Shi Xiuzhu persisted in reading to Hongsheng, who then howled at the top of his lungs.
There's no need to worry about him ruining his voice by howling. The imperial physician said that a little howling now and then is better than crying all the time. Occasionally, a child's fussing can actually make him stronger.
"You're bothering him again," Tong Wanyan said reproachfully to Shi Xiuzhu.
Hongsheng sniffed, smelling the fragrance emanating from his mother, and immediately revealed a well-behaved, toothless smile.
Shi Xiuzhu clutched her chest, her eyes gleaming: "Hong Sheng has never smiled like that in front of me before."
Tong Wanyan said, "You're talking nonsense again. Hongsheng used to giggle at you too. Later, you would read to him every day. Even I, an adult, would get a headache listening to it, let alone a little kid like him."
"When Queen Zhou was pregnant, she had a musician play for her every day to cultivate the temperament of the prince in her womb. I am following the example of the ancients. Now that Hongsheng has listened to it more, it will be easier for him to study in the Imperial Study in the future." Shi Xiuzhu's sincere intentions were all for the sake of Tong Wanyan and her son.
Hongzhao was favored by Emperor Kangxi and learned the ways of being a ruler, which she could not teach. But Hongsheng would either become a wise prince or a lazy prince, and she could teach either one well.
It's not that Shi Xiuzhu is exaggerating, but most of the ministers in the court didn't understand Confucianism as well as she did.
Tong Wanyan called the wet nurse in and asked her to feed Hongsheng something, as he must be hungry after crying for so long.
Hongsheng ate his fill and returned to Tong Wanyan's arms, tugging at her sleeve and laughing like a big lucky baby.
Shi Xiuzhu looked on with longing: "Little sister, can I hug Hongsheng?"
Tong Wanyan reached out and handed the chubby baby over. When Hongsheng saw Shi Xiuzhu's heroic face, his little face immediately scrunched up.
Shi Xiuzhu hurriedly handed Hongsheng back to Tong Wanyan: "Let's forget it. I'll be the strict father, and my sister will be the loving mother."
Tong Wanyan was fairly aware of Shi Xiuzhu's obsession with becoming a father. He appeared exceptionally intelligent at other times, but deep down he possessed a naive and romantic spirit, seemingly untouched by worldly concerns. He even disregarded social norms and hierarchical relationships.
With neither Yinreng nor any outsiders in the room, and Hongsheng forgetting everything, Tong Wanyan occasionally let her have her say whatever she wanted.
Although it was said that she was indulging Shi Xiuzhu, Tong Wanyan still glared at her.
The beauty is angry, yet still exudes charm.
Shi Xiuzhu smiled obsequiously, "I am a strict uncle, Uncle. My sister always protects you, but if I were a man, my looks would be no less than yours."
Tong Wanyan looked at the curve of Shi Xiuzhu's chest; it wasn't impressive, but it was still quite petite and delicate.
"That was in a past life. The Crown Princess is a woman in this life, and cannot compare to the prince's handsome and heroic appearance," Tong Wanyan said protectively.
Shi Xiuzhu looked down and remained silent.
After a moment of hesitation, she said mysteriously, "Little sister, do you know why the Emperor summoned me?"
Tong Wanyan really didn't know.
Since Yuqing Palace had a legitimate mistress, Tong Wanyan mostly talked about matters of the inner court with her sisters-in-law and other noblewomen. Matters slightly related to the court were handled by the Crown Princess, and she no longer interfered.
"The eldest prince has secretly run off to Fuzhou," Shi Xiuzhu whispered.
Tong Wanyan looked at her in surprise, and even Hongsheng forgot to tease her: "How did the Crown Princess know?"
"My sister-in-law came over early this morning and told me about this, wanting my opinion. What opinion could I possibly give? I just wanted you to say a few good words for the eldest prince. Whether it's persuading the eldest prince to come back or persuading Father Emperor to release him, if the Crown Prince gets involved, it will divert Father Emperor's attention from the eldest prince. I vaguely asked my sister-in-law to go back, and the rest is up to you, sir," Shi Xiuzhu said.
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