Chapter Sixty-Six: Money Matters More Than Pride

"From a mother's perspective, I can tell you with certainty that your father truly cares for you. He's stepped forward to protect you many times. Even when you get into trouble, he never raises a hand against you. If he's stern, it's only because he wants you to grow into a strong and upright man," Su Jingluo shared her genuine feelings with Yunbai, regretting the words she had spoken before about separating, fearing they had unsettled her child's sense of security.

"That was before, but since Lin Wanwan arrived... Father seems different now," Yunbai admitted, unable to hide his discomfort about Lin Wanwan.

"Are you a coward? If someone tries to take your father from you, then you fight to win him back. Take the initiative—approach your father, hold his hand. Watch how Lin Wanwan treats your father, and learn from her. Be proactive." Ah, child, if you want something, strive for it; don’t sulk in the corner because you can’t have it.

"But what if Father still doesn’t like me?" Yunbai worried, lowering his head and poking the ground with his finger.

"Then it's not your fault. There’s no shame in taking the initiative, and if you don’t win, there’s no need to be sad," Su Jingluo cupped Yunbai’s fair little face, finding him so adorable she couldn’t resist planting a kiss on his cheek, which instantly turned red. So, he’s a little proud one who’s afraid of getting hurt.

"Mother, don’t do that," Yunbai protested shyly, trying to push her away.

"What? I’m your mother. There’s no need to grow up so soon—after you turn ten, I’ll stop kissing you. Treasure these next five years," Su Jingluo said, kissing his cheek again.

"Mother, is this what you mean by being proactive?" Yunbai asked with a serious expression, as if conducting academic research.

"Yes, you could say that," Su Jingluo replied openly.

"Then you should be proactive with Father, too. Let’s work hard together," Yunbai said, his face full of determination as he looked at Su Jingluo.

"What? Me too?" Su Jingluo was caught off guard.

"Of course! What if Father ends up liking me but not you? I’d have to help you," Yunbai said anxiously, as if worried his mother would lag behind, while Su Jingluo looked utterly resigned.

Su Jingluo never punished Yunbai harshly; he wasn’t mischievous but rather a pitiable child, afraid of being abandoned and neglected. He pretended to push people away when all he wanted was to draw closer.

Mother and son were having this earnest conversation about building a healthy relationship, and Ruihuan, listening nearby, was left astonished. It seemed the princess consort had become a remarkable person lately.

"Your Grace, if you’re feeling better, perhaps you should dress up a little. Many official ladies and young misses have sent gifts; it’s best to thank them in person and send a return gift," Ruihuan gently reminded Su Jingluo to attend to her proper duties.

"I’m not going. I haven’t the money to return gifts," Su Jingluo replied, true to her style of only accepting and never giving. If people wanted to send gifts, she wouldn't stop them, but returning them was out of the question. Besides, after the embarrassment of last night’s drunkenness, where could she hide herself?

"My lady, you truly are willful. Last night, His Majesty bestowed upon you a thousand taels of gold, hundreds of acres of fertile land, and pearls from the Eastern Sea—all waiting to be counted in the side chamber. The prince has already prepared the return gifts; you need only to be present. The gifts sent by the noble families alone are worth thousands of taels of silver—you can’t just let them pile up. If you don’t go soon, Concubine Lin surely will," Ruihuan fretted, wishing the princess consort would learn to manage the household.

"What? There were rewards last night? Hurry, let’s go!" Su Jingluo’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she slipped on her shoes and dashed for the door.

"Your Grace, at least tidy yourself up first!" Ruihuan called after her, exasperated by her shameless eagerness for money.

"Collecting money is what matters—my face can be forgotten for now!" Su Jingluo exclaimed as she rushed out, not even knowing where the side chamber was, running about like a headless chicken.