Chapter 285: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 285: Returning to the Banquet
With Physician Wu on the scene, Wei Mingqiao's condition had temporarily stabilized.
Given that Xu Shi was a stepmother and seeing Wei Mingqiao’s state, it seemed clear that the stepmother, despite her virtuous reputation, was likely unkind and neglectful on the inside.
So, after some hesitation, Lu Xinglan decided not to send someone to summon Xu Shi.
With Wei Yongmei, the older sister, here, they could rest easy for now.
Suisui, unaware of the full situation, felt reassured when Lu Lianrong told her that Wei Mingqiao was fine and happily continued playing with her sister.
The banquet had likely already started, and Lu Xinglan didn’t want Suisui to miss out on the fun. She urged Qi Wangfei to take the children back, saying, "Don’t worry, someone is watching the back garden. Take Suisui to enjoy the event."
Qi Wangfei had also been planning to bring Suisui back. Since the Qi and Marquis Huaiyang’ households had little interaction, after fulfilling the most basic courtesy, she didn't wish to get too involved.
Hearing Lu Xinglan's words, Qi Wangfei nodded. "Thank you for taking care of things. If there’s anything, just send someone to get me."
Lu Xinglan smiled casually. "What could go wrong? With Physician Wu here, there’s nothing to worry about. Once the child wakes up, we can leave it to the Wei family. There’s nothing more we can do."
At the end of her sentence, Lu Xinglan sighed lightly.
There were always so many dirty dealings in her household, and she knew all too well how complicated and distressing the backcourt struggles could be. Wei Mingqiao’s situation… Lu Xinglan felt deeply uncomfortable, but she didn’t know how to help.
Even if someone spoke up in defense, what difference would it make? They had no one to back them up. The backcourt would still fall under Xu Shi’s control, and she’d have plenty of opportunities to find reasons to make their lives miserable, leaving them with no recourse.
It was difficult for them to watch everything closely, and it wasn’t wise to meddle too openly, risking creating enmities for the children.
Qi Wangfei, however, wasn’t thinking that deeply; her only concern was her child’s well-being.
So, without wanting to delve into the matter further, Lu Xinglan didn’t ask any more questions. After a brief exchange, Qi Wangfei signaled to her maid to take Suisui and follow them to the banquet.
Lu Lianrong felt a little reluctant to part with Suisui, but Lu Xinglan, noticing this, lightly smiled and gestured with her handkerchief, "Let Lianrong go with her. It’ll be good for her to have company. She’ll feel more at ease."
Although Lu Lianrong had matured beyond her years due to the loss of her mother, she was still only eleven.
Lu Xinglan, feeling pity for her niece, allowed the girls to go and play together.
Lu Lianrong thanked her aunt before following Qi Wangfei and Suisui out.
When they returned to the banquet, the hall had already filled up with guests.
Of course, their seats were still reserved.
The seating arrangements for the banquet were strictly ordered according to rank and seniority.
Normally, as long as people weren’t foolish, they would sit in their designated spots without issue.
The news of the new little princess of Prince Qi’s family was already circulating in the capital.
Many families with close ties had even sent gifts.
When Qi Wangfei had brought Suisui earlier, she had attracted quite a bit of attention.
However, at that time, everyone was busy with their own conversations and engagements, and it wasn’t appropriate to interrupt and approach Qi Wangfei to strike up a conversation. It would have seemed too opportunistic.
Now, as everyone had taken their seats and were only talking among themselves, it was awkward to get up and go over to Qi Wangfei, as it might appear too obvious.
But, because Qi Wangfei was walking through the hall holding Suisui, with Lu Lianrong by her side, it naturally drew the attention of the crowd.
People were already familiar with Qi Wangfei, and though Lu Lianrong was young, she had been recognized by many families that had close relations with the state, so everyone knew who she was.
As for the new little princess...
It must be the child Qi Wangfei is holding, right?
Qi Wangfei is holding her personally?
Although many people knew that Qi Wangfei was gentle and kind-hearted, for her to personally carry a child? It must mean she truly loves the child, right? However, there are many instances of people pretending in the capital.
But Prince Qi’s family shouldn’t need to do that, right?
Everyone’s thoughts were different, and all eyes turned toward Qi Wangfei.
Qi Wangfei remained composed throughout, while Suisui was a bit curious.
The gazes were so complicated!
Some were purely curious, some had a hint of scrutiny, and others were filled with disdain.
She lay on her mother’s shoulder and, through this simple banquet, observed the many different expressions of the noble ladies in the capital.
It was so complex, and very difficult for a child to understand.
So this is what adult emotions are like?
Adults’ expressions are also so strange.
A little odd, huh?
She looked around again, curiously. Occasionally, she caught the gaze of some other curious children.
The children were restrained by their parents. Though they were curious about Suisui, they didn’t point at her or ask too many questions.
Even if a child was curious, they just whispered to their parents: “Why doesn’t she have any hair?”
“Wow, she’s so frail.”
“But her eyes are so beautiful.”
“I want eyes like that too. Can I take them?”
…
Some of the things the children said were a little frightening.
After hearing this, Suisui hugged her mother’s neck in discomfort.
Someone wants to take my eyes!
Scary!
Suisui pulled her head back and stopped looking at those people. She closed her pretty, round eyes tightly.
Suisui thought, If I don’t open my eyes, I won’t see you, and you won’t see me!
She really was a clever little trickster!
Qi Wangfei naturally heard the children talk about wanting her eyes.
She glanced coldly in the direction of the voices. Her face still held a gentle expression, but the pressure she radiated was immense, immediately freezing the child who had spoken. The child was left with their mouth open and dared not move.
With a casual glance, Qi Wangfei made her point, and the child's mother, who had finally realized what had happened, hurriedly covered the child’s mouth with her hand and gave a sheepish smile toward Qi Wangfei.
Qi Wangfei recognized the woman; she seemed to be a young lady from the main branch of the Zhen family.
After recalling who she was, Qi Wangfei casually looked away and went to greet the Grand Princess, who was seated in the main seat.
The Grand Princess had come early that morning and had been running around in search of young Tan. It had exhausted her, and she’d been worn out from the search.
At this point, she wasn’t in the best of spirits.
However, when she saw that it was Qi Wangfei and Suisui, she forced a warm smile onto her face: “There’s no need for formalities, just take Mingxi and Lu Lianrong to sit down.”
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