Chapter 279: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 279: Aunt Lu
When Shu Jie’er was mentioned, Lu Xinglan sighed softly. "She accidentally fell into the water a few days ago and caught a cold. She's been feeling unwell these past days, so I let her rest in the estate and didn’t bring her out."
If they weren’t so close, Lu Xinglan would’ve preferred not to bring up such unpleasant matters.
The words "accidentally fell into the water" carried an undertone that the two present could easily decipher.
It was nothing more than the usual backyard struggles.
Qi Wangfei furrowed her brows slightly upon hearing this.
She greatly disliked such conflicts in the rear courtyard, especially when children were dragged into them.
Using children as pawns was truly revolting.
However, since it wasn’t her household's matter, she couldn’t say much.
Besides, Lu Xinglan wasn’t one to suffer losses silently. It was likely that after the child’s mishap, she had already dealt with the situation.
Qi Wangfei refrained from delving deeper but felt uneasy about the child. After some thought, she tentatively asked, "Should we inform Ren Xiu and let her return for a short stay?"
Lu Xinglan had married into the Cheng Guogong household, and Concubine Ren was her sister-in-law.
Concubine Ren had always doted on her niece, Ren Shuhan. If she learned about this incident, she would most likely return to the estate and unleash her fury.
When that happened, those involved would probably face serious consequences.
Even if they weren’t utterly ruined, they would likely suffer immensely.
However, a married sister returning to her natal family to meddle in her brother's rear courtyard would inevitably invite gossip.
Thus, Qi Wangfei sought Lu Xinglan’s opinion first.
If Lu Xinglan was unwilling, she wouldn’t insist.
But...
This matter probably couldn’t be concealed for long.
Concubine Ren often went out to the streets or returned to her natal family.
Sooner or later, she would find out.
Lu Xinglan, understanding all the intricacies, had no intention of involving Concubine Ren. After all, it wouldn’t be good for her reputation.
Even if Concubine Ren didn’t care, Lu Xinglan didn’t want to harm her.
So, after hearing Qi Wangfei’s suggestion, she shook her head. "It’s not a big deal. I’ve already handled what needed to be dealt with. Let’s not trouble her."
Since Lu Xinglan was unwilling, Qi Wangfei didn’t press further.
After some small talk, as Madam Lu needed to entertain guests, Lu Xinglan accompanied Qi Wangfei and her group of children to the pond to admire the lotus flowers.
After walking a short distance, Lu Xinglan turned her head to look at Suisui and smiled. "This must be Mingxi, right? What a lovely child."
Though she seemed rather frail.
Lu Xinglan felt a twinge of concern as she observed her.
Frail children are difficult to nurture.
However, such blunt observations were best left unsaid for now.
Moreover, with the imperial family's resources and care, she would likely grow strong in time.
Hearing someone praise her child, Qi Wangfei naturally felt delighted. She gently gestured toward Suisui. "This is Aunt Lu."
Suisui, meanwhile, was curious about this aunt. There was something about her...
How to put it?
She carried a hint of bitterness, even though her person exuded a faint fragrance.
Still, Suisui felt there was an almost imperceptible trace of sorrow about her.
She didn’t understand it. Timid yet intrigued, Suisui observed this strange aunt closely.
When she heard her mother’s introduction, she nodded obediently. Her round eyes blinked adorably. "Hello, Aunt Lu. I’m Suisui."
Lu Xinglan paused at that—Suisui?
That must be her childhood name?
She didn't know about this matter. Recently, there had been many affairs in the household, and with the child still unwell, she had little time to concern herself with other matters.
Previously, when she had heard that the Prince Residence had added a little princess to their family, she had only instructed the steward to prepare a generous gift.
Lu Xinglan was momentarily distracted, but quickly regained her focus and smiled in response. "Suisui is well, yes."
It was their first meeting, and as the child's aunt, it would have been impolite not to make a gesture of some sort.
Fortunately, although Lu Xinglan had been somewhat uneasy these past few days, she had kept in mind that the Prince Residence's little princess was likely to come today, so she had quietly prepared a small gift that was easy to carry.
Now that Suisui spoke, Lu Xinglan immediately smiled and, with a swift motion, pulled out a peach-colored handkerchief from her sleeve, inside which was a pair of gold bracelets.
They were designed to be cute and childlike, though she wasn’t certain if they would fit Suisui, so she had chosen the standard size for a five-year-old.
Looking at Suisui now, Lu Xinglan thought, The size might be a bit big.
However, children grow, so it wasn’t too improper a gift.
When the gift was handed over, Suisui hesitated, unsure if she should accept it, looking at her mother for guidance.
Qi Wangfei smiled and gently patted the child's ear, her voice soft and reassuring. "Thank you, Aunt Lu."
Suisui obediently thanked her, and, feeling a bit shy, accepted the gift.
Lu Xinglan found the child incredibly endearing. On closer inspection, she noticed that Suisui's eyes were remarkably similar to Feng Xuanrui’s, as if they had been cast from the same mold.
Because of her age, Suisui’s eyes appeared even more lively and pure.
With a fond smile, Lu Xinglan reached out to gently touch Suisui’s small ear.
It was soft and pleasant to the touch.
If it hadn’t been for the circumstances, Lu Xinglan would have liked to touch it a few more times.
But she restrained herself.
Having exchanged the gift and made introductions, they were soon ready to move on.
After walking a short distance, they encountered Sun Shi, who was coming from the opposite direction.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qi Wangfei, still feeling uneasy, asked, "Has the Princess Shunyang been found?"
Sun Shi smiled and replied, "Yes, she has been found. She’s taken some people to the back courtyard to see the lotus flowers. I think someone must have mentioned that the flowers at the estate have bloomed earlier than expected due to the warmer temperatures."
As for whether the person who mentioned it had any ulterior motives, that was still unclear.
Fortunately, although the Princess Shunyang was headstrong, she was never without attendants. Even if someone intended to use the princess for their own ends, they would have to think about how to deal with the people around her.
Even so, Sun Shi had been sweating nervously while searching for her.
Although it was certain that if something happened to the Princess Shunyang in the Marquis Residence, the first person to take the brunt of the Emperor’s wrath would be the Marquis,
Still!!!
The Princess Shunyang had come to the Marquis Residence in their carriage.
If something really happened, they too would have to bear the Emperor's anger.
Now that she knew the princess was safe and sound, and was in someone else’s territory, Sun Shi decided it was best not to say too much. She planned to quietly inform Madam Lu to keep an eye out for any potential trouble.
If it was just an accident, then all would be fine.
But if it was intentional...
They would have to act quickly and root out the troublemakers.
Hearing that the Princess Shunyang had been found, Qi Wangfei let out a sigh of relief.
Marquis Fu was her uncle, and if anything happened to him, she would not be at ease.
Now that she knew there was no major issue, she could finally relax.
Sun Shi, hearing that they were going to see the lotus flowers, didn’t join them.
She still had to return and report to the Grand Princess to ease her concerns.
When Qi Wangfei heard that Sun Shi was heading back to report the news, she paused for a moment before speaking with some confusion, "But… when I arrived, I didn’t see Her Highness?"
►►CLICK HERE FOR ADVANCE CHAPTERS◄◄
Comments
Post a Comment