Chapter 148: Ren Ce Fei

Sui Sui has been in the mansion for several days, and Ren Ce Fei and the others have all sent gifts—how could they not know this child exists?

When Sui Sui first entered the mansion, Ren Ce Fei had actually met her before.

But it was just a hurried passing-by, and nobody spoke.

At that time, Ren Ce Fei didn't have a deep impression of Sui Sui.

But these past few days, she's heard that the Princess Consort, who usually avoids taking charge, constantly keeps Sui Sui by her side, doting on her like the apple of her eye.

Every day she either goes to look at flowers or goes out of the mansion to play.

Ren Ce Fei thought, even the Princess Consort hasn't done this much for her own biological son, Xiao Liu.

She even wondered if the Princess Consort had been infected by the Prince, yearning for a daughter for so many years that she's finally gone mad.

Having heard that the Princess Consort would enter the palace today, Ren Ce Fei had originally planned to sneak out of the mansion to play.

Ah, staying in the mansion, all sorts of trivial matters from each courtyard come to find her—it's really annoying.

She's just a weak, helpless concubine temporarily in charge—how can there be so many things to do?

As it turned out, Meng Ce Fei ran away even faster than she did.

It's said she went to offer incense?

Ren Ce Fei spat after hearing that—what incense are you offering in the middle of the afternoon?

Do you think she believes it?

But whether she believes it or not doesn't matter—she just ran off quickly.

No one knows where she got the news; she ran off without eating lunch, destination unknown.

Ren Ce Fei had no choice but to stay in the mansion.

After lunch, before she could even nap, two servant girls came to her, causing a fuss.

At that moment, Ren Ce Fei's head was full of question marks.

She wondered to herself, are they sick?

When the Princess Consort was around, you all acted like mice pinned down by a cat—none of you dared to stick your heads out or move.

When the Princess Consort isn't around, you come causing a ruckus right in front of me?

Those who know that the Princess Consort is hard to deal with just get a fifty‑stroke beating each and a muddled settlement—nothing more.

Those who don't know think she's easy to bully, so now that the Princess Consort is gone, they try to fleece her like a sheep.

Two servant girls were arguing over a piece of fabric; finally Ren Ce Fei had them fight it out on the spot. Unwilling, they then went back crying and sniffling.

Annoyed by the two girls' quarrel, Ren Ce Fei thought of going out for a stroll, and on the way bring some snacks to Xiao Wu's quarters.

On the road she ran into Sui Sui and the others, and originally she had wanted to greet them friendly.

But…

Don't do that—she's a bit of a neat freak, and you're so dirty she can't stand it!

Sui Sui had originally planned to stand there obediently, waiting for the concubine to come over so she could salute and greet her.

Sui Sui hasn't formally started learning the etiquette yet, and she doesn't even know what status the concubine holds.

But seeing how splendidly dressed she is, she must be a very important elder, right?

So, she should perform the salute.

As a result, Ren Ce Fei halted, while Sui Sui and Liu He Meng stood rooted to the spot—the scene froze as if paused.

After a moment, it was Sui Sui who reacted, gently tugging Liu He Meng's sleeve and whispering, "Sister, should we go over and greet her?"

It's perfectly normal for juniors to take the initiative to greet their elders.

Sui Sui still understands that.

However, she isn't sure whether the Wangfu's rules are like that, so she asked just to be certain.

Liu He Meng didn't react at first, but thinking of their disheveled state with Sui Sui, she wondered if the concubine looked down on them for being dirty.

Liu He Meng also had no idea whether to step forward.

She's just a child, after all!

But after thinking, she realized that since the other party is of high status, not greeting them could easily give rise to gossip.

Thinking of this, Liu He Meng took Sui Sui's hand and whispered, "That's Ren Ce Fei. We'll go over later to pay our respects—just say 'greetings to the concubine' and follow my lead, sister."

Sui Sui didn't understand, but she was willing to listen to her sister.

Her sister knows more; listening to her is definitely right.

She nodded obediently, and then, led by Liu He Meng pulling her hand, the two little girls toddled toward Ren Ce Fei with their short legs.

Ren Ce Fei: ……

Ah!

What's meant to come will still come.

She didn't go to the mountain—the mountain itself came running to her.

If only I'd known, I should have walked faster just now and pretended not to see them.

As Sui Sui walked, Ren Ce Fei felt her antagonistic emotions lessen a bit.

Because she gradually made out Sui Sui's face.

A frail little body paired with a face no bigger than a palm.

On that face, the first thing you notice and remember is those round, glistening, big eyes.

Those eyes are so pure, as if no speck of the world's grime could exist in them.

Although children's eyes are usually pure and lively.

But Sui Sui's eyes seem especially pure.

Even though two children were walking toward her, Ren Ce Fei saw only Sui Sui's eyes.

To be honest...

At first glance, Ren Ce Fei's brows subconsciously knit together.

Those round, glossy eyes were somewhat like the young masters of the Residence.

Prince also has round eyes.

However, soon, as the distance closed, Ren Ce Fei saw in Sui Sui's eyes her own reflection—clean and pure.

That is a scenery unseen in the eyes of the Residence's young master, or Prince.

It was a very novel and wondrous experience.

Curious, Ren Ce Fei lowered her gaze toward the approaching little girl.

Sui Sui first lifted her head, looked curiously, met Pretty aunt's gaze, then shyly smiled, withdrew her eyes apologetically, tried to shrink toward Mengmeng Jiejie's side, while recalling Le Le's words: do not fear the person before you, nor the unknown future.

Everything will be fine; what she must do is bravely take the first step, then move forward resolutely.

Sui Sui does not understand, but she knows that Le Le means to make her face everything bravely.

So the desire to hide receded a few points, and her body instinctively stiffened on the ground.

Liu He Meng, upon approaching, quickly performed a proper bow: "Ren Ce Fei, your lady, peace."

Sui Sui imitated, her voice soft, and Ren Ce Fei felt her heart stir.

Not to mention, the little girl's lively eyes and soft, cute voice are truly captivating.

Especially for those without a daughter yet longing for one, this is like a heavenly gift.

A painless birth of a girl, and a soft, cute little girl—who wouldn't want that?

Ren Ce Fei thought, no wonder Princess Consort these past two days seems as if under a spell, taking the child everywhere to play.

If it were her...

Ren Ce Fei also felt a little moved.

Realizing she was somewhat moved, Ren Ce Fei immediately dispersed those thoughts from her mind.

No, no!

She hasn't even enjoyed it herself yet; how could she raise another child?

Raising two children is already her limit.

One more is impossible!

Even painless ones are impossible!!!

Second watch at 19:00