Chapter 217: with translation of chapter title

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, within half a day the entire nobility of Jing Cheng knew that the Qi Wang Fu had gained a young junzhu.

Correspondingly, the banquet to announce Sui Sui's identity externally also needs to be prepared.

After Prince Qi sent the palace people away, he actively embraced Sui Sui; even though the little girl was wrapped up like a rolled pancake, Prince Qi didn't mind, instead finding it quite amusing.

Prince Qi felt the child was too thin; it would be better if she were a bit plumper.

Being plumper makes it easier to stand firm!

Thinking of this, he laughed heartily: "My Sui Sui, if she grows this plump, Father King can rest a bit easier."

Sui Sui was bundled in the blanket, hardly able to move.

Being teased by Father King, she gave an embarrassed smile.

Prince Qi worried the child would suffer, and also feared prolonged exposure to wind was bad, so he quickly handed her over to Xiang Gugu: "First take Sui Sui to rest; her illness isn't healed yet, we mustn't toss her about."

Xiang Gugu hurriedly agreed.

Feng Xuanrui and the others still wanted to follow, but Prince Qi glared at them: "All of you go back to rest; this afternoon, honestly go to the tutor's place for lessons!"

Feng Xuanrui and the few were unwilling, each pursing their lips.

But they didn't dare defy Father King, and moreover Feng Xuancang was advising them.

In the end, each left unhappily.

Before leaving, they still didn't forget to sidle up to Sui Sui, kiss the little sister, pat her little head.

Prince Qi brought the Princess Consort and the two concubines to the main hall; after sitting down, he voluntarily brought up the matter of holding a status banquet for Sui Sui: "Let's pick an auspicious day to hold it; now the child has a name and an identity, although the people of Jing Cheng will eventually hear the news, if we don't announce it outwardly it won't seem grand enough or show enough regard, so we should still choose a good day."

Thinking that Sui Sui has been ill lately, if not properly nursed she might leave a lingering ailment, Prince Qi quickly added: "We won't count this month; pick a day next month, when the weather is getting warmer, also suitable for a banquet—then we can view flowers, grass, fish, all very pleasant; even if we go boating on the lake, the lake water won't be cold."

Prince Qi became more excited as he spoke.

He only wished he could, in a single night, give all the good things in the world to his beloved lady!

The Princess Consort also felt that this month could wait.

Nurturing Sui Sui's hair and body would also make things more secure.

The Princess Consort really hadn't noticed any good days in May.

However, at the beginning of the month, the Fǔguó Gōng Fu held a banquet.

Thinking of this, the Princess Consort casually mentioned it, so the Prince wouldn't overlook and forget: "The second day of the fifth month is the birthday of the Fǔguó Gōng's young master Chen; this year it's his coming-of-age ceremony, and the Guó Gōng Fu intends to hold a grand celebration."

Therefore, the early-month dates must be avoided to avoid clashing with them; otherwise people and horses would be worn out, making arrangements difficult.

Lu Yinchen, although a junior, his mother is the younger daughter of the Grand Long Princess, and also a paternal cousin of Prince Qi.

Thus, Prince Qi still needs to attend the junior's coming-of-age ceremony.

At that moment, hearing the Princess Consort bring it up, Prince Qi drifted off in thought.

On that trip to the villa, his life almost ended, and he also nearly missed several important matters.

Thinking of these, he grew ever more resentful toward the Che family.

Truly, human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant!

Hasn't he been good enough to them?

As for that useless lot of the Che family, he even lent them a hand; although they were merely low-ranking officials, their abilities weren't even up to that, yet he was willing to help—wasn't it all for a beauty?

The result? They repaid kindness with enmity!

Although people all have selfish motives.

But the Che family are selfish to an excess!

Now, thinking of the Che family, Prince Qi feels not only annoyed but also ill-omened.

Prince Qi, while cursing in his heart, nodded: "That indeed should be skipped; we'll set it for mid-month or month-end, let someone pick a good day—our Wangfu's junzhu deserves the best day; if May has none, we'll take June, and if that truly fails, July will do; in any case, it must be a top-notch auspicious day."

The Princess Consort, after hearing, nodded: "Later I'll have someone calculate a date."

Prince Qi felt this still wasn't secure enough; after thinking, he waved his hand: "Later I'll go to the palace to beg my imperial brother, and have him ask the Directorate of Astronomy."

All: ……

That works too.

Who made you His Majesty's younger brother?

To hold a banquet, the corresponding invitations must be prepared, and the residence also needs decoration.

Ren Ce Fei and Meng Ce Fei didn't know that the Prince was already unable to father children.

The Princess Consort knew, thinking of those people in the rear court...

The concubines who had been in the residence for many years were actually fine.

After all, they are senior members of the residence; if truly cast out, their days wouldn't necessarily be better.

But some of the servant girls are truly just for show.

After all, Prince Qi is middle-aged, with limited energy.

Moreover, because he listened to the master's words, many of those servant girls are nominal only.

Such people, kept in the residence, aside from daily quarrels and trouble, are of no use.

Thinking of these, the Princess Consort tentatively asked: "Those people in the rear court..."

Prince Qi, regarding this, already had an open-minded, calm-as-water attitude: "Ask them if any are willing to take money and leave; then just report the number to me."

The two concubines:?

Meng Ce Fei was surprised but didn't dare ask further.

Ren Ce Fei is straightforward; she speaks her mind directly: "Prince, is this a change of character? This isn't like you."

Prince Qi: ……

"Is my inability to father children something glorious?"

"Do we have to make a big fuss about it?"

Prince Qi felt embarrassed and awkward, with a dark face he let out a cold snort: "Just listen to the Princess Consort, you talk too much."

Seeing the Prince like that, Ren Ce Fei guessed there was something going on.

She couldn't help but chuckle: "I'm just curious, why are you angry, Prince?"

Prince Qi: ……

Forget it, I can't argue with her, I won't stoop to her level!

Prince Qi turned away, his unwillingness to communicate was obvious.

This further confirmed Ren Ce Fei's suspicion.

The Prince entered the palace yesterday; he must have been provoked.

After returning, he dealt with Car Maid; right, did the Prince say anything else back then?

Thunder God Vine?

Horse Money Seed?

Peach kernel?

Are these the ones?

These seem to be medicines that hinder women from conceiving.

Do they have the same effect on men?

Ren Ce Fei guessed while secretly sizing up Prince Qi.

Being looked at by her made Prince Qi's heart panic, and he couldn't help muttering under his breath: "Look, look, look, only you have eyes."

Ren Ce Fei burst out laughing with a puff.

Prince Qi was almost broken through his defense.

Aunt Qiu came in at that moment, saying that JinXiuFang had already finished a batch of clothes and just delivered them to the mansion.

Upon hearing this, Princess Consort of Qi's eyes lit up at the thought of giving Sui Sui new clothes: "Quick, quick, quick, bring the people in—has Sui Sui slept? If she has, we won't rush the fitting; if not, let's try the clothes first, then sleep."

Prince Qi was already about to break his defense.

Hearing that the new clothes had arrived and could be tried on Sui Sui, Prince Qi also perked up, no longer bothering to argue with Ren Ce Fei.

A few people quickly brought the JinXiuFang staff inside.

Although they had measured, they still feared mistakes in the process, making the size unsuitable again.

Therefore, the JinXiuFang staff needed to stay here, watching Sui Sui try on all the clothes before they could leave.

Princess Consort of Qi happily led Prince Qi and the others to find Sui Sui.

Second watch