The fool has become a spirit, and she can speak

Chapter 1772 Shang Xi asked Cheng Youning to send someone to pick up Hong Jiutong

Mentioning the Crown Prince dimmed the light in Hong Jiutong's eyes. She knew he wouldn't send anyone to fetch her, yet she still secretly hoped he would. Her unrealistic dream of finding a kindred spirit and spending her life with him was long gone. She could only rely on the Crown Prince; no matter how young he was, he was still her husband, and she hoped he would keep his word and do what he said.

Shang Xi took in the eager anticipation in Jingjing's eyes and the desolation and disappointment in Hong Jiutong's eyes. She wanted to tell the master and servant in front of her that Cheng Youning's words were not to be trusted. That person wished that Hong Jiutong would never return to the Crown Prince's residence after returning to her parents' home.

Looking at Hong Jiutong, who had become thin and frail within just a few months of marriage, Shang Xi felt guilty. She knew Hong Jiutong was not doing well, but she was powerless to change it. Because women in this era had very low status, they were almost always appendages of men, and Hong Jiutong was no exception. She was even more pitiful than others. For the sake of her family's prosperity, she married the Crown Prince without complaint. Although her status was illustrious and noble, her life was worse than that of a widow. She dared not leave the manor casually, dared not go out to enjoy herself, and even dared not return home to serve her ailing mother, prioritizing palace rules and etiquette above all else. Meanwhile, Cheng Youning was out every day, never idle!

The Crown Prince didn't send anyone to pick him up, but Madam Hong didn't think much of it. In fact, she spoke up for the Crown Prince, saying, "The Crown Prince is so busy with official duties that he doesn't have time to send anyone to pick up Jiu Tong! He should go back with the Princess today!"

Shang Xi knew in her heart that Hong Jiutong would be even more upset if she went back with her. She could tell that Hong Jiutong was waiting for that unreliable crown prince to send someone to pick her up, so she decided to let her wait a little longer.

Shang Xi said to Madam Hong, who was urging people to return, "Madam Hong, since the Crown Prince has already given the order, he will send someone to pick you up. Fengqi is a land of loyalty, filial piety, and propriety, and the Crown Prince values ​​filial piety the most. His delayed arrival shows that he wants Jiu Tong to stay home and spend more time with you. Madam Hong, please rest assured and let Jiu Tong stay with you for a few more days!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Hong was filled with gratitude. As a mother, how many people would truly want to send their daughter to her husband's family? Moreover, this was the first time Hong Jiutong had returned to her parents' home for a short stay since marrying into the Crown Prince's residence. Only she knew how reluctant she was to part with her. "Since it is the Crown Prince's good intention, then this subject is eternally grateful!"

And so, Hong Jiutong was left at home again.

After leaving the Hong family, Shang Xi sent someone to inquire and learned that Cheng Youning had gone out to play Cuju (ancient Chinese football) with his classmates from the Imperial Academy. Because Song Qianyuan was there, Cheng Youning stole the show. In terms of academics, Cheng Youning could not beat Song Qianyuan, but when it came to playing, Cheng Youning rarely had an opponent. Today, he had really shown off.

Shang Xi sent word that after the football match, they should have dinner at the Prince's Mansion. Despite this, Cheng Youning still arrived very late as usual.

Looking at the food on the table, Cheng Youning's narrow eyes crinkled into crescent moons with laughter. "Mother, you cooked today? It looks delicious!"

Shang Xi used a damp handkerchief to wipe Cheng Youning's flushed face twice, and then carefully wiped his little hands. Seeing that Shang Xi didn't speak for a long time, the clever Cheng Youning rolled his eyes and asked, "Mother, do you have something to tell me?"

After Shang Xi tidied up Cheng Youning, she tossed the handkerchief into the copper basin held by a servant, then sat down opposite Cheng Youning. She looked somewhat solemn, but her tone was casual, as if she were chatting with Cheng Youning. "Youning, I went to the Hong residence today!"

Cheng Youning may be young, but he is quite shrewd. His mother didn't continue the conversation, and he didn't ask any further questions. He just sat there obediently waiting, his ears perked up.

Seeing that the child didn't seem to remember Hong Jiutong at all, Shang Xi sighed inwardly, "You Ning, Jiutong has been back at the Hong residence for half a month now!"

Seeing that the topic was Hong Jiutong, Cheng Youning no longer regarded it as a big deal. He picked up a spoon and a bowl, drank half a bowl of lily, loquat and lotus root soup, and then spoke, "Mother, since Madam Hong is sick, let Hong Jiutong take care of Madam Hong at her parents' home. I remember it was Mother's idea for her to go back to her parents' home. Mother, you're not going to change your mind, are you!"

It was Shang Xi who sent the person home, that's true, but she didn't say that the person wouldn't come back! Would this child misunderstand her meaning? Shang Xi patiently and softly said, "You Ning, the medicine you sent has worked, Madam Hong's illness has greatly improved, and Jiu Tong has been back for half a month. According to etiquette, it's time for this person to return!"

"Mother, don't you always say that many of the established customs are outdated? Why are you talking about customs with your son today? I think Hong Jiutong should stay at her parents' house. She has nothing to do in the Crown Prince's residence anyway, so it's better for her to stay home and take care of her mother and fulfill her filial duty. Mother, do you think what I'm saying makes sense?"

Upon hearing this, Shang Xi thought, "What nonsense! This kid clearly doesn't intend to let Hong Jiutong come back."

“My son! In the past, I had some prejudices against certain etiquette rules. But now I think we should uphold them. Hong Jiutong has been staying at home for half a month now, and her mother is much better. I think you should send someone to pick her up!”

“Mother, everyone always says you are understanding, so why are you so confused now! Hong Jiutong has legs, feet, and mind of her own. She will come back on her own when it’s time for her son to come and fetch her. The fact that she is not coming back means that she is reluctant to leave her mother. In my heart, Mother is not an unfeeling person. I think Mother can understand Hong Jiutong’s filial piety towards her mother. So let’s just let her stay at home for a while.”

"You Ning, Jiu Tong is waiting for you to send someone to pick her up at her parents' home. Please send someone to bring her back!" Thinking of the way Hong Jiu Tong and the little maid looked at each other today, Shang Xi couldn't bear it.

"She has quite the airs. If I, the Crown Prince, didn't send someone to fetch her, couldn't she just come back by herself?" Cheng Youning wanted to say that he had only said it casually and politely at the time, and if his mother hadn't mentioned it, he would have completely forgotten about it.

Shang Xi knew this would happen. She said that a child this young could not get married. He had no sense of responsibility. In the end, it was Shang Xi who was worried. "Son, you said you were going back to pick her up in front of the Hong family, and then you told her to come back on her own. How could she save face? When Madam Hong saw that you did not send someone to pick her up, she was planning to have Hong Jiutong come back with me today! You Ning, you are the Crown Prince. Your word must be as good as gold."

Shang Xi's earnest advice did not change Cheng Youning's mind. Cheng Youning was dissatisfied and said rather perfunctorily, "Then just wait for me to send someone to pick you up."

"So when do you plan to pick them up?"

Seeing his mother pressing him relentlessly, Cheng Youning was extremely displeased. Was she inviting him to dinner or giving him a lecture? "Let's wait until it's convenient for me! I study hard every day, I don't have time. The imperial examination is next spring, and I'm sure to be number one this time!"