Chapter 106: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 106: Home is a Place to Relax
Since Suisui and the others just returned yesterday, everyone was still in a wait-and-see mode.
Thus, no one had prepared gifts right away.
Seeing the affection and care Qi Wangfei had for Suisui, everyone understood her stance. Regardless of Suisui’s final status, it was clear that anyone under the Princess's protection would be of significant standing.
The two side consorts and concubines only needed to send a few gifts and show a bit of goodwill to leave a good impression on Qi Wangfei. It was a simple thing to do, and only a fool would neglect it.
So, as soon as Suisui and the others returned, the gifts were sent over.
Given the late hour, they didn’t want to disturb the Princess, so they just sent servants with the gifts.
The Qi Wangfei nodded at this: "Alright, after dinner, I will take Suisui to open the gifts."
Shouyao nodded, understanding how to handle the gifts, and then withdrew to make arrangements.
Afterward, Qi Wangfei turned her attention to the candidates chosen by Aunt Qiu.
Aunt Qiu had selected a woman over thirty years old named Xiang, who would teach Suisui the proper etiquette and help with her daily life.
Xiang had lost her husband early and had no children. Her previous master’s household had fallen on hard times, forcing them to sell their servants.
Xiang had been introduced by Wu, the wife of Steward Li, and had previously assisted with household management at a small estate of the Wang family.
After Aunt Qiu’s examination, she felt that Xiang was suitable and brought her over.
The Qi Wangfei observed and inquired further, finding Xiang’s demeanor and manners to be quite proper. She nodded in satisfaction.
With the stewardess chosen, the next step was to select the maidservants.
In contrast to the stewardess, six maidservants had been presented.
After careful observation and questioning, Qi Wangfei selected two of them.
The maidservants were fourteen or fifteen years old.
The Qi Wangfei chose one with a round face and one with a square face.
She renamed the two girls: "You will be called Warm Winter, and you will be called Warm Summer. You are to serve the young lady well. If you have any uncertainties, consult Aunt Xiang or Aunt Qiu."
The two girls thanked the Princess for their names and performed their bows, acknowledging their understanding.
With the servants chosen, the remaining coarse workers were inspected by Aunt Qiu, so Qi Wangfei didn’t need to examine them further.
After handling these matters, Qi Wangfei went to the dining hall.
After washing up, Feng Xuanrui and the others chattered as they gathered for dinner.
There weren’t many people, so Qi Wangfei had prepared only a medium-sized round table.
Even so, the space was still quite ample.
The Qi Wangfei was concerned about Suisui, so she always held her hand while walking.
When it came time to eat, she held Suisui in her lap.
Noticing that this arrangement made it difficult to feed Suisui, Qi Wangfei thought for a moment and then told Haitang, “Bring over two soft cushions.”
Haitang quickly went to get them, while Warm Winter and Warm Summer, still in training, watched how Haitang and the others served their master and learned from their example, adding their own understanding.
Suisui thought she could eat by herself, as if her mother fed her, the food would be cold by the time she finished.
So, she gently tugged at her mother’s fragrant sleeve and whispered, “Mother, I can eat by myself.”
At this moment, Qi Wangfei was feeling particularly affectionate and couldn’t bear to let the little girl eat alone. Moreover, she understood why Suisui wanted to try eating by herself and gently touched Suisui’s small face, “Mother will have the kitchen warm the food again, so you can eat with peace of mind.”
Hearing this, Suisui had no choice but to comply and sat there quietly, her small hands neatly placed on her lap.
Seeing the child like this, Qi Wangfei felt both helpless and heartbroken: “Suisui, relax. Home should be the place where you feel the most comfortable. There’s no need to be so formal while eating. It’s better to eat comfortably than to feel uncomfortable after.”
The Qi Wangfei was not very strict about internal etiquette.
She believed that while one must maintain the reputation of the Qi Royal Mansion outwardly and be mindful of her demeanor and manners, home should be a place of relaxation.
If one could not relax at home and was always on edge, life would lose its meaning.
The Qi Wangfei’s comfort made Suisui’s previously tense shoulders slowly relax, and her small hands naturally fell to her sides.
The Qi Wangfei had rarely fed children herself before. With so many wet nurses and servants, she would only occasionally take an interest when she felt like it.
But now, taking care of a child so carefully and attentively was a new experience for her.
There were many things to consider: Is the food warm or cold? Is each bite too big or too small? Are the dishes safe for a child? Can the child eat this dish? Is this meat too fatty and likely to be too greasy for a child?
There were many considerations, but there was also much enjoyment to be found!
Watching Suisui’s little face puff up with each bite, looking like a little animal, made Qi Wangfei’s heart soften.
The little girl’s round eyes and puffed cheeks made her whole face seem fuller. But as she ate, her cheeks would return to their original slender shape, and Qi Wangfei felt a pang of heartache.
Such a good child! The marquis of Jinyang is truly heartless!
And the fact that he didn’t investigate thoroughly before bringing the child into the mansion was infuriating!
The Qi Wangfei reflected that the character of those in the marquis household was well known to her after living in the capital for so long.
And now, things were quite good as they were.
Once a daughter is recognized, she cannot be returned.
You accepted Xu Yueyao, so Suisui is hers now!
Admittedly, at this moment, Qi Wangfei felt a certain dark satisfaction in her heart.
She knew this feeling was wrong, but she couldn’t help it!
Especially when faced with Suisui’s moist eyes full of admiration, Qi Wangfei felt her heart tremble.
Such a lovely child, no one could take her away!
Not even the Prince!
At this moment, Qi Wangfei, with a rare dark thought, wondered: Should she give the master a little money to keep him in the mansion for another month?
The Prince: ???
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