Chapter 42: A Beautiful White Lotus

Chapter 42: A Beautiful White Lotus

Before Ruo Xi could finish her thoughts, she heard the cry of a baby.

"Your Highness!" Hu's voice rang out.

"Hmph, seems like while Mother and I were away, the Shangguan family has already brought her back." Ruo Xi stretched her arms, feeling an urge to tease the child.

"Where did this child come from?" Xiaoyue asked coldly.

Though she had known it would happen, seeing the woman holding the child in front of her still pierced her heart.

"This is my cousin's daughter. Her family suffered a disaster and fled here. Since you weren't at home a few days ago, I took pity on her and let her stay," Hu explained.

Xiaoyue lowered her gaze and sipped her tea slowly.

Hu's face darkened slightly, but she dared not lash out.

Xiaoyue had reconnected with the royal family.

This was not a good sign!

In the past, the former Empress Dowager had manipulated Xiaoyao, causing her to turn against her mother and brother, leading to her marriage into the Shangguan residence.

Over the years, Hu and her son had tried their best to prevent Xiaoyao from contacting the royal family, initially succeeding.

However, the birth of a little girl had thrown them into despair.

"Where did they come from? Which area recently faced a disaster?" Lady Qin, while patting Little Princess, asked coldly, "I've only heard that Anling County suffered a disaster. Could it be from there?"

"Uh, yes, yes, it's from Anling County!" Hu nodded immediately, saying, "They have no food left at home, so she came here!"

"Looks like the child hasn't even reached full month. Did she flee while pregnant? Where was the child born?" Lady Qin asked again.

"The child... was born on the way. Fortunately, some kind people helped her give birth," Zhai Bailian said.

"Anling County is a prosperous county. Both city dwellers and villagers know proper etiquette. But you don't seem to understand manners!" Lady Qin glanced coldly at Zhai Bailian.

"Lady Qin is impressive too. The two ladies by my great-grandmother's side are truly remarkable. Excellent, excellent, I like it!" Ruo Xi, who had been woken up by the crying and was about to throw a tantrum, suddenly felt energized and forgot to cry.

"Smack!"

Xiaoyao slammed her teacup down on the table, spilling tea.

"What, can't I bear your bow?" Xiaoyao asked coldly.

"Waaah..."

The baby in Zhai Bailian's arms started crying loudly, frightened.

"Tsk, crying babies are annoying. This child looks weak!" Ruo Xi's inner monologue was particularly biting, almost making her mother burst out laughing.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" Zhai Bailian, startled by Xiaoyao, fell to her knees, dropping the child onto the ground.

Fortunately, the child was swaddled and wasn't hurt, but the fall made the baby cry even louder.

"This child... looks quite like..." Lady Qin and Xiaoyao both looked down, with Xiaoyao speaking slowly.

"Lian'er, quickly pick up the child. Don't let it disturb the Princess Royal!" Hu scolded Zhai Bailian.

"Yes!" Zhai Bailian hurriedly picked up the child.

Xiaoyao looked up at Lady Qin, who smiled and said, "This child looks like a real child!"

"..."

Hu's face turned even more ashen.

What does 'looks like a real child' mean? Can this lady speak properly?

"Lady Qin is just as amusing as Lady Jin. Interesting, very interesting. Life in the general's residence will surely be entertaining, much better than accompanying Uncle to the court every day to listen to those old men argue!" Ruo Xi laughed, blowing bubbles.

Seeing her daughter made Xiaoyao happy, and naturally, she was pleased too.

"Alright, now that you've met, since she's your relative, handle it yourself. Don't let the child's crying disturb Xi'er!" Xiaoyao stood up, taking Ruo Xi from Lady Qin's arms and patting her gently. "Remember, all expenses for this Bai Lian should be deducted from your monthly allowance!"

"Uh... Your Highness!" Hu didn't expect Xiaoyao to bring this up and was momentarily stunned.

"You must have heard that I donated ninety percent of my dowry to support the border troops. So, I'll be checking the accounts these days. From now on, please combine the general's and the second son's salaries with yours to cover household expenses. In times of national crisis, everyone must contribute. You are a person of great virtue, so if you have extra money, donate it!"

Xiaoyao's words, though soft, struck Hu's heart like a hammer.

"Mother is mighty, well said!" Ruo Xi couldn't help but clap her tiny hands, cheering for her mother.

Xiaoyao smiled, but her gaze towards Hu and Bai Lian was icy.

Dragging Zhai Bailian and carrying the crying child, Hu left Mozhu Garden, feeling utterly defeated.

"How could she donate everything? What are we going to do?" Hu's scarred face looked ghastly, making Zhai Bailian visibly disgusted.

"Aunt!" After being brought into the residence, Hu had made Zhai Bailian call her aunt. She looked at Hu and said, "I still have the silver the general gave me over the years. I'll give it to Aunt!"

"Lian'er!" Hu turned, her scarred face filled with tears of gratitude. "Lian'er, you're so good. You're too good. Rest assured, I'll make sure Hong'er only cares for you and never sees that woman again!"

She also wanted Hong'er to focus solely on this one. If Xiaoyao found out her son was burned, it would be disastrous.

As for this young girl, she seemed easy to control. For now, she would keep it secret, telling her to rest well and not worry about the general's injury.

We'll deal with other matters when the time comes.

Therefore, ever since Zhai Bailian entered the residence, she has been staying in the front courtyard, next to Lady Hu. Lady Hu claimed it was to continue taking care of her postpartum recovery, but in reality, it was to prevent her from seeing her son's injuries.

Lady Hu took Zhai Bailian away, and Xiaoyao stood at the door holding the child for a long time.

"Princess, there's no need to worry too much about such people. We'll take care of them gradually!" Nurse Qin said.

"Nurse, I'll be relying on you more from now on!" Xiaoyao nodded.

Nurse Jin is skilled, but when it comes to managing accounts and such matters, Nurse Qin is the one to rely on.