Chapter 219: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
Chapter 219: Warning
After trying on four sets of new clothes, plus a moon-white sleeping robe, Suisui was still absorbed in the joy of having new clothes. Even Qi Wangfei couldn’t help her happiness as she held Suisui and chatted for a while.
Prince Qi, watching from the side, couldn’t get a turn to hold her, so he looked on eagerly. When Qi Wangfei finally complained about her arm tiring, he quickly took Suisui into his arms, holding her and comforting her for a long time.
Once Suisui had taken her medicine and fallen back asleep, Prince and Qi Wangfei left the room. Qi Wangfei had found more fabric, and together with Prince Qi, they picked out designs and patterns to send to the seamstresses from Jinxiu Workshop.
“Autumn and winter clothes aren’t urgent; we can start with spring and summer pieces and make plenty more to have on hand.”
“Choose more vibrant colors and styles that children enjoy.”
…
Qi Wangfei continued giving instructions, feeling that making autumn and winter clothes too early was pointless. If Suisui grew, they might not fit her later. Now that she was so small and thin, Qi Wangfei resolved to help her gain ten pounds before winter. If not, then at least eight. No less!
Suisui, deep in her sweet dreams, was unaware of her mother’s ambitious plans.
The incident with Concubine Che had erupted without warning. The Grand Court of Justice took her away in the night, leaving everyone in the manor uneasy. Qi Wangfei first reassured the women of the inner court, especially Concubine Meng, who had been shaken by the event, comforting her and advising her not to worry.
After a night of recovery, Concubine Meng had mostly calmed down. Though she still turned pale and weak-legged when recalling the incident, she felt braver and stronger than before. Her thoughts remained focused on Suisui’s well-being, and upon learning that Suisui was well, Concubine Meng relaxed, sighing, “If Suisui hadn’t clung to me yesterday, who knows where I would be now?”
Hearing this, Qi Wangfei couldn’t help feeling uneasy. Suisui was such a kind-hearted child; even a small gesture of goodwill toward her would be noticed and generously reciprocated. But what if someone took advantage of that kindness?
Although the sign they received at the temple had advised letting things happen naturally and not to worry too much, having raised Suisui, Qi Wangfei knew that it was impossible to be completely worry-free. “You’re lucky this time,” Qi Wangfei said, “but in the future, we should be more cautious. If you plan to go somewhere, have someone check it out in advance.”
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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She sighed, acknowledging the unpredictability of dangers like the one at Suya. In truth, such things were hard to anticipate, since everyone had their enemies, and nobody could know when one might strike.
Qi Wangfei continued, “Take more attendants when you go out in the future. Don’t worry about looking ostentatious; would anyone in Prince Qi’s manor truly fear others gossiping about a little display?”
Grateful for the advice, Concubine Meng tearfully promised to heed it, her heart full of appreciation.
After a little more conversation, Qi Wangfei returned to her own courtyard, checking on the two consorts in person. However, for the lower-ranking concubines, she didn’t go herself; instead, she summoned them. Concubine Su, who had been learning etiquette under Aunt Chi, came along quietly with the group, keeping her head low and eyes downcast.
Concubine Su had been thoroughly frightened by Concubine Che’s situation! She and Concubine Che had entered the manor around the same time. Concubine Su had seen clearly how Concubine Che had won Prince Qi’s favor and had long harbored intense jealousy.
Concubine Che’s arrest by the Grand Court had terrified her most of all. She wondered what kind of terrible crime she must have committed to be sent straight to the prison of the Grand Court. Even though Concubine Su didn’t know the specifics, she could tell it must have been serious. She’d heard that the entire Che family had also been taken into custody. Those who served Concubine Che were dismissed, and her personal maid, Qiao Zhi, was sent with her to prison.
Concubine Su had been so frightened she couldn’t sleep the previous night. Hearing that Qi Wangfei wanted to see her today, she almost screamed in terror. She hadn’t had much worldly experience, and her understanding of social graces was mostly limited to methods of flattery and seduction. Concubine Su believed that if she could please Prince Qi, her life in the manor would differ from the other concubines’. If she could bear him a child, her future would be secure.
Yet, after yesterday’s events, Concubine Su was scared into obedience. Qi Wangfei’s words were both a comfort and a warning, making it clear that Concubine Che had harbored malicious intentions, even attempting to poison Prince Qi. The severity of her crime extended to her entire family.
The other concubines, shocked, couldn’t help but tremble, and Concubine Su’s knees nearly buckled as she clung to a maid for support. Qi Wangfei hadn’t paid her any special attention until Aunt Qiu quietly asked, “Shall we continue having Aunt Chi instruct Concubine Su on proper conduct?”
In the past, Qi Wangfei might have gone easy on her. Prince Qi’s erratic behavior in recent years had led her to prioritize her peace of mind over managing the household strictly. But after the affair with Concubine Che, Qi Wangfei realized that her leniency had led some to see her as soft and easily manipulated.
Frowning slightly, she nodded at Aunt Qiu. “Have her learn for another half month, and only once she understands her mistakes will Aunt Chi be sent to rest at the country estate.”
Concubine Su’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted.
Seeing her collapse, Concubine Guo nearly rolled her eyes, thinking, *Weren’t you arrogant before? Go on, keep it up!* Concubine Wen, whose health had already been fragile, paled even further, and Concubine Zhou, standing nearby, glanced at her several times with concern. Most of the concubines had been with the manor for years. In recent times, many of the new concubines, apart from Concubines Su and Che, had been dismissed or given lower ranks by Prince Qi, who found them unsatisfactory.
The older concubines shared a unique bond, forming genuine friendships over the years as they supported each other through the quiet days. When Concubine Wen seemed unwell, they offered her sincere concern.
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