“No, now that I’ve already taken care of the Fourth Prince, I will never back down halfway. Besides, the fact that the Master entrusted the Fourth Prince to me proves his trust in me. If I were to back down now because I can’t win Hongshi’s heart, what would the Master think of me? What would Lanqin think of me?” Madam Song shook her head and said.
“Your Highness is right. I was short-sighted. The Fourth Prince may just be naturally aloof. At least he doesn’t ignore his mistress like he did at first. He called her ‘Your Highness’ as soon as he arrived here,” Qingping quickly comforted Madam Song.
“Yes, a child is still a child. As long as I’m devoted to him, there will be a day when I can warm him up. Qingping, I noticed that the Fourth Prince doesn’t have many padded jackets. Go and get some fabric and cotton. It’s still a bit cold these days. Let’s hurry up and make him a padded jacket!” Madam Song seemed to have found something to do for Hongshi again. She swept away her previous dejection and her eyes regained their sparkle.
Qingping saw this and felt a pang of heartache. Song Shi's condition stemmed from her monotonous and boring life. Although, thanks to Lanqin, Song Shi's life wasn't difficult—in fact, it was much better than before—Qingping knew that Song Shi had lost the Fourth Master's favor long ago, living a life of virtual widowhood at a young age. The loneliness in her heart couldn't be explained in a few words. Now, with another child, it was a lifeline for Song Shi. Actually, Song Shi could have easily entrusted these clothes to the embroiderers in the mansion, but she refused to let them do it, insisting on sewing them for Hongshi herself.
Meanwhile, led by Qiao'er, Hongshi strolled through the garden built on the original site of the Yehe clan's former residence. In early spring, forsythia, camellias, wild jasmine, and lilies were all in bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful scene. Hongshi walked to a small, man-made pond. The water was exceptionally clear, and the forsythia blossoms on the bank were reflected in it, a truly delightful sight.
"Fourth Prince, there are red carp in the water!" Qiao'er pointed out to Hongshi as she saw several round red carp swimming in the water.
"Qiao'er, go back and get some fish food. I want to feed the fish!" Hongshi said to Qiao'er after seeing the red carp.
"This? I'm worried about leaving the Fourth Prince here alone," Qiao'er said with difficulty.
“What’s there to worry about? I’m standing right here. What could possibly happen? Go and come back quickly. I won’t wander off,” Hongshi said unhappily.
Qiao'er thought to herself, "Anyway, it's not far from Song's place, only a quarter of an hour's journey." So she said, "Then this servant will hurry back. You stay here and watch the fish, and don't wander off! Otherwise, if Song Gege finds out, she will definitely beat this servant to death."
"I understand, you don't need to worry. Go on your way!" Hongshi said. Qiao'er hesitated for a few moments, then turned and quickly left.
After Qiao'er left, Hongshi stood by the pond and continued watching the fish. However, after only a minute, he started walking towards the exit. But instead of going towards the Song family's area, he took a detour through the garden to an exit leading to the outside passageway.
Hongshi's small body moved nimbly through the passageway. Because it was morning, he didn't encounter many people along the way. He skillfully navigated the back courtyard, eventually reaching a side gate in the main building. There were two single red-lacquered doors, with a bronze lock bearing a longevity symbol in the center.
Hongshi immediately stepped forward, picked up the copper ring on the lock, fastened it, and then stood at the side door.
A moment later, the sound of the bolt being released came from inside the door, and then it was opened from the inside. A middle-aged man dressed in a servant's robe stood in the doorway; it was Sanfu, the servant who tended the flowers and plants beside the Princess Consort.
"The Fourth Prince is here!" Sanfu seemed to have anticipated the Fourth Prince's return, and with a respectful smile, he quickly invited Hongshi inside.
Hongshi followed Sanfu inside. He hadn't been to the main courtyard for half a year, and the scenery inside was desolate, completely different from what he had just seen in the Song family's garden.
When Hongshi entered the main room of his wife's residence, it was quite dark inside, and the objects were covered in a layer of dust, indicating that it had not been cleaned frequently. This was completely different from the solemn and clean impression that Hongshi had of the main courtyard.
"My lady!" Hongshi called out as he was led into his wife's bedroom by a maid. He had just reached the door when he entered.
The Fourth Prince's wife was already up, sitting in a high-backed chair by the window, looking out at an apricot tree. The apricot tree was already blooming with pale pink, popcorn-like flowers.
When the Fujin heard Hongshi call her, she turned around. She was wearing only a dark blue robe, her hair was styled in a simple double bun, and she wore no jewelry except for two jade earrings.
"Hongshi, you've come!" The Fujin's face suddenly showed many more wrinkles than before, and her eyes seemed lifeless. When she saw Hongshi, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.
“Mother, Hongshi has come to see you.” Hongshi immediately went over to the body he once knew.
"My dear mother Hongshi has grown up and gotten taller," the Fujin said, raising her withered hand to stroke Hongshi's little face.
"How is my stepmother?" Hongshi's feelings for his wife were genuine. He was brought to live with his wife when he was less than a year old, and he had no memory of Li Shi at all. His wife was his stepmother.
"Your mother is alright, but I'm worried about Hongshi. Is Madam Song treating you well?" The Fujin asked, embracing Hongshi in her arms like a loving mother.
“She treats her son well, but her son’s heart belongs entirely to his stepmother!” Hongshi said.
“Good child, your mother cannot take care of you personally. You must not continue to oppose Song Shi, otherwise I am truly afraid that she might harbor ill intentions towards you. As long as Hongshi grows up safely, I will be at ease,” said the Fujin.
“It’s alright, they treat Hongshi well. After all, Father visits his son often,” Hongshi said excitedly.
“Your father’s heart is now entirely focused on Niohuru and Nian. One of them gave birth to two princesses for your father, and the other gave birth to a prince, all of whom are your father’s children. I’m afraid you don’t receive much attention from Song!” the Fujin said.
“Hongshi is practicing calligraphy diligently according to his father’s preferences. His father once praised Hongshi’s handwriting. Hongshi wants his father to remember him well, so his mother can rest assured,” Hongshi said resolutely.
"Alright, Hongshi, if you want what's best for your mother, you must be patient and tolerant with Madam Song, understand? You must never let them find out that you're still in contact with your mother," the Fujin said to him meaningfully.
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