The autumn air in Jiangnan is crisp and clear, with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filling the air. The Shen family mansion is brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, brimming with joy. Today is the first birthday of the twins from the second branch of the Shen family, Shen Huaijin (male) and Shen Huaiyu (female), and also the important "grasping ceremony" (a traditional Chinese custom of predicting the future through a specific auspicious event). The mansion is even more lively than during the Lunar New Year.

Shen Yuewei and Xiao Chengjing arrived early with their nearly five-year-old daughter, An'an (whose full name is Xiao Yue). An'an had grown into an even more beautiful and adorable young woman, her hair styled in delicate double buns, wearing a pale yellow floral jacket and skirt, like a lively little nightingale. As soon as she entered, she went straight to the east wing to see her younger siblings. Shen Yuewei wore a festive yet elegant pomegranate-red brocade long dress, which made her complexion look excellent, and her brows exuded a gentle and serene beauty. Xiao Chengjing, as usual, wore a black brocade robe, his posture upright, but his gaze never left his wife and daughter. Occasionally, when his eyes swept over his wife's rosy lips and slender waist, a barely perceptible glint of fire would flash in his eyes—the lingering effects of last night's "punishment" added a touch of languid possessiveness to his gaze upon her.

"Second Uncle! Second Aunt! Little Brother and Sister!" An'an called out in a clear voice, rushing to the side of the twins who had just been brought out by their wet nurse. The two little ones were dressed in brand-new red birthday clothes, their faces delicate and beautiful, their big, bright eyes curiously looking around, not at all shy.

"An'an, slow down, don't scare your little brother and sister." Lin Qingwan smiled and pulled An'an back. Today, she was wearing a deep purple long dress with auspicious patterns, her complexion was rosy, and she looked even more plump and charming than when she was pregnant. Shen Wenbai stood beside her, wearing a royal blue brocade robe with floral patterns, looking spirited and full of affection as he looked at his wife and children.

Just as things were getting lively, another commotion came from the entrance.

"Big brother! Big sister-in-law! Rui-ge'er! You've finally arrived!" Shen Yuewei greeted them with delight.

The visitors were none other than Shen Wenbai (the eldest brother) of the Shen family, his wife He Mingzhu, and their son Shen Rui, who was a few months younger than An'an. Shen Wenbai (the eldest brother) had a calm and refined demeanor, He Mingzhu was dignified and generous, while Shen Rui was a lively little boy who, upon seeing An'an, immediately broke free from his mother's hand and ran over to her, calling out, "Sister Yue!"

"And me too!" a clear, cheerful young voice rang out. A handsome young man, dressed in a sky-blue silk robe, strode in behind his elder brother and sister-in-law. He was Shen Wensong, the youngest son of the Shen family. He had passed the imperial examination last year and was now studying at the Jiangnan Academy, a time when he was at the height of his confidence and ambition.

"Uncle!" An'an called out sweetly.

"Wen Song! You've grown taller again!" Shen Wenbai (the second brother) patted his younger brother's shoulder with a smile.

"Congratulations on your second brother and sister-in-law's wedding! Congratulations!" Shen Wensong greeted them with a smile, then looked at the chubby twins with eyes full of affection. "Jin-ge and Yu-jie, your uncle has brought you the finest Huizhou ink and Huzhou brushes. You are destined to be top scholars in the future!"

The crowd exchanged pleasantries and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere. Looking at their children and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Shen beamed with joy. Servants served up delicate pastries and fragrant tea in a continuous stream.

"Father! Mother! Eldest brother and sister-in-law! Look!" Lin Qingwan smiled as she carried Huaijin and Huaiyu to a long table that had already been laid out with a red carpet and filled with all sorts of items for their first birthday celebration. The table was overflowing with items: gold and silver ingots, a small jade abacus, an exquisite rouge box, a brand-new calligraphy brush, small books, wooden swords, and even a small model of an official seal, and so on.

Everyone gathered around, holding their breath in anticipation.

The wet nurse first placed Huaijin (the boy) on the red felt. The little guy looked around curiously, his big, dark eyes scanning the objects on the table. Finally, he stretched out his chubby little hand, grabbed the small and exquisite jade abacus, held it tightly in his hand, and giggled.

"Oh my! He's got the hang of it! Good! Good! He'll definitely be a master at managing the household finances in the future! Just like his father!" Mother Shen smiled broadly. Shen Wenbai (the second brother) raised his eyebrows proudly and exchanged a smile with his wife.

Next was Huaiyu (the young lady). The little girl seemed a bit shy. After being put down, she first crawled around on the red carpet a couple of times, her big eyes blinking. Then, without hesitation, she reached out for the exquisite box of rouge, grabbed it, and held it up to her face, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Oh my Yu'er! She's so young and already knows how to care about her appearance!" He Mingzhu teased with a smile. Lin Qingwan couldn't help but chuckle as well: "She takes after her aunt, Yuewei!"

An'an watched attentively from the side, commenting like a little adult: "Little brother Jin is good at accounting, and little sister Yu loves to be pretty! They're both great!" Her childish words drew another round of laughter.

Xiao Chengjing held Shen Yuewei's waist, looking at the harmonious scene of children and grandchildren surrounding her, his heart filled with warmth. He lowered his head and whispered in Shen Yuewei's ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe: "Weiqing, Jin'er picked the abacus, Yu'er picked the rouge, what do you think... our next child will pick?" The implication made Shen Yuewei blush instantly, and she gently pinched his arm.

Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, Shen Wensong (the younger brother) suddenly stood up and said, "Father, Mother, elder brothers, second elder brothers, elder and second elder sisters-in-law, elder and elder sister-in-law, elder and elder brother-in-law, please enjoy yourselves. The academy is closed today, and some classmates from Jiangnan Academy, knowing I had come to Jiangnan, invited me to go to Yunqi Temple outside the city to admire the autumn leaves. It's getting late, so I must take my leave." He was young and couldn't sit still for long while chatting with his family.

"Go on, go on, be careful on the road," Father Shen said with a smile and a wave.