The Little Eunuch accepted it with a beaming smile. After leaving Yichun Palace and inspecting the silver, he muttered, "TSK TSK. Only two taels! She’s not as generous as Consort Xian Pin!"
As for the Second Princess, she was still young and didn’t need any embroidery frames.
The gift from the Ministry of Internal Affairs was an exquisitely crafted little lion.
It was meticulously made; the lion’s fur was real animal hide, its eyes were obsidian, and its teeth were carved from ivory.
Around the little lion’s neck hung a red cord, with a small brass bell attached.
With a shake, the small bell chimed, TING-A-LING.
The Second Princess wasn’t afraid. She shook it in her hand and giggled with delight, clearly loving it.
Seeing her daughter’s enjoyment, Consort Hui Pin was also very happy.
"You’ve gone to so much trouble. She loves these kinds of toys!"
The Little Eunuch hurried to offer more flattery.
"As long as the Princess likes it!"
He added, "This little lion has been consecrated; it can ward off evil!"
Children are susceptible to encountering ill luck or unseen influences, but with this, they have nothing to fear.
Don’t wealthy households outside the palace also like to place stone lions at their gates for protection?
Consort Hui Pin nodded with a smile.
Seeing there were no other matters, the Little Eunuch bowed and prepared to take his leave.
Consort Hui Pin hurriedly instructed Xiang Tan to bring out several purses, giving one to each eunuch to see them off properly.
The Little Eunuchs received them one by one, thanking her profusely.
The Third Princess was even younger, not yet a year old!
After much deliberation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented a delicate little rocking cradle.
In reality, the Empress didn’t lack such things, but since everyone else had received gifts, it would reflect poorly if the Third Princess went without.
So, they sent one over.
Of course, Shih Jieyu was in Jiaofang Hall looking after the Little Princess.
She wasn’t in a position to say much, so in the end, Yu Fu had someone collect it.
「At Qingya Residence.」
Xia Ruqing had just finished feeding Little Bun when people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrived.
For the Crown Prince, who was just over a year old, the officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs had truly racked their brains.
Ultimately, they brought a small puppy, just over a month old.
Its fur was snow-white, and its large eyes, fringed with long lashes, were moist and glistening.
It looked very lively, greeting people by licking and nuzzling them, its yips soft and tender.
Xia Ruqing saw it and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
It’s cute, yes, but... in this place... this isn’t a pet market...
She already had two cats, hadn’t she?
However, before she could finish her sentence, Little Bun had already pounced.
His short legs were unsteady, and he tumbled straight to the ground, landing on one of the puppy’s legs.
The puppy didn’t turn aggressive or bite; it just whimpered and looked pitifully at Xia Ruqing.
It was as if the puppy was complaining to her: Your son is bullying me!
It’s so perceptive, isn’t it?! Xia Ruqing’s heart melted. She grabbed her son and lifted him up.
"Behave yourself!"
Little boys can be so mischievous, she thought. If I don’t watch him for even a moment, he’ll be completely beyond control!
The Little Eunuch just smiled.
"Consort Xian Pin, the Little Prince clearly adores the puppy!"
"Why not keep it? Besides, having the Little Prince run around with the dog will help strengthen his constitution!"
Xia Ruqing considered it; that was a decent reason.
But... this was the Harem. She was raising Little Bun and already had two cats.
If she got a dog as well, her place would truly become a pet market.
The constant noise and commotion would be unbearable.
Xia Ruqing still possessed that much common sense.
Seeing that his mother seemed somewhat reluctant, Little Bun began to employ his adorable charm.
"Mama..." he pleaded.
His voice grew more insistent, "Mama..."
A pair of large eyes, looking nine-tenths like hers, brimmed with tears. His round, chubby face was full of hopeful expectation as he gazed at her.
His chubby little hands clutched the hem of Xia Ruqing’s sleeve.
He tugged it gently, swaying it slowly.
Xia Ruqing felt her heart about to melt, but... reason still prevailed.
"No!"
"You already have Da Bai and Little White, have you forgotten?" Xia Ruqing tried to divert his attention.
"But..."
Little Bun still wasn’t satisfied; he loved small animals!
Why can’t I have a puppy just because I have Da Bai and Little White? I want them all!
Little Bun’s eyes darted around, and an idea quickly formed.
So, he began to cry.
Little Bun wailed inconsolably, his sobs heart-wrenching. Tears, like a broken string of pearls, streamed down his face in fat droplets.
The moment Xia Ruqing opened her mouth to speak, his wails intensified dramatically.
In the end... Xia Ruqing couldn’t even get a word out.
"Fine!"
This little rascal has truly learned my tricks, she thought.
"Okay, okay! I agree!"
Good heavens! I’ll have to face days with two cats, a dog, and Little Bun. Will there ever be a moment of peace?
Little Bun stopped crying immediately.
Instantly, in less than a thousandth of a second, his tears turned to smiles.
Xia Ruqing gritted her teeth, really wanting to spank him then and there.
In the end, the Little Eunuch left. Xia Ruqing didn’t even bother to give him the smallest token of appreciation, barely managing a forced smile as she said, "Much obliged!"