Chapter 57: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 57: A Blessed Girl Does Not Enter an Unfortunate Home
After Physician Liu entered the room, he got straight to the point, asking, "Since Suisui saved all of us yesterday, how does Your Highness plan to repay her?"
Physician Liu had always spoken bluntly, something Prince Qing was well aware of, given their past experiences in the military, where Liu had served as a military doctor.
Though Prince Qing hadn't fully thought through the matter, he admitted honestly, "I'm still thinking about it." Worried that Physician Liu might get too worked up and start reprimanding him, Prince Qing quickly added, "I won't ignore what happened; I just haven't decided how to properly show my gratitude yet."
Physician Liu, with a barrage of words ready, held back upon hearing this, replying, "This child is blessed, no doubt about it. It was only because the Chen family acted despicably that they didn't receive the good fortune they could have had."
"A blessed girl does not belong in an unfortunate household."
"The Chen family couldn't handle her fortune—they deserved what they got!"
"Those beasts deserve to live worse than animals!"
"It’s a pity that Suisui had such wretched parents."
"How could someone like Marquis Jinyang have a daughter as wonderful as Suisui? He's unworthy of her!"
Physician Liu's sharp criticisms flew at anyone involved, and Prince Qing silently listened. He thought to himself: "As long as he's ranting about Chen Dalang and Marquis Jinyang, maybe I’ll escape a scolding."
After venting his anger, Physician Liu finally calmed down, sitting down as he tried to settle himself. "It seems that Your Highness has already considered sending Suisui to Prince Qi’s residence?"
Since Prince Qing's wife and daughter had passed away, he had long since distanced himself from such concerns. Physician Liu figured that he likely wouldn't take Suisui into his own home, and even if he did, Feng Xuanrui wouldn't easily let go.
Once he sorted it out in his mind, Physician Liu bluntly inquired, and Prince Qing made no effort to conceal it, nodding, "Yes, for now, that's the plan. But I'll still need to discuss it with Prince Qi when we return."
Physician Liu was well aware that Prince Qi had been longing for a daughter. However, finding the right fit was crucial, as many noble families in the capital had been eager to place their daughters under Prince Qi’s care, hoping he'd adopt one.
Despite Prince Qi’s frequent praise of various girls, he had yet to bring any child into his household. Physician Liu wasn’t entirely sure whether Suisui would match Prince Qi’s preferences. But if she couldn’t win over Prince Qi, perhaps the princess consort or the two concubines might take a liking to her. After all, Suisui needed someone of standing to protect her, and relying on just Feng Xuanrui wasn’t enough to set Physician Liu at ease.
Testing the waters, Physician Liu asked, "If things don’t work out at Prince Qi’s residence, might Your Highness consider taking Suisui into your own home?"
He observed Prince Qing’s reaction closely. Prince Qing, without hesitation, gently shook his head and replied candidly, "I’m sorry, but I can't."
His daughter had been unique to him, and to him, there would only ever be one wife and one daughter. Even though they were both gone, he would hold onto their memory forever. He had no intention of remarrying or raising another child.
Physician Liu understood and sighed in resignation. He then asked, "If Suisui doesn’t find favor with Prince Qi, could I trouble Your Highness to speak on her behalf to the princess consort or the concubines, asking them to look after her?"
This was not a difficult request, and Prince Qing had already planned to do so. He quickly nodded, "Of course. I’ll handle that."
He thought, "I’ll try to persuade my brother, and if that doesn't work, I’ll talk to my sister-in-law. Xiao Liu likes Suisui, so surely his mother will too."
Unaware of the discussions surrounding her future, Suisui woke up the next morning feeling much better. The two children chirped excitedly as they talked.
Physician Liu, amused, perked up his ears to listen.
“Trust me, sister. It’s going to taste great!”
“Mm, I trust you, brother!”
“Just trust your brother!”
The two children were discussing honey sesame crisps, a snack Di Jiao had mentioned to them. Today, they were headed to Nanqiao County, known for its local delicacies and lively events. Honey sesame crisps were one such treat, resembling a floral shape, thin as cicada wings, and both soft and crispy, with a sweet taste that lingered.
Recalling Di Jiao's description, Feng Xuanrui couldn’t help but swallow. He loved sweets! Suisui also imagined that it must be delicious—anything that sweet had to be good. And if her brother said so, it would surely be the best thing ever!
Honey sesame crisps had only gained popularity in Nanqiao County in the past two years, primarily among the nobility. The use of sugar made the treat expensive, and the addition of honey only pushed the cost higher, making it something the common people could only dream of.
But Suisui was unaware of its cost, and Feng Xuanrui certainly didn’t care about money. The two of them never questioned whether they could afford it.
After tidying up, the group set out. The weather was nice, and the distance from Shuishui Town to Nanqiao County wasn’t far. By midday, they arrived at the bustling and prosperous county, where the streets were paved with smooth and orderly bluestone, giving the town a clean, refreshing appearance.
Upon arriving, Prince Qing’s group first sought out a large inn, booking the entire place. Since they had only snacked during their journey, Physician Liu suggested they should have a proper meal now that they were settled.
His suggestion was met with enthusiastic approval from the children.
“Listen to Physician Liu!”
“Listen to Grandpa Liu!”
Suisui, echoing her brother’s words, changed her response to, "Listen to my brother!" Her words immediately made Feng Xuanrui beam with joy, and he started pleading with Prince Qing, "Uncle, you should listen to Physician Liu!"
End of Second Update
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