Chapter 95 Xunyang's Birthday
Before they knew it, it was Ye Xunyang's birthday, July 28th.
Before dawn, Ye Xunyang woke up with a subtle sense of anticipation.
The seat beside him was empty; Lou Jin had gotten up at some point.
He had just sat up when he heard a faint noise coming from outside the door.
"Has Princess Consort woken up?" Lou Yue asked in a low voice, her excitement barely concealed.
"Keep your voice down, Third Brother said he's going to give Princess Consort a surprise!"
Ye Xunyang couldn't help but chuckle, a warm feeling spreading through his heart. He called out, "You're awake? Come in."
The door was gently pushed open, and the three little ones filed in, each with a smile on their face.
Lou Yue held a bouquet of flowers still covered in morning dew, Lou Ting held a small wooden sword she had made herself, and Lou Wu held a scroll of poems she had copied herself.
"Happy birthday, Princess!" the three children said in unison, handing over their gifts.
"Thank you, Your Highnesses." Ye Xunyang accepted the gifts, deeply moved.
After washing up, Ye Xunyang discovered that what had been delivered today was a scarlet brocade robe he had never seen before. The fabric was luxurious, the embroidery exquisite, and the cuffs and hem were embroidered with fine cloud patterns in silver thread, which made him look even more handsome and dashing, with a touch of vibrant beauty.
"This is..." Ye Xunyang stroked the smooth fabric, somewhat surprised.
The maid replied with a smile, "Your Highness, this was sent by the Prince early this morning, saying it's for you to wear today."
Ye Xunyang's heart stirred, and the corners of his lips unconsciously turned up.
After breakfast, the front yard gradually became lively.
Although Lou Jin said he would do as he said, Ye Xunyang only invited Prince Lou Yan and Yu Beichen, as well as his parents.
Although General Ye's expression was serious, his eyes were much gentler, and he carried a dagger he had used in his youth, which was of great significance.
"My dagger has been used to cut a leopard's throat, don't waste it."
Mrs. Ye held her son's hand and kept talking.
"Don't listen to your father's nonsense. He was captured and given to him by someone else. He doesn't have that much ability. Oh, my precious son, you're almost nineteen. You'd better listen to the prince from now on."
Lou Yan and Yu Beichen came together.
Lou Yan remained taciturn, but the congratulatory gift he presented was extremely valuable and practical: a set of finely crafted black iron light armor.
Yu Beichen then presented several bottles of pills and ointment, saying gently, "These bottles are for tonifying the kidneys and replenishing qi, and this ointment is very effective in treating redness and swelling from friction."
Ye Xunyang blushed instantly. "Mr. Yu, why are you teasing me now?" He looked at Yu Beichen, feigning anger.
Yu Beichen said, "Don't look at me like that. This is the match your prince asked me to make."
Lou Jin seized the opportunity to retort, "Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Yu. I hope you can use these things soon."
As she spoke, she glanced at Lou Yan, then at Yu Beichen.
One of them immediately pretended to cough, while the other turned around and went to find the outhouse.
The luncheon was held in a waterside pavilion, featuring exquisite dishes and a harmonious atmosphere.
The three children chattered away nearby, adding a lively touch to the scene.
Lou Jin sat in the main seat, watching Ye Xunyang talk with his family and friends most of the time, occasionally whispering a few words to Lou Yan, but his gaze remained tenderly fixed on Ye Xunyang.
Halfway through the banquet, Lou Jin clapped his hands lightly.
Then Wushan and Shanlan carried in an object covered with a red cloth; its shape resembled a bow.
"Xunyang," Lou Jin gestured for him to uncover the red cloth, "and see if you like it."
Curious, Ye Xunyang stepped forward and reached out to lift the red cloth.
A streamlined dark light came into view.
It was a longbow that was entirely black, the bow made of some kind of wood, with a layer of luster flowing through it, and the bowstring was made of silvery sinew.
The bow has a simple and grand design, without any superfluous decorations, yet it exudes a cold and powerful aura.
"This is..." Ye Xunyang's eyes flashed with amazement. He subconsciously reached out and grasped the bow. A wonderful sense of fit came from his palm, as if this bow was born to belong to him.
"His body is made of meteorite wood, and his bowstring is made of a hundred-year-old dragon's sinew." Lou Jin walked to his side and explained in a low voice.
"I searched for a long time to find suitable materials, and then asked a master craftsman to spend half a year crafting it. This bow is lightweight and more resilient than ordinary iron-framed bows, and its draw weight can reach three stones, making it the most suitable for your use."
Three stones! This is a powerful bow that only a master archer in the army could draw, and it's so light!
Ye Xunyang stroked the cold bow with great affection, his heart overflowing with emotion.
His arsenal was missing only a fine bow, which Lou Jin has now completed.
"Give it a try?" Lou Jin gestured for Wu Shan to hand over a specially made feathered arrow.
Ye Xunyang took a deep breath, nocked an arrow, and drew his bow.
When he forcefully pulls the bowstring, he can feel the steady and powerful feedback force from the bow, but it does not feel heavy or sluggish.
He aimed at a willow tree with drooping branches in the distance outside the waterside pavilion, and released his finger.
"call out!"
The arrow pierced the air at such a speed that its trajectory was almost invisible, and it accurately struck the designated willow leaf, pinning it to the tree trunk behind it!
"Great!" The Seventh Prince Lou Ting was the first to jump up and applaud.
The crowd cheered. Ye Qing looked at his son's skillful technique and the obviously valuable divine bow, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. His approval of Lou Jin seemed to have deepened even further.
Ye Xunyang put down his bow, turned to look at Lou Jin, his eyes sparkling with a bright light. All his words could be summed up in one sentence: "Thank you, Your Highness. I like it very much."
Lou Jin held his hand and chuckled, "If you like it, that's good."
At this moment, the pavilion was filled with laughter and joy, bathed in the perfect sunlight.
Looking at his family around him, Ye Xunyang was filled with immense happiness and contentment.
This was his nineteenth birthday, and also his first birthday in the Jinwang Mansion, a day filled with sincere blessings and deep love.
The moonlight, like water, quietly washed over the many pavilions of the Prince Jin's mansion.
The daytime hustle and bustle and the sounds of blessings still linger in our ears, but at this moment, only a quiet and warm atmosphere remains in the main courtyard.
After taking a bath, Ye Xunyang returned to the inner room in his nightgown. As soon as he stepped into the room, he stopped in his tracks at the sight before him.
Not many candles were lit inside; only a few burned on the gilded lamp tree in the corner, casting a dim, ambiguous light that enveloped the large room in a hazy glow.
A refreshing yet alluring fragrance filled the air, unlike ordinary incense. It smelled more like a blend of pine wood and a faint herbal scent, which was soothing to the senses.
But what's most eye-catching is that huge bed.
The original plain-colored bed curtains were replaced with deep, dark red silk gauze, which hung down like smoke and mist. Through the gauze curtains, one could vaguely see that the bed was covered with a dark red brocade quilt, which seemed to be embroidered with intricate lotus patterns in gold and silver threads, and shimmered with a faint luster in the dim light.
Lou Jin stood by the bed. He had taken off the solemn robes of a prince during the day and was only wearing a dark satin nightgown with the belt loosely tied and the collar wide open, revealing his abdominal muscles.
His dark hair was loose, with a few strands falling over his forehead, making his eyes appear exceptionally deep in the shadows, like a beast eyeing its prey, filled with undisguised aggression and burning desire.
"Come here, Xunyang." He spoke, his voice lower and husky than usual, with a captivating magnetism.
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