The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool

The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 229

by Little Panda

Extra 4

Excursion

Qu Sheng stood in the distance, staring at her daughter. Her mind was on a loop, echoing the words that had slipped from the child’s lips: “Mother Emperor wouldn’t care anyway.”

Qu Ning was already six years old. Over these years, Qu Sheng had been constantly occupied with state affairs, and whenever she did find some leisure time, she spent it with Lin Xizhao.

Her care and concern for Qu Ning had indeed been far too sparse.

Thinking back, whenever she returned to the bedchambers, she’d wanted to be close to Lin Xizhao, often having others take Qu Ning away instead.

“I’m the one who neglected her feelings,” Qu Sheng admitted.

However, Lin Xizhao’s purpose in calling her over now wasn’t to criticize her. It wasn’t that Qu Sheng was an unfit mother; she had always been highly attentive to Qu Ning’s needs. Whether it was something Lin Xizhao had thought of or not, Qu Sheng would have someone deliver it. Yet there was only one thing she had never given much of.

And that was a mother’s gentle words.

Qu Sheng rarely spoke with Qu Ning, and whenever she did, it was almost always to check on her lessons.

Ever since she was weaned, Qu Ning had no longer slept with them. Only when Qu Sheng was away could the child be close with Lin Xizhao. Just like Qu Sheng, the little one was extremely clingy toward Lin Xizhao, but shortly after Qu Sheng arrived, the wet nurse would take her away.

Consequently, most of what Qu Sheng knew about Qu Ning had been told to her by Lin Xizhao.

Qu Sheng turned her head to look at her daughter once more, watching her little lips move as she spoke with Zhao Ningying, her words full of dissatisfaction toward her Mother Emperor.

“Calling you over today wasn’t merely for superficial matters.” Besides letting Qu Sheng see into Qu Ning’s heart, Lin Xizhao had an even more important matter to discuss.

Qu Sheng lowered her gaze to Lin Xizhao, waiting for her to speak.

“I know you also used to work tirelessly day and night like this, but back then, you still had some free time during the day.” During the day, Qu Sheng had to pretend to be a foolish child, which inevitably gave her moments when she had to slack off.

Lin Xizhao looked in Qu Ning’s direction, her brow and eyes gentle as she said, “A person’s energy is always limited. Since she’s so young and demands so much of herself, it’s inevitable that she might experience a backlash or rebel in the future.”

“If she always demands this of herself under external pressure while she’s young, she’ll likely experience a backlash when there’s no one left to govern her.”

“If they were merely an ordinary family, it would be fine. But this is a nation, and Qu Ning is no daughter of an insignificant household—she’s to inherit the throne of Quzhao.”

“A diligent sovereign is a blessing to the people, but if an emperor becomes listless and indolent, it’s a sign of a collapsing nation.”

Qu Sheng seemed to be jolted awake. She stared blankly in Qu Ning’s direction, her heart filled with sudden alarm.

In the autumn of the seventh year of the Qianshi era, Qu Sheng, the Empress of Quzhao, appointed King Kang and King Long as joint Prince Regents to oversee state affairs. She then quietly led the Imperial Crown Princess out of the palace, preparing to travel across the magnificent rivers and mountains of Quzhao.

To avoid attracting attention, Qu Sheng’s group disguised themselves as merchants. Inside the modest carriage, the family of three sat together. Tiny Qu Ning had already fallen fast asleep, nestled in Lin Xizhao’s embrace, while Lin Xizhao herself leaned back against Qu Sheng’s chest.

Seeing the identical, quiet and gentle looks of the mother and daughter as they slept, Qu Sheng felt incredibly content.

“Your Majesty, Huiyuan City is just ahead. Shall we stop here?” Xiao Bingying asked from horseback, holding Zhao Ningying in her arms.

As Qu Sheng lifted the carriage curtain, Zhao Ningying poked her small head out, catching sight of a sleepy-eyed Qu Ning who seemed to have just woken up.

“Mhm, let’s stop here first,” Qu Sheng replied.

“Your Highness,” Zhao Ningying called out softly with a smile as she saw Qu Ning wake up and look over.

Hearing the voice, Qu Ning looked over, her tender little face instantly lighting up with a smile. Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved with warmth as she looked down at her.

But when Qu Sheng also turned to look at Qu Ning, the little one’s smile vanished.

The smile on Qu Sheng’s face stiffened slightly. She shifted her gaze back to Zhao Ningying. Although it was autumn, the temperature was not particularly cold.

“Ning’er, do you want to ride a horse with Mother Emperor?” Qu Sheng asked with a smile.

For a moment, there was a flash of delight in Qu Ning’s eyes, but she quickly lowered her head. “Riding is dangerous, your child…”

“It’s fine, your Mother Emperor will protect you,” Lin Xizhao said with a smile as Qu Ning hesitated.

Qu Ning looked up at Lin Xizhao, seeing her give a gentle nod, then looked back at Qu Sheng.

“Mother Emperor will protect you well,” Qu Sheng echoed Lin Xizhao’s words.

Qu Ning was still too young; equestrian lessons had not yet begun in the palace.

“Your child would still rather not go,” Qu Ning refused, despite clearly wanting to.

Seeing her daughter’s avoidance of her, Qu Sheng’s heart sank. After a moment, she spoke gently again, “Then how about your Imperial Mother rides with you?”

Hearing this, Qu Ning looked up at Lin Xizhao, then at Qu Sheng. Pursing her little lips, she first asked Lin Xizhao, “Is that okay?”

Lin Xizhao chuckled softly and replied, “Of course you can.”

Qu Sheng stepped down from the carriage first, and Lin Xizhao led Qu Ning down after her. Before long, Qu Sheng led over a horse, which had already been fitted with a double saddle.

Zhao Jiayu’s carriage had also stopped nearby. Qu Zhimu sat atop her horse, looking in their direction. Upon seeing her Little Aunt lift Qu Ning and her Aunt onto the horse’s back, she giggled and rode over.

Qu Sheng held the horse’s reins and walked on foot, acting as the groom for the mother and daughter.

Seeing this, Xiao Bingying also dismounted and followed on foot, leading her own horse. They were not far from the city gate, so entering before sunset would not be an issue.

Zhao Jiayu and Cheng Xi shared a carriage. Seeing that it had slowed down, Zhao Jiayu lifted the curtain to take a look.

This excursion had been planned precisely for Qu Ning’s sake.

Seeing Lin Xizhao holding Qu Ning while Qu Sheng walked below leading the horse, the two of them also got down from their carriage.

Watching her wife approach, Xiao Bingying smiled and lifted her onto the horse’s back to ride double with their daughter.

Seeing everyone showing such affection, Zhao Jiayu glanced at her own carefree daughter and could only go and get a horse of her own.

This was not Qu Ning’s first time on a horse, but it was the first time Qu Sheng had ever led the reins for her like this. Qu Sheng was occupied with court business every day, and over the years, she had hardly ever left the capital, save for visits to Nanting Courtyard in the former capital.

Lin Xizhao held Qu Ning close. Looking down, she noticed her daughter’s gaze constantly tracking Qu Sheng’s back, only to look down the moment Qu Sheng turned around.

The group soon entered the city. They could have easily booked out the inn, but they chose not to do so.

Although Qu Sheng was once the legitimate daughter of a marquis, she had a deep understanding of ordinary households. Coupled with Lin Xizhao’s constant guidance at her side, she was no stranger to any social class.

This excursion was meant, first, to bring Qu Sheng and Qu Ning closer as mother and daughter, and second, to let Qu Ning relax. However, this didn’t mean she’d fall behind in her studies, as Qu Sheng would personally use a different method to teach her.

The third was to let Qu Ning observe the realities of the common folk, teaching her how to be an enlightened sovereign who was neither deaf nor blind.

Lin Xizhao held Qu Ning’s hand as they walked toward the seats in the inn’s lobby. Meanwhile, Xiao Bingying and Zhao Jiayu were currently haggling with the innkeeper.

With so many of them staying, the inn was practically filled to capacity, so surely they should get a cheaper rate.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t afford it, but rather that Zhao Jiayu was teaching the children that some savings weren’t just about being cheap; what could be saved should be saved. Yet, despite Zhao Jiayu talking with the innkeeper for a long time, the man didn’t lower the price by even a single tael of silver.

Still, they didn’t leave empty-handed; the innkeeper agreed to waive the cost of everyone’s breakfast. Zhao Jiayu counted on her fingers and calculated that they’d saved quite a bit of money.

Sitting there, Qu Ning listened as her Imperial Fourth Aunt saved quite a bit of silver with just a few words, and a deep sense of admiration welled up in her heart. She didn’t understand much about how money was used, but she’d heard her cousin and Zhao Ningying say that silver was incredibly important when traveling.

With a playful grin, Zhao Jiayu winked at Qu Ning, who was staring at her with worshipful eyes. She scooped the little girl up and walked upstairs.

Looking down at this little one who had been sheltered in the palace and knew nothing of the world, Zhao Jiayu fished for praise, “Isn’t your Fourth Aunt amazing?”

The tiny girl nodded vigorously, her face full of adoration. “Mhm!”

Zhao Jiayu was easily satisfied. The little girl’s praise delighted her immensely, and she took the stairs two steps at a time as she carried Qu Ning up.

Watching Zhao Jiayu act as if she were wagging a giant tail in triumph, Lin Xizhao and Xiao Bingying looked on with worry, yet they couldn’t help but feel helpless amusement.

They assigned the rooms. Qu Sheng stayed with her wife and daughter, while the others roomed with their own families.

Lin Xizhao sat on a chair in the room holding Qu Ning, while Qu Sheng spread out the bedding and organized the clothing they had brought.

Qu Ning had rarely seen Qu Sheng like this. Watching her deft movements, she fell into a daze for a long while.

“Xiao Sheng’er, Xizhao, the food is ready! Come down and eat,” Zhao Jiayu called out. She had already made several trips up and down, and seeing that the dishes in the lobby had all been served, she came to summon Qu Sheng’s family and Xiao Bingying’s group.

“Let’s go. We should head downstairs and have something to eat with everyone,” Qu Sheng said, rolling down her sleeves as she prepared to scoop Qu Ning up.

“This child can walk on her own,” Qu Ning said, not letting Qu Sheng hold her.

Qu Sheng’s hand froze in midair. Hearing Qu Ning’s words, she seamlessly hid the sorrow in her chest, nodding with a smile. “Alright.”

The three of them went downstairs, where Xiao Bingying’s family was already seated around the table. The moment Qu Ning saw Zhao Ningying, her tiny face lit up with a smile.

Sitting beside Cheng Xi, Zhao Ningying smiled back at her.

As the two little ones sat next to each other, Lin Xizhao’s and Cheng Xi’s eyes were filled with tenderness as they watched them.

Qu Zhimu was a lover of food, but she was by no means ill-mannered; she sat to one side and helped serve dishes for her two younger cousins. As their older sister, she was indeed highly qualified.

Outside, twilight gradually settled over the city. The group ate casually, chatting and laughing, while Zhao Jiayu had the waiter bring some wine so she could share a light drink with Qu Sheng and the others.

This was not the first time Qu Ning had eaten with them like this. Although she was the Imperial Crown Princess, Qu Sheng often brought her and Lin Xizhao to the Zhao Residence to eat and drink, so her relationship with Zhao Ningying was very close.

Zhao Ningying’s appearance resembled Cheng Xi’s, but she also possessed Xiao Bingying’s steady composure, making her very sensible as a companion.

“Are we only staying here for three days?” Qu Zhimu asked as she ate.

Lin Xizhao looked at her with smiling eyes and replied, “Yes, we are going to travel north and take you all to see the autumn scenery.”

Hearing this, Qu Zhimu’s eyes curved into crescent moons as she grinned. “Doesn’t that mean we’ll get to try all kinds of different delicacies along the way?”

Zhao Jiayu was not at all annoyed by her daughter’s gluttony. She chuckled and replied, “Of course. Your mother has brought plenty of silver, so you can eat to your heart’s content.”

“Thank you, Mother!” Qu Zhimu said, suddenly feeling the food in her bowl tasted even better.

Qu Zhimu had already grown into a fine young lady. Though still looking youthful, she was as graceful and elegant as a blooming lotus.

“Mother, may Ning-jiejie and I eat too?” Zhao Ningying looked at Xiao Bingying and asked softly.

“Of course! If your jiejie gets a bite, how could you two be left out? My mother dotes on you both the most; she won’t feel any pinch spending money on you,” Qu Zhimu chimed in.

Zhao Jiayu loved children, and she was even more partial to beautiful ones. Qu Ning and Zhao Ningying each took after their respective mothers, and Zhao Jiayu had always been deeply fond of Lin Xizhao’s and Cheng Xi’s beauty. Ever since these two little ones were born, she had run back and forth between both houses just to see them.

“Yes, yes, everyone gets some,” Zhao Jiayu agreed with a laugh.

The whole table burst into laughter. Hearing Zhao Jiayu’s promise, Qu Ning’s eyes sparkled, and she looked up to lock eyes with Lin Xizhao, her tiny, white baby teeth showing in a grin. But when her gaze inadvertently drifted to Qu Sheng, the smile on her face slowly receded.

Qu Sheng had always told her that she was the future ruler of Quzhao, and that not a single mistake could be tolerated in her words or deeds. Therefore, she felt that if she joined Qu Zhimu and the others in eating and playing like this, Qu Sheng would definitely be angry.

Qu Sheng looked down at her daughter. Seeing her so carefully suppressing her childhood innocence, her heart really ached.

“If your Fourth Aunt’s silver isn’t enough, Mother has more here,” Qu Sheng said, her gaze soft as she looked at her daughter.

Hearing this, Qu Ning was momentarily stunned. She looked up at Qu Sheng, somewhat in disbelief.

Qu Sheng looked at her, her brow and eyes gentle, not looking at all as if she were speaking in sarcasm.

Qu Ning looked at her emperor mother, her heart filled with surprise, yet she didn’t dare to be entirely sure.

Mother and daughter stared at each other, both trying to gauge the other’s thoughts. Just then, a tattered, blood-covered man burst in from outside, seemingly fleeing from someone’s pursuit.

Xiao Bingying shielded everyone behind her, with Zhao Jiayu standing shoulder to shoulder with her. Qu Sheng and Cheng Xi picked up their respective daughters nearby, while Lin Xizhao pulled Qu Zhimu into her arms.

Seeing the elegantly dressed women, the man apparently thought they’d be soft-hearted. He fell to his knees with a thud, crying out, “I beg you, ladies, save my life!”

As the man knelt, the disguised guards on the side also moved to shield their masters behind them.

Lin Xizhao sized the man up, then looked at Qu Sheng and shook her head. Qu Sheng nodded, then looked down at Qu Ning and asked, “Ning’er, tell me—should we help this person or not?”

Qu Ning’s tiny head buzzed. She didn’t quite understand why her mother wanted her to make this decision.

Qu Ning stared at the blood-stained man. As she deliberated for a few moments, several fierce-looking men wielding wooden clubs burst in from outside.

The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Such a tiny child, I can definitely win her over.”

Qu Ning: “Hand my mama over to me first.”

Qu Sheng: “…Let’s discuss this matter again.”

I slacked off again today. I will compile the list of bombs and nutrient solutions tomorrow.

I will absolutely organize it!

Thank you all for your support. The extras are ongoing…