Chapter 274: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 274: Today, Suisui Looks the Best
Feng Xuanze was taken aback.
A brother?
It’s actually a brother?
He had assumed that his father’s wish for a daughter would come true, resulting in a little sister.
As the eldest and most rational, Feng Xuanze’s initial attitude towards Suisui was polite and cordial, motivated by his duties as an elder brother.
But after spending time with her, he found her adorable, and his impression of her improved significantly.
When he first heard about the "Little Eight," he thought it would be his father’s long-anticipated daughter, fulfilling that wish.
Still, if it’s another son, that’s not bad either.
Suisui remains unique.
The more time Feng Xuanze spent with Suisui, the more he appreciated having just one sister. She would be the sole recipient of everyone’s love and care, without another sister to compete with.
With that in mind, Feng Xuanze reached out to gently pat Suisui’s little head.
By this time, Suisui was already tired, and Aunt Xiang took her to wash up.
Feng Xuanze and Feng Xuanrui stayed a bit longer to chat with their mother before heading off to freshen up and prepare for bed.
Aunt Qiu had already arranged rooms for the two young masters, preparing everything they would need.
This included items Feng Xuanze needed for his return to the academy and what Feng Xuanrui might need for the banquet the next day.
Everyone bustled about, and it wasn’t until Qi Wangfei and the children were asleep that they could finally relax.
The night watch stood their posts, while those off duty hurried to get some rest, knowing they’d need their energy for tomorrow’s banquet at the Marquis Fuguo’s residence.
The next morning, Feng Xuanze and Feng Xuanyu rose at dawn. After preparing and gathering their belongings, they rode the carriage back to the academy.
They made it to the city gates just as they opened, ensuring their timely arrival for the first lesson.
Qi Wangfei, already awake, saw them off. As the Prince hadn’t been feeling well and had stayed overnight at Concubine Gu’s quarters, she decided not to disturb him.
After sending off the two young masters, Qi Wangfei stayed up, asking Aunt Qiu about the preparations for the day.
Gifts for the banquet had long been ready. Uncle Li, the steward, had gone through them several times, confirming the details with the Prince before finalizing everything.
As for which children to bring, Suisui was a definite choice, and Qi Wangfei was also considering taking Feng Xuanrui.
If Feng Xuanrui went, then Feng Xuanbin, being the youngest, would likely insist on going too.
Although Feng Xuanbin was a concubine-born son, the standing of the Prince family's young masters set them apart, and no one would dare criticize his attendance.
Taking more children meant more work, however.
With the Prince occupied in the front court, Qi Wangfei would have to handle everything in the back herself.
“Make sure everyone is alert. If we do take two young masters, keep a close eye on them. Don’t let them wander off or bump into anyone.”
“I’ve heard the palace is sending princes and princesses to the banquet. Be extra careful not to have any mishaps.”
...
As thoughts crossed her mind, Qi Wangfei added reminders, which her attendants promptly acknowledged.
By the time the sun had risen and Suisui woke up, Qi Wangfei cheerfully went to help her wash and dress.
It seemed Suisui’s hair had grown a little longer, though it was still too short to style into pigtails, so she had to wear a hat again.
For today, Qi Wangfei chose a pale pink outfit for her—a thin cotton inner layer topped with two layers of gauzy fabric.
The middle layer was peach-colored gauze, transitioning to pale pink on the sides with floral embellishments.
The entire outfit looked soft and delicate, perfectly suited for a child.
Of course, a spare outfit was prepared in case of accidents, ensuring a quick change if needed.
Suisui had plenty of little hats. Today’s choice was a square cap with a pale pink base, embroidered with blooming peach blossoms.
The hat was adorned with rows of pearls, and the tassels that dangled featured tiny pearls as well, giving it a touch of elegance and nobility.
Qi Wangfei felt this little hat complemented Suisui’s outfit perfectly.
Once everything was ready for Suisui, Qi Wangfei picked out outfits for Feng Xuanrui and Feng Xuanbin as well.
Even if they weren’t attending, it was best to be prepared.
The two young masters’ outfits were equally refined:
One wore a pale lavender robe, exuding wealth and grace, while the other wore a bamboo green robe, emphasizing liveliness.
With preparations complete and Suisui dressed, the Prince finally awoke and got ready.
Today, the Prince was dressed in a jade-green robe with a sheer scarlet gauze outer layer.
The gauze was so thin that the green robe underneath peeked through. Often, the deep color of the inner robe would overpower the lighter gauze, yet it only accentuated the ensemble rather than diminishing its charm.
Qi Wangfei noted his choice of attire and was tempted to ask why he had dressed so festively. Upon second thought, it was a birthday banquet after all; dressing cheerfully was appropriate.
Still, wasn’t this *too* cheerful?
The Prince didn’t seem to mind. As soon as he saw Suisui, he opened his arms wide, exclaiming, “My darling, today you are the most beautiful of all!”
Speaking affectionately, he lifted Suisui into his arms. Today, he had even shaved his small mustache, which made him appear more youthful and dashing.
Suisui, who usually disliked close contact with him, finally relented and leaned in for a cuddle.
“Father,” she called softly, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.
Qi Wangfei looked on enviously. If the Prince had arrived just a little later, she could have enjoyed breakfast alone with her daughter.
Oh well, let him have this moment.
She followed the Prince and Suisui to the dining hall.
Today, Qi Wangfei wore a crossed-collar ruqun ensemble, consisting of a form-fitting lotus-colored short jacket paired with a pleated lilac skirt. Over it, she draped a saffron gauze coat that added both elegance and a touch of coolness.
After breakfast, the Prince inquired which young masters would accompany them to the banquet.
Feng Xuancang and the younger boys initially wanted to go but hesitated, unsure if they could handle the occasion. After exchanging glances, they decided to shake their heads.
Feng Xuanrui, however, was indifferent. His decision was simple: if his sister went, so would he.
After his elder brothers declined, he declared, “I’ll go with my sister.”
Feng Xuanbin, upon hearing this, quickly chimed in, “Me too! Me too!”
Feng Xuanbo wouldn’t be left out either. “I’m going! I’m going too!”
...
With three of the five remaining young masters wanting to attend, leaving only two behind seemed unfair.
The Prince, after a moment of thought, waved decisively. “All of you, come along.”
Qi Wangfei: …
Well, if the Prince was taking charge of the young masters, perhaps her burden wouldn’t be too heavy…
Why didn’t that thought reassure her?
Feng Xuanrui and the younger boys would definitely need her supervision. That realization doubled her pressure.
Still, taking the young masters to such an event was an excellent way for them to gain exposure and expand their social circles.
With that in mind, she acknowledged the necessity of their attendance, even if it added to her responsibilities.
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