Chapter 99: Fish Eat People
Sui Sui was held in Mother Consort's arms, and her delighted eyes curved into little crescents.
When she saw Feng Xuanrui and the others, Sui Sui subconsciously struggled to get down.
Princess Consort of Qi felt a pang of jealousy, yet she graciously let go.
Sui Sui got down and cheerfully rushed toward Feng Xuanrui: "Brother!"
The little girl, like a fledgling swallow, darted over.
The resentment and anger Feng Xuanrui had endured from being tormented by homework all morning vanished in an instant.
He thought: It's just a tiny bit of homework; can it really trouble me, the young master?
Having a little sister, he could even attend another day of class!
Feng Xuanrui spread his arms and generously lifted Sui Sui into his embrace.
When Feng Xuanbin squeezed over, wanting to hug the sister as well, Feng Xuanrui gave him a cold glance, then gently kissed Sui Sui on the forehead: "My sister!"
Feng Xuanbin, angry to the point of tears, leapt up to strike Feng Xuanrui: "We agreed, she's our sister!"
Feng Xuanbo and Feng Xuancang also cast reproving glances.
Feng Xuanjie cautiously edged closer to the third brother; although he wasn't as lively as the other brothers, he still proved with his actions that he stood on his third brother's side!
Princess Consort of Qi, worried that Feng Xuanrui was too young to hold the child for long, after arriving, quickly asked him to put the child down.
Feng Xuanrui obediently complied.
After putting her down, he quietly flicked his tired, sore arm.
It's not that Sui Sui is too heavy, but because…
He hasn't had a physical training class for over a month, and his stamina truly isn't great now.
He thought: For my sister, I must train properly this afternoon!
With the child around, they started chattering noisily.
Princess Consort of Qi smiled as she watched their commotion, occasionally arranging meals and the afternoon riding-and-archery lesson.
She also didn't forget to follow up with Aunt Qiu about selecting a maid for Sui Sui.
The child is still young, and with such a past, Princess Consort of Qi feels uneasy, planning to keep Sui Sui by her side for a while.
However, once the child grows up, she will have to return to the Wangfu girls' courtyard, on the west side.
Moreover, whether by her side or later when independent, she will need someone to attend to her.
Aunt Qiu has always been steady and efficient in handling matters.
Princess Consort of Qi still trusts her greatly.
When asked, Aunt Qiu smiled and said, "Princess Consort, rest assured, I've already selected a few candidates; once you have a moment to review them, I'll arrange one for Sui Sui."
Knowing this, there should be no problem; Princess Consort of Qi nodded with satisfaction: "As long as you handle it, I'm always at ease."
While speaking, a luxurious carriage passed on the nearby official road.
Gazing at the carriage from afar, Princess Consort of Qi slightly frowned: "There are quite a few people heading out today."
In response, Aunt Qiu thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps the weather is warming, and everyone wants to go out for a stroll."
After entering April, the weather grew even warmer.
Mountains and fields alike turned verdant; just looking at it lifts the spirit and inspires longing.
Princess Consort of Qi, seeing the fine weather, thought about taking the child out for a walk.
She feels that way, and the others likely feel the same.
The children frolicked, paying no mind to the carriage.
Social visits for now don't require the children to entertain.
After Feng Xuanrui came over, he told Sui Sui about being punished by the master during the morning class.
When the little girl heard that Feng Xuanrui hadn't recited his homework and was punished to stand by the master, she said, frightened, "The master is so fierce!"
Feng Xuanrui agreed: "Exactly, sometimes they even slap the palm!"
He finished and, like a tattletale, quickly shouted loudly, "Little Seven and I have both been beaten; it was terrible!"
Feng Xuanbin stood aside, wanting to deny it, yet unable to.
Because the two of them really had been beaten.
But in the Small Classroom, who hasn't been beaten?
Thinking of this, Feng Xuanbin became self‑righteous: "Everyone's been beaten, so it's not shameful!"
Feng Xuanjie, who rarely speaks, saw everyone silent, thought for a moment, and whispered, "I heard the big brother has never been beaten."
What is an atmosphere killer?
Feng Xuanjie proved with facts that he might truly not be suited to speak up.
When he finished speaking, all the brothers fell silent, each with a subtle expression.
Feng Xuanjie realized he probably said something wrong.
He thought grievance‑filled: "But I was telling the truth!"
The big brother has never been punished!
Because the master often praises the big brother, they all know that.
Feng Xuanjie, embarrassed and shy, instinctively shrank back behind Feng Xuancang.
After the brothers lingered in an odd silence for a while, Feng Xuancang finally said in a hushed tone, "Indeed, the big brother has never been punished."
The entire Qi Wang Fu boasts such a top student.
Mentioning it now would make all the underachievers tremble.
Sui Sui, curious, whispered to Feng Xuanrui, "Brother, what's a big brother?"
Feng Xuanrui originally intended to irritably change the subject.
What's the point of bringing up someone who can't compare?
Hearing his sister ask, Feng Xuanrui's anger dissipated largely, and he smiled while explaining: "Elder brother just means older brother; he's studying at the Imperial Academy and can only return at month's end."
Speaking of his return at month's end, Feng Xuanrui thought and then said: "If Sui Sui wants to see her elder brother, we can also go visit him ahead of time."
Feng Xuanbin, upon hearing that, directly shook his head: "I don't want to go!"
He's a poor student; what would he do at the Imperial Academy?
Isn't the punishment from the teacher usual enough?
Feng Xuanbo also felt some reluctance to go back.
Feng Xuanrui had originally been somewhat inclined, but seeing his brothers unwilling, he didn't insist further.
Although Sui Sui was curious, she didn't have much curiosity toward the unfamiliar elder brother she had never met.
So, Seventh Brother said not to go, and Sui Sui obediently shook her head: "Then let's go watch the fish being killed!"
Just now three especially large fish were hauled up; Sui Sui hadn't finished watching the excitement when she heard that her brother had come over.
I don't know if we can make it to the back kitchen in time if we go now.
Upon hearing it was about killing fish, the brothers all perked up: "Let's go, let's go, let's go kill now."
I can do it too, I can do it too!
You can do it again?
……
Several brothers, when united, are truly united.
When fighting, they all really get physical, nobody wants to lose.
Along the way, as they talked, they started arguing.
In the end they didn't come to blows, partly because Sui Sui was still watching.
Having a sister, things are indeed different from before.
They have to pay attention to their own conduct.
There's also another reason because……
When they rushed to the back kitchen, there was a fish placed in a basin, overly lively, it leapt straight out of the water and lunged into Feng Xuanbin's arms.
Feng Xuanbin, who had just boasted about killing fish, screamed in fright and scrambled about wildly.
Sui Sui was beside him; frightened by him, she also started running and jumping, and while doing so she didn't forget to grip her brother's hand tightly, pulling him along as she ran: "Run fast, brother, the fish will eat people!"
Second watch
End of Chapter
