The main courtyard of Prince Jing's residence seemed to be enveloped in a layer of warm, sugary frosting. The air was filled with a faint scent of medicine and milk, as well as an indescribable sense of peace brought by new life. Shen Yuewei leaned against a pile of soft pillows, her long hair loosely tied up. Although her face was still a little pale, a gentle radiance had already appeared between her brows. In her arms, she held a small baby wrapped in an apricot-yellow cotton swaddle. The little one had just finished eating, his eyes closed, his little mouth smacking unconsciously, fast asleep.
Xiao Chengjing sat on the embroidered stool by the bed, holding a plain white porcelain bowl. The bowl contained warm red date, longan, and millet porridge. He scooped up a small spoonful, carefully blew on it to cool it down, and then offered it to Shen Yuewei's lips with a gentle, almost reverent gesture.
"I can do it myself," Shen Yuewei said softly, a little embarrassed. Ever since he burst in on the day she gave birth and witnessed the horrific process, Xiao Chengjing seemed to have fallen into an almost obsessive state of protectiveness. Feeding her water, feeding her, wiping her sweat, and even changing her postpartum pads—as long as he was there, he would do it all himself, never delegating to maids or servants.
"Listen to me." Xiao Chengjing's voice was deep, with an undeniable gentleness, the spoon resting steadily on his lips. "Just take care of it. Open your mouth."
Shen Yuewei couldn't resist him, so she obediently opened her mouth. The warm porridge slid down her throat, carrying the sweetness of red dates and the aroma of longan, and the warmth spread to every part of her body. She looked up at his focused profile. There were faint dark circles under his eyes, the marks of not being able to sleep well for days while watching over her, but his deep eyes were filled with an unprecedented tenderness and contentment.
"Your Highness..." she said softly, "you should rest too, let Chunxing and the others come..."
“It’s alright,” Xiao Chengjing interrupted her, scooping up another spoonful. “Looking at you and Kang Kang is more comforting than resting.” The “Kang Kang” he spoke of was the nickname the couple had given their youngest son. His formal name was “Xiao Chengyu” (Yu meaning radiant light), chosen by Xiao Chengjing, while Shen Yuewei insisted on using the “An” from her older sister “An’an” for the nickname, meaning “healthy and safe,” hence “Kang Kang.” Xiao Chengjing initially thought it was too straightforward, but seeing his wife’s expectant eyes and remembering the dangers of childbirth, he nodded in agreement. When An’an found out, she clapped her hands and jumped for joy: “An’an has a little brother Kang Kang! An’an, Kang Kang, may you be safe and sound!”
As they were talking, the curtain was carefully lifted a crack. An'an's little head peeked in, her big, dark eyes first looking at her father, then at her mother, and finally landing on the swaddled baby in her mother's arms. She whispered, "Father, Mother, can An'an bring Yu'er and Jin'er in to see our little brother? We promise to be quiet!"
Behind her, Shen Huaiyu (the girl) and Shen Huaijin (the boy) also craned their little heads, their two identical big eyes filled with curiosity and longing.
Xiao Chengjing put down his bowl and beckoned to his daughter: "Come in, and keep your voice down."
The three little ones immediately seemed to have received a pardon and tiptoed in. An'an walked in front, followed by Yu'er and Jin'er, holding hands.
"Mommy!" An'an rushed to the bedside, tiptoeing to look at her younger brother. "My little brother is sleeping so soundly!" She reached out her finger, wanting to touch her brother's little face, but stopped in mid-air for fear of waking him.
"My little brother is small, so let's call him Kang Kang," Shen Yuewei said softly, gently adjusting the swaddling clothes so that the three little heads could see clearly.
"Kang Kang..." Yu'er repeated softly, her voice gentle and soft.
"Kang Kang!" Jin'er called out a little louder, but An'an immediately covered her mouth: "Shh! Jin'er, keep your voice down! Your little brother is sleeping!"
Jin'er blinked her big eyes, nodded, and mimicked her sister, extending her chubby little finger and pointing it at Kang Kang's little nose in the air, silently mouthing, "Kang Kang..."
Shen Yuewei watched as the three children surrounded the infant, their tender and loving expressions melting her heart. Xiao Chengjing also watched this scene quietly, his cold, hard features appearing exceptionally gentle in the warm sunlight. He reached out and gently pulled An'an, who was closest to him, to his side.
At this moment, Lin Qingwan brought in a bowl of freshly stewed crucian carp soup, followed by Chen Mu carrying a tray. The tray was filled with various delicate snacks and cut fruit.
"Yuewei, drink some soup while it's hot, it helps with lactation." Lin Qingwan smiled and handed the soup bowl to Xiao Chengjing. Mother Shen then called to the three children, "An'an, Yu'er, Jin'er, come over here and have some snacks, don't disturb your brother and mother's rest."
An'an sensibly led her younger siblings to the table. Looking at the warm family of three on the bed, especially the son-in-law's meticulous care, Chen's mother was filled with joy and sighed to Lin Qingwan, "Chengjing is such a good child... Yuewei is so lucky."
Lin Qingwan smiled, pursing her lips, "Of course! If Second Master were half as considerate as the Prince, I'd be laughing in my sleep." Just then, Shen Wenbai's voice came from outside, clearing his throat, "Ahem, Wan'er, you're wronging your husband! When have I ever not cherished you?" He lifted the curtain and came in, holding several rolls of newly acquired Jiangnan silk fabric. "Mother, Wan'er, do you think this fabric would be good for making little clothes for Kang Kang? It's so soft!"
Both Shen's mother and Lin Qingwan were amused by him. Shen Yuewei leaned against Xiao Chengjing's arm, watching her family members busily surrounding her and the baby. She felt that although she couldn't go out during her postpartum period, it was warmer and more reassuring than ever before.
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**The Princess's Residence in the Capital**
The Second Princess, Xiao Mingyu, clutched a letter of good news delivered by express horse from Jiangnan, still smelling of ink. She twirled excitedly in the warm pavilion, her fiery red skirt swirling like a bright flower.
"It's born! Sister Yuewei has given birth! It's a boy, named Kang Kang! Mother and child are both safe!" She excitedly told Xiao Minghua, who was sitting beside her embroidering. "Royal sister! This is a godsend!"
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