Chapter 243: Returning to the Residence Injured

Guo Concubine is pregnant, already three months, and Liu Dafu also said the gestation looks good.

Princess Consort of Qi turned her head and began making arrangements; the staff in Guo Concubine's house, those who deserve a reward must receive one.

The restorative soups and the like in the kitchen must also be arranged.

In the other courts, the necessary instructions must also be arranged, to prevent uninformed people from colliding with others again.

At this moment, Princess Consort of Qi thought that having Car Maid first was not bad.

It was a good opportunity, using her case to eliminate the ill‑tempered concubines and chambers from recent years, leaving the back courtyard suddenly clean.

It also spares Guo Concubine, who is pregnant, from having to be constantly anxious later.

Prince was not fixated on having a daughter before; the women in the back courtyard were all perfectly normal, and no one harbored any malice toward the pregnant, nor any secret schemes, and such things had never happened.

However, for the concubines who entered the court in recent years, Princess Consort of Qi truly could not guarantee they harbored no ill intent.

Fortunately, the cleanup is almost complete; only a few little cats remain, and with Car Maid and Concubine Su's matters already dealt with, they are unlikely to stir up any trouble.

Nevertheless, vigilance remains paramount.

If nothing unexpected occurs, this could be Prince's last child.

Given this situation, another child would be a consolation for Prince.

Princess Consort of Qi thought that if this child could be delivered smoothly, it would be the best outcome.

Princess Consort of Qi was busy all morning, yet did not forget the matter she promised to Sui Sui.

At noon, she must go fetch her.

Princess Consort of Qi arrived early, lest she disturb the child; she quietly stood in the corridor watching Sui Sui bobbing her head and swaying as she followed Master Shen in reading.

Sui Sui actually couldn't understand what Master Shen was saying, yet the child's learning ability remained strong.

Regardless of how precise her diction was, the bobbing head and high‑spirited voice made her look very lively.

The bright reading voice softened the hearts of those who heard it.

Princess Consort of Qi thought that if her Sui Sui could be as peaceful and smooth as now for the rest of her life, it would be the best.

Thus, she must live a long life to better protect this child!

Of course, Prince as well.

Later she must ask Liu Dafu for any additional nourishing medicinal dishes so that Prince can drink more.

At this moment, Sui Sui had already let herself loose, imitating Mengmeng Jiejie, bobbing her head and swaying as she followed Master Shen, reciting sentence by sentence.

Some sentences were too long; Sui Sui felt her mouth was not agile, so she thought it over, then silently read it again in her mind.

Gradually smoothing out, Sui Sui could begin reciting long sentences.

Shen Hua Tang listened nearby, delighted for Sui Sui, repeatedly encouraging her: "Sui Sui is amazing!"

"So great!"

"Indeed Sui Sui!"

……

Shen Hua Tang's voice was not loud, yet his encouraging expression was spot on.

Motivated, Sui Sui seemed as if she had been injected with chicken blood, her vigor increased, and her little head held high like a little peacock that had been praised.

Her adorable appearance made Shen Hua Tang unable to resist wanting to pat her head.

Sui Sui's lifted little head was also so cute!

Therefore, she must ask mother to give her a sister.

A brother, something...

How stinky!

Shen Hua Tang thought silently, and his hand quietly moved closer to Sui Sui.

Sensing Tangtang Jiejie's small hand, Sui Sui naturally reached out her hand.

The two little girls held hands under the table.

Liu He Meng was still loudly reciting, not noticing that the two little sisters beside her were holding hands behind her.

Princess Consort of Qi watched from a distance, her smile never ceased.

When the noon break came, Sui Sui saw Mother Consort from afar; her eyes instantly brightened like a fledgling swallow, and she sprinted over: "Mother Consort!!!"

The little girl's full of energy made Princess Consort of Qi feel both gratified and reassured.

She opened her arms, embraced the soft little girl, and walked toward the back courtyard.

Feng Xuanrui and the others followed closely behind, almost failing to keep up.

Princess Consort of Qi wanted to have a moment alone, to cuddle with her little daughter.

Unfortunately, several little princes wouldn't let it.

Especially Feng Xuanrui hoarsely shouted: "Mother Consort, wait for me, sister, brother hasn't caught up yet!"

Princess Consort of Qi: ……

But it's evident now.

Feng Xuanbin, being young, also cried out.

Liu He Meng and the others didn't try to compete with Princess Consort of Qi, yet they also hurriedly followed.

Master Shen, not far away, watched the scene and couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh.

Liu Dafu, watching from the side, kept nodding.

Princess Consort of Qi held Sui Sui to the dining hall to play for a while, and Prince Qi only then returned.

He had just entered the mansion when Aunt Qiu received the news, hurried back, and whispered: "Princess Consort, Prince... has returned with injuries."

Princess Consort of Qi:???

Hearing this, Princess Consort of Qi was stunned for a moment.

However, thinking about how the officials of the Great Summer court are full of martial virtue, she also felt it could be understood.

But……

The Prince himself isn't skilled in martial arts, and he wouldn't easily come to blows with anyone—so what's happened today?

Upon further thought, it seems the morning court today was going to discuss the matter of the coal briquettes.

That probably has to do with Sui Sui's ennoblement.

So, the Prince might be trying to help Sui Sui secure benefits.

Thinking of this, the Princess Consort of Qi handed Sui Sui over to Feng Xuanrui, then rose and hurried forward.

Sui Sui didn't understand and still wanted to follow, but Feng Xuanrui grabbed her: "Mother Consort is going to fetch Father King; the road is far, we just wait here."

The little child hadn't heard Aunt Qiu's words, so naturally she didn't know the Prince was injured.

Prince Qi also didn't want to frighten the children, so as soon as he returned, he headed toward the East Courtyard.

He planned to go to either Ren Ce Fei's or Meng Ce Fei's quarters, tidy up simply, change clothes, then return to the Main Courtyard to see Sui Sui.

He must not frighten his little darling!

Although he had only a slight head wound, it had already been treated while he was in the palace.

But no, it's too disheveled; he still needs to tidy up.

The Princess Consort of Qi first went to the Front Courtyard; hearing that the Prince had gone to the East Courtyard, she hurried after him.

Prince Qi went straight to Meng Ce Fei's quarters.

Ren Ce Fei has a bad temper; Prince Qi felt that going over with a head injury would inevitably earn him a few sarcastic remarks.

So, he didn't need to think; he knew exactly where to go.

The Princess Consort finally found him at Meng Ce Fei's quarters.

When she arrived, Prince Qi had just changed into a fresh set of clothes.

Upon seeing the Princess Consort, Prince Qi gave a hehe laugh twice: "I came over to change clothes, so as not to frighten the child."

His previous clothes were torn, stained with blood, his jade pendant was broken, and his head was still wrapped in a circle of cloth.

Now that he had changed clothes, his appearance was no longer disheveled, but his head still looked rather frightening, with faint traces of blood seeping through.

Seeing this, the Princess Consort of Qi started, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her face full of doubt: "……What happened?"

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