A bowl of noodles

Early that morning, in the Golden Palace.

The meeting had just concluded, and the Emperor, in a good mood, was about to adjourn the court when Crown Prince Xuan Shuo, standing at the front of the civil officials' ranks, suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands towards Ling Yuan at the very front, and wore a perfectly timed smile:

"I have heard that there is good news in the Imperial Uncle's household recently, and I would like to offer my congratulations. I hope that the Imperial Uncle will soon have an heir and add another pillar to our Great Yong."

As soon as he said this, many officials echoed his sentiments.

Congratulations, Your Highness Prince Duan!

"Congratulations, Your Highness!"

"..."

Congratulations poured in. Ling Yuan remained calm, merely nodding slightly in response as a return greeting, without saying anything more.

Xuan Gui, who was standing in the line of princes, also came over with a grin. Taking advantage of the break when the officials were leaving the court, he lowered his voice and said to Ling Yuan, "Uncle! My mother was overjoyed to hear that my aunt is pregnant. She made several little clothes by hand and insisted that I give them to you in person after court. Here you go."

Ling Yuan glanced at the bundle in Xuan Gui's hand, took it, and nodded: "Thank you, Your Highness."

At this moment, carriages lined the gates of Prince Duan's mansion one after another, and stewards and servants from various mansions, delivering congratulatory gifts, nearly wore down the threshold. Silks and satins, jade and antiques, tonic herbs… the storeroom registers were filled page after page. The mansion's stewards were extremely busy, welcoming and seeing off guests, their voices becoming hoarse.

Ling Yuan had previously instructed Yan Shu to rest and recuperate in Lingxiao Pavilion and not to worry about such trivial matters. Therefore, the noise outside was reduced to a faint buzzing sound in the courtyard.

Upon exiting the palace gates, the carriage from Prince Duan's residence was already waiting. Ling Ying stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, the residence... has received quite a few congratulatory gifts again. The Cui family has also sent some."

Ling Yuan said, "Just put it in the warehouse according to the rules."

"yes."

Upon returning to the Prince's residence, they indeed saw several other families' carriages parked at the gate, with the steward directing people to carry things. Seeing Lingyuan return, they all made way and bowed.

Ling Yuan went straight into the mansion. He first went to the study, put down the small bundle that Xuan Gui had given him, paused for a moment, then took out the old brocade pouch that had been stored for many years from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf, and carried it with him to the Lingxiao Pavilion in the backyard.

Yan Shu had just taken her medicine to prevent miscarriage and was resting on a soft pillow when she heard familiar footsteps outside. It was Ling Yuan returning from court.

His steps seemed lighter than usual today. When he lifted the curtain and entered, there was still a lingering air of court life about him, but his eyes were bright. He walked to the bedside, and instead of changing out of his court robes, he took out a bundle from his bosom.

"Take a look at this." He handed it over, his tone full of gentleness.

Yan Shu took it and opened it. Inside were several extremely soft little clothes. On top was a red bib embroidered with chubby bats and peaches, with fine and lively stitches.

"This is……"

"It was made by Consort Lin herself." Ling Yuan sat down by the bed. "That brat Xuan Gui forced it on me after court, saying that his mother had stayed up for several nights."

Yan Shu touched the fine stitches, feeling a warmth in her heart. Consort Lin was of a detached nature and did not meddle in right and wrong; this sentiment was truly rare.

Ling Yuan then took out a small, slightly worn brocade pouch from his bosom. He emptied out its contents—a pair of small silver bracelets, simple in design, engraved with cloud patterns, their edges smooth and warm from being rubbed.

"And this is it again?" Yan Shu looked up.

Ling Yuan picked up a small bracelet, twirled it between his fingers, and gazed into the distance: "It was left to me by my mother. I wore it when I was little." He paused, his voice lowering, "If she knew... she would be happy."

Yan Shu's heart clenched, a sharp pain shooting through her. The cold words from the Empress's letter flashed through her mind—the secret about her mother's true cause of death. She hurriedly lowered her head, using the act of tidying up the bracelet to hide her discomfort. Her fingers seemed to be moving on their own; she finally managed to stuff the bracelet back into the brocade pouch and clutch it tightly.

“Your Highness…” Her voice was a little tight as she tried to suppress her emotions, “After the child is born, we will put it on him. This… is the best keepsake.”

She now only wishes that the day when the truth is revealed will come later, much later.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yuan reached out and pulled her, along with the brocade pouch, into his arms, nuzzling his chin against the top of her head: "Mmm."

That noon, Yan Shu had just taken her medicine to prevent miscarriage and was resting on a soft pillow by the window when she saw the head steward, Zhou Fu, standing at the courtyard gate, respectfully whispering something to Chun Tao.

Chun Tao turned around and came in to report: "Your Highness, Steward Zhou said he has something to ask you about regarding the arrangements for His Highness's birthday in two days."

Yan Shu was slightly taken aback. The prince's birthday? She had completely forgotten about it. She had been married into the prince's household for more than half a year, and there had been constant turmoil, which would not be recorded in history books.

"Quickly, invite Steward Zhou in." She straightened up.

Zhou Fu bowed as he entered, performed the greeting, and then said, “Your Highness, the day after tomorrow is His Highness’s birthday. According to past practice, His Highness does not like to make a fuss and never holds a banquet. Usually, the kitchen prepares a bowl of longevity noodles in the morning, and in the evening… sometimes His Highness Prince Chen will come over to have a simple meal with His Highness, and sometimes His Highness will eat alone in his study.”

Yan Shu listened, feeling a strange tightness in her chest. Dining alone in the study... this birthday was far too lonely.

Zhou Fu continued to inquire, "This year... will the manor follow the old practice? Or... does the Princess have other arrangements?"

Yan Shu pondered for a moment. Given Ling Yuan's personality, he indeed disliked dealing with those insincere guests. But this year was different; they had a child…

“We won’t host any guests,” she said, “so as not to trouble Your Highness. Let’s have dinner at Lingxiao Pavilion. Have the kitchen prepare a variety of dishes that Your Highness usually likes, and keep them light and delicious. There’s no need for wine, just some sweet and sour fruit drinks.”

Zhou Fu quickly replied, "Yes, this old servant will go and instruct the kitchen immediately."

Yan Shu woke up earlier than usual on her birthday. As soon as she moved, Ling Yuan woke up as well.

"Why are you awake?" His voice was hoarse from the early morning, but his arms instinctively tightened around her, as if afraid she would catch a cold or leave.

Yan Shu turned around in his arms to face him and smiled, "Has Your Highness forgotten what day it is today?"

Looking into her bright eyes, Ling Yuan's expression softened: "Just an ordinary day."

“That’s unusual.” Yan Shu reached out and gently stroked his cheek. “Today is the prince’s birthday. I’ve made all the arrangements. It’ll just be the two of us tonight, a proper meal.”

Lingyuan took her hand and held it in his palm: "You're pregnant, you don't need to worry about these things."

"I didn't do anything, I just spoke a few words," Yan Shu said casually. "Your Highness, just think of it as... keeping me company, okay?"

After she said that, Lingyuan said no more, but lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her forehead: "Okay."

On this day, the front courtyard was as bustling as ever, with visiting cards and congratulatory gifts arriving in an endless stream. Ling Yuan made a brief appearance, handled some necessary matters, and then returned to Lingxiao Pavilion early.

At dinner time, the table was indeed much more lavish than usual, but there was nothing excessively extravagant. Several side dishes were refreshing and delicious, and a stewed duck soup with poria cocos was rich and fragrant. Yan Shu used tea instead of wine, raised her cup to Ling Yuan, and smiled: "Your Highness, happy birthday. May you have peace and prosperity year after year."

Ling Yuan looked at her; in the candlelight, her eyes seemed to be filled with starlight. He picked up the cup of tea beside him and gently touched it to hers: "Yes, you too."

The two ate quietly, exchanging a few words occasionally. Yan Shu mentioned that her pregnancy symptoms had lessened recently, and her appetite had actually increased. Ling Yuan listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful, shutting out all the disturbances from the outside world.

“That kid Xuan Gui,” Ling Yuan suddenly remembered something, his tone carrying a rare hint of teasing, “was supposed to come over for dinner tonight, but he said he couldn’t come at the last minute.”

"Oh? Does Your Highness have something important to discuss?" Yan Shu asked curiously.

"I suppose so." Lingyuan picked up a piece of bamboo shoots that she liked to eat with her chopsticks. "The young lady from the family of Vice Minister Yu of the Ministry of War, the one who discussed the golden silk soft armor with him after the last palace banquet, wants to invite him to go to the plum grove outside the city to enjoy the snow tomorrow. He is so nervous, saying that he has to go back and prepare well, and make sure to leave a good impression on her."

Yan Shu couldn't help but laugh: "It seems that Miss Yu's method of 'catering to his preferences' has worked by accident? I think Xuan Gui has taken it to heart this time."

"Let him be." Ling Yuan's tone was calm, but there was no displeasure. "It's a good thing that he can find someone who suits him."

After the meal, the servants cleared away the leftovers and served tea. The room was warm and cozy, and only the two of them remained. Yan Shu leaned back on the cushions, looking at Ling Yuan sitting opposite her, and suddenly whispered, "Your Highness, were you happy today?"

Ling Yuan looked up at her, his eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "It's been many years." He paused, his voice low and clear, "Since my mother passed away, this is the first... birthday that feels like a birthday."

Yan Shu felt a gentle tap on her heart, a wave of tenderness washing over her. She reached out and placed her hand on the back of his hand, which was resting on the table.

Ling Yuan grasped her hand in return, his fingertips warm. "Because of you," he looked at her, his gaze focused, "and...him." His eyes fell on her lower abdomen, "It feels very different."

“Every year will be different,” Yan Shu said, squeezing his hand tightly. “It will get better and better.”

Ling Yuan didn't speak, but simply held her hand tighter.

As night deepened, a light snow began to fall silently outside the window. Inside, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and couples sat together under the lamplight.

Looking at Ling Yuan's serene profile, Yan Shu felt a warm sense of peace fill her heart. The road ahead might still be shrouded in mist, but at least for this moment, they were closely connected. She gently touched her lower abdomen, feeling the quietly growing hope.