Shitou smiled embarrassedly and slowed down his eating.
Duoduo earnestly held the writing brush in her left hand, carefully practicing her calligraphy.
She had grown somewhat accustomed to writing with her left hand, though her handwriting was still not very pretty.
Therefore, she needed to practice more.
From her very first day of learning, Duoduo had made it a habit to demand of herself: either don't do it at all, or do it well.
After finishing a page, Duoduo set down her brush.
Hmm, a bit better than yesterday's.
Duoduo set the calligraphy aside to let the ink dry completely.
She prepared to read for a while.
She had long since memorized Encouraging Learning, which she had studied yesterday.
She was currently reading the medical case records left for her by Master Zhang.
Shitou finally had his fill. He put down his chopsticks and stood respectfully before Duoduo's desk.
Lüdou hurriedly called an older maidservant in to clear the dishes away.
Duoduo put down the medical records and looked at Shitou.
Princess, I've found out that ever since Princess Consort Rui was taken back to the estate, she hasn't come out.
However, yesterday, people from Princess Consort Rui's maiden family went to visit her.
I followed them all the way back to their residence and didn't see anything unusual.
Shitou said all this in one breath before stopping.
And what were the expressions of her maiden family members? Duoduo thought for a moment and asked.
Shitou recalled for a moment.
Nothing unusual, just the same as when they went in.
Though, I did see that when she got out of the carriage, she was in such a hurry that she almost tripped.
Duoduo nodded.
Keep an eye on the Rui Prince's estate. If there's anything unusual, come back and tell me immediately!
Yes! Shitou nodded.
How is Aunt Xu's barbecue shop doing? Duoduo thought about it and asked.
To answer the Princess, Madam Li's shop didn't have much business at first.
But starting yesterday, it seems to have gotten very busy.
I heard that if it weren't for the curfew, Madam Li's shop wouldn't have even been able to close its doors.
Duoduo was a little surprised. Business is actually that good?
Shitou scratched his head.
I don't really know. I went over once and saw Madam Li incredibly busy, so I didn't stay long.
Duoduo pondered for a moment. Well, you've been tired these past few days. Go back and rest early.
Lüdou, fetch a hundred-tael silver note for Shitou.
Shitou, go to the human brokers and buy a few hands. That way, you won't have to run around all by yourself.
Oh, and make sure they are all children. Boys or girls are fine.
But they must be clever, have some special skill, and above all, be loyal and obedient!
Shitou nodded, Yes.
Beside them, Lüdou was somewhat confused.
Princess, doesn't one usually buy adults when purchasing servants? Children can't do very much.
Duoduo shook her head.
You're wrong. For some things, children are much more useful than adults!
Furthermore, children are more obedient than adults.
The most crucial point was that she was only four years old.
If she bought an adult, who knew what crooked thoughts they might harbor?
She had many things to do and didn't want to waste time taming people's hearts.
But children were different.
Few people wanted to buy children, so their chances of being bought were low.
Once someone bought them and provided them with enough food and warm clothes, they would easily become dead-set loyal.
Moreover, because children were small, they were much less conspicuous when gathering information.
Duoduo thought of her father's guards; she also wanted a batch of her own guards.
Of course, she wouldn't tell anyone else about this.
Lüdou nodded and went into the room to get the silver note.
Shitou, if there aren't any suitable ones at the broker's, go to ruined temples and such places to look for little beggars, and see if any are willing.
Duoduo instructed Shitou.
Shitou hesitated a bit. Princess, those little beggars must have somewhat complicated backgrounds.
Don't worry about that. Just ask around; there might be suitable ones.
Remember, I'd rather go without than have substandard ones. Only take those who meet my requirements!
Shitou understood.
Yes, I will definitely complete the task!
Shitou bowed and withdrew, and Duoduo resumed her reading.
Lüdou sat to the side, her needle flying as she sewed new clothes for Duoduo.
Lüdou, how is Nanny Li doing? Duoduo suddenly remembered halfway through her reading.
Nanny Li was getting on in years. It wasn't clear if she had caught a chill from the wind or what, but after returning to the estate, she said she felt unwell and took her leave to rest.
I went to see her just now, and she has already fallen asleep.
I touched her forehead; she doesn't have a fever. Perhaps she's just tired?
Lüdou put down her needle and replied.
Duoduo thought for a moment. Go check on her again later. If there's anything wrong with her, you must tell me!
Yes, I will remember.
Meanwhile, Su Xian stared at the letter in her hands, her knuckles turning white.
Princess Consort, I feel that you should still report this matter to His Highness.
Lianxin, standing beside her, said with a face full of worry.
Su Xian took a deep breath to calm herself down.
She hadn't expected that her maiden family still hadn't given up.
Back then, she had sent her niece back to her maiden family.
She originally thought that her maiden family, seeing her attitude, would surely understand what she meant.
However, she had underestimated human nature.
Previously, she had felt a bit uneasy, thinking her maiden family might chase after them.
But along the way, there were no letters and no one came, so she thought the matter was closed.
What she absolutely never expected was that her second sister-in-law had actually encouraged her mother to bring a few nieces into the capital.
Su Xian looked at the letter in her hand. It said her mother missed her and was coming to visit.
Judging by the date in the letter, they should be arriving in just a few days.
Su Xian couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
The moment she left, her mother had set out right after her.
Her mother, a female family member, taking several nieces on a long, arduous journey to the capital, wasn't she afraid something might happen on the road?
Her mother was foolish, but was her father foolish too?
Didn't her brothers try to stop them?
Did they really treat the women of the family as less than human just for the sake of their own prospects?
Beside her, Lianxin cast a curious glance at the Princess Consort.
Lianxin, go and tidy up the guest rooms in the backyard, Su Xian said, setting down the letter.
Yes, I will go right away.
Su Xian sat for a while. Waiting until her emotions had settled, she took the letter and went to the study.
Your Highness! Su Xian knocked on the study door.
Yunxiao opened the door, and Su Xian walked in.
It's so late, why haven't you rested yet? Xiao Yi put down the official documents in his hands.
Su Xian walked over and handed the letter to Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi took one look and recognized it as a letter from Su Xian's family.
He looked up at Su Xian. What's wrong? Did your maiden family scold you over your niece's matter?
Su Xian shook her head. Your Highness, please read the contents first.
Seeing the worried look on Su Xian's face, Xiao Yi opened the letter.
After he finished reading, he put the letter back into the envelope.
The estate has plenty of spare rooms. Just have someone tidy them up for them to stay in.
Su Xian was a bit surprised.
Your Highness, you're not angry?
