Chapter 58: Yearning to Acknowledge Her as a Daughter
This novel is translated and hosted on BCATranslation.
Before the echoes of the conversation had faded, a soft and sweet voice filled with excitement emerged from within the king’s warm embrace. “Meat!”
“Giva, meat!” she exclaimed, her voice lively as she enjoyed her meal.
“Big, big chicken leg!” She stretched her arms as wide as they could go, mimicking an enormous chicken leg.
The king’s smile started to fade slowly.
“Give… sweets… in secret… shh…” She placed a finger over her lips in a hushing gesture, clearly indicating they should keep their secret from her mother.
Her mischievous expression gave the king a headache.
He spoke gently, coaxing her, “Chao Chao, as a princess, you would have unmatched privileges and be adored by everyone. Would you fancy that?”
He was eager to spoil this extraordinary child, whom he felt the heavens had favored.
Lu Chao Chao stood defiantly, her hands on her hips and her chest puffed out, ready to take on the world.
“No… no…”
“Want…”
“Be, be, be…”
“No, Dad!” She scrunched up her face in distaste, making it clear she found the idea of her dad being a good figure in her life unacceptable.
“No, no, no, Dad!” [Dad is not good]
The king frowned, inwardly cursing the marquis, feeling the urge to reprimand him!
This little girl was clearly troubled by the concept of a “dad.”
“I’m different from your father. I… am a good dad,” the king attempted a kind smile, one that his own sons would hardly believe, given that they knew him as a feared figure.
How wonderful it would have been to officially welcome the little princess into the royal family by bestowing upon her the royal jade pendant?
However, seeing the girl’s reluctance, the king refrained from pushing further, fearing that too much pressure might ruin the delicate situation. He continued to coax her with gentleness.
“You don’t like that dad, the marquis? Hmm, but your mother should stand up for herself.” Even as the king, he knew better than to meddle in the domestic issues of a noble family.
Lu Chao Chao blinked, understanding well enough that her mother was no fan of that contemptible man.
The king then unfastened his jade pendant from his belt, explaining, “This jade pendant symbolizes my presence.”
“If you’re not ready to be a princess, I’ll hold the title for you. Whenever you’re ready, you can come to me.” The king coaxed her with a kindness he seldom showed, even to his own children. But for her, he was completely willing.
Lu Chao Chao nonchalantly tucked the jade pendant into her clothing.
Her little hands opened wide. “Meat, meat, sweets…”
King: “…”
Well, it seemed the title of being a princess couldn’t compete with the allure of a large chicken leg.
“Eat, eat, let’s enjoy the royal meal,” the king said, lifting her up in one arm, his heart swelling with joy at the sight of her contented demeanor.
He summoned his trusted servants to attend to the little girl, ensuring privacy by barring outsiders from visiting.
“You are still too young; it’s not advisable to stand out too much. You need to grow up in a safe and secure environment.”
As the king gently patted her head, the softness of her hair melted his heart, a stark contrast to the rambunctiousness he often encountered.
After spending a considerable amount of time with her, the king, with a sense of reluctance, handed Lu Chao Chao back to Madam Xu.
Madam Xu appeared visibly nervous, the unexpected kindness from the king sending shivers down her spine.
Had Chao Chao caused some trouble?
“Madam Xu, you are a virtuous woman. There are good fortunes awaiting you in the future.”
With a wave of his hand, the king instructed, “You may leave the palace first.” His attention then shifted back to Lu Chao Chao, who yawned and covered her mouth, evidently tired.
This novel is translated and hosted on BCATranslation.
Three days after the king’s departure, the women were escorted out of the palace.
Exhausted from her interactions with the noblewomen, Madam Xu relayed a message to the grand princess, encouraging her to focus on her pregnancy without worries, reassuring her of the dowager’s improving health and the preciousness of her current state.
By the time Madam Xu returned to the marquis’s mansion, it was already evening. Yet, the mansion was brightly lit, and soon after her arrival, Lu Yuan Ze sent for her.
“What was the reason His Majesty spent time with Chao Chao?” He, too, had been curious, having knelt outside the hall during that time.
Madam Xu, fatigued, responded, “The dowager took a liking to Chao Chao, so she was allowed to stay a bit longer. Unfortunately, the little one had an accident in her bed, and His Majesty had me take her back.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s expression darkened.
“How could such carelessness occur, her wetting the dowager’s bed?! No matter, she is not Jing…” He caught himself before mentioning Lu Jing Yao fully, then closed his mouth firmly.
Observing Lu Chao Chao’s innocent misstep, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.
“Chao Chao is merely ten months old, a baby unaware of her actions. Wetting the bed at her age is perfectly normal,” Madam Xu retorted.
She discreetly arranged for someone to take Chao Chao away.
Lu Yuan Ze struggled to mask his irritation. “And how is the dowager?”
“The king has taken measures, sending for blessings from the abbot of the National Temple, aiming to safeguard her well-being,” Madam Xu informed, having learned of the king’s actions upon her departure from the palace.
Lu Yuan Ze nodded, his gaze lingering on Madam Xu, his hesitation palpable.
“Is there something on your mind, Husband?” Madam Xu’s face held a polite smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Lu Yuan Ze hesitated before speaking, “It’s just that the end of the year is approaching, and you have been under a lot of stress. I was inconsiderate a few days back and upset you, Wife.”
Madam Xu’s eyes narrowed slightly, her smile maintaining its politeness.
“My heart is united with yours, Husband. I do not think of it as burdensome.” She sighed softly, adding, “Now that I am preoccupied with Chao Chao, maybe you should seek other companionship for the bedroom for now.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s expression shifted to one of surprise, quickly followed by anger.
“Wife! When we married, I declared that in this lifetime, you would be my sole wife! The question of taking a concubine is utterly out of the question!” Lu Yuan Ze stated emphatically, his expression betraying a hint of pain.
Had Madam Xu not been privy to Chao Chao’s thoughts, she might have found herself swayed by his words once more.
She couldn’t help but think he underestimated her intelligence.
Once Lu Yuan Ze had exited the scene, a cold smirk played across Madam Xu’s lips.
That night, Lu Zheng Yue was out strolling under the moon, carrying Chao Chao in his arms, accompanied by Su Zhi Qing.
Su Zhi Qing was visibly nervous, her grip on her handkerchief betraying her determination to take a significant step forward in her relationship with Lu Zheng Yue.
Little did she anticipate… Lu Zheng Yue would be there, holding a baby.
“Chao Chao has grown quite attached to me, so I thought to bring her along. Qing Qing, you wouldn’t mind, would you?” Lu Zheng Yue appeared completely unaware of her dismay.
Su Zhi Qing managed a strained smile, despite the fact that her attire was slightly disheveled at the front, catching Lu Chao Chao’s attention.
Pointing directly at her, Chao Chao blurted out, “Drink… drink milk…”
Su Zhi Qing’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment!
Her intention had been to captivate Lu Zheng Yue, not to amuse Lu Chao Chao, the infant!
Lu Zheng Yue quickly covered his sister’s eyes. “Qing Qing, please adjust your clothing. Let’s not expose my sister to such sights. She’s still very young,” he admonished, looking genuinely concerned.
Su Zhi Qing’s frustration nearly reached its peak.
She recalled an incident in the countryside where a slight slip of her shoulder had left Lu Zheng Yue embarrassingly flustered.
Now, here he was, scolding her with the earnestness of a monk.
Lu Chao Chao, nestled comfortably against her brother, hummed a little tune, her thoughts clear: the notion of seducing her potty brother was a far-fetched dream.
[Indeed, in the narrative she knew, a scheme involving getting my brother drunk, disrobing him, and sharing a bed led to an official entrance into the marquis’s household.] Lu Chao Chao silently critiqued the unfolding scenario.
Lu Zheng Yue’s demeanor brightened ever so slightly, just as Su Zhi Qing softly mentioned, “Brother Zheng Yue, tomorrow marks the anniversary of my parents’ passing. May I find a spot to honor their memory?” Her voice was soft, her eyes brimming with tears, painting a picture of vulnerability that struck a chord with Lu Zheng Yue.
Every gesture, every word from Su Zhi Qing seemed tailored to Lu Zheng Yue’s sensitivities, capturing his attention entirely.