Xia Ruqing gently patted his bottom. "If you’re not full, endure it. Wait until your next mealtime!"
Irregular eating habits aren’t good for children. Besides, he might not actually be hungry. When it’s time to be strict, one can’t afford to be soft-hearted.
"Alright, stop looking at me. Sister Huang, take him away!"
Sister Huang was exasperated. "Mistress, your sharp tongue truly leaves no room for leeway!"
Xia Ruqing felt it was only right. "Indulging him by letting him eat all he wants isn’t good either. Even though he’s a child, I’m afraid he’ll get fat!"
She remembered in her previous life, she had seen many children who were chubby from a young age. Their eyes were squeezed into slits, and their flesh quivered with every step they took. It was alarming to behold. Therefore, raising a child shouldn’t be overly permissive, nor should it involve unrestrained eating. It’s better for them to be a bit slim. As long as their nutrition is balanced, it’s absolutely enough for them to grow.
Without saying more, Sister Huang took Little Bun away.
「...」
After dinner, it was already Shen Hour. Xia Ruqing had someone put up the bed curtains.
"I’m going to lie down for a bit!" she exclaimed, worn out from the day.
Zi Yue quickly complied, drawing the curtains and shutting the door to the inner chamber. However, before Zi Yue could come out, Xiao Xizi ran in.
"Mistress, Little Zhuzi is here..."
Zi Yue glanced inside and whispered softly, "The Mistress has just lain down to rest. What does Little Zhuzi want?"
It was rather strange. If the Emperor was bestowing a reward, wouldn’t it be for Lijing Pavilion next door? After all, that was where the main recipient was today.
Xiao Xizi responded, "It seems there’s something important. Lady Zi Yue, please go check!"
The two of them walked out and encountered Little Zhuzi, who was hurrying towards them.
Zi Yue asked with a smile, "Why have you come?"
Little Zhuzi glanced inside with some hesitation.
Zi Yue quickly said, "Our Mistress has been tired for the better part of the day and just lay down after eating a little! I’ll go call her right away!"
Little Zhuzi hurriedly stopped her. "It’s nothing too serious!" With that, he quickly handed the box he was carrying to Zi Yue. It was heavy, and Zi Yue almost fumbled it.
"What is this?"
Little Zhuzi said mysteriously, "These are all silver ingots. The Emperor specifically had this servant send them!"
Zi Yue breathed a sigh of relief and promptly said, "This servant thanks the Emperor on behalf of my Mistress!"
Little Zhuzi quickly waved his hand. "Sister Zi Yue, please rise quickly. My master’s intention is that we shouldn’t make a big deal out of this!"
Zi Yue smiled. "Of course!"
After all, the Emperor hadn’t yet bestowed a reward on Lijing Pavilion but had already thought to send a box of silver ingots to Qingya Residence! It was best not to flaunt such favor, lest petty people hold a grudge.
Handing the box to Xiao Xizi, Zi Yue personally fetched a large purse and gave it to Little Zhuzi. "The weather is getting hot. Buy some cooling tea to drink. This is also a token of our Mistress’s appreciation!"
Little Zhuzi kowtowed towards the inner chamber. "Many thanks to Consort Xian Pin for the reward!" After rising, he left with a smile.
Xiao Xizi entered the room and, without opening the box, stored it neatly. Zi Yue came in, carried the box into the inner chamber, placed it down gently, and then stepped out again.
「At dusk」
Lijing Pavilion finally received the Emperor’s reward. It wasn’t substantial, but it was still dignified. Honored Lady Shih was still unconscious, so a few palace maids, eunuchs, and Sisters came out to accept the reward and express gratitude. Eunuch Li, along with Little Zhuzi, said a few words and then left without lingering.
When the news reached Jiaofang Hall, the Empress laughed. "Such treatment! Not even Consort Ning or Consort Hui Pin had it this good in the past!"
When Consort Ning and Consort Hui Pin gave birth to princesses, the Emperor at least paid a personal visit. Now, the Emperor didn’t even show his face, sending Eunuch Li in his stead. It seems he really isn’t fond of Honored Lady Shih’s child!
Sister Ji said, "Of course. After all, this child arrived... rather unwelcome! Moreover, she was premature and sickly. The Emperor simply can’t bring himself to like her!"
The Empress smiled with satisfaction. A princess, how wonderful! Honored Lady Shih really knows how to give birth! A sickly princess, born to a mere Honored Lady—even if she grows up safely, how much influence could she have? If she is sent off with a decent dowry in the future, I could still earn a reputation for virtue! And looking at the situation now, even if Noble Concubine Shih raises her, Noble Concubine Shih won’t be able to achieve much. It’s not a blessing; it’s more like a hot potato. If one day the princess is gone, coupled with Noble Concubine Shih’s eldest prince... With two children dying young, the Emperor might even develop a psychological aversion. At that time, Noble Concubine Shih’s situation might be even worse than now. This is what they say, ’Man proposes, Heaven disposes!’
The stone that had been weighing on her heart for almost a year finally lifted, and the Empress felt exceptionally relieved.