Chapter 258: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 258: The Emperor's Thoughts
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Qi Wangfei felt a sudden jolt of anxiety. Recently, she had grown accustomed to sleeping next to Suisui, and now, suddenly being apart from the child…
It wasn't just about Suisui—Qi Wangfei wasn't sure if she herself would be able to adapt. Moreover, Suisui was so young, and frequently changing her environment couldn't be good for her.
A child doesn't understand much, and when the people around her are constantly changing, over time, what if she starts to shut herself off from others just to avoid feeling hurt?
She couldn't bear to see her precious little one suffer.
The tension between the couple was palpable, and even their meal seemed forgotten. The Empress Dowager watched them, both amused and a little frustrated.
She wasn’t trying to steal the child away—she simply liked Suisui and wanted her to stay for a day or two.
But the Empress Dowager also remembered that the eldest son of the Marquis Fuguo was due to celebrate his birthday in early May. It would be proper for the Qi family to attend.
Since Suisui had been granted the title of Princess, she hadn’t yet held a small banquet to formally announce her status, so there hadn’t been any social engagements yet.
Living in the capital without social interactions wouldn’t do, the Empress Dowager thought. This would be a rare opportunity, and she didn’t want to hold the child back in the palace.
Moreover, seeing Suisui’s confused and fearful expression, the Empress Dowager realized that, although she had recently bonded with the child, they were still not that close. If she were to force the child to stay in the palace, Suisui would likely be terrified.
This thought made the Empress Dowager feel a twinge of sadness.
She admitted that a large part of her affection for Suisui stemmed from the emptiness left by the death of Princess Jiaoyang. The child provided a source of comfort.
But the Empress Dowager also remained clear-headed, understanding the difference between her own daughter and the precious Suisui.
But never mind, there would be plenty of time in the future.
When the child became more accustomed to the palace and grew older, perhaps it would be better to have her stay for a few days then.
The Empress Dowager quickly waved her hand. “Forget it, the child is still young and can’t be away from her mother. Let her go back to the mansion with you.”
Once the words were spoken, the tension in the room relaxed considerably.
The emperor had originally thought about letting Suisui stay in the palace for a few days, thinking that perhaps by seeing her more frequently, she wouldn’t be as scared of him, the emperor. But unlike Prince Qi, the emperor's attachment to the children wasn’t overwhelming.
He had several daughters and many children, so his fondness for them wasn’t as intense.
Moreover, his position meant that his relationship with his children wasn’t purely emotional—it also involved considerations of power and benefits.
Thus, even though he liked them, he couldn’t afford to show excessive favoritism.
On the other hand, Suisui’s position allowed the emperor to display a bit of paternal affection, something he couldn’t fully express with his own children.
Unfortunately, it seemed she couldn’t stay.
But, as his mother had said, there would be many chances in the future.
When the child was older and more independent, staying in the palace for a few days would be a nice idea.
Everyone enjoyed their meal.
Even the emperor, usually so stoic, ate a bit more to avoid dampening the mood of his mother and younger brother. But even so, it was just a few bites—nothing excessive.
His position meant that, even in the presence of close family, he could never fully relax. He allowed himself a little respite, just enough to ease his mind.
As for Suisui, she didn’t notice much about what others ate.
But she ate well.
The palace’s food was delicious—the meat, the vegetables, even the snacks were all tasty.
Even the rice was particularly good!
Seeing how much Suisui enjoyed her meal, Prince Qi started to pester the emperor for some tribute rice to take back with him.
The rice in the palace was naturally different from what was available at Prince Qi’s mansion. The royal rice was of the finest quality, reserved specifically for the palace.
Having gotten used to Prince Qi’s shamelessness, the emperor smiled and agreed. Even if Prince Qi hadn’t asked, the emperor would have given it to him anyway.
Watching Suisui eat with such satisfaction, the emperor felt his own appetite improve.
The emperor was also quite curious about the child’s favored status, wondering about the fortune that seemed to shine on Suisui.
But he hesitated, fearing that if he asked too many questions, the child might not be able to answer, and his younger brother might turn on him. So, despite his curiosity, he kept his thoughts to himself.
After the meal, Suisui started to get sleepy.
Seeing her little head nestling in Qi Wangfei’s arms, bobbing as she fought to stay awake, the emperor smiled and said, “How about I lull you to sleep, Suisui?”
The emperor thought to himself, I can't ask, but can I at least hold her?
She was a child with good fortune—perhaps if he held her, some of that luck would rub off on him?
He wasn’t asking for immortality, of course. But, well, if he could live a long life, that would be wonderful.
What he truly desired was...
A stable empire, and peace for the people.
Okay.
The emperor admitted he had many desires.
If he had to choose just one, though, he would choose...
A stable empire.
The stability of the empire meant that the future successor must truly be capable—not only the crown prince but also the descendants to follow.
Suisui, still a bit dazed, heard the emperor’s words.
Although she was still a little scared, she sensed no malice from the emperor. She simply looked at him in confusion before her little eyes glazed over again.
Qi Wangfei immediately noticed that the child wasn’t unwilling.
She handed Suisui to Aunt Qiu, who then passed the child to the emperor’s chief steward.
After several transfers, Suisui finally landed in the emperor’s arms.
Once held, Suisui softly greeted, “Royal uncle, good evening.”
Hearing this, the emperor’s heart softened further.
What a well-behaved child.
Even though she was so sleepy, she still remembered to greet him.
The emperor gently patted Suisui’s back. “Rest easy. Royal uncle will watch over you.”
Suisui, feeling no ill intentions from the emperor, nestled into his shoulder, her eyelids fluttering before she drifted off to sleep.
The emperor, feeling the weight of her little head on his shoulder, found his own heart settling in comfort.
He carefully cradled her, making sure not to let her slip.
The empress dowager, watching with envy but also concern, quietly said, “She won’t be comfortable sleeping like this. Take her back to my room.”
After a pause, the empress dowager quickly amended, “No, take her to the side chamber. My room still has the scent of medicine, which might not be good for the child.”
Due to the recent concerns over Prince Qi’s matter, the empress dowager’s breathing problems had flared up, and she had been using medicinal remedies. The lingering scent could be unpleasant for the child.
The emperor, reluctant to let go of the child, understood that their voices might disturb her if they spoke too loudly.
After a moment's thought, the emperor nodded and rose, clearly intending to personally carry Suisui to the side chamber.
The empress dowager made no objections but simply instructed Aunt Xu to lead the way.
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