The Crown Prince's letter and the Empress's gifts arrived at the small courtyard in Jiangnan almost simultaneously. The Crown Prince's letter was brief yet passionate, filled with remorse for not being able to visit in person, ecstatic joy at their return, and deep longing and solemn promises to the mother and daughter: "My beloved Wei'er, my heart aches for you and my daughter who have suffered. My constraints in the capital are temporarily lifted, and I will soon rush to your side. The Empress's generous gifts are all from the heart; I hope you will accept them. My daughter, take care and await your father's return." Enclosed with the letter was a warm, hand-carved mutton-fat jade pendant, clearly a gift for his newborn daughter.
The Empress's gifts were lavish, demonstrating her noble status as the Empress and her high regard for the "Imperial Granddaughter": top-grade bird's nest, donkey-hide gelatin, and ginseng, exclusively for the royal family; dozens of bolts of the softest brocade, Hangzhou silk, and fine cotton, their elegant colors perfect for making clothes and bedding for the infant; a set of longevity locks, bracelets, and anklets inlaid with rubies in pure gold, exquisitely crafted and auspiciously symbolizing good fortune; and jade pomegranate ornaments symbolizing "many children and many blessings" and a sandalwood carving of a ruyi scepter symbolizing "peace and health." Each item was priceless, representing recognition from one of the highest centers of power in the empire.
Shen Yuewei leaned against the headboard, looking at the piles of gifts in the outer room, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She stroked the jade pendant left by the Crown Prince, feeling its warmth, and then looked at the magnificent items sent by the Empress. She understood that this was not only material abundance, but also a kind of "rectification" of her status. She gently picked up her daughter, who was full and looking around curiously with her big, bright eyes, and whispered, "Baby, look, these are gifts from your Empress Dowager and Father. We... have been recognized." Shen Yuewei smiled bitterly, wondering why she didn't quite want this recognition.
The arrival of the baby completely ignited the vitality of the courtyard, but also brought a "sweet trouble"—everyone was vying to hold this little "darling".
Every day after court (he also held a sinecure in Jiangnan), the first thing Shen's father would do upon returning home was to wash his hands and change his clothes. Then, rubbing his hands together, he would eagerly approach the cradle and ask, "My dear granddaughter, let your grandfather hold you?" His movements were clumsy but extremely careful. When he held the soft, cuddly baby, his usually serious face would break into a wide smile, even his mustache would twitch. He would also make strange "oh oh ah ah" sounds, which would amuse the little one, who would occasionally grin with her toothless mouth.
Mother Shen would always scold, "You old man, your hands are so heavy, don't scare the child!" Then she couldn't help but come closer, "Come on, sweet baby, let Grandma hold you, Grandma will sing you a little lullaby." She hummed a soft lullaby from Jiangnan, her eyes so tender they could melt your heart.
Shen Wensong became a "professional cradle rocker," even proclaiming himself "chief guard." He didn't dare hold her, so he squatted beside the cradle, clumsily shaking it with a rattle-drum, or vividly telling his little niece stories of the academy, regardless of whether she understood. "Little niece, when you grow up, your uncle will teach you horseback riding and archery! Anyone who dares to bully you, your uncle will beat them to a pulp!"
Although Shen Wenbai was also envious, he mostly watched his family fight over her with a smile, silently shouldering the responsibilities of protecting and supporting her. Only when the night was quiet, or when the little one was taken out to bask in the sun, would he go over and touch her tiny hands and feet with his rough yet incredibly gentle fingers, his eyes revealing the deepest tenderness in this tough man. He gave his niece a nickname: "Let's call her 'An'an.' I don't ask for great wealth or high status, I only wish her a peaceful and smooth life." The name was unanimously approved by the whole family.
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