Chapter 64: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 64: Gift Exchange
Feng Xuanrui, delighted by Suisui’s promise to always love her brother, puffed out his chest and walked forward with the pride of a victorious general.
The reason County Magistrate Lian visited so early today was twofold. Firstly, yesterday had been too late to visit. Secondly, he wanted to test the waters a bit. Since Prince Qing’s party had not introduced themselves formally, and he had only guessed their identities based on Aunt Nan’s comments, Magistrate Lian needed to assess the situation.
Magistrate Lian was prepared. If the visitors were of lower status, he would visit their residence today. If they did not come, it would indicate that their status was higher or they preferred not to be disturbed. However, since the previous day's interaction had been pleasant, Magistrate Lian assumed the visitors likely had a higher status.
To be cautious, Magistrate Lian, dressed in plain attire and accompanied by a few attendants, arrived early and acted modestly.
Lian Ruoyi was wearing a light pink dress today. Seeing her elegant outfit, Feng Xuanrui couldn’t help but dislike Suisui’s simpler clothes. Due to the brief stopover, Suisui had only been able to get a few ready-made garments, which were mostly in muted colors like blue and green and often of wider, older styles.
Suisui didn’t think her clothes were outdated or plain. She felt the fabric was soft and the fit was just right. Physician Liu had told her that these were her own clothes, not someone else’s cast-offs. They were clean, whole, and truly hers. Suisui was very content with this.
When Suisui saw Lian Ruoyi, she politely greeted her. "Hello, sister."
Lian Ruoyi’s eyes lit up upon seeing Suisui’s little bald head. She had told her mother about wanting to her little sister a shaved head, which had caused a bit of a stir at home. Her mother had even skipped dinner in frustration.
Lian Ruoyi didn’t understand why her mother was upset. To her, the shaved head looked very cute and the round little head was delightful to touch.
Despite the small regret of seeing Suisui’s head covered with medicine, Lian Ruoyi was still very pleased. She wanted to hold Suisui’s hand, and before doing so, she asked politely, "Suisui, may I hold your hand?"
Suisui’s other hand was free, so she readily extended it. "Sister, here you go!"
Feng Xuanrui, observing this, struggled to contain his feelings. He reassured himself that he wasn’t jealous, and that Suisui liked him the most.
Lian Ruoyi happily took Suisui’s hand. While the adults engaged in conversation, the children chatted among themselves.
It was only after Magistrate Lian arrived that he realized—was that really a prince among them?
Magistrate Lian recognized Prince Qing, having seen him multiple times during his tenure at the Hanlin Academy. Seeing him now was a surprise, but he managed to remain composed.
He showed warmth without excessive flattery, understanding that Prince Qing and his entourage were traveling and didn’t want to impose. After some polite conversation and exchanging modest gifts, he prepared to leave.
Lian Ruoyi felt a pang of reluctance to part with Suisui but knew they had to return to the capital. Despite her feelings, parting was inevitable.
The day before, after discussing with her parents, Lian Ruoyi had chosen gifts for her new friends with Nanny Nan’s help. When selecting a gift for Suisui, Lian Ruoyi had almost emptied the jewelry box, while the choice for Feng Xuanrui seemed more cursory.
In the end, Nanny Nan persuaded her to balance things out. Suisui received a delicate gold bracelet adorned with a small longevity lock, a recent and high-priced item Lian Ruoyi had bought last year. She had been reluctant to part with it.
For Feng Xuanrui, the gift was a plain tassel and an old ruby dagger, which Nanny Nan had helped select.
Physician Liu had anticipated that Magistrate Lian might visit and bring gifts, especially for the children. After returning, he had gone out to pick up some return gifts. If the visit had included gifts, they could be used as reciprocation; otherwise, they were simply for the children.
Among the return gifts were a finely crafted comb set with tiny gems and a simple golden safety lock, suitable for children.
Seeing Lian Ruoyi giving gifts to the children, Physician Liu signaled Suisui and Feng Xuanrui to reciprocate. Suisui, used to receiving gifts, was less flustered this time.
Following Physician Liu’s guidance, Suisui handed over the prepared return gift to Lian Ruoyi, saying, "Thank you, sister. Here’s a gift for you too. I wish you everything you desire!"
Feng Xuanrui, although envious of the attention Suisui received, rationalized that others’ admiration of his sister was due to her cuteness, not their fault. As a mature older brother, he understood and generously offered his blessings and gifts.
The children exchanged gifts joyfully, and after some more polite exchanges, Magistrate Lian took his leave.
Once they were gone, Prince Qing quietly remarked, "He seems to be a smooth operator."
Physician Liu, hearing this, felt a pang of irritation. Compared to Prince Qing, everyone else seemed smooth. But then he realized that complaining wouldn’t change anything—Prince Qing wouldn’t alter his ways.
So, Physician Liu decided to focus on packing up.
Meanwhile, Suisui and Feng Xuanrui had opened their gifts. Suisui stared in awe at the beautiful gold bracelet. She had expected the gift to be more valuable than her previous toys but not this extravagant.
Gold! Suisui felt her breath catch, and her hands trembled as she held the box.
Physician Liu, noticing Suisui’s anxious expression, approached and gently supported the box, speaking soothingly, "Make sure you treasure the sister’s thoughtful gift."
End of Chapter 64
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