Chapter 99: Fish Eat Man
Chapter 99: Fish Eat Man
Suisui, cradled in the Empress's arms, was all smiles, her eyes curving like little crescent moons.
Upon catching sight of Feng Xuanrui and the others, Suisui instinctively squirmed to get down.
Queen Qi's heart twinged, but she graciously let go.
Once on the ground, Suisui eagerly ran towards Feng Xuanrui, calling out, "Big brother!"
The little girl was like a fledgling dove taking flight.
Feng Xuanrui's morning of torment over his lessons instantly vanished, his frustration dissipating.
Just some lessons, he thought. They can't really be that difficult for a young master like me.
With a little sister like this, I could even bear another day of classes!
Feng Xuanrui opened his arms and warmly embraced Suisui.
When Feng Xuanbin squeezed over, intending to join in hugging their little sister, Feng Xuanrui shot him a look and then gently kissed Suisui's forehead, claiming, "She's mine!"
Feng Xuanbin pouted, his eyes welling up with tears as he jumped up to hit Feng Xuanrui, crying, "We agreed she's our sister!"
Feng Xuanbo and Feng Xuancang also glared at him disapprovingly.
Feng Xuanjie cautiously sidled up next to his third brother, and though he wasn't as lively as the others, his actions made it clear that he stood with his brother.
Concerned that Feng Xuanrui might not have the strength to hold Suisui for long due to his young age, Queen Qi suggested he put her down after he had held her for a while.
Feng Xuanrui obediently complied.
After setting her down, he discreetly shook out his sore arms.
It wasn't that Suisui was heavy, but rather...
He hadn't attended his physical education classes in over a month, and his stamina had truly diminished.
For my little sister, he thought, I'll have to train hard this afternoon!
With the children together, their cheerful chatter filled the air.
Queen Qi watched them fondly, occasionally reminding them about lunch and their afternoon horseback archery lesson.
At the same time, she didn't forget to follow up with Aunt Qiu regarding the selection of maidservants for Suisui.
Given Suisui's young age and unique background, Queen Qi didn't feel at ease leaving her unattended, so she planned to keep Suisui by her side for the time being.
However, once Suisui grew older, she would return to the western courtyard where the young ladies of the manor resided.
Regardless of whether she stayed with Queen Qi or lived independently, she would need attendants to serve her.
Aunt Qiu was known for her composure and efficiency in handling matters.
Queen Qi trusted her implicitly.
When Queen Qi inquired, Aunt Qiu smiled and replied, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I've already selected several candidates. Once you have the time, you can review them and then make arrangements for Suisui."
Satisfied with this response, Queen Qi nodded, "I'm always at ease when you handle matters."
As they spoke, another luxurious carriage passed by on the official road in the distance.
Queen Qi furrowed her brows slightly as she watched the carriage, "Quite a few people are out and about today."
Aunt Qiu pondered this and replied, "Perhaps the warming weather has encouraged everyone to venture out and enjoy the spring."
With the arrival of April, the weather had become increasingly mild.
The mountains and fields were awash with vibrant greenery, a sight that soothed the soul and inspired wanderlust.
Queen Qi herself had been enticed by the pleasant weather to bring the children out for some fresh air.
Others were likely doing the same.
The children, engrossed in their play, paid no heed to the carriages.
Social niceties could wait; there was no need for the children to concern themselves with such matters just yet.
Feng Xuanrui took the opportunity to tell Suisui about how he had been punished by the tutor that morning for not reciting his lessons properly.
Hearing that Feng Xuanrui had been unable to recite his lessons and had been made to stand as punishment, the little girl looked worried, "The tutor sounds scary!"
Feng Xuanrui agreed, "Indeed! Sometimes he even hits our palms!"
Finished, he quickly continued like a tattletale, "Both Little Seven and I have been hit, and it hurt terribly!"
Feng Xuanbin wanted to deny it, but he couldn't.
The two of them had indeed been hit before.
But who hadn't been punished in the classroom? With this thought, Feng Xuanbin boldly declared, "Everyone has been hit, so there's no shame in it!"
Feng Xuanjie rarely spoke up, but seeing that no one was saying anything, he thought about it and quietly added, "I heard that Big Brother has never been punished."
What did one call a mood killer? Feng Xuanjie just proved that he probably wasn't suited for speaking up.
As soon as he finished speaking, all the brothers fell silent, their expressions turning strange.
Feng Xuanjie realized that he had probably said something wrong.
Feeling wronged, he thought, But I'm just speaking the truth!
Big Brother really hasn't been punished before!
After all, the tutor often praises Big Brother, so they all know about it.
Feng Xuanjie felt ashamed and embarrassed, and subconsciously moved behind Feng Xuancang.
After an unusually long silence, Feng Xuancang finally spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "Yes, Big Brother has never been punished."
In the entire Qi Kingdom, there was only one such academic genius.
Bringing him up now was enough to make the rest of them, academic underachievers in comparison, shiver in their boots.
Suisui was curious and asked Feng Xuanrui in a soft voice, "Big brother, what is a 'Big Brother'?"
Feng Xuanrui had originally intended to change the subject irritably.
Why bring up someone he couldn't compare to? Hearing his little sister's question, however, the frustration in Feng Xuanrui's heart dissipated, and he smiled as he explained, "Big Brother means big brother. He's studying at the Imperial College, and he'll only be back at the end of the month."
Speaking of the end of the month, Feng Xuanrui thought of something and added, "If Suisui wants to see Big Brother, we can go visit him earlier."
At this suggestion, Feng Xuanbin immediately shook his head. "I don't want to go!"
As a struggling student himself, what business did he have going to the Imperial College? Wasn't he punished enough by the tutor already?
Feng Xuanbo also felt reluctant to go.
Feng Xuanrui had been somewhat inclined to go, but seeing his brothers' reluctance, he dropped the idea.
Although Suisui was curious, she didn't feel much interest in this unfamiliar, unseen older brother.
So, when Seventh Brother said they shouldn't go, Suisui obediently shook her head. "Then let's go see the fish slaughter!"
They had just fished out three huge fish, and Suisui hadn't gotten to see the excitement when she was told that her brothers had arrived.
She didn't know if they would make it in time if they went to the kitchen now.
But when the brothers heard about the fish slaughter, they became eager. "Let's go see it now!"
"I want to go too! I can do it as well!"
"And you think you can handle it?"
...
When these brothers united, they were truly united.
And when they fought, they really went at it, none of them willing to back down.
As they walked and talked, they started arguing.
In the end, they didn't come to blows, partly because Suisui was still with them.
Having a little sister around made a difference; they had to be mindful of their behavior.
And partly because...
When they arrived in the kitchen, one of the fish they had caught, an unusually lively one, jumped right out of the water and into Feng Xuanbin's arms.
Feng Xuanbin, who had just boasted about killing fish, was so startled that he screamed and ran around in panic.
Suisui, startled by her brother's reaction, started jumping and running with him, not forgetting to hold his hand tightly as she ran, pulling him along. "Run, brother, the fish is eating people!"
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
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