Chapter 90: Princess Consort of Qi's Insecurity

The carriage swayed all the way as it exited the city gate.

The scenery outside the city, unlike the bustling urban splendor, felt closer to nature.

As the temperature rose, the sky turned blue, the grass turned green, fresh and pleasant, very comfortable.

Sui Sui watched the earth awaken in spring; not far away in the fields, people were still farming, and she couldn't help feeling a bit dazed.

At this time last year, she was still helping in the fields.

Even though she was young, she couldn't really do much.

But her aunt didn't think so.

When Sui Sui said this couldn't be done and that that couldn't be moved, the aunt would pick up a branch from the field edge and hit her.

While striking her, she also scolded her, calling her a born lazy brat who only knows how to slack off.

At that time Sui Sui felt very aggrieved; she hadn't done it at all.

The seeds were too heavy; she couldn't lift them.

The soil was too hard; she couldn't even plow it.

Unfortunately, no one believed her.

Everyone thought she simply didn't work because she was lazy.

Those events remain as clear as if they had just happened yesterday.

When Sui Sui recalls them, she can't help but shiver involuntarily.

Princess Consort of Qi saw the child shiver and hurriedly asked with concern, "Are you cold?"

While speaking, she already took off her own shawl and wrapped it around Sui Sui.

Sui Sui obediently followed Mother Consort's movements, feeling the sweet scent emanating from her and the warmth.

She thought, she really is a greedy bad child.

Even though she wasn't cold, she still lied, craving Mother Consort's warmth.

The little girl's obedient demeanor made one unable to control one's hands while watching.

Especially that little face, white with a hint of pink, like a newly blossomed peach flower in early spring, making one want to pinch it.

At that moment, with no outsiders in the carriage, Princess Consort of Qi did not restrain herself and gently tapped Sui Sui's little face with the back of her hand.

The little girl's facial flesh was still scant; a tap didn't give that plump feeling.

But it was soft, smooth, and the texture felt truly wonderful!

Princess Consort of Qi couldn't hold back and tapped several more times.

Sui Sui sat obediently there, feeling Mother Consort's actions, and even leaned her face forward to make it easier for Mother Consort to touch.

Watching this scene, Princess Consort of Qi felt her heart melt.

When she was just six, was she this cute?

No, no, no, they only rush over when they're covered in stinky sweat, shouting hoarsely, "Mother Consort, wipe me quickly, the sweat is about to run into my eyes!"

The sweet, soft daughter who even lets her pinch her face obediently, Princess Consort of Qi thought: "I guess I have that now?"

It really does feel good!

Fearing she'd crush the child's face, Princess Consort of Qi tapped for a while, then embraced Sui Sui and, through the curtains, looked at the scenery outside the window.

As she watched, Princess Consort of Qi's brows deepened suddenly, and, seemingly unintentionally, turned Sui Sui's little face toward her, gently asking, "Sui Sui, would you like some snacks?"

Sui Sui saw a beautiful courtyard and was about to examine it closely when her mother pulled her head back.

Sui Sui not only didn't get angry, but smiled obediently.

At that moment she wasn't hungry, so she gently shook her head: "Mother Consort, I'm not hungry yet."

Princess Consort of Qi nodded after hearing that and asked, "Then are you cold?"

"Is it still comfortable sitting?"

"When we go back, shall we add two more soft cushions?"

…

Mother Consort had many questions, and Sui Sui, sitting in her lap, answered them one by one.

The little girl's obedient expression truly made one unable to put her down!

Of course, when Princess Consort of Qi suddenly redirected the little girl's attention, it wasn't just to check on Sui Sui.

But also because…

Just now they passed by the annex of the Jin Yang Marquis Residence.

This area is mostly annexes and Zhuangzi of the dukes, marquises, and earls in Jing Cheng.

Although the Jin Yang Marquis Residence has already recognized Xu Yue Yao, Princess Consort of Qi still feels uneasy when she sees people or matters related to the other residence.

She always fears that such a good child might truly be taken back by the other side.

When there were no feelings, Princess Consort of Qi still couldn't bear it.

Moreover, now they are gradually cultivating feelings.

But she is the biological daughter of the Jin Yang Marquis!

If it becomes public, she herself would have no right.

Besides, Princess Consort of Qi is not sure whether there is a bloodline resonance.

She fears that when Sui Sui sees something related to the Jin Yang Marquis Residence, she might suddenly develop other feelings and return to her ancestral home…

Alright, Princess Consort of Qi admits she harbors selfish motives.

She doesn't want Sui Sui to fall into the Jin Yang Marquis Residence's quagmire; it's merely an excuse to satisfy her own selfishness.

Princess Consort of Qi thought: In her whole life, she hasn't been selfish many times.

May Heaven allow her this one time.

She promised that for the rest of her life she'll eat more vegetarian food and chant Buddha!

Oblivious to this, Sui Sui, obedient and attached, leaned into the Princess Consort of Qi's arms, feeling Mother Consort's warm embrace, the fragrant scent, and quietly brushed against Mother Consort's sleeve.

Having Mother Consort's presence feels really good!

Sui Sui let out a small sigh in her heart.

The child had no idea of the nervous unease Mother Consort felt at that moment.

A splendid carriage slowly passed by.

In the side courtyard, the well‑brought‑up Xu Yue Yao was, for once, enjoying a rare break.

After having been shortchanged and punished, Xu Yue Yao has now learned to be clever.

She no longer employs her unsavory tactics, intending to infiltrate the sisters' inner circle to see how they act day to day.

Xu Yue Yao thought, "If my own methods are lacking, can I not learn from others?"

So, she first calmed her mind to study.

She even dares to seize Sui Sui's status; what else would she not dare to do?

Because Xu Yue Yao changed her attitude, and because the side courtyard is full of children, even if they have some scheming, it doesn't go very deep.

Thus, everyone's relationships have eased considerably.

Now that they're idle, they crowd together, chattering away.

It's a rare moment when the nurturing aunt doesn't restrain them, so they can't help but talk at length.

Using the terrain, they saw that carriage pass by.

The older Xu Yuexiu, who has long lived on the outskirts of Jing Cheng, saw the carriage and exclaimed, "It's Qi Wang Fu's carriage, how beautiful!"

The carriages of the masters of Jin Yang Houfu are also quite luxurious.

However, due to rank, they're far inferior to the Prince's carriage.

Upon hearing it was Qi Wang Fu's carriage, Xu Yue Yao quickly glanced at it a couple more times.

From afar, nothing could really be discerned.

Thinking back to memories from her previous life, Xu Yue Yao calmly probed, "Since Qi Wang Fu's carriage is so large, there must be many people in the residence, right?"

Regarding this question, the girls present all knew more than Xu Yue Yao.

Among them, even those of the lowest status still lived in the outskirts of the city.

Unlike Xu Yue Yao, who has long resided in a village with almost no contact with the outside world.

Of course, that's what the little girls think.

Sitting beside Xu Yuexiu, Xu Yueying looked at Xu Yue Yao with pride and said, "Of course, there are already seven princes in the Wangfu alone; I heard the Sixth Prince just returned to Jing, and who knows if he can come to the outskirts—if we happen to meet him… Wow!"

Second watch at 19:00