Chapter 313: The third birthday celebration, with friends and family flocking to the house
The morning light from the east courtyard of Prince Rong's mansion, slightly warm, filtered through the mica-papered window lattices, casting tiny specks of light on the curtains of the rosewood step-out bed. Little Swallow half-leaned on a soft pillow, wearing a moon-white nightgown embroidered with magnolias, the collar loosely tied, revealing a slender neck. She tilted her head, gazing at the two tiny figures swaddled in swaddling clothes, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
The little brother Mianrui on the left slept soundly, his cheeks rosy and his breathing even, like a docile kitten. The little princess Mianxin on the right, on the other hand, was restless, smacking her lips, her hands still scratching around in her swaddling clothes, and occasionally letting out a soft babbling sound.
"Look at this girl, she's just like you, never quiet when she's awake." Yongqi sat by the bed, a soft handkerchief in his hand, carefully wiping the milk stains from the corners of Mianxin's mouth. He wore a dark blue uniform, his hair tied up with a jade crown. Although there was a faint shadow of blue in his eyes, it couldn't hide the joy and tenderness of being a new father.
Xiaoyanzi chuckled softly and reached out to touch Mianxin's hand. Her tiny fist immediately gripped her fingertips, surprisingly strong. "Why not just follow me? It's better than that taciturn Mianrui." She raised an eyebrow and looked at Yongqi, a sly glint in her eyes. "In the future, I'll teach her Qinggong skills so she can scale rooftops and walls like me."
"You." Yongqi shook his head helplessly and reached out to scratch the tip of her nose. "You're already thinking about these things after giving birth. Be careful that Doctor Li comes and starts nagging you again."
As he was speaking, Xiao Dengzi's voice came from outside the door: "Prince, Princess, Princess Ziwei and Uncle Fu are here."
"Please come in." Xiaoyanzi sat up straighter, and Yongqi quickly tucked the corner of the quilt for her.
Ziwei was wearing a lake blue cheongsam with a moon-white waistcoat over it, carrying a brocade box in her hand, and followed by Erkang, who was dressed in a dark blue official uniform. As she entered the inner room, her eyes were drawn to the two swaddling clothes on the bed, and she walked very lightly, fearing to disturb the children.
"Xiaoyanzi, you look much better." Ziwei walked to the bedside, her face full of genuine joy. "This is Mianrui and Mianxin, right? They look so pretty."
Erkang stood aside and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, and Congratulations, Princess."
"What are you congratulating me for? Come and see the baby." Xiaoyanzi smiled and waved, signaling Yongqi with her eyes to lift the swaddling clothes.
Yongqi carefully lifted a corner, revealing Mianrui's peaceful little face. Ziwei leaned in closer and whispered, "Mianrui's eyebrows and eyes resemble yours, so well-proportioned." She then glanced at Mianxin on the other side and couldn't help but smile, "Mianxin looks just like a little swallow."
Mian Xin seemed to understand and suddenly opened her eyes. Her black eyeballs rolled around and she grinned at Ziwei.
"Oh my, this little princess can recognize people." Ziwei clapped her hands in surprise and took out two small longevity locks from the brocade box. "This is what Erkang and I prepared for the child. It's not worth much, but it's a token of our love."
The longevity lock was made of pure gold, with the words "Longevity" engraved on it and decorated with some tiny pearls. It was obvious that it was carefully prepared.
"You are just being polite." Xiaoyanzi scolded, but let Yongqi take it.
As they were talking, Xiao Jian and Qing'er arrived. Qing'er was wearing a lilac cheongsam, her belly already noticeably bulging, and Xiao Jian carefully supported her. She was holding a small basket filled with hand-sewn baby clothes, the stitching meticulously detailed, a testament to the care and attention she had put into them.
"Sister, how are you feeling?" Qing'er walked to the bedside, her eyes falling tenderly on the child. "They're so adorable! No wonder the Emperor and Empress were still talking about these twins after they returned home yesterday."
Xiao Jian stood behind Xiao Jian, looking at the two little nephews on the bed, and a smile appeared on his usually calm face: "Looking at the appearance, they will definitely be blessed in the future." He paused and looked at Xiao Yanzi, "Mom asked me to bring you some nourishing soup. Let the kitchen warm it up. Remember to drink it later."
"I understand, brother. Mom still loves me." Xiaoyanzi nodded with a smile.
Xiao Zhuozi and Xiao Chongzi came in with tea. Seeing the room full of people, they greeted them with a smile: "Princess Ziwei, Master Fu, Master Xiao, and Princess Qing, please take a seat."
Little Mosquito came to the bedside, peered at the children, and exclaimed in amazement: "Wow, this little prince and princess are so handsome! Princess, you are so amazing, giving birth to two at once!"
"You're just sweet-talking." Xiaoyanzi was amused by him. "I'll ask the kitchen to leave you two extra pieces of osmanthus cake later."
"Thank you, Princess!" Little Mosquito responded happily and stepped aside.
Yongqi looked at the lively scene in front of him, and his heart was warm. He walked to Xiaoyanzi, gently held her hand, and whispered in her ear: "Look, how wonderful it is."
Little Swallow looked up at him, his eyes reflecting the morning light, bright as crushed stars. She nodded vigorously. Yes, it was wonderful. In this life, with him by my side, surrounded by my family, and these two lovely children, all the hard work was worth it.
The crabapple tree outside the window swayed gently in the breeze, and the crisp chirping of birds echoed through the branches and leaves, as if accompanying the joy in the room. The sunlight grew warmer, filtering through the window lattice, gilding the warmth of the room with a golden halo.
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