Chapter 71: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 71: If Only She Were My Own Daughter
Suisui had gained a bit of weight on the journey, and under Physician Liu’s care, her face had become fair and tender.
At this moment, she stood there obediently, her eyes showing a hint of bewilderment, making her look both pitiful and endearing.
Initially, the Qi Wangfei was unsure of the child’s gender. With Suisui’s small, bald head and the bruise on top, combined with her lowered gaze, it was hard to determine whether she was a boy or a girl.
However, as Feng Xuanrui held Suisui’s hand and guided her to raise her head, her face, now plumper, appeared much more attractive than before.
Her soft, tender face and bright, dark eyes, filled with shyness and nervousness, made the Qi Wangfei’s heart skip a beat.
She thought, This child is quite cute.
If only she were a bit chubbier.
As it was, she still looked too thin.
The little arms and legs seemed so fragile, as if they could snap with the slightest pressure.
Although the Qi Wangfei didn’t fully understand the situation, she figured that since her son liked the child, she must be a sweet girl.
Before she could say anything, Feng Xuanrui, pulling Suisui along, made her kneel in front of his mother. “Come, sister, kowtow to Mother!”
Suisui, caught off guard, was pushed into kneeling by Feng Xuanrui.
Uncertain of what to do, she followed her brother’s lead and kowtowed as he did.
Feng Xuanrui winced as he watched Suisui, who kowtowed earnestly, causing her forehead to redden.
Seeing this, he hissed in pain and gently rubbed her forehead, “You don’t need to do it so hard. Just be sincere. Come on, sister, call Mother!”
Physician Liu watched the scene, holding back an urge to roll his eyes. “As expected of you, Sixth Young Master! You know exactly how to handle the Wangfei.”
Suisui knew that "Mother" meant "mother," but she wondered if she was really allowed to.
Was she… worthy?
Suisui, rarely disobeying her brother, nervously looked up at the Qi Wangfei. The kind, loving smile gave her some courage, though she still felt uneasy.
This made Suisui freeze, not daring to move, and she moved her lips without making a sound.
The Qi Wangfei, not having had a chance to understand the full context, found her son’s actions both amusing and vexing.
However, she didn’t hold a grudge against the innocent child.
She smiled, helping both children up, then gently squatted down and touched Suisui’s reddened forehead. Her voice was warm and affectionate, “Good child, did it hurt?”
It did hurt a bit.
But with her brother’s company, Suisui didn’t feel much pain.
Besides, she was being comforted by the beautiful aunt.
Suisui nervously shook her head, cautiously glancing at the Qi Wangfei before quickly lowering her head again, not daring to look further.
Seeing this, the Qi Wangfei felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.
Suisui was so young, her eyes so clear.
At this age, children should be carefree and innocent.
Yet Suisui seemed so mature, it was heart-wrenching.
The Qi Wangfei had already imagined many scenarios of Suisui’s difficult and pitiful past.
Although Suisui did not address her as “Mother,” she finally spoke up after some hesitation. “Hello, pretty aunt. I am Suisui.”
Her voice was soft. After speaking, Suisui lowered her head again, nervously curling her toes.
Seeing this, the Qi Wangfei felt even more heartbroken.
She gently patted the little girl’s head, her voice softening further, “Don’t be afraid, Suisui. From now on, you can stay here peacefully.”
As for whether she could be called “Mother” or not…
That needed to be discussed after understanding the child’s situation better.
Though Suisui did not call her “Mother,” Feng Xuanrui didn’t mind.
After all, Suisui was the cutest, and no one could take her away from him!
This was his sister, and no one could snatch her or send her away!
So, upon hearing his mother’s words, Feng Xuanrui exclaimed, “This is my sister, and she will live with me from now on!”
The Qi Wangfei, hearing this, felt a headache coming on.
She sighed and said, “Suisui is a girl and can’t live in the same courtyard as you. Since Suisui is still small, she will stay with me for now. We’ll arrange another courtyard for her when she’s older.”
Hearing this, Feng Xuanrui was somewhat reassured.
If Suisui stayed with his mother, it meant she wouldn’t be sent away, right?
Even so, Feng Xuanrui was still uneasy. He held Suisui’s hand and, mixed with anticipation and unease, asked the Qi Wangfei, “This is my sister, right?”
The Qi Wangfei, amused by his earnestness, nodded lightly. “Yes, she is your sister. Now, go with the aunts to get cleaned up. Look at how dirty you are!”
Though Feng Xuanrui was reluctant to part with his mother, he understood that adults needed to discuss matters among themselves.
He took Suisui’s hand and went with the housemaids to clean up.
After the children left, the Qi Wangfei thanked Prince Qing for his assistance and explained that Prince Qi was currently staying at a country estate and would return in a few days.
Prince Qing was curious since he had sent word from Xinzhou that he would arrive in the capital today.
Why was the Prince Qi not at the manor?
Hearing that he had gone to the country estate yesterday, Prince Qing felt a bit puzzled but chose not to press further.
He briefly described the events of the journey and explained Suisui’s situation.
He mentioned how Feng Xuanrui had gotten separated from his servants while chasing a rabbit and ended up in the mountains.
The Qi Wangfei’s heart raced.
He spoke of how Feng Xuanrui, with a sprained ankle, came across Suisui, who had been abandoned by her family.
The Qi Wangfei was both angry and worried!
He continued, describing how the two children had made their way down the mountain together, which eased her worry somewhat.
However, when he mentioned that the children encountered mountain bandits shortly after, her heart tightened again.
And when he added that they had almost been sold, her heart was in turmoil.
Finally, Prince Qing mentioned Suisui’s background.
The young girl’s past was pitiful and distressing.
The Qi Wangfei’s eyes turned red with sympathy.
She felt deeply for the child’s hardships but also had concerns about Suisui being the daughter of the Marquis of Jinyang, whose reputation was not the best and whose family was difficult to deal with.
Though the Qi Wangfei held a high status and was not afraid of them, she preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble.
She wished for a peaceful life and did not want to provoke troublemakers.
Yet, thinking of Suisui’s innocent, bright eyes and her emaciated little face, the Qi Wangfei couldn’t help but feel soft-hearted.
Such a pitiful child, to be sent back to the Marquis of Jinyang’s grimy estate…
She could hardly bear to think of what might become of her!
........TL's thoughts...
wang fei: the official wife of a wang (王) or prince; equivalent to the position of princess consort in Western culture
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