"Oh, how adorable! Princess Lin, may I hold him and have a look too?" Leng Caidie was also tempted. Watching Bai Ying holding Baili Su was an eyesore to her. Bai Ying had married Baili Chang and was not going to live long, so she probably wouldn't have the chance to get pregnant again. But now that she was crippled, Baili Mao didn't even visit her anymore, so Leng Caidie had even less hope. A fire ignited in her heart, and she practically snatched Baili Su from Bai Ying's arms.
Seeing Dongxue already striding forward, Bai Ying suddenly reached out to stop her. After all, Leng Caidie hadn't said anything yet, and she was the Princess Consort of Sheng. If Dongxue acted out of line now, it wouldn't be good for anyone's face. Dongxue hesitated, not stepping forward, but her eyes were fixed on Leng Caidie. If she dared to do anything malicious, Dongxue wouldn't let her get away with it. Behind her, two maids, one foot slightly forward and the other slightly back, were already poised to leap out of the air.
"Giggle, giggle." No sooner had Leng Caidie taken Baili Su than Baili Su suddenly burst into laughter. This unexpected turn of events eased the tension in everyone's nerves. Leng Caidie was also stunned. Ever since she married into the Sheng Prince's mansion, she had longed for a child of her own, but had never had one. Now, seeing a delicate and adorable child smiling innocently in her arms, she felt a strange sense of relief. Her initial anger vanished instantly. After a moment, Leng Caidie suddenly said, "Such a lovely child, and not at all serious." Leng Caidie wanted to reach out and touch the child's face, but unfortunately, she only had one hand. Holding him would leave her with nothing. She recalled the events of the competition, the duel between Lin Changqi and Sun Quan, which ultimately resulted in her losing an arm and half a shoulder—a pain that would forever remain with her.
Seeing Leng Caidie's expression, Ning Xishan sneered inwardly, but smiled and said, "The Prince of Chen is so adorable. He's the cutest child I've ever seen. Quickly bring me the gift I prepared." These people were all Baili Su's elders, and it was only proper for everyone to prepare a gift for the full moon celebration. Therefore, not only did the various families present today prepare gifts, but each lady and young lady also prepared a separate gift for Baili Su.
Ning Xishan took out a jade pendant, about the size of a baby's fist, with a delicate openwork butterfly carving on it. The quality was quite good, but it paled in comparison to the mutton-fat jade fan that Bai Ying had prepared. Ning Xishan chuckled and said, "This pendant is the perfect size. I searched for a long time to find one that suits Prince Chen. Please put it on him." As she spoke, Ning Xishan's maidservant stepped forward to find a place to hang it on Baili Su.
Although Ning Xishan spoke with a smile, her words sounded somewhat off to others. The jade pendant was small, and the carving clearly depicted a woman chasing butterflies. If this were suitable, wouldn't it imply that the Prince of Chen would become a dissolute, womanizing, and incompetent man? Furthermore, the material didn't seem to be of the highest quality. What did she mean by "suitable"? Was she implying that Baili Su didn't deserve anything better? However, seeing Ning Xishan's attentive expression, one couldn't help but doubt their own suspicions.
These people, each with their own thoughts, failed to notice Baili Su, who was being held in Leng Caidie's arms. At this moment, his eyes rolled slightly as he looked at Ning Xishan with sparkling eyes: "Ah ah..." Baili Su suddenly cried out, his little hands reaching out from under the blanket and grabbing at the air. He was staring straight at Ning Xishan, his hands reaching out to grab her, as if he wanted her to hold him.
Leng Caidie's expression was somewhat displeased, while the other noble ladies also watched with curiosity. It seemed that the Prince of Chen was quite fond of Consort Ning. Ning Xishan was also taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Baili Su, her eyes flashing. She sneered inwardly, thinking, "He really is a clueless brat, so stupid and foolish. Even he likes her. It seems my charm is getting better and better."
Ning Xishan glanced at Leng Caidie with a touch of arrogance, then pulled Baili Su into her arms. Ouyang Yue dared to let these people hold him for two reasons: first, Dong Xue and the others were watching intently; second, even if these people had ulterior motives, they wouldn't dare to harm Baili Su at this time, especially under such public scrutiny. If she refused to let him see, they would have something to hold against her. Furthermore, although Su'er was newborn and weak, Ouyang Yue didn't believe her clever son would be harmed.
As soon as Ning Xishan hugged him, before she could say anything, Baili Su started chuckling foolishly, making Ning Xishan a little embarrassed. Just then, Baili Su suddenly pointed at her, and everyone looked and saw a chain around Ning Xishan's neck.
Seeing everyone's gaze, Ning Xishan said with some pride, "This chain is part of my dowry. It has been passed down through generations in the Ning family, from the direct descendants to the main line. This chain has a total of 108 glass beads, symbolizing good fortune and eternal peace."
"They're glass beads! They're so sparkly!"
"Glass beads are very precious things."
"..."
The area was abuzz with discussion. The glittering object around Ning Xishan's neck, shining brightly in the sunlight, had already attracted attention, drawing many curious onlookers. However, no one had a chance to ask yet. Ning Xishan then explained. She said the glass beads were precious because of their rarity. The Great Zhou Dynasty couldn't produce glass itself; everything in the palace and beyond came from other countries. Before the Great Zhou Dynasty's relations with the border deteriorated significantly, this trade was conducted by nomadic peoples. However, in recent years, these nomadic tribes had become dissatisfied with their environment and repeatedly harassed the border. To prevent spies and to prevent the nomads from using the situation to kill Great Zhou citizens, trade between the two sides was suspended. Glass beads, already expensive, naturally became even more precious. Having even one bead was remarkable, let alone Ning Xishan's chain of 108 beads.
Ning Xishan was feeling smug when she suddenly felt a tightness around her neck. Looking down, she saw Baili Su's fair and delicate hand tightly gripping her chain and pulling it down. Her heart tightened; this thing was very precious and couldn't be damaged. She hurriedly said, "Prince Chen, let go quickly, or it will break."
Baili Su smiled innocently. After all, how could a baby understand? He kept pulling and pulling! Seeing that Baili Su was just a baby but had considerable strength, Ning Xishan was not prepared and almost fainted. She gasped for breath and said anxiously, "Let go quickly."
"Giggle giggle," Baili Su continued to pull, as if he thought Ning Xishan was playing with him, and he pulled even harder. Ning Xishan was furious. Who was playing with you, you damned child.
Dongxue walked over at this moment and said with a smile, "Oh, it seems that the young master really likes the necklace worn by the concubine."
"Yes, seeing how much Su'er likes it, no wonder Su'er and his sister are so destined for each other." Leng Caidie's face, which had been gloomy, suddenly relaxed, and she said with a smile, "Destined for each other my foot! It's probably just that the child likes shiny things. He just had his eye on this glass chain. He doesn't like Ning Xishan at all. This sarcastic remark is quite clever."
Ning Xishan's face tightened: "Good boy, you won't need this even if I give it to you, Prince Chen. Let go of me." As she spoke, she reached out to pry Baili Su's little hand.
It's unclear where the baby got the strength, but Ning Xishan struggled for a long time before finally managing to pry it off. Seeing that he hadn't succeeded, Baili Su immediately pouted his little red lips and looked at Ning Xishan with a pitiful expression. His pathetic look immediately triggered the maternal instincts of the surrounding women, who looked at Ning Xishan with some displeasure. Ning Xishan's face darkened. This thing was so precious that she usually wouldn't wear it herself; wasn't she just showing it off to these ignorant fools today?
Who knew that when Baili Su saw that she hadn't taken off the necklace after a long time, the expression on her face became even more aggrieved, her mouth pouting wider and wider, and suddenly she opened her mouth and burst into tears. This startled everyone in the hall. Originally, the men weren't very interested in the women talking behind the screen and were all chatting about their own things. But now that Baili Su had cried, everyone's attention was drawn to her.
"What's going on? Why is Prince Chen crying?"
"What's wrong with Su'er? Go and see her."
This Prince Chen is extremely precious. Not only is he the first grandson of Emperor Mingxian, but he was also granted the title of Prince's heir at birth. He might even rise to a high position in the future. Who wouldn't care? After thinking about it, these people disregarded etiquette and rushed to the screen to watch. However, what they saw made them all stunned.
Ning Xishan was holding Baili Su, her face flushed. Baili Su was crying loudly at her, pointing repeatedly at the glass beads around her neck. He looked so aggrieved, as if Ning Xishan had taken his things and wouldn't give them back to him.
Ning Xishan was furious. What was wrong with this damned brat? He made it seem like she had done something terribly wrong.
Leng Caidie chuckled inwardly. Ning Xishan usually acted arrogantly and domineeringly in the mansion, and ever since Leng Caidie became crippled, she hadn't taken her, the legitimate princess consort, seriously. Seeing her suffer a setback made her happier than anyone else. She couldn't help but say, "Sister, it's rare that the Prince Chen's heir likes it so much. I think you should give it to him. Although this thing is precious, isn't our Prince Chen's heir even more precious? There might be one or two of these glass beads, but the Prince Chen's heir doesn't have a second one. How can an inanimate object compare to a living person?" Damn bitch, she actually kicked him when he was down! Ning Xishan almost ground her teeth to powder.
"Yes, Princess Consort of Prince Sheng, I've seen this glass bead before. No matter how precious it is, it's not unique. It's rare that the Crown Prince of Chen likes you and wants to be close to you. It's just a necklace, why would I be reluctant to part with it?" Not unique? Then find me one! You shameless woman who talks without understanding the situation!
"The Princess Consort of Prince Sheng is a very generous and magnanimous person; this has been widely known throughout the capital." Widely known, my foot! When has it ever been known?! Ning Xishan was furious and wished she could disappear into a hole in the ground. There were many people gathered inside and outside, men and women alike, and the masters and mistresses of various households were all staring at her. If she didn't give it up, they would think she was stingy. But this thing was originally hers; why should she be forced to give it up if she didn't want to? This thing wasn't priceless, but it wasn't something money could buy.
Ning Xishan was unaware that it was precisely because this item was valuable, and because she had just boasted about it, that many people disliked her and were deliberately kicking her while she was down, forcing her to hand over the item.
Ning Xishan was seething with anger when Ouyang Yue walked over. She saw Baili Su's face was red from crying, and he kept pointing at Ning Xishan with a wronged look. Ning Xishan's face had already turned black. Ouyang Yue seemed to have thought of something and smiled strangely, saying, "Princess Consort of Prince Sheng, please forgive me. The young master does have a little problem that I haven't had a chance to tell you yet."
"What's wrong with him!" He really is sick, no wonder, serves him right!
"Oh, the young master really likes anything shiny and pretty. It seems he's taken a liking to your glass necklace. Please forgive him, I'll take him away right now." After Ouyang Yue finished speaking, Ning Xishan breathed a slight sigh of relief. However, just as Ouyang Yue reached out to hug him, Baili Su started twisting his body and crying, pointing at Ning Xishan incessantly, and even sobbing a little. Seeing his pitiful state, many people couldn't bear it.
"Oh, it's just a chain. You're really heartless. Kids love all those colorful things. Why would you want to bring them out like that?"
"How stingy."
"Stingy!"
"Tch, a concubine indeed, and she's like this." Several ladies shrank to the side, whispering among themselves. Because there were many people, it was impossible to see who was speaking. However, these words made Ning Xishan's face turn red, and Baili Mao's face turned ashen. He said, "Since Su'er likes it so much, how could the concubine be reluctant to part with it? It's just that the young master can't speak properly yet, and he doesn't understand what the young master means."
Baili Mao walked over, poked Ning Xishan's waist, and whispered, "Quickly take off the chain."
Ning Xishan's face turned ashen with anger. These things were hers, and she refused to give them to them, yet these people were forcing her like this. She was, after all, a dignified concubine of the Prince of Sheng, yet she was being forced into this situation. It was truly hateful. Why should this little brat have to give them what they want?
"Hurry up! Do you want me to lose face in front of so many people, and for this scandal to spread throughout the capital tomorrow?" Baili Mao was now staring coldly at her, his face full of threat. Ning Xishan was so angry that her heart trembled. This little brat was a robber, actually forcing her to this point. She was furious.
But though she was furious inside, she had to maintain a smile on her face, though the smile was a little stiff as she said, "So it is the Crown Prince who likes this. You should have said so earlier. Quickly bring the chain to the Crown Prince. I liked the young prince very much at first sight. How could I be reluctant to part with it?"
Everyone smiled faintly and said nothing. The glass chain was immediately grasped by Baili Su, who smiled adorably, clearly enamored with it. Suddenly, he flung it away with a "thud," sending it crashing to the ground. Everyone was stunned, but Baili Su seemed oblivious, innocently pointing at the chain on the ground, wanting it. Dongxue picked it up and handed it to him, which Baili Su again delighted with. However, the next moment, he flung it to the ground again, the "thud" making Ning Xishan's face twitch. That…that glass chain was something she usually treasured dearly; she wouldn't even wear it. This little brat got it and treated it so carelessly, like a ball! How infuriating!
Not only Ning Xishan, but everyone around her felt their faces twitch at the way the glass bead was treated. This shows that children have no sense of value at all. This thing would sell for at least a thousand or eight hundred taels of silver, and it's just being thrown around like this. Don't they feel bad about it?
What's there to feel sorry for? It's not even his stuff. He's secretly thrilled to see that old witch's face turn pale!
Ouyang Yue glanced at her son's eyes, which were gleaming with malice, then looked at Ning Xishan, whose face had turned purple with anger, and smiled wickedly!
☆、252, so frustrating!
With each "snap, snap, snap," a group of men and women watched as Dongxue and her two maids kept bending down to pick up the glass necklace for Baili Su. Baili Su, with his adorable yet infuriatingly cute face, maintained a friendly smile towards Ning Xishan, who was furious. His adorable appearance made Ning Xishan hold her breath, unable to vent her anger. She bit her lip slightly, feeling as if her heart was bleeding.
"Smash!" After being dropped about ten times, Dongxue gave the beads to Baili Su, and he stopped dropping them. However, Ouyang Yue exclaimed, "It seems like one of these beads is broken."
"That's really true."
Ouyang Yue frowned slightly, feeling a little regretful, and said, "That's a real pity. Isn't this glass bead supposed to be very sturdy? I didn't expect it to be so fragile." She seemed to think that this thing was not as precious as the legends said, and said helplessly, "In that case, we can only make a small chain for the young master to wear for fun."
Ning Xishan gritted her teeth and was about to speak when Baili Mao stopped her. Ning Xishan naturally wanted to say, "If you don't like it, give it to me. I'll go back and make it myself. Stop acting all innocent after getting a good deal." But saying that would be too degrading. If they had to take back what they had given away, could the Shengwang Mansion not even afford such a small thing?
Ning Xishan was furious. She really regretted wearing that thing out. It cost a lot of money to buy, that's right, she bought it. It wasn't passed down from her ancestors. What a pity, she'd used it to benefit someone else.
Ning Xishan clutched her handkerchief tightly, her eyes darting through the crowd. Several people shrank back and couldn't help but laugh: "The Prince of Chen is so cute, but it's not good to cry and make a fuss when he doesn't get what he wants."
"That's right, they're still so young. If they grow up, they'll cause all sorts of trouble."
A suppressed voice rang out: "Alas, our Great Zhou Dynasty has always been benevolent, and the Emperor loves his people like his own children. The royal family is subject to the same laws as the common people. If things really get out of hand, I'm afraid we won't be able to escape..." It's extremely impolite to say these things during the full moon celebration. It's obvious that the speaker intends to curse Baili Su. Because there are many people gathered here now, a large number of men and women. These people are coming from the crowd, and there are both male and female voices. They are coming from several directions. When you look up, you will see a group of people with the same bewildered expressions as you, and you really can't tell who is speaking.
Ouyang Yue smiled with narrowed eyes, seemingly unconcerned. However, Baili Su, whom she held in her arms, blinked and hummed a few times, his eyes squinting as he scanned the crowd, hoping to find the person.
Ning Xishan laughed: "It's because the Crown Prince of Chen is too cute. Although this glass chain is priceless and you've wasted it by throwing it around like that, seeing how amusing you are, how could this concubine feel any reluctance? It's just that this behavior is indeed not very good."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow at Ning Xishan, a mocking smile playing on her lips: "Tsk, wasn't this chain supposed to be a gift from the elders of the Princess Consort of Mao? Oh, it wasn't. Dongxue, quickly take the glass chain back to the Princess Consort of Mao. Although we don't have a complete chain like this in our Chen Prince's mansion, we do have glass beads. I remember my grandmother gave me a pair of glass beads when I was given my dowry, which is about the same number as this. Since it caused the Princess Consort of Mao a loss, let's consider that as an apology."
"Yes, Your Highness, I'll fetch it right away." After saying that, Dongxue turned and left, which surprised everyone. The way they looked at Ning Xishan was a little strange.
Ning Xishan's lips twitched visibly as she said, "Look at what Princess Consort Chen is saying. I was just speaking casually, why would I ask for any compensation? Besides, today is the full moon celebration..."
“If the young prince likes this glass necklace, Princess Consort Chen, I do have a small bracelet of beads. I was planning to give him some small trinkets today, but I didn’t know what children like. Now that I see the young prince has something he loves, I’m relieved. I’ll have someone bring it to him tomorrow,” Baili Nan suddenly interjected.
These glass beads are indeed very rare. They couldn't circulate when border relations were tense. However, as members of the royal family and nobility, they all have inherited items. Since these items circulated, it's not surprising that they would have them in their households. But to say that they have many is indeed impossible.
Baili Nan's interruption made Ning Xishan's face even uglier. It was normal for each household to bring gifts for the full moon celebration, and to give Baili Su a small trinket. Although the value of these glass beads varied, they were still common items. It was rare for a child to like them. Yet, the dignified concubine of the Sheng Prince's mansion was so cautious, mocking a child in front of so many people. Competing with a child showed pettiness and was utterly unseemly. Look at Princess Nan; she was truly of royal lineage. Money couldn't buy the young prince's favor. Leaving aside the power behind the Chen Prince's mansion, Princess Chen herself had glass beads in her dowry. Her own Beauty Pavilion and Clothing Pavilion were incredibly wealthy; if she really wanted to, she could easily buy one. Why would she need such things? What they considered priceless might be nothing to Princess Chen. The more she thought about it, the more Ning Xishan's status seemed worlds apart from others.
Ning Xishan's face darkened. At this moment, Dongxue quickly approached, holding a small brocade box. The box itself was embroidered with simple and bright lines in gold thread. Dongxue quickly opened the box, and everyone's eyes lit up. Ning Xishan's glass beads were transparent with a hint of red, which looked very festive and bright. However, this pair of glass bracelets were transparent with a purple tinge. Moreover, if one wasn't blind, it was obvious that the purple glass bracelets were more translucent and crystal clear than Ning Xishan's red glass bracelets. Glass beads are precious, but that doesn't mean that all quality is valuable. Ning Xishan's were good, but it was clear that the purple glass bracelets were more precious.
Moreover, the ancients regarded the mysterious color purple as noble, and purple was even rarer in jewelry. Even though these were just two bracelet beads, their combined size was no smaller than Ning Xishan's chain beads. If Ning Xishan wanted to, she could simply take them off and put them back together, which would obviously be better than losing them. She got a bargain.
Ning Xishan's face turned ashen. The purple glass bead was indeed beautiful, but if she accepted it, she would lose face today and become the laughingstock of the capital tomorrow. People would say she was petty, wanting to take back a baby's full-moon gift, arguing with a child who didn't even understand anything. Was the Mao Prince's mansion really that poor?
Do those people even care about the facts? They'll definitely seize any opportunity to make up stories. Besides, Ning Xishan's actions just now—wasn't that red glass bead a gift from an elder? Even if the item is valuable, it's still considered taking something from a child.
Ning Xishan twitched her lips and said, "What are you saying, Princess Consort Chen? It's just an external object. If the Crown Prince of Chen likes me, what's there to be reluctant about? Why would I ask you to return it?"
"After all, it was the Princess Consort of Mao's pearl that was damaged, so compensation is due." Ouyang Yue's eyes seemed to smirk slightly, and her originally gentle and quiet face revealed a hint of flippancy and sharpness.
Ning Xishan said stiffly, "What are you saying? As an elder, I came today to present a gift to the Prince of Chen. It's just a string of beads. Even if it's lost or destroyed, it still belongs to the Prince of Chen."
Ouyang Yue's dark, sharp eyes flashed, and she said calmly, "So that's how it is. Dongxue, you heard it too. That thing now belongs to the young master. Even if the young master smashes or destroys it, it's still the property of my Chen Prince's Mansion. Anyone who dares to say another word will be thrown out by this princess and will never be allowed to set foot in the Chen Prince's Mansion again!" As she spoke, her eyes swept across the crowd, and she said, "If anyone feels a little heartbroken about coming to my Chen Prince's Mansion this time, they can speak up. What do you want to give my son? Whatever my son likes, I, this princess, will definitely give him something of even greater value as compensation. Dongxue, go and ask those people what they think."
Dongxue immediately squeezed into the crowd, then stopped in front of a somewhat bewildered person: "Madam Ning, what gift are you going to give the Crown Prince today? Please come and register with me later. I will definitely deliver the gift to the Princess before tomorrow."
Shang felt everyone's eyes were on her. Ning Xishan had just been wronged, so they immediately turned their gaze to her. In fact, the mother and daughter had met before coming to the Prince Chen's mansion and discussed today's events. If Ning Xishan wanted to cause trouble, she would look at the crowd, as there were some things she couldn't say. However, Shang and some of those who were on good terms with Ning Xishan could take the opportunity to humiliate Ouyang Yue. The crowd was a bit crowded just now, which was a good opportunity. Shang never expected that she would be discovered. Not only that, but she was also mocked with disdain by a servant of the Prince Chen's mansion. Shang was from a scholarly family, and this situation was really embarrassing.
Who delivers a gift and then expects the same expensive gift in return? Is this still a congratulatory gift? It's clearly an attempt to ruin the occasion. Besides, if she were kicked out of the Prince Chen's residence and never allowed to set foot there again, it would be the laughing stock of the capital. Back then, Baili Nan was inexplicably kicked out and stayed at home until now, allowing people to gradually forget about her. Moreover, Baili Nan is a royal princess who is still unmarried. Even if she did something outrageous, it could be attributed to youthful ignorance. But Shang Shi is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Ning family. Her husband is an imperial censor who is very particular about etiquette. For his wife to be so unreasonable and humiliating, even if it doesn't warrant impeachment, it's still a disgrace to the family.
"I...I...that's not what I meant! You've got the wrong person!" Shang's face flushed red with anxiety as she snapped at Dongxue. Someone in the crowd chuckled and whispered among themselves.
Shang felt her face burning even hotter: "It's all a misunderstanding. The young prince has just turned one month old, and everyone is here to celebrate. Today is just for the joy, and everyone has prepared a few gifts. I'm so happy that the young prince likes him, I wouldn't say such a thing. It's all a misunderstanding." Of course, she couldn't admit to what Shang had just said. Everyone looked at her with mockery, and she felt hot and embarrassed all over.
Ouyang Yue saw the mouth and raised her eyebrows slightly: "Oh, so that's not it. I misunderstood. Dongxue, why don't you take it down? The Princess Consort of Mao is so generous, why are you still making a fool of yourself by holding this thing?"
"Yes, this servant will send it back right away." Dongxue's eyes curved slightly as she looked at Ning Xishan, who was almost crying from being teased by Ouyang Yue, and then she retreated.
But the farce didn't end there. Baili Su, who was being held in Ouyang Yue's arms, suddenly cried out and reached out to rush towards Shang Shi. Everyone was shocked. They didn't expect that Shang Shi was so popular with the young master that he even missed her. This inevitably made some people who were not close to Baili Su feel a little jealous.
Lady Shang was somewhat flattered. She didn't have a good impression of Baili Su at all; she would consider any child born to her daughter as an enemy. However, she was currently in a rather awkward situation, and if Baili Su liked her and clung to her, it would relieve her embarrassment. She immediately beamed and said, "It seems that this humble woman and the young prince are truly destined for each other." As she spoke, she slightly raised her chin. Why did he choose her of all people here? Wasn't it fate?
Baili Su was held in her arms, and the little guy immediately grinned, revealing an adorable silly smile, his bright eyes staring blankly at the Shang family.
Suddenly, Shang Shi cried out in pain, drawing even more attention. The once adorable little boy, with a pure and innocent smile, looked at Shang Shi with affection. However, his chubby little hands were tightly gripping Shang Shi's ear—or rather, a gold-inlaid red agate earring—while giggling. He was pulling hard with one hand, instantly stretching the earlobe wide. Had the baby not been small and strong, this pull would surely have ripped Shang Shi's earlobe off. Shang Shi's face turned pale with pain. Everyone was shocked and rushed to pick up Baili Su, but the little boy started wailing as if they were bullying him, making everyone afraid to approach.
Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered slightly upon seeing this, and her lips twitched slightly. She quickly said, "Madam Ning, it seems the young master likes your earrings. They're bright red and eye-catching."
With a dark expression, Madam Shang hurriedly said, "I'll take it off right away, right away! Tell the young master to stop!" If he didn't stop, she felt her earlobe was about to split open. At this moment, she was in a sharp pain, and she didn't care how much the thing was worth. Even if it was worth a lot of money, as long as it didn't hurt her, she would feel it was worth it.
Immediately, someone grabbed Baili Su's hand and pulled him down. Shang Shi hurriedly took off a pair of earrings with a dark face and handed them to the maid. However, at this moment, Baili Su's eyes were shining as he stared at Shang Shi's head. Everyone immediately noticed that Shang Shi was wearing two gold hairpins inlaid with colorful gemstones, two butterfly tassel hairpins, and several pearl hairpins to fix her hair bun. This was nothing new.
"Hehehe." Baili Su pointed at Shang Shi's head and laughed incessantly. Shang Shi's eyes were red, and she was furious. She had come today with the intention of causing trouble for Ouyang Yue, but she had only said one sentence, and this brat Baili Su had almost ripped her off. Was this really an innocent child? He was more ruthless than those bandits. Those bandits were always on edge when they robbed people, afraid of being caught, but this brat was so domineering and natural. Not only did she have to obediently hand over what was on her head, but she also had to smile, smile with a satisfied expression. Was there anything more humiliating in the world? Being robbed and still having to smile was infuriating. Shang Shi was so frustrated that she was about to go crazy.
Forced into a stiff smile, she removed her earrings and hairpins. Her face was still covered in thick rouge; Baili Su had practically stripped her of all her belongings. Shang Shi's facial muscles twitched, and she couldn't help but speak with a hint of annoyance, "Young Master, why do you like girls' things so much? What if... ah, you have nothing left?" Shang Shi had originally intended to use this opportunity to mock Baili Su for only liking girls' things, but seeing Baili Su's bright, sparkling eyes, she was frightened and immediately handed over the items before retreating. This time it was jewelry; next time, don't ask for clothes! Even if the young master was strange, she couldn't possibly undress in public. Even if that was impossible, being asked by this brat Baili Su was enough to make her lose face.
Those watching couldn't help but chuckle. This Prince Chen was quite amusing. However, some people couldn't help but wonder about Shang Shi's words. Why did the Prince Chen want beautiful women's jewelry? Did he have some kind of bad habit?
Next, Baili Su targeted whoever was unlucky enough to suffer, relentlessly searching them until they were completely ripped off, which was quite unsettling. However, some observant people noticed that the Prince of Chen's heir only searched those who were somewhat opposed to the Chen Prince's mansion or those who gossiped behind their backs. The Prince of Chen's heir, who seemed to have no hostile intentions, remained untouched, which puzzled these people. Some even wondered if the Princess of Chen was secretly instigating it, but how could a baby understand instructions? This idea was utterly absurd. The only plausible explanation was that children are very sensitive and can sense who treats them well and who doesn't. Compared to others, the Prince of Chen's heir was clearly more perceptive, searching over a dozen people, and not a single one was innocent, which was truly astonishing.
These people were filled with resentment but dared not utter a single word of dissent. If they said anything more, they were afraid they would never be able to leave the Prince Chen's residence. It was too embarrassing that this group of adults were actually stunned by an infant who was still being held in their arms!
Baili Su was nestled in Ouyang Yue's arms, his rosy lips nibbling on his white fingers, his innocent and pure joy making even those with dark hearts and resentment towards him feel guilty. What could such a young child understand? It seems that being too hostile to the Chen Prince's Mansion is indeed not a good thing. Besides, the Chen Princess Consort doesn't have any real conflicts of interest with them. They are just on good terms with the Shang family or Ning Xishan. Why offend the Chen Prince's Mansion because of them? Even if they were to do so, they shouldn't do it so obviously, lest they become a laughing stock, which would be a loss for them.
Shang Shi and Ning Xishan were gathered together, gritting their teeth as they watched a group of people praising Baili Su to the skies. They were furious. Baili Su hadn't taken all of Ning Xishan's clothes, but that red glass necklace was worth more than her entire outfit. Shang Shi, needless to say, had almost been stripped naked by Baili Su. She was not only frustrated but also utterly humiliated. The two of them wished Baili Su would just die right there.
"How hateful! That damned little brat!"
"It must have been Xuanyuan Yue who taught them; she's truly despicable!"
The mother and daughter gritted their teeth and cursed under their breath. Sun Meng'er, who was not far away, watched them with a strange look in her eyes. She turned her head and glanced at the child who was being held in her arms and was smiling foolishly. She was also very surprised. This was clearly an ignorant baby. Why did she always feel that he was not as ignorant as he seemed? Was it really just her imagination?