Chapter 3: Naming

Twins are generally smaller than single newborns, and this pair of dragon-phoenix twins was no exception. The girl was even tinier. Therefore, General Xiao decided to keep the “Three-Day Ceremony” low-key, celebrating only within the family. However, word spread like wildfire. By the next day, visitors came in an endless stream from morning until evening. Some came with genuine blessings, some hoping to catch the good fortune of twins, and a few even subtly inquired about how to conceive dragon-phoenix twins, leaving everyone both amused and embarrassed.

As the sun set, the once-bustling residence gradually quieted down.

Inside Ninghe Hall, the furnishings were all made of rosewood. A delicate fragrance wafted from a three-legged golden incense burner. On the warm couch lay a noblewoman, her expression serene despite a hint of fatigue. She wore an elegant silk robe embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns and a complete set of gold filigree and gemstone jewelry. Surrounding her were three or four young maids, massaging her shoulders and legs as she rested, eyes half-closed in a light doze.

“You look more exhausted than I do after a whole day at court,” General Xiao teased.

“I’ve never been this tired. I’m counting the days until my eldest daughter-in-law finishes her confinement,” Madam Qin replied. Normally uninvolved in household matters, she was overwhelmed by the stream of visitors. With her eldest daughter-in-law in confinement and her second daughter-in-law nearing childbirth, there was no one to rely on. By the end of the day, even her face hurt from smiling so much.

“It wasn’t just lively at home—my colleagues congratulated me all day too. My back is sore from all the bowing!” General Xiao grinned as he recalled the envious and admiring expressions of his peers. “Even the Emperor summoned me, asked a few questions, and gifted me a pair of jade ruyi scepters!” He shared the news with childlike pride.

“The Emperor knows? These children are truly blessed!” Madam Qin exclaimed excitedly. Few children in the capital could boast of receiving a personal gift from the Emperor. How fortunate her grandchildren were!

“Chunlan, inform all the courtyards—tonight, everyone will dine in the main hall. Let’s all share in the joy,” Madam Qin directed, sending the maids and servants into another flurry of activity.

The Xiao family’s dining table had never adhered to strict silence during meals, and the atmosphere now could be described in two words: joyous celebration.

The only ones absent were the third son and his wife, as well as the youngest son. However, the third household’s five-year-old son, Xiao Rui, had recently been sent back to the main residence to begin his formal education. At the moment, he was wide-eyed and animated, gesturing excitedly as he said, “Little Five is this long, and Big Sister is this small!”

“Ah Rui, do you like your little brother and sister?” asked Second Uncle Xiao Jingtai, teasing him.

“Yes!” Xiao Rui nodded vigorously like a pecking chick, eager to show his sincerity, drawing laughter from everyone.

“How much do you like them, in terms of length and size?” Xiao Lang, the eldest son who bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Jingtai, asked with a gentle smile. He picked out a piece of fish, carefully removed the bones, and placed it in Xiao Rui’s bowl.

“Hmm…” Xiao Rui scratched his head in frustration. Could liking someone be measured in length and size? He thought hard, then declared triumphantly, “As long as they need to be, as big as they need to be!”

“Wow, you even know how to say ‘as long as they need to be!’” Xiao Rui’s childish logic and earnest response sent the whole table into peals of laughter.

While the children played and laughed, the adults turned their attention to more serious matters.

“Elder Brother, shouldn’t the twins have names by now?” Xiao Jingtai asked.

Xiao Jingkang glanced at his father and sheepishly touched his nose. Naming children wasn’t his responsibility.

“For the boy… let’s call him…” General Xiao frowned, deep in thought.

“Father, how about Xiao Jun?” Xiao Jingkang suggested, trying to help.

“Alright,” General Xiao agreed, picking up his chopsticks again. Naming children was more exhausting than fighting battles. Fortunately, his son had solved it for him.

“And the girl?” Xiao Lang interjected. “We can’t keep calling them Little Five and Big Sister forever. Hurry up and decide.”

“Don’t rush me; I need time to think!” General Xiao snapped. How could he think on an empty stomach? Frustrated, he stood abruptly. “I’m going to the study,” he announced, leaving behind the lively dining table.

Madam Qin glared at her son. “Couldn’t you have waited until after dinner to bring it up? Look at how you’ve upset your father. Truly asking for trouble.”

“Father wants to personally name Big Sister,” Xiao Jingkang explained.

“What? Why didn’t anyone tell me? Now I’ve caused trouble!” Xiao Jingtai imagined his father storming through the courtyard with a military baton in hand and shuddered at the thought.

From that day onward, aside from attending court and eating meals, General Xiao spent most of his time in the study.

Four days later, during dinner, he proudly presented his chosen name.

“Xiao Mingzhu.”

“Father, Big Sister’s mother’s maiden name includes ‘Ming.’ It doesn’t seem appropriate,” the eldest son immediately objected.

“Xiao Yuyan.”

“That’s too tacky and doesn’t suit her,” second daughter-in-law Li Jiaoying objected, shaking her head.

“Xiao Huier.”

“Old Master, even my name sounds better,” Madam Qin couldn’t help but retort.

Frustrated, General Xiao stormed back to the study.

Days passed. The babies’ skin lost its swollen and wrinkled appearance, becoming fairer. Little Five remained lively, while Big Sister stayed docile.

The baby girl silently defended herself: “It’s not that I want to be lazy—I can’t talk, walk, or see clearly yet. Lower your expectations, please! And dear Grandfather, please give me a beautiful and memorable name. I beg you!”

A few days later, new names were presented.

“Xiao Jiabao,” “Xiao Yafang…”

“How about these? Pick one!” General Xiao demanded, feeling confident after days of effort.

Still met with silence, he grew enraged. “Fine! The girl will be called Xiao Yao, with the nickname Ping’an. That’s final!” He slammed the table and left. “Xiao Yao is a great name. Anyone dissatisfied can forget about changing it!”

Madam Qin hesitated. “Elder Son, this name…”

“Actually, I think it’s a wonderful name,” Xiao Jingtai said thoughtfully. “It’s strong and will help her grow healthily, like the boys. Also, with a slight change in the character to ‘瑤,’ symbolizing fine jade, it conveys beauty and peace.”

Xiao Jingkang readily agreed, feeling the name was perfect for his daughter.

The baby girl approved too. “Grandfather, you’ve done well!”

瑤”Yáo” (Chinese character 瑤) can be translated as “jade” or “precious jade” in English. It often symbolizes beauty, elegance, and purity in Chinese culture.