Chapter 233: Dismissal

When his arms were empty, Prince Qi only then, belatedly, reacted.

His little darling went into someone else's arms.

Wah—!

Looking again, Sui Sui was still snuggling and kissing Mother Consort.

He doesn't have any!

Prince Qi almost shut himself off.

That morning he didn't bother with anything else, just went around the child.

When Feng Xuanrui and the others came in, Prince Qi couldn't even squeeze into the child's circle.

Fortunately, after the meal, Feng Xuanrui and the others had to go to class.

When Sui Sui heard that the older brothers were going to class, she immediately exclaimed happily, "Class is good, I like class!"

Although she doesn't understand, she can be with the brothers and even learn to read.

Sui Sui likes it, and Prince Qi naturally indulges her.

Liu He Meng also arrived at this time, and Shen Hua Tang was with Master Shen.

Although Master Shen hadn't specially prepared the corresponding introductory material today, he deliberately interspersed some review content during the lesson.

For example, the Three‑Character Classic, the Thousand‑Character Classic, and the like.

Sui Sui also doesn't understand, but imitates the brothers, shaking her head and reciting along.

As for the deeper meaning inside, what is it?

How could she possibly understand?

Sometimes, when she encounters characters with complex pronunciations, she hasn't heard them before and mispronounces them.

However, this doesn't affect Sui Sui's enthusiasm.

Prince Qi sits on the side listening, his gaze constantly fixed on Sui Sui.

Master Shen: …

Although somewhat speechless, when he thinks of the absurd things Prince has done over the years to please the lady, just accompanying his daughter to listen to class?

Normal, far too normal.

Princess Consort of Qi also wanted to sit a while longer, but there are matters in the front and back courtyards.

She can't, like Prince, just wave her hand and ignore everyone.

Especially now that her health is still poor, she doesn't want to deal with anything.

Princess Consort of Qi listened for a while, saw that Sui Sui was fine, and quietly left, reassured.

When Sui Sui realized Mother Consort wasn't accompanying her to class, she pursed her lips a bit, looking a little upset.

During the break, Prince Qi, feeling tender, stepped forward and gave a hug: "My darling, don't cry, don't cry; when you purse your mouth, Father King's heart tightens."

Feng Xuanrui just took a sip of water, and upon hearing his sister cry, let out a loud shout: "What's wrong? What's wrong? My sister, what's wrong?"

The others also gathered anxiously.

Sui Sui, feeling a bit embarrassed under the gaze, clung to Father King's shoulder and refused to come down, her voice muffled: "Mother Consort didn't accompany me… us."

Sui Sui originally wanted to say "me", but thought it too selfish, and quickly added the word "us".

The older brothers, however, don't mind any of this.

They gathered around, chattering soothingly, almost pushing Prince Qi out.

Prince Qi:?

I am, after all, your Father King—so you push me like this?

I'm now old and frail, not long to live!

Shouldn't you let me go?

Prince Qi feels aggrieved, yet can speak plainly.

A bunch of kids—what could they possibly understand?

If I say it, it might even scare people.

Sui Sui quickly calmed down, drank some water, and then returned to class.

On Princess Consort of Qi's side, Aunt Qiu had already compiled a list of the concubines and secondary wives in the back courtyard who were willing to take money and leave the Wangfu.

In recent years, the concubines and secondary wives who entered the Wangfu have mostly been at a flower‑like age, some even under twenty.

Some are voluntary, some are forced by their families, and some have ulterior motives.

However, life in the back courtyard is quite grueling.

There is only one Prince, yet the back courtyard has so many women.

Thus, it is inevitable that some may go ten days, half a month, or even over a month without seeing Prince.

Some people's hearts are dead, others are weary.

Now, when Princess Consort asks, some think that rather than linger here, they'd rather take the money and go back, then seek another marriage.

The Great Summer dynasty has an open social climate; regarding women's second or third marriages, they say little.

Some families even prefer to marry widows who have already borne children.

Because they consider them physically strong, their children healthy, easy to raise, and with a higher chance of survival.

Therefore, these concubines and secondary wives from the Wangfu, once they take the money and leave, have many options.

If nothing else works, they can go to a Daoist temple to practice with their hair.

Princess Consort of Qi first dealt with this group.

After the corresponding list was compiled, she called each person forward, questioned them one by one, confirming it was their own wish.

Then she had the steward bring the accountant, who handed out the appropriate compensation on the spot, and extended the departure deadline, allowing them to leave within three days.

If the situation is special and there are some difficulties at home, staying a few more days is also acceptable.

This batch released twelve people.

To be honest, Princess Consort of Qi doesn't even recall the faces of several of them.

In recent years, few of those who entered the residence were promoted to concubine.

Those who properly came to pay her daily respects were even fewer.

Most of the time, it's still these elderly people of the residence.

Princess Consort of Qi originally didn't pay much attention to these people; she only had a rough count.

Looking at these twelve people now, half are unfamiliar faces; she silently curses the prince for his misdeeds while also thinking she ought to note them down.

That way, she won't be left ignorant if another mistake happens later.

The girls who received the silver, some packed up their belongings and left the residence happily at once.

Among them, some have been in the residence for over five years, while others have been there for less than a year.

In less than a year, they already felt the sorrow and helplessness of not seeing the prince for ten days or half a month.

So, this life doesn't necessarily have to be spent at the prince's residence.

Besides, what status does a concubine even have?

It's just a bit better than a maid; the daily chores in the residence still need to be done.

So, go home, hurry back home.

If that really doesn't work, donate some incense and oil money to a Daoist temple, then honestly stay there eating and drinking.

Although the diet is plain and there are many rules.

But if they behave well, their days can actually be livelier than at the prince's residence.

Those who can let go have already left the residence happily.

Those who can't let go still hold the flower in their hands and sigh silently.

For example, the former Concubine Su.

Yesterday it rained; Aunt Chi's legs were feeling uncomfortable, so she hasn't come over today.

Concubine Su finally had a little free time; she first asked the maids and servants about the prince's whereabouts, inquired for a long while, and finally learned indirectly that the prince had gone to the Small Classroom.

Concubine Su did want to go over there, but...

She didn't dare!

Car Maid was taken away by the officials of the Da Li Si!

Who knows how many people were frightened by this incident?

So, Concubine Su had the will but not the courage; she really didn't dare to go!

At most, she would just hold a pot of newly bloomed flowers there, her voice choking as she lamented her bitter fate, her suffering, and that this life was unbearable.

But upon seeing Aunt Chi's figure, Concubine Su instantly became obedient, put down the flower, and stood properly at the gate, not daring to raise her head.

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