The fool has become a spirit, and she can speak

Chapter 1761 Reminding Him Three Times a Month

Inside the Prince's mansion, Madam Wan was feeling tired, so Shang Xi took Hong Jiutong to her courtyard and had someone find two ounces of ink. "Jiutong, this ink was bestowed by the Emperor. You often copy scriptures for your grandmother. Take these two ounces of ink with you when you leave."

Hong Jiutong said respectfully, "Thank you, Mother."

Shang Xi noticed Hong Jiutong's restraint and unease, and she felt the same way. "Jiutong, this is your own home, there's no need to be so reserved. You're cooped up in the Crown Prince's residence all day, why not go out more? Your grandmother admires you greatly, and seeing you makes her feel much better."

Hong Jiutong nodded obediently in agreement: "Daughter-in-law will definitely come to the Prince's Mansion more often to keep Grandmother company."

Shang Xi was tired of watching Hong Jiutong being so rigid and inflexible. "Jiutong, you are in the prime of your life. There's no need to be so lifeless. When you're bored, go for a walk on the street. I hope things will change every day. The streets are different every day."

The maid standing to the side quickly said, "Your Highness, my concubine has always stayed within the palace walls. She frequents a few fixed places, either coming to the palace or going to Lingchen Temple to offer incense on behalf of the old lady. Moreover, she always travels by sedan chair with the curtains drawn and servants following her in front and behind. She has never been disrespectful or lost the dignity of the royal family."

Shang Xi glanced at the somewhat nervous master and servants and said, "What are you nervous about? The Hong family's upbringing is impeccable. Mother is just worried that you'll be bored staying in the Crown Prince's residence and wants you to go shopping to relieve your boredom."

Jingjing quickly added, "Your Highness, my young lady is law-abiding and never goes out casually, much less go shopping."

Shang Xi meant well, encouraging them to go out more, but the nervous demeanor of the master and servant made it seem as if she were interrogating them. Seeing how seriously they took etiquette, Shang Xi knew she couldn't persuade them otherwise.

So he chatted with her casually, saying, "Your mother didn't look well yesterday; you should take better care of her."

Thinking of her mother, Hong Jiutong's eyes reddened. "I went back to my parents' home last month to see my mother. She often suffers from abdominal cramps and cannot sleep at night."

Yesterday, Shang Xi asked Madam Hong if she was feeling unwell. Madam Hong replied that she hadn't rested well, indicating that she was quite ill. Shang Xi then asked, "Have you seen the imperial physician?"

Hong Jiutong replied, "I saw it, and they prescribed medicine. I asked my mother yesterday, and she said I'm much better now and it doesn't hurt as much as it did last month."

Shang Xi suddenly asked, "How often do you go home?"

"At most once a month."

Shang Xi was greatly puzzled, "Your mother is sick, how come you only go back once a month? Doesn't that mean you see your own mother less often than I do! I can see your mother twice a month, you don't care about your mother at all!"

Hong Jiutong wiped his eyes. "It is a matter of etiquette, and Jiutong dares not overstep the bounds of propriety. If anything happens, I will have Jingjing go home to check on me."

Shang Xi was almost speechless. "Can Jingjing represent you? There is no rule in Fengqi that requires you to go home to see your mother. You've learned all the proper etiquette and manners by heart. Go back to your parents' home tomorrow, bring your clothes, stay for a few days, and keep your mother company."

Hong Jiutong wanted to go back to her parents' home, but she was full of concerns. "Mother, if I go back to my parents' home, how will I explain it to the Crown Prince!"

Jingjing muttered quietly, "Even if Miss is lost, the Crown Prince might not be able to find out."

Hong Jiutong scolded Jingjing in a low voice: "Don't be rude!"

Shang Xi knew Cheng Youning's personality and also knew that Hong Jiutong was not happy in the Crown Prince's residence. Since she had brought up her as the mother-in-law, she had to ask, "Jiutong, is your relationship with the Crown Prince not good?"

Hong Jiutong said something against his will, "Mother, don't listen to Jingjing's nonsense. I have a very good relationship with the Crown Prince, and he treats me well too!"

Jingjing spoke up for her young mistress, "Miss is talking nonsense. The Crown Prince doesn't even want to look at my young mistress. In his eyes, my young mistress is not even as good as a monkey."

Hong Jiutong shook his head at Jingjing, signaling her to stop talking.

Jingjing had the chance to complain, and she couldn't hold back, because the Crown Prince had gone too far. "Your Highness, my concubine often cooks for His Highness the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince not only doesn't appreciate her kindness, he also humiliates her every time, feeding the food he sends to monkeys, and saying that only animals would like to eat the food I ask Miss to make."

Just as Shang Xi was about to raise her hand to rub her forehead in anger, she heard Jingjing say again, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince never visits my concubine. If my concubine goes to see His Highness, he won't even let her sit on a chair. In no time, the Crown Prince will send her away."

Shang Xi said, "The Crown Prince is at the residence. I will talk to him later and tell him that he must treat you well from now on."

Hong Jiutong said, "Mother, please don't be angry with the Crown Prince because of my matter. The Crown Prince doesn't like to be disturbed, so I will go there less often in the future."

Jingjing said, "How can we not go! Your Highness, you don't know, since my concubine entered the Crown Prince's residence, they haven't slept in the same bed yet."

Hong Jiutong said, "Jingjing, shut up. The Crown Prince is still a child. We'll just sleep in separate rooms."

These words pleased Shang Xi greatly. "My daughter-in-law is indeed sensible. The Emperor did not misjudge her back then."

Unbeknownst to Hong Jiutong and Jingjing, in the courtyard where Cheng Youning used to live, Cheng Feng and his son Cheng Youning were lying side by side on a soft couch. Cheng Feng calmly asked, "Son, did you remember what your father just told you?"

“Father, you and Mother remind me three times a month, and I have engraved your words in my heart.”

Cheng Feng was still not convinced, "Then repeat it."

Cheng Youning moved her small mouth and said with the same composure, "Under the age of eighteen, one is not allowed to share a bed with a woman."

"He's really my good son."

"Father, don't worry. I will never be like Grandpa Ge, blinded by beauty. I won't even glance at my concubine. I won't drink any of the soup she brings me. No woman can bewitch me."

Cheng Feng gave Cheng Youning a thumbs up, "You truly are a good son, always doing better than your parents expect!"

Cheng Youning swung her legs, grinned, and looked extremely smug.

Just as the two were enjoying a loving father-son moment, Shang Xi arrived. "You Ning, your mother has something to say to you!"

“Mother, my father has told me everything, and I have memorized it all.”

Shang Xi looked again and saw Cheng Feng, who was also sitting with his legs crossed, his head wrapped in gauze. "You, who hit you? Didn't you go to the palace?"

Cheng Feng snorted, "I only get beaten up when I'm in the palace. You'll see who dares to hit me normally."

Shang Xi quickly sat down on the edge of the bed and examined Cheng Feng's head. "Why did you get beaten like this? Let me see! Ouch, why is there such a big bump? What did Uncle use to beat you?"