Chapter 144 Spring returns to the earth
On the second day of the second lunar month, the dragon raises its head.
The chill of winter was finally dispelled by the warm breeze, and the snow in the Duke's mansion courtyard melted away, revealing the damp soil. Several old trees sprouted tender green buds, and the forsythia in the corner of the wall was the first to bloom with bright yellow flowers, swaying gently in the breeze. The spring sunlight streamed in through the carved window lattices, bringing a warm and gentle feeling.
The entire Duke's mansion was bustling with activity from early morning. Today was the 100-day celebration for the young master Gu Sheng, and the entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Servants were bustling about, preparing to welcome the guests.
Su Wanrou got up early and personally dressed her son in a brand-new red robe with a hundred children's symbol. Gu Sheng was a bit plumper than when he was born, his little arms and legs as white and tender as lotus roots, wrapped in bright red silk, looking like a lucky baby from a New Year's painting. He seemed to know that today was an auspicious day, his black grape-like eyes darting around, babbling in words that adults couldn't understand, and occasionally flashing a toothless smile.
"Our Sheng-ge'er looks so energetic today." Su Wanrou lowered her head and gently rubbed her nose against her son's full forehead, her eyes filled with love.
When Gu Yangui walked in, this was the heartwarming scene he saw. Today, he was not wearing his court robes, but a dark purple brocade robe with cloud patterns, which made him look less dignified and more like a gentle, homely man.
"Is everything ready?" He walked to his wife and child, and naturally reached out to take Gu Sheng from them. The little guy became even more excited in his father's arms, waving his little hands to grab the jade pendant on Gu Yangui's clothes.
“Everything is arranged.” Su Wanrou smiled and straightened her son’s clothes. “The guest list was prepared by Granny Zhou, and the banquet menu has also been reviewed and decided by my husband. There shouldn’t be any omissions.”
Gu Yangui held his heavy son in his arms, his gaze falling on his wife's slightly tired yet radiant face. These past few months, she had been taking care of the child, managing the household chores, and preparing for the baby's 100-day celebration—it had truly been hard work for her. He freed one hand and gently took hers, saying, "Thank you for everything."
Su Wanrou shook her head, her smile gentle: "It's no trouble at all, this is a joyous occasion." Looking at her son, so peaceful and content in his father's arms, her heart was filled with serene joy. The arrival of this child had completely fulfilled her place in the family.
Just after 9 AM, guests began to arrive one after another. The gates of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were bustling with activity, a truly lively scene. Not only did his colleagues from the court and old friends from his family come to offer their congratulations, but even several princes and dukes sent their heirs or trusted nephews to present gifts, showing them great respect.
Gu Yangui greeted the male guests in the front hall, while Su Wanrou received the ladies and young ladies in the inner courtyard's flower hall. Today, she was dressed in the formal attire of a first-rank duke's wife, with a pheasant crown and embroidered robe, looking dignified and noble, yet her demeanor was approachable, and she thoughtfully greeted each guest.
"Congratulations to the Duchess!" Lady Yongchang, Su Wanrou's maternal mother, arrived early with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Looking at her daughter's current demeanor, she felt both proud and moved.
"Mother, please sit down." Su Wanrou personally helped her mother sit down, and then smiled and touched her little niece's face.
"Where's Sheng-ge'er? Bring him here quickly so we can see him!" Several ladies who were on good terms with Su Wanrou urged with smiles.
The wet nurse brought out Gu Sheng, who was dressed in new clothes. The little guy wasn't shy at all. He opened his big, dark eyes and curiously looked around at the room full of jewels and greenery. Instead of crying, he grinned and showed his pink gums. He looked very cute.
"Oh my, look at this chubby little face, he's such a lucky baby!"
"Those eyebrows and eyes are exactly like those of the Duke!"
"Look at that spirit, he's bound to be a great general in the future!"
The ladies gathered around, showering her with compliments and presenting her with longevity locks, gold bracelets, and other gifts they had prepared beforehand. Su Wanrou smiled and thanked them all on behalf of her son, her heart filled with the pride of being a mother.
The front hall was even more lively. Although Gu Yangui remained taciturn, the gentleness in his eyes was evident. His colleagues raised their glasses in congratulations, their words tinged with envy. Gu Mingxuan, like a young master, wore his brand-new prince's robes and followed his father, politely greeting his uncles and elders with impeccable manners, drawing praise from everyone.
"Brother Yan Gui, congratulations! Young Master, you have a full forehead and a square jaw; you are clearly a man of great talent!" Minister Liu of the Ministry of War said with a smile and cupped his hands in greeting.
"You flatter me, Lord Liu. My son is unruly; I only wish for him to grow up safely." Gu Yangui raised his cup in return.
"Young Master Mingxuan is becoming more and more dignified, quite like the Duke in his prime," another old general said with a smile, stroking his beard.
Gu Mingxuan blushed slightly upon hearing the praise, but still stood ramrod straight, trying his best to appear composed. Gu Yangui glanced at his son, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
At lunch, guests were seated separately by gender. The feast was extremely lavish, featuring delicacies from land and sea, all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The chefs showcased their skills, and each dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, drawing rave reviews from the guests.
The most eye-catching item was the enormous "Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons" steamed bun in the center of the banquet. One hundred chubby babies, each uniquely shaped and lifelike, were made from the finest flour. Some sat, some lay, some played, some read, all surrounding the largest baby in the center, representing Gu Sheng, symbolizing many children and a prosperous family. This was specially commissioned by Su Wanrou from the most famous pastry chef in the capital, and it took considerable effort to create.
When the banquet is in full swing, according to custom, the "first birthday celebration" ceremony is held.
In the center of the flower hall, a large red felt carpet was laid out, covered with all sorts of objects: official seals, writing brushes, abacuses, books on military strategy, small bows and arrows, gold and silver ingots, jade pendants, sashes, and even a small wooden hoe... a wide variety of items, symbolizing the future prospects of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
The wet nurse carried the newly dressed Gu Sheng to the edge of the felt rug and laid him down. The little guy sat on the soft red carpet, curiously looking at the dazzling array of novelties before him, without immediately taking a move. All the guests in the hall held their breath, watching the little protagonist of the day with smiles.
Gu Sheng blinked his big eyes, his gaze sweeping over the various objects, before finally crawling towards the square-shaped copy of "The Art of War" on all fours. Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, he stretched out his chubby little hand, grabbed the book, hugged it tightly to his chest, and happily let out two "ah ah" sounds.
"Bravo!" Someone shouted first, and the hall erupted in applause and congratulations.
"He's got the military treatise! He'll definitely be a brilliant general, skilled in both literature and military affairs!"
"Like father, like son! Congratulations, Your Excellency!"
"The Gu family has a worthy successor! What a joyous occasion!"
Gu Yangui stood at the front of the crowd, watching his youngest son babbling while clutching the military treatise. A distinct smile curved his usually cold lips. Su Wanrou stood beside him, her eyes glistening with tears of joy, a weight lifted from her heart. Although the first birthday celebration was just for good luck, a positive outcome was ultimately something to be happy about.
Mingxuan squeezed next to his younger brother and whispered encouragement, "Shengdi is great!"
The baby's first birthday celebration concluded, and the banquet atmosphere grew even more lively. Guests toasted and chatted amiably. Su Wanrou, holding her son, exchanged pleasantries with the ladies, her poise earning her much praise. Many ladies who had initially harbored doubts about her youthful ability to manage a household now completely changed their minds, genuinely acknowledging this young yet composed and capable Duchess.
The banquet lasted until late afternoon before the guests began to depart. After the last guest left, the vast Duke's mansion gradually quieted down. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the courtyard in a warm golden light, and the servants began to methodically tidy up the remaining space.
Su Wanrou removed her heavy ceremonial crown and robes, changing into a light, casual dress. She felt exhausted, yet completely content. She walked to the rocking chair and looked at her son, who was fast asleep after eating and drinking his fill. The little guy's rosy cheeks still held a smile, as if he were having a sweet dream.
A warm robe was gently draped over her shoulders. Gu Yangui entered at some point, embraced her from behind, and together they looked at the baby in the cradle.
"Are you tired?" His voice carried a hint of barely perceptible pity.
Su Wanrou leaned against him, shaking her head. "I'm not tired, I'm happy." She paused, then said softly, "Thank you, my husband."
"Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for giving me a home and such lovely children." Su Wanrou turned around, looked up at him, her eyes filled with undisguised love and happiness.
Gu Yangui gazed at her beautiful face under the lamplight, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He should thank her; thank her for being like a spring breeze, dispelling the chill in his life, bringing this garden of spring colors, bringing this warmth to the world. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead, a thousand words unspoken.
Outside the window, the spring evening breeze rustled through the newly sprouted green branches, bringing the fresh scent of earth and flowers. In this season of renewal, the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion also welcomed new life and hope. The joyous and successful completion of the 100-day celebration, like the warm spring sun, foreshadowed a long and peaceful future for this family.
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