Chapter 338

Master Shen rather disliked Feng Xuan Yu, this poor student.

However, he also didn't drive him away, letting him quietly listen from the side.

Sui Sui had already started talking with Liu He Meng and the others.

The young ladies, having not seen each other for over half a month, also missed each other greatly.

Even Shen Hua Tang couldn't help but chatter away.

Master Shen gave them a little time, but not too long, and soon began the lesson.

Sui Sui sat properly there, her back especially straight.

Seeing Sui Sui like that, Feng Xuan Yu couldn't help but nod, thinking: "Little sister's back is so straight, suitable for martial arts!"

Prince Qi entered the palace today, and Princess Consort of Qi continued to review the accounts with her two concubines.

The accounts are mostly sorted; after a bit of work today to finish checking them, tomorrow they can calmly prepare for the small identity banquet.

Princess Consort of Qi not only had to look at the account books, but also needed to handle all affairs of the residence.

Including the previously agreed-upon task of fetching Sui Sui's study companions back.

Princess Consort of Qi had already arranged carriages this morning, letting Hai Tang personally lead people to fetch the three young ladies and gentlemen from the mansions.

Not long after, Princess Consort of Qi received a visit notice from the He Mansion.

They likely came to express gratitude for the previous life-saving favor.

Although the He family patriarch had already thanked them and sent gifts before.

But they had never actually come in person to thank them, so it always seemed lacking in sincerity.

Therefore, Madame He sent a visit notice, indicating she wanted to bring her child tomorrow to personally thank the prince and princess consort.

Princess Consort of Qi did not refuse, having the steward promptly reply to the He Mansion, and also needed Aunt Qiu to make the corresponding preparations.

Tomorrow there will be guests, and likely they will stay for lunch, so the corresponding arrangements must be made.

As noon approached, the morning lessons ended for Sui Sui and the others, and a group of children came out chattering.

At the same time, Hai Tang brought back the young gentlemen and ladies from the three mansions.

Princess Consort of Qi was not in a hurry to take the children to eat; instead, she first took Sui Sui and the others to meet the young ladies' new study companions.

From the Song Mansion came the second branch's young master, Song Kuan.

Actually, the eldest branch's young master would be more suitable, but the eldest lady is in poor health and likely unwilling to let her young son go out.

Princess Consort of Qi could also understand; she had previously communicated with her natal family, knowing that Song Kuan would be sent, and didn't say much more.

From the Ren Mansion came, naturally, Ren Shu Han, whom they had long kept in mind; the young lady is ten years old, two years older than Song Kuan.

Ren Shu Han is tall and slender; at ten years old she already looks quite tall, with a slim figure, fair skin, and a somewhat shy personality.

From the Meng Mansion came the second young master, Meng Jun Dong.

Originally, Prince Qi and his party had decided on the eldest young master, Meng Qiu.

However, the eldest young master had just passed his exams and could go to the academy, so it was inconvenient to delay that; thus they sent the seven-year-old Meng Jun Dong instead.

The people of the Meng Mansion all seem to carry an air of scholarly refinement.

Meng Jun Dong is a quiet, inwardly refined child; his round face looks plump and cute.

His manners and bearing have a somewhat scholarly feel, yet he is not at all a rigid little stick-in-the-mud.

Princess Consort of Qi personally went to the gate to receive the three children and, smiling, introduced them.

Feng Xuanrui and the others were not strangers to these cousins, even if they hadn't seen each other in a long time; upon meeting again they were still familiar.

Sui Sui had not met these people before; now, staying by her mother consort's side, she obediently called out: "Elder sister Shu Han, elder brother Kuan, elder brother Jun Dong."

Actually, calling them cousin brother/sister would be more accurate, but among children there's no need to be overly polite; roughly is fine.

All three children are relatively introverted in nature.

Thus, even though Song Kuan used to play very well with Feng Xuanrui and the others, he wouldn't come over and immediately chatter loudly; there needs to be an adjustment period.

Over the course of a lunch, the children quickly became quite familiar with each other.

Ren Shu Han, being a young lady, was the first to become familiar with Sui Sui.

Moreover, Liu He Meng and Shen Hua Tang helped mediate, so the young ladies became acquainted quickly.

After eating, they all played with the little cart together.

Unfortunately, their strength was small, and they couldn't pull it.

Feng Xuan Yu saw that his moment to shine had arrived!

Not to mention pulling four little girls—he could pull five without trouble, and even lift them all with one hand.

To Feng Xuan Yu, these little girls……

…are practically weightless.

There's nothing to be done—he's just that confident!

Feng Xuan Yu coaxed the girls into squealing "wah-lah-lah" nonstop.

Song Kuan watched from the side, full of envy: "Second cousin, you're so strong—truly enviable."

After hearing that, Feng Xuanrui pursed his lips: "It's just that I'm still small now; wait till I grow up!"

But looking at his second brother's burly build, Feng Xuanrui furtively glanced at his own little belly, thinking, "Oh no, I probably won't grow to be like him."

Even if he started eating two bowls of rice every meal from now on, he probably still couldn't catch up.

This really is depressing!

Over the course of an afternoon, the children became familiar.

Ren Shu Han, being a bit older and good at caring for others, after becoming familiar with Sui Sui felt responsible for looking after her, and occasionally would also look after Liu He Meng.

At naptime, the four little girls simply refused to be separated.

Fortunately, they're still young, so squeezing onto one bed to sleep is not bad.

It was hot, and after a short while the little girls were asleep, all curled up, which was rather amusing to watch.

Princess Consort of Qi, feeling uneasy, came over to take a look, and seeing the children sleeping soundly, felt much more at ease.

Over at Song Kuan's side, he was closer to Feng Xuanrui; the two were of similar age and also paternal cousins, so their relationship was closer than with the others.

Meng Jun Dong was even more attached to his paternal cousin Feng Xuancang, but toward the others he also gave friendly signals.

Considering that Meng Jun Dong had just arrived, was young, and might miss home, during the noon nap Feng Xuancang took him along.

Feng Xuanrui and Song Kuan squeezed together; when Feng Xuanbin saw this, he also tried to squeeze, so the three chubby boys slept together, and the result was…

It was too hot.

The three energetic young masters, placed together, were like a fire pit under the scorching summer sun.

They quickly each complained and separated; Feng Xuanbin was nearly squeezed onto the floor, but finally Qing Shun quietly moved him onto a side couch.

On the soft couch by the window, with a gentle breeze, sleeping was a bit more comfortable.

Xiao Pangzi soon relaxed his brow and slept very soundly.

After the noon nap ended, the children freshened up briefly and went to the Small Classroom to begin their lessons.

Feng Xuanze helped Mother Consort organize the account books, while Feng Xuanmu went over to listen.

Princess Consort of Qi was absentmindedly sorting the account books, her gaze repeatedly turning outward.

Ren Ce Fei was also a bit surprised, brushed the hair by her ear, and asked in confusion, "Prince, why hasn't he returned yet?"

Er Geng at 19:00.