flstandardbreds Chapter 142 Climbing Frame
Chapter 142 Climbing Frame
“Sometimes, it’s better not to have a debt at all!” The Duchess of Zhenguo retorted without backing down.
“Mom, you’re just arguing on purpose!” Su Nuannuan looked up and quickly replied.
Gu Sangye watched with great interest the back-and-forth banter between her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, a sense of novelty welling up inside her.
She had never imagined that mothers and daughters could communicate and get along in such a relaxed and humorous way. To be honest, at this moment, she felt a little envious.
My thoughts drifted back to my mother. Sigh... never mind, I shouldn't dwell on those unpleasant memories.
However, upon closer reflection, her mother wasn't entirely without merit. At least she found such a good marriage and such an excellent husband's family. In that respect, she still felt a sense of gratitude towards her mother deep down.
Soon, Granny Jin, Granny Ru, and Jinse each carried a child and slowly walked in.
"Mother!" As soon as the three little ones landed, they rushed towards their respective mothers like swallows returning to their nest.
"Cheng'er, let your mother see your little hand. Does it still hurt?" Su Nuannuan asked softly, her face full of concern, as she gently lifted her son's chubby little hand.
"Mother, it doesn't hurt at all anymore. The nanny just applied that cool ointment to my body, and the pain stopped instantly." Canglan Jingcheng shook his head, obediently answering his mother's question.
Su Nuannuan wasn't heartless towards her child, but sometimes she had to be ruthless in disciplining him.
After all, children between the ages of 3 and 6 are primarily taught by their mothers. When she suggested to the Emperor that he find tutors for the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and the Third Prince during the Jingcheng era, it was merely an attempt to divert the Emperor's attention.
Just then, a clever young maidservant hurried over, bowed respectfully to everyone, and said, "Reporting to my lords, it is time for lunch."
"Mother, sister-in-law, let's go have our meal." Su Nuannuan stood up gracefully, stretched out her hands, and took the chubby little hands of the two adorable children in her left and right hands, saying with a smile on her face.
After everyone had enjoyed a sumptuous and delicious lunch, Su Nuannuan instructed Granny Jin and the others to take the children for a nap. She also told them that they should set off back to the palace in an hour.
Taking advantage of the children's precious afternoon nap, the mother and her two children sat together, intending to have a heart-to-heart talk. At first, the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, with everyone chatting and laughing, but somehow, the topic gradually circled back to the children.
"Nuan Nuan, you must never do this again. Look at those swollen little hands, it breaks my heart to see them like that." The Duchess of Zhenguo looked at Su Nuan Nuan with loving eyes and earnestly advised her.
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan quickly nodded obediently in agreement: "Mother, don't worry, this will only happen once, and there will never be a next time. Moreover, I have already thought of a wonderful way to burn off this little guy's excess energy."
Upon hearing this, Gu Sangyan's eyes lit up, and she eagerly asked, "Little sister, tell us quickly what this great idea is?"
Su Nuannuan smiled and replied slowly, "Sister-in-law, don't rush, let me tell you. I plan to have Tingxue teach him some basic skills, which will not only strengthen his body but also help him expend some energy. In addition, I also plan to build a climbing frame for him in the courtyard of Cuiwei Palace after we return to the palace."
"Climbing frame? What exactly is that?" Gu Sangye blinked her big eyes and asked with a face full of doubt.
Lady Zhenguo, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, saw that they were chatting so enthusiastically that she couldn't get a word in edgewise. So she smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Alright, alright, you two continue chatting. I'm going to take a short rest." With that, she slowly got up and left her seat.
"Mother, please take care." The two women quickly stood up and respectfully saw off the Duchess of Zhenguo. Only after watching the Duchess of Zhenguo's figure gradually disappear from sight did Gu Sangyan turn to her younger sister and eagerly ask, "Little sister, quickly tell your sister-in-law, what exactly is this climbing frame?"
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, thought for a moment, and replied, "Sister-in-law, how about this, I'll draw it here and explain it to you at the same time. That way, it will be more intuitive and clear."
Upon hearing this, Gu Sangyan's eyes lit up immediately, and she nodded repeatedly, saying, "Great idea! This is brilliant!"
Yaoqin, who was serving nearby, immediately stepped forward, curtsied, and said softly, "This servant will go and fetch the writing materials." In no time, Yaoqin led several maids back into the room with the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and carefully placed them on the table.
Seeing this, Gu Sangyan quickly rolled up her sleeves, walked to the table, sat down, and began to carefully grind the ink. Meanwhile, Su Nuannuan picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and began to carefully draw on the clean white rice paper. At the same time, she also explained the structure and purpose of the climbing frame to Gu Sangyan in detail.
Time ticked by, and finally, a complete design drawing of the climbing frame appeared before them. Gu Sangyan stared intently at the drawing, listening attentively to Su Nuannuan's explanation. After Su Nuannuan finished speaking, Gu Sangyan couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, praising, "Little sister's idea is truly excellent! Not only can it allow children to play to their hearts' content, but it also helps them exercise."
Hearing her sister-in-law's praise, Su Nuannuan felt very pleased. She smiled and said to Gu Sangyan, "Sister-in-law, since you think this method is feasible, then you can take this picture back. I'll have my brother find some craftsmen to build one in the yard according to this picture."
"Then I'll have to accept it. Thank you, little sister." Gu Sangyan happily rolled up the dried blueprints and put them away, her face beaming with a happy smile.
“We’re a real family, there’s no need for such formalities,” Su Nuannuan said softly, a bright smile spreading across her face.
Hearing this, Gu Sangyan nodded slightly in agreement: "What my younger sister says is absolutely right. It seems that you are being a bit too particular."
Immediately afterwards, Su Nuannuan changed the subject and asked curiously, "Sister-in-law, how are the corns you planted on your farm growing these days?"
After a moment's thought, Gu Sangyan replied, "I heard your third brother mention the corn's growth a few days ago, and he said it's not bad."
Moreover, if this year's corn harvest is indeed bountiful, your father-in-law plans to have your third brother report it to the Emperor. After all, this is a matter of great importance to the people's livelihood, and it would be even better if it could gain the Emperor's approval and reward.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion isn't vying for this credit, and even your eldest brother shares the same sentiment. He once told me that the family will inevitably face the issue of dividing the inheritance sooner or later. And since our third son doesn't hold any official position, he might be at a disadvantage and easily suffer losses if that time comes. Therefore, if we can use this corn matter to secure some benefits for him, it would be a precautionary measure.”