Time flies, and the winter of the 46th year of Kangxi's reign quickly passed, bringing with it the 47th year of Kangxi's reign.
All three children can now walk steadily on their own for a few steps.
This day was Hongchang and Tongxuan's first birthday. Before Shenshi (3-5 PM), people from all the mansions arrived. Maids and servants busily greeted everyone, and the servants ran themselves ragged.
Thirteenth hasn't returned yet, and it's unclear whether something in the palace has delayed him. Heyue couldn't worry about him anymore and just told someone to wait at the front, and to report as soon as Thirteenth returned.
The most exciting part of a child's first birthday is the "grasping ceremony" (a traditional Chinese custom where a baby chooses objects to predict their future). When the time came, Heyue brought Hongchang out from behind, while the nanny carried Tongxuan behind her.
The flower hall was abuzz with discussion, everyone talking about the two children and praising their beauty.
Yan Yue, who was five months pregnant, also came over and immediately went up to look at her nephew and niece, making a gesture as if she wanted to hold them.
Heyue moved the baby to the other side and glared at her: "You're pregnant, be careful not to tire yourself out."
Yan Yue clicked her tongue regretfully: "Just for a little while."
"No!" Heyue firmly refused, ignoring her sixth sister's pitiful expression.
The Third Princess covered her mouth and smiled: "This in-law is more like a child than Hongchang."
The wives all laughed.
With a smile, Heyue placed the child on the table, which was filled with all sorts of things, including an abacus, books, writing brushes, ink, paper, rouge, jewelry, and more—a dazzling array.
"Uh... Mother!" Hongchang had just been placed on the table when he reached out to hug Yue.
Heyue moved closer to him and reminded him, "Take whichever one you like."
Following He Yue's suggestion, Hong Chang looked over and his eyes widened instantly.
Just as everyone was looking forward to it, a maid came in and said that Thirteen had returned with several brothers.
No sooner had he finished speaking than someone walked in. It wasn't just Thirteen and his brothers; the person in the lead caused everyone in the flower hall to change their expressions and prepare to bow.
Emperor Kangxi laughed and waved his hand, "No need for formalities. I have come out of the palace in disguise to see Hongchang's first birthday celebration."
The wives exclaimed that this thirteenth prince was truly favored, even to the point that the emperor himself had to come to visit.
Kangxi was immediately drawn to Hongchang. The child was curiously watching the suddenly appearing group of people, showing no shyness and looking puzzled. But he recognized his father at a glance, grinned happily, and stood up to rush towards the thirteenth prince.
Thirteen was so frightened that he rushed forward to support him.
Manchus believe in holding grandchildren, not sons. So, Thirteen didn't hold him; he was just helped up.
Emperor Kangxi exclaimed, "This child is quite handsome and looks very spirited."
Thirteen smiled and reminded Hongchang, "Hongchang, come here and call the Emperor Grandfather."
Hongchang blinked at Kangxi and called out, "Your Majesty...Grandpa!"
Emperor Kangxi was delighted and repeatedly said "good" to the emperor.
The baby's first birthday celebration began, and Heyue took Hongchang away to start the selection process again.
Hongchang looked at the dazzling array of things on the table with great curiosity. He crawled around here and there, picking up and examining each item. Everyone's hearts were pounding with excitement, while some people were secretly gloating.
Thirteen was very worried, fearing that Hongchang might choose something inappropriate and anger Kangxi.
Heyue only focused on her son, and she was happy with whatever he chose. She even gave Hongchang a fist pump to cheer him on.
Hongchang got even more excited, but in the end he picked up each one, glanced at them, and didn't choose any. Finally, he ran into Heyue's arms and giggled.
Overjoyed, Thirteen breathed a sigh of relief, and Kangxi also laughed: "It seems that Hongchang looks down on everyone."
Some people sighed in disappointment.
Prince Zhi suddenly spoke up: "Why wasn't he chosen? Hongchang chose his mother!"
Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent, and Kangxi's expression turned rather unpleasant.
Heyue was a woman confined to the inner quarters. Hongchang embraced Heyue, so he was naturally a womanizer or someone content with staying at home. How could he please her?
Thirteen's expression changed, filled with worry.
The crown prince smiled faintly and remained silent, seemingly also enjoying the show, while his other brothers also had their own thoughts.
Hongchang, however, seemed oblivious to everything, laughing heartlessly to himself.
He Yue suddenly laughed and reached out to pat Hong Chang's head, seemingly not minding at all.
Hongchang's eyes lit up, and he immediately reached out and grabbed a small seal hanging from Heyue's waist, letting out a giggle.
Kangxi's expression changed from gloomy to sunny, the Thirteenth Prince suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, the Prince Zhi's face stiffened, and the Crown Prince still smiled faintly.
Some of the other brothers were disappointed, while others were simply there for the fun of it. One of them smiled and praised, "It seems Hongchang wants to become a scholar."
While this result may have disappointed some, it is nothing to be surprised or envious of. The Manchus were martial, and a scholar was not worth mentioning.
Kangxi was very pleased. He picked up Hongchang, took a jade pendant from his waist and hung it on Hongchang's waist, and patted his head: "This child is very good."
Thirteen was already very happy with this one sentence, and when Emperor Kangxi personally bestowed a jade pendant upon him, he was even more delighted.
Tongxuan became much more well-behaved after that. She grabbed a pen from the nearest one, happily waved it at Heyue, and her little face lit up with joy.
Prince Yong laughed as he looked at it.
The crown prince exclaimed in surprise, "So the fourth prince can laugh too!"
Everyone looked over and saw that the smile was indeed directed at Tongxuan, although it quickly disappeared and he returned to his indifferent expression, it was still seen by everyone.
After seeing off Emperor Kangxi and the princes, the wives also left with their husbands. The other guests took their leave one by one, and Heyue and Shisan then took their children back to the main house.
Thirteen sighed, "What a close call! Luckily, Hongchang ultimately chose your seal."
Although he would love Hongchang no matter what, he still didn't want his father to have any complaints about Hongchang.
Heyue pinched Hongchang and Tongxuan's little faces and smiled, "I was prepared a long time ago. I wore this seal on purpose."
Thirteen asked in surprise, "How could you know that Hongchang would definitely...?"
Heyue sat on the couch by the window, picked up a cup of tea, and said with a smug look on her face: "It's very simple. I gave this seal to Hongchang a long time ago. He holds it in his hand and plays with it every day. He is very fond of it, so he naturally chose it as soon as he saw it."
Thirteen looked on with an "I see" expression, his eyes and brows filled with smiles. He hugged Heyue and kissed her on the cheek: "The Fujin is so clever."
"Although I don't care whether Hongchang is favored by the Emperor, I don't want him to be criticized. I chose the seal because I hope he will be safe and sound, without being criticized or resented." Heyue's tone was calm, but it revealed her love for her son.
Thirteen was taken aback upon hearing this, and feeling empathy, he comforted her: "Don't worry, I will give you and the child a stable life and will not let them suffer any harm."
“You said it yourself.” He Yue raised an eyebrow and glanced at him sideways.
Meeting her aggressive gaze, Thirteen chuckled and pinched her nose: "What do you think I'm thinking? You've said it so many times, I naturally understand what you're thinking, why are you so worried about me?"
He Yue pursed her lips. It's no wonder she was worried; anyone in that position would have some concerns.
She simply refused to believe he hadn't done it.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
