Chapter 171: One-Month Celebration

Chapter 171: One-Month Celebration

After the Lantern Festival, the temperature in the capital gradually began to warm up. The sunshine melted the remaining snow into streams, and tiny buds began to form on the apricot blossom trees.

During this period, two major events occurred in the capital.

One was that the eldest son of Prince Jin began to recover from his illness. Although the child's body was still very weak, he was no longer at risk of an early death. As a result, the gossip about the Crown Prince's health decreased, but the gossip about the Crown Prince's lack of an heir increased.

The other event was the scandal of embezzlement of military funds and false claims of military achievements that broke out at the northeastern border. Although the scale was not large, the military was vital to the country, so the Yuanhua Emperor paid great attention to this matter.

To avoid raising suspicions, Wu Shen was temporarily unable to leave the capital and return. Prince Pingxian offered to investigate the border for the Yuanhua Emperor, and after careful consideration, the Yuanhua Emperor agreed.

When Qiu Huanian heard about these two events, he sensed the underlying tension. However, compared to these unresolved struggles, his main concern was his family—

Gu Gu and Yang Yang were one month old, and it was time to hold a one-month celebration and a baby-washing ceremony.

As Qiu Huanian neared the end of his postpartum recovery, he felt much better, and his body had mostly recovered, though some weaknesses would take time to heal.

He personally decided on the guest list for the one-month celebration. Though the one-month-old babies could be seen by others, too many people and the wind were bad for the children. Therefore, the baby-washing ceremony for Gu Gu and Yang Yang was limited to fewer than ten people, all close friends.

Among these guests were Wen Huiyang, Wu Shen, Min Leyi, Yuan Jia, Yuan Ruo, Wei Li, Bing Qi, and Bing Ba, as well as Azure Phoenix Lord and his consort, Jie Tanguang.

Sixteen also came, though he stayed out of sight, but Qiu Huanian knew he was watching him and the children from somewhere in the room.

Qiu Huanian did not expect Azure Phoenix Lord to bring his consort, and when everyone saw Jie Tanguang, everyone was momentarily stunned.

Jie Tanguang had not appeared in public for a long time. He was even thinner than when he was still in the Hanlin Academy, with a look of pain and sadness on his face. He followed Azure Phoenix Lord in silence.

After handing two fine warm jade pieces to Du Yunse, Jie Tanguang congratulated him with a bow, then stepped aside and said nothing more.

Azure Phoenix Lord, on the other hand, spent a long time praising the two babies he was seeing for the first time, praising their beauty and cuteness.

Min Leyi and Wu Shen arrived one after the other. Min Leyi, unable to keep quiet, quickly and vividly recounted the events of the Lantern Festival night to Qiu Huanian, as there were few people around.

When he mentioned how Madam Yu and the nanny Guan had fled in panic, Min Leyi suddenly remembered that Jie Tanguang, who was present, was Madam Yu's nephew.

Min Leyi suddenly felt awkward and lost interest in continuing the story. Jie Tanguang silently sipped his tea, as if everything had nothing to do with him.

Azure Phoenix Lord, however, raised an eyebrow and sneered, taking over the conversation, "Consort Ying's palace is full of those arrogant and insolent servants. Don't talk about any young master or general; once they feel they are powerful, they might even dare to hit a Qing Lord."

Azure Phoenix Lord lowered his voice slightly, still smiling, "Sooner or later, we'll tie their hands and feet and drag them behind a horse to humble their arrogance."

Jie Tanguang's hand holding the teacup paused for a moment, bringing the cup to his lips but forgetting to drink.

When everyone had arrived, the most important part of the one-month celebration, the baby-washing ceremony, began.

The baby-washing ceremony was held in the warm chamber of the inner courtyard's main house. Gu Gu and Yang Yang were wrapped in thick quilts and carried from the delivery room to this place. The two little ones lay in their cradles, their round eyes wide open, curiously observing the unfamiliar environment.

Gu Gu occasionally babbled a few sounds, while Yang Yang remained completely silent. When someone looked at him, he would open his mouth and smile sweetly, like a little lucky charm.

At one month old, the babies' facial features were already somewhat distinguishable. As twins, Gu Gu and Yang Yang did not look very much alike. Qiu Huanian thought to himself that they were fraternal twins, though this concept could not be explained to others.

They were quite impressive, cough cough!

In the center of the warm chamber's floor was a long table, on which stood a huanghuali wooden bathtub about a foot deep, carved with the motif of a hundred sons and a hundred blessings, and a set of large red lacquered boxes with silver inlays.

Some of the boxes contained full moon fruits, some held brand new copper coins and brightly colored silk threads, some contained beautiful baby clothes, and one held handkerchiefs and a small razor, all neatly arranged and clearly visible.

Qiu Huanian dipped his fingertip into the bathtub to test the temperature. The herbal bathwater was slightly hot, just right for washing the babies.

He picked up the lacquer box filled with moon fruits and sprinkled the red dates, longans, lotus seeds, and other fruits into the soup. The guests and family members also stepped forward, taking out rhinoceros horns, pearls, jade, gold, and silver, and placing them into the water. The bottom of the bathing basin was soon covered with a layer of treasures.

After Qiu Huanian signaled, the wet nurse and the two uncles, Uncle Mumian and Uncle Putao, cooperated to unwrap the babies' swaddling clothes, picked up Gu Gu and Yang Yang, and brought them above the basin.

The naked babies were as white as snow, their arms chubby like lotus roots. Everyone who saw them couldn’t help but smile.

When Yang Yang's feet touched the hot water, he showed no discomfort, waving his little hands and smiling. The wet nurse took the opportunity to place him into the basin. Gu Gu, however, looked like he was about to cry when he touched the water. Qiu Huanian quickly took the child into his arms, soothing him for a bit before personally placing him into the basin.

The two little boys sat against the side of the bathing basin, their round heads poking out. Once they adapted, they began to touch the fruits and treasures in the basin with their hands.

Uncle Mumian laughed, "These two little boys are so charming and likable. It's clear they are destined for great things in the future!"

It's rare to see babies who don't cry or fuss during a full moon bath ritual, who are completely at ease, and who smile sweetly at everyone while enjoying themselves!

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse didn’t let anyone else help and bathed the two children themselves. They gently scooped water with their hands and poured it down their necks, and washed their round heads.

The children were too young, so the bath was just a ritual and couldn't last too long, or they might get sick.

After less than two minutes, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse lifted the children out, dried them with soft, silky cloth, and dressed them in the new clothes sewn by Jiu Jiu.

Next came the shaving of the lanugo. This step required professional skill, as inexperienced hands might hurt the child, so Qiu Huanian didn't insist on doing it himself.

Uncle Putao was skilled at cutting baby hair, and soon the lanugo on Gu Gu and Yang Yang's heads was trimmed, leaving only a peach-shaped patch in the middle, symbolizing abundant blessings and longevity.

"Oh, what a lot of hair! These two little boys are so well cared for. Their hair will surely grow thick and black," Ye Taohong smiled and said. "Of course! Just look at Yun Se and Huanian's hair, and you'll know what these little ones will look like in the future."

In ancient times, thick, black hair was a sign of good fortune, and everyone congratulated them with smiles.

With a few deft strokes, Uncle Putao mixed the lanugo with colorful silk threads, braided them into small balls, strung them with new copper coins and jade, and added tassels to create two small ornaments.

According to tradition, these ornaments made from lanugo were to be hung by the window, symbolizing the children being protected from wind and rain and praying for their safety.

Du Yunse, being tall, hung the ornaments above the window sill of the warm pavilion. The babies had little energy, and after a short while, Gu Gu and Yang Yang began to feel sleepy. Qiu Huanian gave each freshly bathed baby a kiss and had the wet nurse and uncles take them to rest. The others then went to the outer courtyard for the feast.

Qiu Huanian excused himself, claiming he wasn't feeling well, and lingered behind for a bit. After everyone had left the room, sixteen finally emerged from some corner.

"Did you see Gu Gu and Yang Yang, Uncle? Aren't they adorable?"

"Mm." Sixteen forced a smile and handed Qiu Huanian a large pile of gifts prepared for the two children, as well as some tonics for Qiu Huanian.

After half a year of careful study, Qiu Huanian felt he could be considered half an "expert in analyzing sixteen's emotions." He keenly sensed that sixteen's mood was somewhat subdued today.

Although sixteen still appeared cold and unapproachable, Qiu Huanian had caught a subtle difference.

"What have you been busy with lately, Uncle?" Qiu Huanian asked. "Is it something you can't talk about?"

"No..." Sixteen hesitated before vaguely saying, "Investigating intelligence."

Since it involved further confidential matters, Qiu Huanian didn't press for details and simply nodded. "Take care of yourself, Uncle, and get some rest."

He looked at sixteen and hinted, "When Gu Gu and Yang Yang grow up a bit and can call you 'great uncle,' you can take them out to play. They might even pester you every day."

"..." Sixteen remained silent for a longer time.

Just as Qiu Huanian was about to try to smooth things over, Sixteen finally spoke, "I'll think about it."

A flash of joy appeared in Qiu Huanian's eyes. When Sixteen saw it, his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly made an excuse and left.

As he watched the spot where he vanished, Qiu Huanian sighed softly.

Qiu Huanian's words were subtly aimed at persuading Sixteen to find an opportunity to regain a normal life and live openly under the sun.

Qiu Huanian knew how much the Crown Prince meant to Sixteen and understood how deeply the life of a guard had shaped him. That Sixteen showed even a hint of openness was already satisfying for Qiu Huanian.

Persuading Sixteen required patience and persistence, but at least now he saw a glimmer of hope.

...

After a family feast in the courtyard, the guests at the full moon banquet started to leave one by one.

Min Leyi followed Wu Shen out the door, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and then quickly caught up to him.

"Hey, Little General, wait up! Hold on!"

Wu Shen sighed inwardly, feeling both joy and sorrow, and turned around.

"With so many people earlier, I forgot to ask you, Little General—how’s that marriage arrangement you promised me coming along?" Min Leyi asked eagerly.

"..." Wu Shen took a deep breath. "Marriage is a big deal, don’t rush it. Let me take my time to look into it."

"Ah? You’re still taking your time?"

Wu Shen inwardly groaned, regretting that he had impulsively promised Min Leyi to find him a "perfect match."

He half-heartedly misled, "Yes, as the saying goes, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. What if that person is just putting on an act? Wouldn’t I be harming you by arranging a match?"

Min Leyi, recalling his previous failed engagement, thought Wu Shen made a good point.

"That makes sense. I should go back and discuss with my brother, sister-in-law, and father. Maybe there’s a suitable military officer in their hometown."

"Wait," Wu Shen perked up. "No need for such trouble. Ten days, give me at most ten days, and I’ll definitely find you the perfect match."