Chapter One Hundred Fifteen: Tangyuan’s Birthday

Chapter 115 Tangyuan's Birthday

This was the other matter Sun Shi wanted to discuss with Xiao Xun: they couldn’t have any more children in the future; Tangyuan would be their only one, making it even more important for him to formally recognize a godfather.

Xu Yuanhang’s kindness toward them was genuine. When Xiao Xun was away, he treated Qiu Ran well and was good to Sun Shi too, always bringing gifts for her. They couldn’t simply accept such kindness without giving something in return.

It had been years now. Back when refugees flooded the city, it was Xu Yuanhang who helped them find shelter. If not for him, with the child so young back then, who knows what might have happened in the panic?

Xu Yuanhang had done a great kindness to the Xiao family, so having Tangyuan acknowledge him as a godfather was not too much to ask. Sun Shi worried that Xiao Xun might be petty and refuse.

Xiao Xun indeed hadn’t considered this possibility and was momentarily caught off guard. Seeing his hesitation, Sun Shi said, “Ah, you mustn’t think that just because you’re now a count and an official with a higher status than Yuanhang, we won’t need him anymore. We must never forget great kindness; we can’t be the kind of people who look down on others once we’ve prospered.”

Sun Shi was illiterate and couldn’t articulate phrases like “burning bridges after crossing the river” or “killing the donkey after it’s done grinding,” but she understood the principle. Since childhood, she had taught Xiao Xun to do what was right and avoid what was wrong.

Xiao Xun smiled wryly. “Mom, I wasn’t thinking that. I was just considering when would be the right time for the acknowledgment.”

Since they had decided to go through with it, they couldn’t be careless. It wouldn’t do to just offer tea and call him “godfather”—that would be too frivolous. They needed to kneel and kowtow, inform the Xiao family’s relatives and friends, and even host a banquet with someone to officiate.

In short, it wasn’t a small matter to be taken lightly.

Sun Shi was pleased. “That’s right. We must choose an auspicious day. Discuss it with Qiu Ran. Yuanhang will be here for Tangyuan’s birthday, so it’s a good time to ask his opinion. If he’s unwilling, we won’t force it.”

Whether the acknowledgment happened or not, the two families would treat each other as relatives from now on, and their relationship would grow closer. Sun Shi also had her own ulterior motive. She used to worry that Xu Yuanhang and Lin Qiuran might say or do something behind Xiao Xun’s back, but now that Xiao Xun was back, she hoped for stability in their family life.

If he became a godfather, that would be the extent of their relationship. Even if they grew closer, outsiders wouldn’t gossip, and it would serve as a reminder to Xu Yuanhang: Tangyuan had parents, and Lin Qiuran had a child and a husband. Even if he had feelings, he must maintain proper boundaries.

Xiao Xun nodded. “I understand.”

Sun Shi smiled. “Actually, I just hope there will be one more person to dote on Tangyuan.”

Xiao Xun also smiled. “I know.”

Xiao Xun had no other objections. Moreover, he couldn’t guarantee that there would be no more wars in the northwest or that he would always return alive.

Brother Ying was gone, and the memory of that scene was still horrifying. After the New Year, Lin Qiuran visited again and left some money, but it had only been a little over a month, and the Ying family hadn’t yet moved on.

Having Xu Yuanhang around would actually give him peace of mind. Sun Shi’s suggestion had taken him by surprise because he’d never considered it before, but he wasn’t displeased.

As a father, who wouldn’t wish for their child’s well-being?

When Lin Qiuran returned that evening, the family had dinner together. Tangyuan played for a while before going to bed early. Once the child was fast asleep, Xiao Xun brought it up with her.

Lin Qiuran listened, surprised. “Acknowledge him as a godfather?”

Xiao Xun nodded. “Yes, Mr. Xu has taken great care of our family and has been very good to Tangyuan. Mom and I thought—should we have Tangyuan acknowledge him as a godfather? It’s not for the Xu family’s wealth, but so that in the future, there’s a proper way to show filial piety and not let down all the kindness he’s shown Tangyuan over the years.”

Xiao Xun felt that Xu Yuanhang’s kindness toward Tangyuan was without expecting anything in return, but reciprocating was something their family ought to do. Tangyuan was still young but already knew to give gifts in return. As parents, they couldn’t be unappreciative.

Lin Qiuran glanced at Xiao Xun a few times. Seeing his sincere and unperturbed expression, she felt relieved.

She said, “For such an acknowledgment, it can’t be just our wish. We must ask Mr. Xu’s opinion. If he thought it was too much trouble, we can’t force it.”

Xiao Xun nodded. Sun Shi had said the same. “I understand.”

Lin Qiuran looked at him a few more times. Xiao Xun couldn’t help but ask, “What is it? You’ve been looking at me all day.”

In the dim candlelight, Xiao Xun’s expression was gentle. He had always been this way—even-tempered and good-natured.

Lin Qiuran lowered her head and smiled, then looked at Xiao Xun. “I heard from Tangyuan that he prepared a gift for Mr. Xu so that when Mr. Xu travels far, he’ll think of him. Did you feel a little jealous?”

Xiao Xun looked at Lin Qiuran in surprise, wondering how she knew.

Lin Qiuran raised an eyebrow. Naturally, it was Tangyuan who told her. Though Xiao Xun had only been back for a little over a month, their blood connection had brought them closer quickly, but Tangyuan still trusted Lin Qiuran the most.

The gift was already made—a small jade dog. Tangyuan asked Lin Qiuran to see if it was presentable enough. It was his first time giving a gift, and he was afraid Xu Yuanhang wouldn’t like it.

Lin Qiuran remembered that Tangyuan didn’t own such a thing, so she naturally asked how it was made and learned that Xiao Xun had helped with it.

She had felt a little conflicted at first, but upon reflection, given Xiao Xun’s nature, he doted on Tangyuan and would be willing to help. She was just afraid he might feel hurt and keep it to himself.

Didn’t Xiao Xun wish Tangyuan would give him, his father, a gift first? Of course he did.

Xiao Xun wasn’t sure whether Lin Qiuran was asking if he felt jealous of Tangyuan’s actions or if he felt jealous because Xu Yuanhang was also very kind to her.

He glanced back at Tangyuan, who was fast asleep, his curled eyelashes making him look adorable. He was hugging the small wooden dog Xiao Xun had given him when he was just a few months old, sleeping curled up with it. Xiao Xun had asked Lin Qiuran about it, and she said Tangyuan loved it and was used to holding it while sleeping. Even as he grew older, he wouldn't let go of it.

In truth, more than receiving a gift from Tangyuan, he was happier that Tangyuan valued the gifts he’d given him.

Perhaps it wasn’t about liking the toy itself but about missing him.

The wooden dog was old now, some parts worn shiny from being handled. He looked at Lin Qiuran again, noticing the Ruyi hairpin he had given her earlier tucked in her hair.

He said, “Actually, a little.”

Lin Qiuran held his hand. “How about I make some delicious food for you another day, and let Tangyuan help?”

Xiao Xun smiled. “Good.”

It was really just a little. Xiao Xun said, “He said that if I ever travel far in the future, he’ll give me a gift too. Now that I can see him every day, he’s better than a jade dog—I can see him and touch him.”

He reached out and held Lin Qiuran, letting her lean on his shoulder. He didn’t say it, but he was very grateful for how things were now, sometimes even afraid it might be a dream. “I know. We have a long future ahead, and I’ll try not to compare with others.”

Lin Qiuran’s eyes curved into a smile. “Then when Mr. Xu comes for Tangyuan’s birthday, sound him out and discuss the acknowledgment.”

It would be more appropriate for Xiao Xun to ask.

Xu Yuanhang would be leaving the capital after Tangyuan’s birthday to travel south for business and likely wouldn’t return for several months. The capital wasn’t his home, so he wouldn’t come back as often as he returns to Yu’an.

This matter could be taken care of gradually. If he was unwilling, there was nothing they could do. Tangyuan would probably be willing—he was very attached to Xu Yuanhang. But he was only five and didn’t really understand what it meant to acknowledge someone as godfather, so the adults could make the decision.

They were just afraid that if Xu Yuanhang was unwilling, Tangyuan would be sad, so Lin Qiuran decided not to tell him for now.

Xiao Xun also hadn’t told Lin Qiuran something. It was said that couples should be honest with each other, but since the matter was resolved, he felt it didn't need to be mentioned.

He had thought that after saying what he did to Sun Shi, she wouldn’t press Lin Qiuran anymore, but Sun Shi hadn’t slept all night.

She was the type to overthink things, tossing and turning, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt she had been unfair to Lin Qiuran.

They only had Tangyuan all these years not just because Xiao Xun was seldom home, but also because when Lin Qiuran was pregnant, Xiao Xun had left for war shortly after Tangyuan was born, making it impossible to have another.

Now that Xiao Xun was back, Sun Shi was anxious, but that night she counted on her fingers—Xiao Xun had only been back for a little over a month. He was injured and wasn't able to help it, but what if Qiu Ran wanted another child in the future?

What if she found Tangyuan so adorable that she wanted another, but Xiao Xun couldn’t? Wouldn’t that be hard on Qiu Ran?

The next day, Sun Shi was worn out, her eyes full of guilt, and she kept giving Lin Qiuran apologetic looks.

Lin Qiuran was puzzled. “Mom, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

Sun Shi smiled. “It’s nothing important.”

Lin Qiuran could tell something was bothering her and said, “Mother, if you have something to say, just say it. Is there something that’s run out? I’ll have the maid go buy it right away. We’re family—there’s nothing we can’t talk about.”

Sun Shi hemmed and hawed. “Well, it’s just… Xiao Xun has only just returned. Even if he's not in good health, with time and care, there might still be hope later. Don’t rush. You two are still young—maybe you’ll have one in the future.”

Sun Shi felt she had failed Lin Qiuran, but at least they had Tangyuan now, and life was better. In other ways, Xiao Xun could make up for it.

Lin Qiuran was taken aback for a moment but quickly guessed that Xiao Xun must have said something to Sun Shi.

What had Sun Shi said that made Xiao Xun claim he wasn't well due to his injury? Had she been urging them to have another child?

Xiao Xun was forced to make up this excuse, saying he was injured and incapable.

Either way, it saved Lin Qiuran trouble—Sun Shi wouldn’t pressure her anymore. Seeing Sun Shi’s guilty expression, she wouldn't say anything against her either.

For Lin Qiuran, having Tangyuan was enough. He was sensible and was old enough to start his studies. Lin Qiuran would have an easier time from now on and could focus more on her business. When Tangyuan grew older, he'd be even less of a worry.

When she was pregnant with Tangyuan, it wasn't too difficult—she hadn’t experienced morning sickness and had given birth quickly. Since she was young then, she recovered fast, but that didn’t mean pregnancy wasn’t difficult.

Having such a large belly made every day's walking exhausting, and giving birth and recovering were painful and uncomfortable. Having made it through, Lin Qiuran had no desire to go through it again.

Xiao Xun’s solution suited her perfectly. She smiled helplessly. “Mother, Xiao Xun was injured serving the people. I won’t hold it against him, so you can rest assured. Tomorrow is Tangyuan’s birthday, and Mr. Xu is coming as a guest. I'll first go check the menu with the kitchen.”

Sun Shi breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright, go ahead.”

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month was Tangyuan’s birthday and also the Lantern Festival. At night, fireworks were set off, and the residence set off some as well. Before dawn, the sky was already lit up with brilliant colors.

Xu Yuanhang arrived early, bringing Tangyuan a birthday gift. Tangyuan secretively pulled him into his courtyard and presented the gift he had prepared.

Xu Yuanhang asked, “Is this what Tangyuan said he’d give me?”

Tangyuan nodded. “Mm. When Uncle Xu goes on trips in the future, you can look at this and think of me.”

Xu Yuanhang was deeply moved and said, “Can Uncle open it now to take a look?”

Tangyuan nodded. Xu Yuanhang opened the box to find a glistening jade-carved puppy inside, its tongue sticking out, vivid and lifelike. A cord was attached to it with a tassel below. Not only was there an elaborate knot, but several golden beads were also strung along it.

Tangyuan smiled faintly, observing Xu Yuanhang’s reaction. Only when he saw surprise in his eyes did Tangyuan relax. “Uncle Xu, I'm born in the Year of the Dog, so this puppy is me. I wanted to add the golden beads below. Uncle Xu often travels—if you ever find yourself without money, you can remove the beads to use as money.”

Tangyuan had thought it through carefully.

Xu Yuanhang smiled. “Since Tangyuan gave this to Uncle Xu, will you put it on Uncle?”

Tangyuan nodded and personally hung the puppy from Xu Yuanhang’s waist.

Xu Yuanhang reached out and ruffled Tangyuan’s hair. “I brought you a gift too. Do you want to open it and see?”

Tangyuan shook his head hesitantly. “I’ll wait and open it all together tonight. There’s no rush.”

His parents and grandmother had given him gifts too, and he wanted to save them all to open at once—how exciting that would be!

Since it was the child’s birthday, Xu Yuanhang didn’t keep him talking for long and let him go play. Xiao Xun finished work early today, so Xu Yuanhang spent some time with him.

After all, it wouldn’t be appropriate to stay with Lin Qiuran, and Sun Shi was older and wanted to spend the day with her grandson.

Xu Yuanhang thought the estate's scenery was quite beautiful. The servants kept it meticulously clean, and after the snowfall a few days earlier, the pavilion by the lake was covered in thick snow. The distant view of the snow was lovely, and the cold wind blowing past cleared the mind.

He had once felt sorry for and worried about Lin Qiuran living in a small house, but now that she lived in such a large courtyard, he could finally be completely at ease.

He was happy for her.

Xu Yuanhang was engrossed in the view and didn’t speak. Xiao Xun looked at him a couple times and asked, “When will Mr. Xu return to the capital next?”

Xu Yuanhang replied, “It’ll be a few months.”

Thirteen Spices were mostly sold in the northern regions around the capital. He hadn’t tried the southern markets yet, and Xu Yuanhang wanted to try it out. The other sauces and spices Lin Qiuran had developed over the years could be sold outside the capital too. Business was stable in the capital, but the southern markets remained untested.

Getting started was always the hardest part, and he couldn’t leave it to his subordinates—Xu Yuanhang had to handle it himself.

Xiao Xun said, “Then Tangyuan will miss you very much.”

Xu Yuanhang smiled.

With Xiao Xun and Lin Qiuran around, and the child being so young, he would forget in a few days.

Xiao Xun said, “Mr. Xu, Tangyuan is very attached to you. Would you be willing to become his godfather?”