Chapter 469.1: cannot walk

There was a bit of a lingering awkwardness when Pei Qianhao returned, but it soon relaxed after everyone began to eat and joke around with one another. A few hours later, the imperial physician and the guard from the Prince Hao Residence came back with their hands full of nouris.h.i.+ng ingredients.

He Xiuxiu was filled with grat.i.tude as she took the bundle of food, handing them off to Su Zhuang to store in the kitchen. It was late in the afternoon the next day when Pei Qianhao and Su Xi-er decided to leave.

The family watched the horse carriage disappear into the distance before they returned to their house.

He Xiuxiu immediately grabbed Su Zhuangs hand. What did Prince Hao talk to you about last night?

Su Zhuang instinctively felt that he shouldnt reveal certain details, so he decided to gloss over it. He asked about Xi-ers childhood. After marrying her, he naturally wants to understand his wife better.

Asking about her childhood He Xiuxius face paled as she kept mumbling.

Seeing that she was frightened, Su Zhuang patted her shoulder. People say that Prince Hao is cold, but after interacting with him yesterday, that doesnt seem to be the case. You dont have to be scared; he was also just concerned about Xi-er.

With her husband pacifying her, He Xiuxiu managed to calm herself down, and was finally able to forget her fear when she heard her son calling for her. She hastily rushed into the inner chamber to check on him.

~~~

Inside the carriage, Su Xi-er was lying in Pei Qianhaos arms. Why did you ask about my birth? Is there something wrong?

Pei Qianhao caressed her hair. Xi-er, do you remember me asking you about the flower on the cloth pouch the other day?

She was immediately reminded of the pouch she found in the cloth bundle from the Imperial Household Department.

That flower was very strange, and Id never seen it before. I had originally planned to look it up in the Imperial Library, but the wedding took up all of my time and I forgot about it.

Do you know what flower that is? Su Xi-er raised her head to ask.

A Purple Mandarin Duck flower from the western region. Pei Qianhao replied as he gently held her against his chest.

He continued before she could say anything. Perhaps the blood flowing in you is from the western regions court, and its a n.o.ble bloodline at that.

Su Xi-er sensed that something was amiss when he mentioned the name of the flowers.

But I am not the original Su Xi-er, and the western regions court is not my home.

Xi-er, do you wish to go to the western region?

Su Xi-er pondered for a moment. No, I wont. Wouldnt I just end up feeling guilty if I do? You clearly know who I actually am.

Its precisely because I know who you are that I am asking you. But if thats how you feel, well let this matter be. Pei Qianhao said as he cupped her face.

Carefully observing the contours of his face, Su Xi-ers gaze flickered before she imitated his action with her own hands.

A-Jing, if people from the western region dont come looking for me, I wont take the initiative to go and look for them. I will help the real Su Xi-er take care of the Su Family, but I wont do anything else. I only have eyes for my husband and my younger brother, the two most important men in my life.

Pei Qianhao pinched her face as he purposely teased her. Between Ning Lianchen and I, whos more important?

Su Xi-er harrumphed. Both of you are important; theres no room for comparison.

Xi-er, whos going to be at the top and whos going to be at the bottom tonight?

a.s.sailed by the sudden out of place question, Su Xi-er only understood what he meant when he rubbed his leg against her.

Its broad daylight right now; youre not allowed to talk about it. Su Xi-er cast a sidelong glance at him.

Pei Qianhao softly chuckled. I wont listen to you for tonight; Ill be on top. Su Xi-er happened to catch the smug look that flashed past his eyes.