Chapter 17: The First Birthday Celebration (Part 1)

Although General Xiao was a military man, he had an exceptionally keen insight. He often advised his descendants that no matter how turbulent the political situation might be, the Xiao family should always remember one principle: remain loyal to the Emperor, obey his orders, do their duty, and stay away from trouble.

This was how they had conducted themselves over the years. Yet now, they discovered that Fang Yufu intended to ally with the Han family. If someone were to claim this had nothing to do with the Xiao family, Xiao Jingkang would absolutely refuse to believe it.

Alas, his original plan was to maintain their current relationship with the Fang family even if a marriage alliance wasn’t possible. He was willing to accommodate their needs whenever possible. However, since Fang Yufu had chosen another path, he could not be blamed for showing no mercy.

“You should head back and see where your second uncle is. Ask him to come to my study.”

“Yes, Father. Your child will take his leave.” Xiao Yi had done his part, and the rest was for the elders to decide. He felt a weight lifted from his shoulders now that the marriage proposal was no longer an option. Neither he nor his elder brother needed to worry about it anymore, which was a relief.

The Xiao brothers stayed in the study until all the lanterns in the residence were lit. When they finally emerged, their expressions revealed nothing unusual, as if nothing had transpired. Xiao Yi sighed inwardly, recognizing his lack of experience and composure. To protect his family, ensure his loved ones’ happiness, and safeguard the future of the clan, he had so much more to learn.

The lively Lunar New Year passed quickly, and February brought a significant day for Xiao Jun and Xiao Yao—their first birthday and the traditional “first grab” ceremony.

General Xiao sent gifts from the northern frontier: a small wooden sword and a fiery red fox-fur cloak. Their third uncle and even their unseen fourth uncle also sent presents. The family and close friends put their hearts into preparing the event, arranging everything from food and clothes to toys and decorations. Xiao Jun was overjoyed, exclaiming, “All of this is for me!” Xiao Yao was equally thrilled, thinking, “If only every few days were a birthday—I’d soon become the youngest little tycoon in history!”

On the morning of February 26th, the newly decorated Elegant Garden bustled with activity. Xiao Yao, still groggy, was gently roused from her warm bed. The maids helped her into a vibrant red outfit embroidered with butterflies and flowers. Her sparse hair was styled into two small pigtails tied with pearl-adorned ribbons, making her look adorable and sweet. Xiao Jun, meanwhile, wore a matching red robe with cloud-patterned embroidery, a sash, and black boots, looking spirited and lively.

Madam Qin placed longevity locks on Xiao Jun and Xiao Yao. Once all the relatives and friends had gathered, the “first grab” ceremony began. A large yellow pearwood table was set in the center of the hall, laden with items traditionally used for boys’ ceremonies, as well as objects like rulers, embroidery threads, spatulas, and jewelry.

Would both children perform the ceremony together? What if the boy chose jewelry and the girl picked a seal?

Xiao Jingkang wasn’t worried. Even if his son picked jewelry, he would surely give it to his sister. His daughter, smarter than her brother, was even less of a concern. Today, he wanted to showcase the remarkable bond between his twin children to their guests.

Originally, Tong Mingyu suggested using two separate tables for the ceremony. However, her husband’s sudden idea received unanimous approval from everyone except her and her mother-in-law. The most enthusiastic supporters were Xiao Jingtai’s family and Xiao Rui, who had prepared most of the items.

The guests hoped for as lively a scene as possible. Only the Tong and Li families were slightly apprehensive, fearing that combining the ceremonies for the boy and girl might lead to unforeseen mishaps. Tong Shangshu, however, eagerly anticipated his grandchildren stealing the show, imagining the moment he could boast to his in-laws.

As for the Fang family, they were also in attendance. Madam Qin simply introduced them as distant relatives. After a brief acknowledgment from the closest relatives, no one paid them further attention. Left sitting quietly in a corner, the Fang family watched the illustrious officials and noblewomen before them, each harboring their own thoughts. Fang Yufu desperately wanted to build connections but couldn’t find an opening. Fang Madam envisioned her granddaughter mingling effortlessly among the elite, while the two young Fang ladies discreetly admired the young men, wondering which of them might be Xiao family scions.

Xiao Jingkang placed his son on the table first, encouraging him, “Ah Jun, look around and choose something you like.”

Xiao Jun, listening to his father, began scanning the table with wide eyes. After a thorough look, he stood still. Just as he was about to take a step, he seemed to remember something, turned his gaze away from the table, and began searching the crowd. Then, he called out, “Ah! Ah!”

When Tong Mingyu approached with Xiao Yao in her arms, Xiao Jun beamed with delight, nodding his small head as if to say, “Sister, I’ve been waiting for you! Hurry over!”

The bond between the twins was extraordinary. Their closeness, combined with their adorable appearance, drew admiration from many guests. “If only such clever children were mine!” they thought.

Xiao Yao first greeted everyone with a sweet smile. With her mother’s help, she slowly made her way to her brother’s side and sat down. As she wasn’t yet as steady on her feet as her brother, she didn’t want to risk an embarrassing fall amidst the dazzling array of objects on the table.

Initially planning to wait for her brother to finish before making her move, Xiao Yao found herself urged by the crowd to join in. Seeing her reluctance, Xiao Jun bent down to pick up a pink silk flower near his feet, placing it in her hand. He tilted his head to gauge her reaction, smiling brightly when she returned a cheerful expression. Encouraged, he began moving items like threads, brushes, and paper to her side.

The unexpected teamwork stunned the audience.

Xiao Lang gently reminded them, “Ah Jun, you should pick what you like, and Ping An can also choose.” His calm and gentle tone conveyed indulgence, making Xiao Yao feel that not following her elder brother’s advice would be a mistake.

Xiao Yi playfully tousled his sister’s pigtails and flicked his brother’s forehead lightly, calling him a silly brute. Thankfully, he was her brother; otherwise, she might have sold him off and counted the money for him.

Meanwhile, Xiao Rui shook his head theatrically. “You two are impossible! Such troublemakers,” he sighed, pretending to shoulder the burden of a responsible older brother. If only the family were alone, he might have strutted around like an authoritative elder.

Realizing it was impossible to keep a low profile, Xiao Yao finally acted. Though walking long distances was still challenging, crawling sufficed. Her tiny red-clad figure shuffled around the table, rearranging objects and staying busy. Finally, she sat upright, her cheeks flushed like ripe peaches from the exertion. Her delicate features, especially her sparkling eyes, drew envious admiration from the guests.

While they marveled at Xiao Yao’s charm, many were curious—after Xiao Jun’s unconventional behavior, how would his sister perform?

At first, Xiao Jun felt a pang of sadness when he thought his sister had abandoned him. After all, in his heart, no one could replace her—except for their mother, who held a slightly higher position. But his dejection vanished instantly when his sister beckoned him, and his face lit up with joy.