Chapter 256: Imperial Uncle

The Emperor arrived; Prince Qi rose with Sui Sui to go out and receive him, and the Empress Dowager's words that reached her mouth had to be swallowed.

She thought: Whether they come early or late, they arrive just as she has prepared and is about to speak.

This really is…

Forget it, my own son.

What else can be done?

The Empress Dowager let out a helpless sigh.

The Emperor arrived from the morning court, too busy to read the memorials, and rushed over without pause.

One is out of curiosity about Sui Sui.

The other is a child favored by the heavens, brimming with good fortune—what does he look like?

He didn't go to the consorts last night, stayed in his own palace, and was still scheming about this matter.

In what manner and attitude will he confront this child?

The attitude, of course, must be friendly.

That child is pure and kind; with a good attitude, perhaps later he can also benefit from the favor.

Even more…

The Emperor still isn't very merciful.

Even if it's a matter of weighing benefits, if you take too much and it runs empty, what then?

A small stream flows long; only a far source can sustain it.

On this point, the Emperor feels he understands it well.

Whether blessed for a hundred years or ten, he can still discern.

The Emperor hurried over; one reason was curiosity about Sui Sui, another important reason was worry over Prince Qi's health.

Although the imperial physician prescribed medicine, promising to nurture him after the meeting and guarantee Prince Qi's lifespan.

However, the Feng Family's lifespan is truly ordinary.

If Prince Qi continues to strain himself, his lifespan will be shortened…

Leaving the courtyard's orphans and widows, what can be done?

When the Emperor arrived, Prince Qi was already with the Princess Consort, holding Sui Sui's hand, standing in the courtyard waiting.

Seeing that bright yellow figure approach, Prince Qi quickly took Sui Sui's hand and stepped forward to bow.

Sui Sui, being young and junior, was signaled by Prince Qi to perform the formal bow.

Sui Sui obediently knelt and performed the bow reverently.

She recalled that Father King and Mother Consort had told her that her name was given by the Imperial Uncle.

To Sui Sui, that Imperial Uncle is simply a good man.

The child's frail, skinny look was indeed pitiful.

Even wearing bright clothes, a cute little hat, and tassels at her ears that swayed with her movements, it still couldn't conceal the child's thinness and frailty.

Seeing the child kneel and bow, taking up only a tiny space, the Emperor furrowed his brows.

He lifted his hand, signaling everyone to rise: "Quickly, rise, family, no need for formalities."

Obeying the Emperor's command, Prince Qi quickly, with tenderness, helped Sui Sui to her feet.

The Emperor was not surprised by his younger brother's shabby appearance.

After yearning for a daughter for years, now finally having one, only to be his…

Ahem, he would never be so unsteady!

After Sui Sui rose, she dared not lift her head, simply staying by Father King's side, her small head slightly bowed.

The Emperor couldn't see Sui Sui's look, but regarding the child's frail figure, he remarked, "Why so skinny? Has the Wangfu's harvest been poor this year?"

Prince Qi:?

This child has been at my residence for barely a month, fell ill twice in between; how could I possibly raise him?

Prince Qi found it hard to argue, but after thinking, noting that the elder brother has many good things, he honestly answered, "Indeed, not very good."

Princess Consort of Qi: …

Although lying is not good.

But if she can obtain more for Sui Sui, it's not impossible, ha.

Actually this year's harvest is less than last year's.

Our own Prince, this isn't lying.

Princess Consort of Qi quickly soothed herself.

The Emperor only made a snarky remark, not expecting his younger brother to go down the ladder, but he did.

He was both angry and laughing, finally helplessly waving his hand: "Cheng cheng cheng, later go to the private storeroom and pick some things for the great niece to supplement; no matter what, you can't let the child starve—look how skinny it has become!"

The Emperor still cherished his younger brother.

After laughing, he looked down at Sui Sui: "Good child, lift your head, let Imperial Uncle have a look."

The Emperor felt he needed to see Sui Sui's face; otherwise, without turning back, he wouldn't know what his niece looks like.

Sui Sui also didn't know if she could lift her head, so she quietly turned to glance at Father King.

Prince Qi didn't mind, only fearing that Sui Sui's eyes might frighten the elder brother again.

But thinking of the elder brother's fear, Prince Qi concealed a slight mischievous intent.

He forced his lips not to grin too smugly, lest the elder brother notice anything, then lowered his head, his gaze gentle as he looked at Sui Sui: "Sui Sui, this is Imperial Uncle; boldly lift your head and look, you're his niece, no need to be afraid."

Princess Consort of Qi: …

Prince, you really dare say that!

Did you forget the time when, scared, you ran like a little brat at lightning speed into the Grand Empress Dowager's Palace to seek rescue?

With Father King's permission, Sui Sui obediently lifted her head.

That lift met the Emperor's expectant gaze.

Looking at those eyes, familiar beyond familiarity, the Emperor felt his breath tighten, even his heartbeat seemed to lag half a beat.

This—this—this…

Although in those years the fear imposed by Father Emperor had suppressed his brain and controlled his thoughts.

But the reason the Emperor is the Emperor is that he can control his emotions well.

So losing control is only a blink of an eye; he quickly readjusted, didn't want to ask the child many questions in front of her, just shot Prince Qi a glance, then cheerfully waved at Sui Sui: "Good Sui Sui, let Imperial Uncle give you a hug."

Imperial Uncle showed an unusually warm enthusiasm; Sui Sui looked frightened, she didn't dare respond, only turned her head toward Father King.

Prince Qi was generous, gently patted Sui Sui's shoulder: "Don't panic, don't be afraid, it's natural to respond, Imperial Uncle is not a stranger."

The imperial elder brother likes her, the Empress also likes her; from now on, Sui Sui can walk across Jing Cheng without any problem.

Prince Qi was pleased in his heart.

However, thinking of the imperial elder brother hugging his dear one, his heart inexplicably felt a tinge of sourness.

Since Father King said so, Sui Sui also stepped forward graciously, spreading her slender arms: "Imperial Uncle, you hug me."

The child's brows and eyes still held a hint of timidity, but her actions were generous.

With proper teaching later, she'll surely be a good child.

The Emperor originally was somewhat curious about those eyes.

Now, however, he doesn't intend to overthink, discarding all distractions, and cheerfully lifted Sui Sui.

Feeling Sui Sui's slight weight, the Emperor couldn't help but furrow his brows: "She looks so thin, yet lifting her feels even lighter—are you not feeding the child properly? Princess Shunyang isn't much older than her, but even lifting her presses my hands."

Princess Shunyang, full of youthful vigor, is seven this year, only two years older than Sui Sui.

But her weight…

It is estimated to be twice Sui Sui's.

Of course, she isn't fat, because she is much taller than Sui Sui and has a solid build.

Just at a glance you can tell she has been well raised.

Prince Qi naturally felt compassion for the child, but Sui Sui's previous lack cannot be filled instantly.

When the imperial elder brother asked about it, Prince Qi didn't retort, only said sheepishly: "Still raising, still raising, this is just the beginning; she'll become sturdier later."

Second watch at 19:00.