Chapter 180: Return to the City

Prince Qing was directly made to laugh by Master Han Shuang; he helplessly sighed: "I don't feel pity for anyone, I'm just uneasy about what methods you used, afraid others will copy and again harm innocent people."

In response, Master Han Shuang helplessly shook his head: "Your Highness, do you not trust me?"

Prince Qing directly waved his hand: "No, not that."

Seeing him like that, Master Han Shuang smiled: "Then please, Prince, put your mind at ease."

Prince Qing didn't manage to ask anything, but unable to suppress his curiosity, after thinking again and again he still couldn't help asking again: "What exactly is the method? I also really want to know."

Master Han Shuang gave him a slight smile: "Ordinary methods, often seen in rural villages."

Prince Qing: ……

Prince Qing ultimately didn't ask anything, but he didn't insist; after thinking, he again discussed with Master Han Shuang about giving Sui Sui a gift: "That child just arrived in the capital, has nothing in hand, I still owe her a life‑saving favor, so I'll add some basics for her, to give her more confidence."

When the landslide occurred, Master Han Shuang had already taken the prisoners and returned to the capital first.

The specific details were only heard later from subordinates.

Now hearing Prince Qing mention it, Master Han Shuang nodded: "Indeed we should give some gifts to express gratitude; I'll accompany the Prince in picking them out—hand‑chosen gifts are sincere."

Having someone to help consult, Prince Qing naturally was willing.

At this moment, Sui Sui, who was being thought of, was already about to play herself into a frenzy.

Running over mountains and fields, she picked many wildflowers.

Song Kuan's handicraft was indeed good; he wove a beautiful flower crown for Sui Sui to wear.

Although she didn't look in a mirror, the wildflowers of different colors woven together looked pretty.

Sui Sui took off all her favorite little hats, put on the flower crown, and then spun around everywhere.

After spinning for a while, Sui Sui thought: Since Brother Song Kuan wove her a flower crown, she should also pick more flowers to give him in return.

Thinking of this, Sui Sui ran even more eagerly.

She went here and there, circling around; at first she only picked pretty flowers, later she didn't bother selecting, just plucked whatever she saw.

The two children ran wildly for an afternoon, finally exhausted and were carried down the mountain by someone.

After eating vegetarian dinner at night, they simply washed up and went to sleep.

Sui Sui didn't even have the energy to wait for a bedtime story.

Waking up in the middle of the night to listen to a story was even more impossible.

She even let out a faint snore; Princess Consort of Qi, listening nearby, couldn't help wanting to laugh: "This child is worn out, alright, let's tidy up and rest."

After a good night's sleep, the next day was another bright sunny day.

Originally yesterday's weather was a bit overcast, and we thought it might rain.

As it turned out, it didn't; today turned clear directly.

Princess Consort of Qi looked at this sky and was quite pleased.

She got up early and began having people pack; today they would return to the manor, and on the way they would also visit Song Fu to see relatives and introduce Sui Sui.

Because they still needed to hurry back to the city, after eating vegetarian meal the group packed up and went down the mountain.

Song Kuan had played all afternoon yesterday and was still quite happy.

Just thinking about going back, he would have to follow his teacher to class; the young lad was still a bit listless.

Don't look at the young gentleman's gentle, refined appearance; actually he's a poor student.

However, upon learning he could ride back in the same carriage as Sui Sui, Song Kuan became happy again.

The carriage swayed all the way down the mountain, entered the city, and only when approaching noon did it sway to Song Fu.

Song Fu is located on Xuanwu Street, not far from the Zhuque Street of Qi Wang Fu.

Princess Consort of Qi early on sent someone back with a message, saying they would return to the manor to visit.

So, Song Fu had made preparations early.

Upon hearing the news and knowing the guests had arrived, Madam Xie, the elder lady, personally led people out to welcome her daughter back to the manor.

Waiting for Princess Consort of Qi to bring Sui Sui, and Zhou Shi to bring Song Kuan down from the carriage, then Lady Xie led her people over to perform the rites, Princess Consort of Qi returned the salute, and only then did she lead the group into the courtyard.

After sitting down, Princess Consort of Qi looked at the mother's eyes, which showed dark circles, and anxiously asked softly: "Mother, haven't you been sleeping well these days?"

In response, the elder lady also didn't hide it, sighing lightly: "Lately I don't know what the Ministry of War is busy with; your father hasn't returned to the manor for two days, and I don't know if his old bones can hold up."

Senior Song is a Vice Minister of War; the Duke of Fuguó intended over these two years to retire to the manor for honorable care, so he is currently carrying out a series of work handovers and transitions.

Of course, in the process there inevitably remain other official duties to attend to.

Senior Song is also not young; he is over fifty.

So the grandmother's worry is normal.

After Princess Consort of Qi smiled and offered a few comforting words, the grandmother smiled and nodded, her gaze shifting to land on Sui Sui.

As for this child, the grandmother was extremely curious.

When Sui Sui first arrived in the capital, Princess Consort of Qi sent someone to deliver a message to the manor, saying she wanted to raise another child; at that time the elder lady was already curious about this child.

The message sent back by Princess Consort of Qi was not complete, and the elder lady also didn't want to pry privately, lest she give rise to gossip.

Now that she has seen the person, of course she is curious.

Looking at the little girl's round, gleaming eyes, the elder lady's expression stiffened and her heart gave a jump.

She wanted to ask, but feared the child might hear something unpleasant, so she quickly composed herself, smiling and saying: "This must be Sui Sui, right? Come over, let Grandmother have a look."

Although the grandmother's expression had just changed, she adjusted quickly and bore no ill will.

Upon hearing that, Sui Sui lifted her head to glance at the mother consort, and after receiving permission from Princess Consort of Qi, she obediently walked over, her soft voice calling: "Grandmother, I am Sui Sui."

Her soft, milky voice, paired with those round eyes and cute little expression, made the grandmother's heart instantly soften.

Even though there had been some other doubts beforehand, she now unconsciously felt it impossible.

She raised her hand, gently patted Sui Sui's head, and smiling asked how Sui Sui had been eating, sleeping, and playing these past few days.

These are just ordinary daily questions for a child.

Sui Sui answered obediently, one by one.

After inquiring for a while, the old lady gestured for someone to bring out a box of gifts and presented them to Sui Sui.

Sui Sui certainly didn't dare to accept, and instinctively turned her head to look at Mother Consort.

Seeing the little girl's slightly flustered expression, Princess Consort of Qi smiled at her, her voice also carrying a soothing tone: "The meeting gift from your great-grandmother, Sui Sui, just accept it."

Zhou Shi beside her also chimed in: "Yes yes yes, the gift from your great-grandmother, just accept it; your second aunt has also prepared something, and your great aunt..."

When mentioning the great aunt, Zhou Shi hesitated a moment, then smiled and explained: "The great aunt is feeling unwell; another day, when she feels better, she'll come to play with Sui Sui, okay?"

The second watch is at 19:00.