Chapter 53: Birthday

As the birthday approached, Xiao Jun seized every opportunity to remind his family, “My sister and I will be celebrating our birthday soon. Don’t forget to give us gifts. Whatever you do, don’t forget.”

Uncle Xiao Jingyan, fanning himself from a distance, shook his head with mock disappointment. “Calling you a simpleton isn’t unjust at all. Just look at you—scurrying around everywhere, busying yourself for the birthday. Now compare yourself to Ping’an. She doesn’t lift a finger, doesn’t even ask, yet when it’s time to receive gifts, she gets hers just like you. It’s fascinating how twins can differ so much.”

Xiao Jun only half-understood the barrage of words from his fourth uncle. He had been asking for gifts on behalf of both himself and his sister—it was the duty of an elder brother to take care of his younger sister, wasn’t it? Why did Uncle say there was such a vast difference between them? Was he implying that Xiao Jun was silly? Humph! This wasn’t stupidity—it was responsibility and understanding.

“Stop stirring up trouble,” Xiao Jun’s father, General Xiao, scolded. “You don’t act like an uncle at all!” The general found everyone untrustworthy lately, his paranoia fueled by dealings with that detestable Prince Jing’s son. He even began suspecting that he and this rascal were simply fated to clash. Five years—he just needed to endure these five years, and then he’d cut all ties. Unfortunately, aspirations are often beautiful, while reality remains cruel.

Xiao Jingyan flashed a brilliant smile. His father’s recent foul mood demanded understanding from a dutiful son. Whoever dared to challenge the old man deserved a medal of bravery—someone Xiao Jingyan definitely wanted to meet someday. His own situation contrasted sharply with his father’s. Xiao Jingyan was thriving at the Painting and Calligraphy Academy, gaining recognition for his talents and appearance. Recently, even some higher-ups discreetly inquired about his marital status.

Marriage, however, wasn’t on Xiao Jingyan’s agenda. He had set himself a deadline: marry before thirty. If Lady Qin learned about her son’s “grand” plan, she might just faint from excitement—or frustration.

“Reporting to the General and Madam, the Third Master has sent a letter,” Chunliu announced, handing over the message with both hands.

The letter conveyed greetings and updates from Songjiang. It described the comfortable life of the three-member household, Xiao Jingmin’s new position, and how Songjiang, a bustling hub of wealth and activity, was far superior to their previous location. The transition had been smooth, and everything was going well. They assured the family not to worry.

“What’s this?” Xiao Jingtai asked, holding up a completely blackened sheet of paper for everyone to see.

“It must have been mistakenly included,” Li Jiaoying guessed.

“Third Brother and Sister-in-law wouldn’t be so careless,” Xiao Jingyan disagreed.

“I know what it is!” Xiao Yao stepped forward confidently. Others hadn’t figured it out because they overcomplicated a simple matter.

Everyone looked at Xiao Yao with admiration. Despite the peculiar drawing, she could decipher its meaning—amazing!

“It’s me and Ruyi.”

“Are you joking? There’s not a single human figure on that paper. How did you come to that conclusion?” Xiao Jingtai asked skeptically.

General Xiao coughed lightly into his fist. “If Ping’an says so, then that’s what it is. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean my granddaughter can’t.”

Xiao Yao waved for her second uncle to place the paper on the table. She then explained, “This is a cloud,” pointing at what was clearly a blotch of ink. “And this is a gate,” she continued, referencing what looked more like a rock. “And these are Ruyi and me,” she finished, gesturing toward two tree-branch-like strokes.

The family struggled to link those shapes to human figures, but Xiao Yao saw them clearly. The intertwined “branches” symbolized two people holding hands—a heartfelt representation of the bond between sisters. This had to be Ruyi’s birthday gift, expressing their sisterly love.

“Tomorrow, I’ll write to Third Brother. If it turns out you’re right, Fourth Uncle will be at your service from now on,” Xiao Jingyan vowed confidently, convinced the drawing was too abstract to be comprehended by his niece.

Xiao Jingtai remained doubtful. If his niece were proven right, it would be nothing short of miraculous. He wished for a daughter like Ping’an. Unlike his two sons, who resembled neither him nor his wife, Ping’an was remarkable. Nevertheless, his boys were obedient, and he felt content and blessed with his family.

The response from Xiao Jingmin on the twins’ birthday confirmed Xiao Yao’s interpretation. Everyone applauded her once again. Xiao Jingyan declared that from now on, he would treat his niece as his own daughter, promising her the moon itself if she asked for it.

General Xiao was more elated than if he’d been praised himself. Such a clever, lovable granddaughter deserved the best upbringing. Now that she was two years old, it was time to plan for her future, from fostering her interests to hiring an excellent governess. This was no ordinary girl—she was the eldest daughter of the Xiao family and granddaughter of Minister Tong. There could be no compromises in her education.

Gifts poured in, from exquisite jade carvings to rare gemstones, elegant accessories, unique toys, and more. Even her grandmother and second aunt came to celebrate, bringing along Tong Jintang, the five-month-old baby of the Tong family, a shy boy who clung to his mother’s arms.

“Do you like Jia Bao?” Tong’s wife asked, placing her granddaughter’s hands together with the baby’s, subtly encouraging them to bond.

Zhang’s wife feigned ignorance of her mother-in-law’s intentions. She had opposed this match even before Jia Bao was born, and now with the boy’s ordinary looks, she was even more disapproving. Ping’an was too beautiful, and her health uncertain. Why should her son make such a sacrifice?

Tong Mingyu also began doubting the arrangement. She and her husband had agreed that if their daughter recovered fully, they would find her a suitable match in a simple, drama-free household. If not, they would consider taking in a son-in-law. Either way, Jia Bao was unsuitable, and both women were, for once, in complete agreement.

“What other gift would you like, Ping’an?” General Xiao asked after already presenting three gifts to his granddaughter.

“Goat’s milk for bathing,” Xiao Yao replied, still fixated on the idea. Milk baths were luxurious, and goat’s milk, less popular for drinking, would be perfect for skincare.

“Bathing? With milk?” Li Jiaoying was instantly intrigued.

“Goat’s milk is smooth and white, and it will make Second Aunt beautiful,” Xiao Yao explained innocently.

Her words made sense, and Li Jiaoying was tempted to try it immediately.

“Why not use cow’s milk?” General Xiao asked, puzzled. His granddaughter preferred drinking goat’s milk.

“Cow’s milk is for drinking. Goat’s milk is for bathing. Wasting it is a pity,” Xiao Yao replied earnestly.

Moved by her thoughtfulness, General Xiao decided to procure more dairy cows. If his granddaughter wished for something, he’d ensure she got it.

Even Xiao Yang secretly gifted his sister a portrait of a little girl with delicate features and a radiant smile.

“Thank you, Third Brother.”

“If you like it, I’ll paint one for you every year,” Xiao Yang promised, delighted by her appreciation.

“Okay,” she replied with a smile.

Having a loving family was wonderful. Life, surrounded by such care and companionship, was indeed beautiful.

---