When Xiao Ciying turned one year old, she could basically walk, but her steps were a little unsteady and she would fall down from time to time, which would frighten the palace servants who followed her. But she herself was as if nothing had happened, got up, clapped her hands and continued to walk forward.

She's clearly a very independent young woman.

The full moon celebration was simple back then, but when it came to the first birthday celebration, there were fewer restrictions because of the "grasping ceremony" (a traditional Chinese custom of predicting the future by choosing an object from a specific object), so it was held much more grandly.

The court officials all knew that His Majesty the Emperor valued the little princess highly, but when they saw the items used in the first birthday celebration, their expectations were once again shattered.

In everyone's mind, the traditional custom of a girl's first birthday celebration usually involves placing items such as books, abacus, and needlework items on the table. However, Xie Rang did not agree. After taking a look, he took away a few items and then placed the Great Xi Kingdom Seal on the table.

Everyone in the room was shocked!

But some people still joined in the fun.

Li Yunshu quickly stepped forward: "Your subject is here too!"

Li Yunshu was already bold, but because of her older sister, she became even bolder. She had secretly hidden a small red-tasseled spear in her sleeve. The blade was not sharpened; it was just a cute toy.

Yun Qing looked up at her and chuckled.

It's clear that Li Yunshu really likes Xiao Ciying.

After such a long period of subtle influence, although they were shocked, no one stood up to say that Xie Rang's actions were improper. When it came to Li Yunshu, she only felt a deeper numbness in her heart.

Normally quiet in the palace, this was the first time Xiao Ciying had seen so many people. Her eyes sparkled as she nestled in Yun Qing's arms, excitedly tugging at Yun Qing's clothes: "Mother... I miss you!"

Thanks to the system's early education, she can already say some simple words, which sound very cute and innocent.

"She probably wants to grab something." Xie Rang returned to Yun Qing's side, took his daughter from her arms, put her on the ground, and said calmly, "Go ahead."

"I wonder if it will turn out as you wish." Yun Qing smiled and glanced at Xie Rang. "Your Majesty, are you nervous?"

Xie Rang held her hand and warmed it, his lips curving slightly: "Don't be nervous, you can catch it."

No one knows better than Xie Rang how bold his daughter is. She usually plays with the imperial seal, and although she is small, she is quite strong. She has never let anything fall to the ground. She is clearly a promising talent.

While the emperor and his tutor chatted leisurely, the ministers were extremely nervous, their eyes fixed on the little princess's every move, watching her navigate around the objects and finally stop in front of the imperial seal and the red-tasseled spear.

She first grabbed the red-tasseled spear, then picked up the Imperial Seal and examined it, one in each hand, her fair face scrunched up, as if she was struggling to decide which one to choose.

1130 couldn't resist any longer and called out in Xiao Ciying's mind, "Don't hesitate, little host, let's take it together!!"

Since Xiao Ciying was born, the system has been chatting with her every day. With the help of Yun Qing and Xie Rang's education, Xiao Ciying has vaguely realized that she should not reveal the existence of the system, but she will listen to the system.

"Okay, all of you."

After answering the system in her mind, the little girl stopped worrying, grabbed one in each hand, and headed towards her mother and father.

When Yunqing saw her daughter's hands were full, she couldn't help but laugh out loud: "You're so greedy, just like you."

Xie Rang remained unfazed: "Isn't that perfect?"

As they were talking, the little girl had already reached them. She imitated the serious manner of adults, first placing the things in Xie Rang's hands, and then rushing into Yun Qing's arms.

She was always closer to Yunqing.

When Yun Qing hugged Xiao Ciying, the ministers below barely snapped out of their daze and began to praise her.

"The little princess is exceptionally intelligent; she is destined for great things!"

"The Imperial Seal and the Red-Tasseled Spear have been captured. The little princess is truly accomplished in both literature and martial arts!"

The baby's first birthday celebration was meant to be joyous, but when Xie Rang brought out the imperial seal, the significance of the event changed. Before, it was just about seeing the princess, but now it was about seeing the eyes of the future heir of the Great Xi Dynasty. In fact, most of the ministers were also looking forward to seeing how far the little princess would grow up.

Xie Rang glanced at Yun Qing interacting with her daughter, feeling a pang of bittersweetness in his heart. But when he turned to order the banquet to begin, he transformed into the majestic demeanor of an emperor: "Rewards."

In short, the first birthday celebration was thrilling yet ultimately a happy one for everyone.

...

Xiao Ciying is growing up faster than anyone imagined.

With the system protecting her, Yun Qing wasn't worried about her safety. As long as it wasn't too excessive, they would basically turn a blind eye.

When she was just two years old, the little girl could already speak very clearly. She had a very lively personality, unlike Yun Qing or Xie Rang, but much like Li Yun Shu when she was young. She would run around the palace all day long, leaving the palace servants exhausted, while she would happily run around, making it hard to scold her.

Later, when Yunqing saw that she was really making a fuss, she took her to the Imperial Academy's introductory class. As a result, the little girl won the favor of all the teachers in one day. They called her "Princess" this and "Princess" that she was very fond of. Even the most serious academic official didn't care when she pulled his beard and even spoke up for her.

Yun Qing shook her head and sighed, "This little girl is quite good at winning people over."

Xie Rang paused in his work of reviewing memorials: "He's somewhat like the Grand Tutor."

"Like me?" Yun Qing smiled faintly and began to dredge up old grievances. "I think it's more like His Majesty. She first boils people in lukewarm water, and then when they cause trouble, those people all become her advocates. What reason is there to punish them?"

To put it simply, he's a heartless bastard.

Xie Rang immediately realized he was in the wrong and put down his pen to massage Yun Qing's shoulders: "Isn't this a good thing? Everyone knows that Ci Ying is our heir. If she can really unite the ministers, we won't have to worry about her so much in the future."

Xie Rang's only wish was that after his daughter grew up, he and Yun Qing could leave the capital and travel around, and not be caught and brought back to clean up the mess. Even if he doted on his daughter, it wouldn't work.

“I didn’t say it was bad.” Yun Qing glanced at him. “It’s just that His Majesty left too deep an impression on me, and it’s hard to change it in a short time.”

When it comes to feigning innocence, Xie Rang can be considered the originator.

"How else can we keep the Grand Tutor?"

Xie Rang showed no remorse. He pulled out an exquisite porcelain box from somewhere, opened it, wiped the contents on it, and then applied it to Yun Qing's lips.

Yun Qing took a step back: "What are you putting on me?"

"I think the new lip rouge from the shops in the capital is very suitable for the Grand Tutor."

As he spoke, Xie Rang lowered his eyes and pressed his lips to hers again, spreading the bright red rouge evenly. Yun Qing didn't usually wear makeup, but with the lip rouge, she looked stunning. Xie Rang quickly smiled and leaned in, saying, "...So beautiful."

Yun Qing was startled: "This is the Imperial Study!"

"Don't worry, Aqing, no one will come." A muffled voice escaped from between his lips, and Xie Rang considerately added, "Ciying won't come either."

It looked like everything was ready except for the final touch.

Yun Qing was speechless and was soon dragged down with him.

The temperature in the Imperial Study suddenly rose.