5378

Chapter 5378: Playing with Fire

Qiao Mu couldn't help but look at Su Xitao a few more times. Princess Tao, usually so aggressive and overbearing, was surprisingly docile today. Not only did she step forward with Princess Zheng to respectfully bow to the little Crown Princess, but she even raised her head, showing a gentle, well-mannered expression, and gave Qiao Mu a slight, pursed-lip smile.

Qiao Mu's hand trembled, failing to hold her teacup steady, and a splash of hot tea spilled out. The tea stained Su Xitao's skirt. Normally, Princess Tao would have jumped up in a rage, pointing and yelling curses at her. It was even highly probable she'd clench her fist and directly attack.

But today was exceptionally strange. Not only did Princess Tao not blame her, but she also humbly begged for Qiao Mu's forgiveness, repeatedly claiming that her own clumsy feet had prevented her from dodging in time, thus causing this mishap.

Qiao Mu was utterly stunned. She quickly scrutinized Su Xitao from head to toe. Then, very seriously, she pointed at her and turned to ask Princess Zheng, "What's wrong with her?"

To change her personality so quickly was simply unsettling. Could it be that Prince Zheng had privately disciplined Princess Tao? That seemed unlikely. She knew that Prince Zheng doted on this, his only younger sister, immensely, and it was improbable he would ever lay a finger on her.

Princess Zheng's gaze was also somewhat inscrutable. She followed the little Crown Princess's line of sight, repeatedly examining Su Xitao. Princess Zheng also felt that her sister today seemed to have taken the wrong medicine; her tone of voice was unbelievably gentle. However, she had always had little interaction with this sister, so she was too lazy to bother with whatever tricks her sister was playing.

If Prince Zheng hadn't forcefully insisted on bringing Su Xitao into the palace to broaden her horizons today, she definitely wouldn't have brought such an unpredictable factor to pay respects. Thinking of this, Princess Zheng turned to the little Crown Princess and smiled, "Crown Princess, congratulations! I heard the little imperial grandson encountered a Heavenly Fire Tribulation right after birth. He must be exceptionally gifted and extraordinary."

"Yes, Crown Princess, congratulations indeed!" Su Xitao chimed in, taking two quick steps forward to approach the bed. She couldn't help but reach out to lift the soft, thin brocade blanket covering Little Dumpling.

"Not only is the little imperial grandson extraordinary, but I also find the Crown Princess quite extraordinary," Su Xitao said with a smile. "Otherwise, how could it be that just days after giving birth, the Crown Princess is able to get up and move around normally, without any discomfort?"

Princess Zheng's eyes flickered slightly, but she did not stop Su Xitao from continuing.

"I heard people outside say that the little imperial grandson is quite unique. He could open his eyes in one day, call for his mother in two, and even run around in three days! Crown Princess, is that really true?"

"Tao'er, don't talk nonsense," Princess Zheng symbolically admonished Su Xitao, allowing Su Xitao to continue talking incessantly.

The little Crown Princess pressed down on Su Xitao's hand, stopping her from lifting the blanket, her face instantly darkening. From close up, a pungent scent wafted from Su Xitao, making Qiao Mu frown.

Who said this Su Xitao had changed her nature? She hadn't at all; her previous aggressiveness was merely disguised as the sharp-tongued sarcasm she now displayed.

Su Xitao's hand was held by the little Crown Princess, but she showed no alarm. She merely glanced indifferently at the little stoic, and seeing her taut little face, she smiled faintly and leaned in closer.