Chapter 216: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 216: Princess Jiaoyang
Upon hearing Prince Qi’s voice, Suisui recalled what Che Lingzhi had mentioned: once Uncle returns to the manor, he will certainly stand up for me.
Thinking of this, Suisui felt a surge of grievance. She turned her head, burying herself in her mother’s embrace, refusing to look at her father any longer.
Seeing Suisui's reaction, Prince Qi felt as though his heart was breaking into pieces. Yet, he couldn’t blame her.
In truth, he hadn’t thought things through carefully enough, his eagerness for a daughter ultimately leading to the chaotic state of the manor’s inner quarters.
Earlier that day, his mother had already scolded him in the palace for this very reason.
For the past few years, he’d focused only on which ladies were capable of bearing children, overlooking character and conduct. As a result, all sorts of unsuitable people had entered the inner quarters, disrupting harmony. The rivalries among his wives and concubines were one thing—they were adults who fought amongst themselves without much interference needed on his part, especially with Qi Wangfei managing the household.
But when it involved the children…
Prince Qi’s expression shifted as he inwardly began to reflect.
Although Suisui turned away from him, Prince Qi remained undeterred. With a gentle smile, he leaned in and began speaking in a coaxing tone. “Suisui, don’t be upset. Father realizes his mistake and will protect you well from now on.”
“No need to worry; no one will harm you in the future.”
“If anyone new enters the inner quarters, Father will consult Suisui first. Only if you agree will they be allowed. Is that alright?”
Prince Qi humbly sought a hug from his cherished daughter.
Hearing his promises, Suisui’s heart softened—especially the assurance that he would protect her from harm.
....
This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
....
Children don’t understand that adults can sometimes deceive them. Suisui only knew that whatever her father said must be true, something he would follow through on.
Because that’s exactly how her mother was.
With that thought, she slowly emerged from her mother’s embrace, her large eyes shining with expectation, though her voice remained soft. “Father, do you really mean it?”
Seeing his beloved daughter finally acknowledging him, Prince Qi’s heart soared as if clouds parted for the sun. His smile grew more radiant as he eagerly nodded, “Absolutely, without a doubt. Father keeps his word.”
He reached out again to try and hold Suisui. This time, she didn’t refuse him.
Embracing his soft and fragrant daughter, Prince Qi gently nuzzled his face against her fluffy little head. Feeling her warmth, he mused to himself: perhaps not being able to have a child wasn’t so bad after all.
Why exhaust himself trying when he could simply cherish what he already had?
And who said she wasn’t his biological daughter? The child he’d raised was as good as his own!
Besides, Suisui’s eyes were identical to his—who would dare say otherwise? She was undoubtedly his daughter! Heaven may have played a little trick, sending her on a brief detour, but now that she was home, he’d make sure she never suffered again.
With these thoughts, Prince Qi let out a soft chuckle, looking slightly silly but filling Suisui with an unexpected sense of security.
Clinging to her father’s neck, she rested her small head on his shoulder, thinking, *So, this is what it feels like to have a father.*
Warm and safe.
It was what she’d always longed for.
Having a father is wonderful!
Embracing him a little tighter, Suisui’s tiny arms conveyed her attachment, further brightening Prince Qi’s smile.
Seeing them together, Qi Wangfei couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. “Are you tired? How about letting me take the child?”
Prince Qi shook his head lightly. “No, not tired at all. Suisui is very light.” Then, realizing something, he added, “She should be well-nourished. Everything bestowed by Mother and the Emperor will be sent to the kitchen to prepare daily meals for Suisui.”
The princess, hiding her slight bitterness, replied, “I’ve already instructed Aunt Qiu to make arrangements. Rest assured, my lord.”
Prince Qi continued holding Suisui close, occasionally voicing more thoughts as they came to him.
Noticing her sleepwear was made from less than ideal material, he turned to Qi Wangfei. “Are there any suitable fabrics from Mother’s rewards? If not, I’ll ask the Emperor—he must have plenty of fine options.”
The princess nodded. “I’ve already placed an order with Jinxiu Workshop; it should arrive in a day or two.”
Judging by the timing, Qi Wangfei estimated it wouldn’t be long. However, instead of the new clothes, what arrived first was an imperial decree.
The steward entered with news of a visitor from the palace, and Prince Qi and princess exchanged knowing glances, guessing that it was a decree to raise their cherished daughter’s status.
Since Suisui was still unwell and recovering, they couldn’t allow her to exert herself. However, receiving an imperial decree without showing up could also be inappropriate.
After some thought, Prince Qi instructed Aunt Xiang to wrap Suisui in a thin blanket.
“Wrap her up well, and you can hold her to receive the decree. She’s still a child; the Emperor won’t mind.”
Aunt Xiang quickly bundled Suisui up snugly.
Reluctantly handing her over to Aunt Xiang, Prince Qi led Qi Wangfei and two concubines outside to accept the decree.
When they heard the Emperor’s chosen name for Suisui, Concubine Ren thought, *This name is fitting, well-suited for such a pitiable child as Suisui.*
Concubine Meng shared her sentiment.
However, when Suisui’s title was announced, both women froze in surprise.
They exchanged a quick glance, bringing their eyes back with silent astonishment.
“Princess Jiaoyang?”
Wasn’t that the same title as Prince Qi’s sister? Could this be the Empress Dowager’s idea?
Concubine Meng only had limited knowledge of Princess Jiaoyang, but Concubine Ren was quite familiar with the details.
Princess Jiaoyang had been married off to Su’s family in distant Cangzhou due to the late Emperor’s palace schemes. Although the Marquess had someone else in his heart, he still sought the marriage for power. Yet after marrying her, he mistreated her, leading to her tragic death in childbirth, both mother and child perishing.
After the current Emperor ascended, he wiped out Su’s clan, yet they’d remained unrepentant.
Even to this day, Princess Jiaoyang’s body remains missing, a lingering sorrow for the Empress Dowager.
So for the Empress Dowager to use this title was surprising to Concubine Ren.
She wondered if, with time, the Empress Dowager had come to terms with it, though something still didn’t feel quite right.
Only after the Head Eunuch finished reading the decree, and Prince Qi gave generous rewards to see him off, did Concubine Ren realize the title was actually “Princess Jiaoyang,” not “Princess Jiao Yang.”
With a breath of relief, Concubine Ren thought, *While Jiaoyang implies good fortune, it’s a weighty title for a mere child. A humble name is best to ensure her long life. Better a name that’s not too grand.*
“Jiaoyang” felt more fitting.
A soft and endearing little princess.
Just hearing it conjured an image of cuteness.
►►CLICK HERE FOR ADVANCE CHAPTERS◄◄
Comments
Post a Comment