Chapter 211.3

Xiao Shunzi struggled to rise from the punishment bench, grimacing in pain, but he could still stand, indicating that the punishment was somewhat bearable. Even though Fu Cheng had ordered a beating for his adopted son, no one dared to go too far.

Fu Cheng muttered under his breath, “I told you not to be so smooth-tongued, not to play tricks. If there’s another time, go bury yourself in a pit!”

Xiao Shunzi wore a bitter expression. “Godfather, I wasn’t playing tricks. I just thought that since the empress treats us well. It wouldn’t hurt to give her some advance notice, so she’s prepared when the time comes.”

“Shut up! Stubborn and unrepentant! Do you think His Majesty needs you to meddle in his affairs?” Pausing for a moment, he added, “Those ministers who like to meddle are all useless. Our emperor is no ordinary person!”

“Godfather, I understand. I won’t dare do so again.”

“Go apply some medicine.” Fu Cheng waved impatiently. Once Xiao Shunzi limped away, he muttered again, “This son of a bitch always likes to stir up trouble for me!”

The faint morning light was just beginning to seep in, casting a dim glow. One could faintly hear the chirping of birds outside.

Xiao Jirou hadn’t even opened her eyes yet when she caught a whiff of a floral scent.

Opening her eyes, she indeed saw a bunch of fresh flowers on the small table by the bed. It wasn’t anything particularly rare, just a bunch of gardenia flowers. The fresh green leaves complemented the delicate petals, dewdrops still clinging to them, inexplicably bringing joy to her heart.

There was something else in Xiao Jirou’s heart as well – a complexity, but beyond that, a trace of joy emerged from the depths.

“Who cares about receiving such wildflowers?” she muttered softly.

It seemed that Qiong’er outside had heard something from inside so she lifted the curtain to come in. When she saw the flowers, surprise filled her heart. She secretly glanced at Xiao Jirou and said, “His Highness really has a thoughtful heart. These flowers are rare in the capital. I remember they can only be found on the hills behind the Huguo Temple in the suburbs. His Highness must have gone out during the night to pick them and present them to you before dawn.”

“The dew hasn’t even dried yet!” Qiong’er approached and examined the flowers, praising them again.

Xiao Jirou couldn’t act like nothing had happened. Qing Wang was truly not exercising restraint. Ever since he left that day, he had been visiting regularly, always leaving gifts discreetly by her pillow side – sometimes jewelry that all women favoured, then suddenly changing to small wooden figures or porcelain dolls, and recently, various kinds of flowers. They were all common and unremarkable wildflowers that one could find by the roadside, yet it was evident that he was putting more and more thought into it.

Even during the early days of their marriage, he had never shown such careful consideration.

After helping Xiao Jirou freshen up, Qiong’er noticed her improved mood and couldn’t help but hesitate before asking, “Miss, are you still angry with His Highness?”

Xiao Jirou looked at Qiong’er in the mirror and remained silent.

“This servant spoke out of turn. This servant just…,” Qiong’er trailed off.

“It’s fine. I understand what you want to say. I don’t blame you,” Xiao Jirou replied.

After that, the topic was never brought up again between the mistress and her servant. When Qiong’er found a vase and arranged the bouquet, Xiao Jirou didn’t say anything either.

That night, when the dew was heaviest, someone pushed open the window from outside.

A familiar black figure silently entered, moving with familiarity to the bedside. The room was quiet, permeated by a faint floral fragrance. He turned his head and saw a bunch of gardenia flowers gently blooming on the table under the soft yellow light.

Unconsciously, a smile tugged at his lips. He lifted the curtain and saw a person lying on the bed. Silky hair cascaded like a waterfall, a delicate white face sleeping soundly. His gaze was almost greedy as he reached into his pocket, took out something, and discreetly placed it by her pillow. As he was about to withdraw his hand and leave, someone grabbed onto his sleeve.

“Ah, you’re not asleep?”

Xiao Jirou sat up and said, “I was sleeping until you woke me up.”

“Well, you can go back to sleep. I’ll leave first,” he said, though his feet didn’t move.

“If I continue to not be at your side, how long do you plan on doing this?” Xiao Jirou asked.

Hearing that, a touch of bitterness flashed across Qing Wang’s face. He smiled and replied, “I’ll do it until you’re willing to return with me.”

Shortly after chen-shi¹, carriages from Qing Wang Manor arrived at the Xiao Family’s home. It wasn’t just Qing Wang, but Yan Ge’er and Zhuzhu came as well.

In the presence of the two children, naturally, no one intentionally brought up any unhappy matters. Lately, Qing Wang had been sending gifts over regularly, so the members of the Xiao Family were somewhat aware of the situation. With Qing Wang’s visit now, it was evident that the couple had reconciled, and laughter filled the air.

Yan Ge’er and Zhuzhu were also delighted. Even Yan Ge’er’s reserved face couldn’t hide his joy. Not to mention Zhuzhu, who had been trailing behind her mother all this while. Although she hadn’t said a word, her silence was what tugged at people’s hearts. Xiao Jirou felt a pang of guilt. She had been impulsive and hadn’t paid enough attention to the children.

After having a meal at the Xiao Family’s residence, the family of four returned home together.

On the way, Xiao Jirou couldn’t help but feel like she was getting married all over again.

She recalled the conversation she had with her mother before –

“Mother is very happy that you have thought it through. But you must remember, even if you suffer grievances, don’t be afraid. Your father, your mother, and your brothers are all here for you.”

“Mother, don’t worry. Your daughter won’t be foolish again. I will live my life well and not let Father, Mother, and my brothers worry.”

…

“What are you thinking about?”

“I was thinking about a story mother told me before. She said father had a cousin…”

After hearing the story, Qing Wang’s face turned awkward. “There won’t be any more cousins!”

Xiao Jirou smiled ambiguously. “Well, who knows? Anyway, I’m giving you a fair warning. If any new cousins or sisters appear, I’ll have them picked up and thrown out. Just don’t regret it.”

“It won’t happen! And I won’t regret it.”

gingercat's notes:

¹7-9 am