Early spring of the fifth year of Zhaoming
As the chill of early spring gradually fades, early plum blossoms are beginning to bloom in the Imperial Garden, their red buds adorning the branches and releasing a subtle fragrance. The snow in the garden has melted away, revealing meticulously pruned evergreen shrubs and cobblestone paths. Sunlight filters through the newly sprouted buds, bringing a warm and gentle glow.
Xi Lingyuan wore a pale yellow palace dress, over which she wore a matching brocade cloak. Her black hair was loosely tied up, adorned only with a simple white jade hairpin. She had shed her courtly majesty and revealed a long-lost charm. She held her eldest child in her arms, the little one wrapped in an exquisite bright yellow swaddling cloth, still quiet, his big eyes wide with curiosity as he watched the swaying flowers and flying birds overhead, his little hand occasionally touching his mother's loose hair.
Kang Kang walked beside him, carrying his younger brother. The little one was much more lively than his brother, wearing the same exquisite little jacket, wriggling in his father's arms, babbling and pointing at the birds in the trees, his little feet kicking excitedly. Kang Kang, dressed in a light blue casual outfit, stood tall and graceful, carefully protecting the restless little one in his arms, a relaxed and happy smile on his face.
"What do you think of the canal dredging plan that the Ministry of Works submitted in court today?" Kang Kang asked casually, patting his second son's back gently, as if discussing everyday matters. This had become their habit after the mother's confinement period; after court, while taking a walk with the baby, they would chat about less urgent court affairs.
“It’s generally feasible,” Xi Lingyuan nodded slightly, her fingertips gently stroking the top of her eldest son’s soft hair. “It’s just that the budget needs to be checked again. Minister Li always likes to leave some room for maneuver in the numbers he reports. Brother Kang Kang, you are proficient in mathematics, could you help me… help me calculate it again later?” She habitually wanted to use “I”, but when she met Kang Kang’s smiling eyes, she naturally changed her address.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kang Kang replied with a smile, his tone teasing and affectionate. "It is my honor to share Your Majesty's burdens." He lowered his head and said to his second son, who was babbling in his arms, "Little Tiger, did you hear that? Your mother has assigned your father some work again."
The second child didn't understand and thought his father was teasing him. He grinned with his toothless little mouth and giggled, waving his little hands. He grabbed a strand of Kang Kang's hair that was not tied up properly and pulled it hard.
"Hiss..." Kang Kang was caught off guard and gasped as he was pulled.
"Pfft—" Xi Lingyuan couldn't help but laugh out loud when she saw this, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "It seems that the little tiger also thinks your father should be 'punished'. Brother Kang Kang, your son stood up for your mother."
Kang Kang was both amused and exasperated. He carefully pried open his son's little hands, freeing his hair, and helplessly rubbed his aching scalp. "This little guy, his grip is getting stronger and stronger." He looked down and pressed his forehead against his son's little head. "Just like your mother, he loves to bully me."
"Who bullied you?" Xi Lingyuan raised an eyebrow, took a step closer while holding her eldest son, her eyes full of smiles. "It's clearly your son who feels sorry for me working so hard. Isn't that right, eldest son?" She asked her eldest son in her arms.
The eldest child seemed to understand, and grinned, revealing a toothless smile. He gently patted his mother's clothes with his little hand, as if in agreement.
Looking at his wife's charming smile and then at his two adorable sons in his arms, Kang Kang felt that the vitality of early spring in the garden could not compare to the warmth and touching scene before him. He lifted the younger son up a bit so that he could see further, and said softly, "A Yuan, look, how beautifully that red plum tree is blooming."
The sun shone brightly, bathing the family of four in warmth. The two little ones babbled, adding a beautiful melody to the solemn royal garden. Xi Lingyuan nestled beside Kang Kang, gazing at the two children, then at the gentle profile of the person beside her, her heart overflowing with an unprecedented peace and contentment. Having survived that life-or-death ordeal, this simple, warm, and everyday life was a treasure she could never have obtained, even if she possessed the entire world.
"Yes, it's very good." She replied softly, her voice filled with laughter and warmth, like the gentle breeze of early spring, brushing against the plum blossoms blooming on the branches, and also brushing against the tender heart of the person beside her.
The reins of power remained firmly in her hands, but at this moment, she was simply A-Yuan, the mother of his child, the beloved of his heart, enjoying the most ordinary happiness in this spring sunshine.
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