Chapter 146: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
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The Empress Dowager could speak her mind, but Qi Wangfei could not easily chime in. A mother scolding her son was their family matter. If she got involved, it would be awkward for her.
So, Qi Wangfei could only smile helplessly and sigh softly, expressing her inability to do much.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager’s anger subsided a bit. She wanted to say more but worried that Feng Xuanrui’s presence might make it inappropriate for the child to hear.
Eventually, she stopped herself and turned to talk to Feng Xuanrui.
Feng Xuanrui had no particular feelings about his father visiting other estates to have children.
The concubines who had entered the palace in recent years were frankly displeasing to him.
However, as long as they didn't bully his mother, Feng Xuanrui wouldn't take severe action. Rumors of him attacking his father's concubines would not reflect well.
Though young, Feng Xuanrui understood many things.
Realizing that his grandmother had things to discuss with his mother, he obediently allowed the palace attendants to take him out without making a fuss.
The Empress Dowager sighed, “Xiao Liu has your gentle nature. Is he bullied by his brothers at the estate?”
Qi Wangfei of Qi smiled wryly and shook her head lightly. “Xiao Liu is kind-hearted, but he stands firm when he needs to. I won’t let him be bullied.”
The Empress Dowager trusted her on this. She was only worried that Feng Xuanrui’s meek demeanor could be problematic.
The two legitimate sons of the Prince family were one a gentleman, appearing easy to bully, and the other, Xiao Liu, had a gentle personality. With five more brothers in the family, the Empress Dowager’s head ached.
For now, they were young, and it wasn’t evident, but as they grew older and matters of interest arose, who knew what kind of rivalry might ensue?
Being part of the royal family, the Empress Dowager was accustomed to scrutinizing sibling relationships this way.
Qi Wangfei could only wait and see; the children were still young. There was no need to worry too far ahead.
To avoid stressing the Empress Dowager, who was still recuperating, Qi Wangfei switched topics to Suisui.
In front of the Empress Dowager, it was difficult to conceal Suisui’s background, especially since she had saved Feng Xuanrui more than once.
Therefore, even though the Empress Dowager hadn’t met Suisui, she already had a favorable impression of the child.
Now, hearing about her, the Empress Dowager nodded. “She sounds like a good child, young enough to be molded. As long as she doesn’t take after that scoundrel from the Marquis of Jinyang, she’ll be fine. The Prince family isn’t lacking, after all, and adding another pair of chopsticks won’t hurt.”
Mentioning the Marquis of Jinyang, the Empress Dowager was clearly displeased. She furrowed her brow and continued, “As for her background, those who need to know already do; the rest should keep their mouths shut. Jinyang Marquis Manor is no good place. Recently, I heard they’ve been trying to marry their eldest daughter into the Xie family, even if it means her becoming a concubine.”
A concubine? A Marquis’s daughter shouldn’t degrade herself, even if it means marrying as a legitimate wife into an ordinary family.
However, the Marquis of Jinyang couldn’t keep his house in order, and the situation was deteriorating rapidly, so their irrational actions were not unexpected.
The Xie family was the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, currently headed by her younger brother, the Minister of Justice. His second wife, the head of the Xie household, was the Marquis of Jinyang’s sister.
When Madam Xie married into the family, the Marquis of Jinyang hadn’t been as depraved as he is now. It was a calculated match considering various interests at the time, and since it was a second marriage, she was chosen.
Whenever the Empress Dowager thought about this, she wished she could turn back time and undo the decision.
Marrying into the Marquis of Jinyang’s family was nothing short of inviting trouble.
Qi Wangfei knew well that the Marquis of Jinyang’s family was a mess from top to bottom, with every member reflecting the dysfunction of its leader.
She couldn’t bear to think of Suisui, a child who brought blessings, enduring life in such a toxic environment.
This understanding made Qi Wangfei even more determined to keep Suisui’s secret well-guarded.
Even if the Marquis of Jinyang’s family eventually found out, she would deny everything.
If they had mistaken someone else’s daughter, why should they reclaim hers?
Even if Suisui was indeed their daughter, no one could take her away.
She would rather tear all pretenses apart than let that happen.
Thinking of Suisui’s sweet little face, Qi Wangfei’s fears eased, and she hesitated before asking the Empress Dowager about Suisui’s name and identity.
Technically, a daughter from the estate, even an illegitimate one, could hold the title of a County princess.
Though she wouldn’t have an actual fief, the associated privileges and official recognition would be significant.
Most importantly, it would grant Suisui legitimacy, allowing her to go out in public with honor.
Understanding her intent, the Empress Dowager thought for a moment and then spoke decisively, “Regarding her name, I will consult the Emperor—he can either choose one or invite someone to name her. As for her status…”
After some hesitation, the Empress Dowager made up her mind. “Let’s raise her first. If she adapts well, she’ll be a County princess of our prince family. Even if the Emperor disapproves, I will ensure her recognition. No one will question her identity.”
No matter what, Suisui had saved Feng Xuanrui, and for that alone, she deserved the title.
Meanwhile, back at the estate, Suisui had already woken up, washed up, and was now energetically playing with her sister Mengmeng, oblivious that she was about to receive a proper name and status.
Her lost childhood was being gradually restored by those around her.
Initially, the two girls intended to play with bamboo dragonflies.
Suisui’s luck was excellent; she always rolled six points during five-stick games.
Anything below five points was considered a bad roll for her, though such occurrences were rare.
Liu Hemeng often exclaimed, “Ah, this is so unfair!”
Yet children often tire of the same game quickly. When Liu Hemeng noticed Suisui’s waning enthusiasm, she glanced at the nearby pond and whispered, “Why don’t we go watch the fish?”
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