Chapter 362

September 15th was Jiaojiao’s second birthday.

She had only been in this world for two years, yet it seemed like she had already done so many things.

In the capital, news spread early that day, and birthday congratulations arrived promptly.

After all, she was the Princess Yongle personally conferred by the Emperor, so the occasion needed some grandeur.

Xiao Xi was still the earliest among all the guests. Jiaojiao had just been coaxed out of bed by Mrs. Qiao, and he was already waiting with a big smile.

“Sister Qiao, your birthday gift!”

Jiaojiao, still groggy, glanced over and was almost dazzled by what she saw.

What a beautiful string of pearls!

“Sister Qiao, this is from Xiao Xi’s personal collection, the brightest one. It’s for Sister Qiao!”

Xiao Xi proudly lifted his face, his sparkling eyes seemingly saying, “Sister Qiao, praise me quick!”

“Thank you, Xiao Xi, it’s so beautiful! I love it! I’ll wear it today!”

Jiaojiao smiled, her cheeks dimpling, and reached out her hand towards Xiao Xi.

Xiao Xi carefully wrapped the string of pearls around Jiaojiao’s small hand, both of them smiling contentedly.

Seeing this, Mrs. Qiao shook her head with a smile, then personally styled Jiaojiao’s hair and let them go play.

Originally, Jiaojiao didn’t plan to celebrate her second birthday extravagantly; just a family meal together would suffice.

But a few days ago, the Emperor and the Empress had mentioned they would come, so she prepared diligently.

By dinner time, the Xiao family, Duke of Yan, Tan Hanchi, and Zuo Anning had all arrived. Everyone was chatting and laughing in the hall when Shen Yuanzhan and Xiao Qianlan also arrived incognito.

“Brother Emperor! Sister Xiao!”

Jiaojiao bounced out joyfully and was immediately picked up by Shen Yuanzhan.

Before he could say anything, Jiaojiao had already covered his mouth with her hand.

“Brother Emperor, let’s make a deal today. No mentioning Jiaojiao wetting her pants!”

If anyone else had witnessed this scene, they would have been shocked. But Jiaojiao remained unabashed, completely at ease.

She had long realized that what the Emperor wanted was this casual intimacy, especially with her and Xiao Xi.

Sure enough, with Jiaojiao’s “boldness,” Shen Yuanzhan not only wasn’t angry but his eyes were full of laughter.

“Brother has forgotten long ago. It’s Jiaojiao who keeps bringing it up, remember—”

“Ah ah ah! I’m not listening, I’m not listening!”

Jiaojiao quickly covered her ears, then promptly leaned towards Xiao Qianlan.

“Sister Xiao! I want Sister Xiao to hold me!”

Seeing Jiaojiao like this, Shen Yuanzhan couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Jiaojiao, Sister Xiao can’t hold you now. Come here, let Brother hold you!”

Upon hearing this, Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up.

[Oh! Could it be that Sister Xiao is pregnant? Is it the little crown prince from the original story? That’s great!]

[The Empress Dowager must be very happy to hear this news. It’s really perfect!]

Shen Yuanzhan saw that Jiaojiao seemed to have guessed it and couldn’t help but playfully flick her little nose.

“You clever little imp.”

At this moment, everyone came forward to pay their respects. Shen Yuanzhan smiled and waved his hand.

“Today is Jiaojiao’s birthday. You don’t need to be formal in front of Us. Just treat it like an ordinary family feast.”

Everyone gathered together, smiling faces all around. It truly was a rare and delightful scene.

As Jiaojiao enjoyed the delicious food before her, she felt her heart overflowing with joy, even feeling a touch of tears welling up.

She was loved by everyone, truly honored.

And what everyone thought was, having Jiaojiao in their lives was truly a blessing.

Time passed smoothly amidst Qiao Jiaojiao’s laughter and joy. Soon, it was mid-January of the second year, with heavy snowfall in the capital, and Han Yaxian was about to give birth.

Mrs. Qiao, Qiao Jiaojiao, and even Qiao Tianjing had been anxiously watching over Han Yaxian these days.

Mrs. Qiao had long stopped letting Han Yaxian come to pay respects back and forth. Instead, she and Qiao Jiaojiao would occasionally visit Qingzhu Courtyard to keep Han Yaxian company and chat.

On January 17th, after five days of continuous snowfall, it finally stopped. Mrs. Qiao walked with Han Yaxian in the courtyard, earnestly advising her:

“Xian’er, you should walk more, it’s good for your delivery.”

“This is your first child, you might have to endure quite a bit, but don’t worry, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Though Han Yaxian was still fearful, everyone had been so kind to her that she didn’t want to worry her family, so she nodded in a relaxed manner.

“With you here, Mother, I’m not afraid.”

Mrs. Qiao affectionately patted Han Yaxian’s hand. After a while, she was about to lead Han Yaxian back to rest when suddenly, Han Yaxian’s face changed. She clutched her waist, her face turning pale.

Startled, Mrs. Qiao heard Han Yaxian tremulously say, “Mother, it’s happening! It’s happening!”

Mrs. Qiao took a deep breath, staying calm. She called out loudly, “Aunt Liu! Xian’er is going into labor, quickly! Prepare everything!”

Seeing Mrs. Qiao’s calm demeanor, Han Yaxian gradually felt reassured, as if she had found a pillar of support.

At this moment, Qiao Zhongguo, Qiao Tianjing, Qiao Jiaojiao, and others were discussing matters in the study.

Since Qiao Zhongguo wrote to Meng Guxue about the Soul Binding Gu matter last year, both sides had unexpectedly developed a tacit understanding, and the correspondence had never ceased.

Thanks to this, the Qiao family learned quite a bit about Shen Yuanbai’s recent situation from Meng Guxue.

The Crown Prince’s struggle in Nanli Country had reached a critical stage. With Shen Yuanbai’s assistance, the Crown Prince had managed to restore some of his reputation during this period.

Meanwhile, the Second Prince was increasingly targeting the Third Prince, making the latter struggle.

Qiao Zhongguo was about to open today’s letter when a servant hurriedly came in.

“Master! Young Master! Miss! Madam…. Madam. is in labor!”

Whoosh—

The people in the study immediately stood up. Qiao Tianjing rushed out like the wind.

Qiao Jiaojiao quickly clung to Qiao Zhongguo, urgently saying, “Father! Let’s also go to Qingzhu Courtyard!”

At Qingzhu Courtyard, everything had already been arranged meticulously by Mrs. Qiao.

The midwife had been staying at the mansion for several days. At this moment, she was boiling water, preparing the beddings and clothes, having started early.

Qiao Tianjing stood in the courtyard, pacing nervously back and forth, while Qiao Jiaojiao tightly gripped her hands, repeatedly chanting, “Amitabha Buddha, may Heaven bless us.”

This labor had been difficult for Han Yaxian for quite some time. Only when night fell did a loud cry suddenly echo from the room.

Qiao Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up upon hearing it, and soon after, Aunt Liu came out personally to announce the good news.

“Congratulations, Master, congratulations, Young Master. Madam. and the child are safe!”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Jiaojiao burst into tears of joy.

Blessed by heaven, everything went smoothly!

She had truly become a young aunt now!

On the 17th of the first month of Ding’an Year, at the end of the hour of the dog, Qiao Tianjing joyfully welcomed a son.

Choosing a name for the child sparked a bit of “disagreement” within the household.

Because Qiao Zhongguo had named the child “Ziqiang,” everyone unanimously felt… it sounded a bit old-fashioned.

Qiao Zhongguo sulked about this, but fortunately, upon hearing the good news, Shen Yuanzhan personally bestowed the name — Qiao Mingpei.

On the surface, Qiao Zhongguo joyously thanked the emperor for his grace, but later in bed, he couldn’t help but murmur to his wife:

“Madam, I think it’s not as good as being strong!”

Mrs. Qiao: “…”

Back then, “Qiao Tianjing” had never prevailed against her husband, but thankfully, the Emperor intervened.

Mingpei.

Hmm, as a grandmother, she was quite satisfied!

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