriage, spacious and comfortable inside.
Once inside, SuiSui marveled at the carriage's splendor and snuggled close to her mother.
The carriage was so large that SuiSui felt the need to stay close to her mother, lest the carriage move and she roll to one side.
With a carriage this size, she thought that if she rolled around, she'd surely end up with bruises all over!
SuiSui snuggled obediently, and Princess Qi lovingly held her close.
If not for her limited strength, she would have liked to carry her.
However, her physical condition did not permit her to hold SuiSui for long.
Princess Qi began contemplating the possibility of joining SuiSui in her physical education classes to improve her own health.
It was only after Princess Qi had left the manor for some time that the two Concubine Princesses received the news.
Concubine Princess Ren was in the midst of selecting her outfit for the day when she heard that the Princess had left. She quickly instructed her maid, Xianglan, "Quick, quick, quick! We must hurry out as well. If anything happens, don't come looking for me. I can't handle it."
The maids hurried, and not long after Princess Qi's departure, Concubine Princess Ren also left the manor.
As a Concubine Princess of the Wang Manor, her status was slightly higher than that of a concubine, allowing her some flexibility. She was exempt from the morning greetings to the Princess and only needed to inform others of her outings; thus, she was not overly restricted.
As soon as Concubine Princess Meng heard that Concubine Princess Ren had left, she grit her teeth in frustration. Sitting in front of the mirror as a maid combed her hair, she clenched her jaw and asked, "She ran off again, leaving everything to me! Did you hear that Zhou Shi went to the Princess's quarters last night and fell ill after returning?"
With the King and Princess away, the two Concubine Princesses were temporarily in charge.
Now that one of them had left, Concubine Princess Meng couldn't very well do the same.
Finally, she asked through gritted teeth, "I heard that something major must have happened for Madam Zhou to fall ill after her visit to the Princess. The Princess is usually very amicable to the rear courtyard. What could have transpired?"
The maids in the Wang Manor were puzzled, but SuiSui, blissfully unaware, continued her journey with her mother.
Along the way, they bought all sorts of snacks.
Many of these treats were new to SuiSui.
Although she had eaten a hearty breakfast, she wasn't particularly hungry at the moment.
Nevertheless, the sight of delicious food brought her immense joy.
In the past, such delicacies had been out of her reach, and even a mere glance might have earned her a beating.
Now, they were within her grasp, and she could indulge whenever she pleased.
Occasionally, SuiSui felt as if she were dreaming. She would reach out and gently touch the oiled paper wrapping the snacks.
Princess Qi, noticing the little girl's curious actions, couldn't help but soften her expression as she explained, "SuiSui, if you want to eat, go ahead. Don't be afraid. Your mother bought these for you."
Hearing her mother's words, SuiSui shook her head. "Mother, I'm not hungry."
Princess Qi didn't force her, gently stroking her head. "When you're hungry, go ahead and eat. When you finish, your mother will buy you more."
SuiSui obediently nodded, her fingers no longer fiddling with the snacks. Instead, she quietly gazed out the window, taking in the passing scenery.
(End of Chapter)
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