Chapter 90 (Extra): The Children
The back garden of Zichen Palace, after being carefully tended by Su Jingyu, is not only elegant but also has many corners full of childlike fun.
At this time, the sky was high and the clouds were light, the osmanthus blossoms were fragrant, and the garden was bustling with activity.
The Emperor and Empress now have five princes and princesses: the eldest prince and crown prince, Xiao Chengyu, is over five years old, intelligent and kind, and has already entered the Imperial Study; the second prince, Xiao Chengye, and the eldest princess, Xiao Anning, are twins, both over four years old, Chengye is quiet and Anning is lively; last year, the Empress gave birth to twin princes, who are now over one year old, just at the age of toddling and babbling.
The twin princes were exceptionally handsome and adorable, identical in appearance, differing only slightly in the placement of a tiny vermilion birthmark between their eyebrows. The Emperor and Empress put considerable thought into naming their two much-anticipated sons.
The elder brother's name, Xiao Chengxi, means "the light of dawn, warm and gentle, bringing hope"; the younger brother's name, Xiao Chengyao, means "the light of the sun, bright and dazzling, bringing glory to the family". Together they form "Xiyao", symbolizing that the two brothers are like the morning and daytime sun, relying on each other and illuminating the future together.
To bring more fun to the children, Su Jingyu drew many designs for novel toys in her spare time—including small wooden palace models that could be disassembled and reassembled, koi fish puppets with ingenious mechanisms that could be wound up and bounce, colorful wooden ducks with small wheels that could be pulled by a rope, and brightly colored soft cloth building blocks that were easy for toddlers to grasp…
She carefully handed the design over to the Craftsmen's Workshop under the Imperial Household Department for production, requesting that it be polished smooth to ensure safety.
When the craftsmen saw these exquisite designs they had never seen before, they were all amazed by the empress's ingenuity and put extra care into their creations.
At this moment, many of these newly made toys were placed on the lawn in the back garden. Xiao Chengxi and Xiao Chengyao, wearing the same little dragon-patterned jackets, were sitting on a thick plush carpet, curiously playing with the brightly colored soft cloth blocks. Every now and then, they would grab a piece and put it in their mouths, only to be gently stopped by their quick-witted wet nurse, which made them giggle.
Cheng Ye sat quietly to one side, intently trying to place the roof of the wooden palace model. An Ning, on the other hand, was like a happy little butterfly, chasing after a wound-up koi fish puppet that was bouncing forward with a "clattering" sound, running all over the lawn, her laughter as clear as silver bells.
Meanwhile, Su Jingyu was flying a kite with Crown Prince Chengyu, who was already showing the demeanor of an elder brother, in an open space a little further away.
The wind was favorable today, and the large paper kite she had specially made for the children, painted with cartoon dragon and tiger patterns, quickly took off with the wind and soared high into the azure sky as Cheng Yu ran excitedly and she pulled it up at the right moment.
"Mother! Look! It's flying so high!" Xiao Chengyu's face flushed with excitement as he held tightly to the kite string, glancing back at his mother from time to time.
"Yu'er is amazing! Hold on tight, let out the line slowly..." Su Jingyu smiled as she followed beside her son, her cheeks flushed with a healthy rosy glow from the exercise, her eyes sparkling, making her beautiful and charming.
After playing with the children for nearly an hour, even the lively An Ning was a little tired and was carried away by the palace servants to drink water and rest. Su Jingyu also felt tired, and seeing that the children were being looked after, she walked to the swing surrounded by blooming flowers in the garden.
This swing was specially commissioned by Xiao Jingzhan to be made for her; the seat is wide and comfortable, covered with thick, soft cushions.
She sat down gently and smiled at Yun Shu behind her: "Yun Shu, I'll rest for a while and take good care of the children."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Yun Shu understood and took a soft, moon-white blanket with cloud patterns, gently covering Su Jingyu's lap.
The swing swayed gently, a breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers caressed her face, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting warm dappled patterns. A wave of drowsiness washed over her, and Su Jingyu leaned back against the soft chair, closed her eyes, her long eyelashes casting tranquil shadows beneath them, a lingering smile on her lips, before she quickly drifted into a peaceful dream.
Yun Shu and Jin Shu quietly stepped back a few steps and stood guard nearby, neither too far nor too close, just enough not to disturb the Empress's rest, but also to keep an eye on the young masters playing nearby.
About half an hour later, Xiao Jingzhan, having finished dealing with state affairs, arrived at the back garden.
As soon as I stepped into the park, I heard the faint sounds of children laughing and playing. My gaze swept across the area and settled on the swing.
His Yu'er had fallen asleep on the swing. Her head was turned to the side, her dark hair spread like clouds over her shoulders and the soft cushions, a few strands of hair were gently blown by the breeze, brushing against her fair and delicate face.
Her long eyelashes drooped peacefully, and the corners of her lips naturally turned up, as if she were dreaming of something pleasant.
Covered with a pale white blanket, she appeared even more slender and her sleeping face pure, like a fairy from the flowers who had wandered into the mortal world, resting peacefully in his territory.
He slowed his pace, signaling Yun Shu and the others who were about to bow to be quiet.
He walked to the swing, bent down, carefully slipped one hand under her knees and the other hand firmly supported her back, and with a little force, lifted her up horizontally.
His movements were extremely steady. Su Jingyu simply snuggled closer to him unconsciously, finding a more comfortable position, and continued to sleep soundly.
A gentle smile spread across Xiao Jingzhan's eyes. He sat on the swing while still holding her, then adjusted his position so that she sat sideways on his lap, still firmly encircled in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder.
The swing, bearing the weight of two people, sank slightly, and then swayed slowly and very gently under his rhythmic light kicks.
He had one arm around her waist and the other gently stroking her loose hair, while his gaze tenderly followed the children playing not far away.
Just then, Chengye and Anning noticed their father's arrival. Chengye put down the model he was holding, while Anning carefully held the little butterfly that was temporarily resting in her palm. The two children held hands, their little legs shimmering, and ran towards the swing with bright eyes.
“Father…” An Ning was about to call out when her voice caught in her throat. She saw her father make a “shh” gesture to them, point to her mother who was sleeping soundly in his arms, shake his head, and give a gentle signal in his phoenix eyes.
The two children understood instantly. Cheng Ye immediately pursed his lips, tightened his little face, and nodded vigorously.
Anning quickly covered her mouth with her other little hand, only revealing her big, dark eyes. She looked at her father and then at her mother, her eyes filled with curiosity and understanding.
Xiao Jingzhan gave the children an appreciative smile and waved gently at them.
Chengye and Anning immediately slowed their pace, like two cautious kittens, tiptoeing to the swing. Chengye looked up, quietly watching his parents.
Anning tiptoed, first glancing at her mother's peaceful sleeping face, then turned to her father, leaned in, and gave him a quick, light kiss on his well-defined cheek, leaving a wet drool mark. After the kiss, she imitated her father, putting her little finger to her lips and shushing him again.
Xiao Jingzhan's eyes were practically overflowing with laughter. He lowered his head slightly and kissed his daughter's smooth forehead in return, then nodded to his son.
The two children were satisfied with their father's response.
Anning carefully let go of the butterfly, letting it flutter away. Then she took her brother's hand, waved silently at their father, and tiptoed away to continue their game.
Xiao Jingzhan held the girl in his arms and kissed her again and again. Afraid that she would catch a cold or become uncomfortable sleeping on the swing for too long, he carefully picked her up and stood up.
He carried her steadily through the garden towards the imperial bedchamber. The palace servants and eunuchs who saw His Majesty carrying the sleeping Empress returned all held their breath, bowed their heads, and respectfully made way for him, their eyes filled with admiration and emotion.
Back in the palace, Xiao Jingzhan gently placed her on the dragon bed covered with soft brocade, removed her shoes and socks, and covered her with a brocade quilt. She seemed to sense the change in her surroundings, her brows furrowing slightly, and she unconsciously murmured, "A-Zhan..."
"Yes, I'm here. Go to sleep." Xiao Jingzhan sat by the bed, holding her soft little hand and soothingly whispering.
Hearing his familiar voice, Su Jingyu's brows relaxed, and she drifted back to sleep.
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