Yan Qiushu found this amusing.

Usually, when she cooks or bakes, she adds sugar. In ancient times, medical care was not good, so it was hard to treat teeth. Eating too many sweet things, like cake, was not recommended.

Dongdong had been told not to eat too much, and he understood this, so he didn’t push it.

She smiled, softening her expression. Dongdong then hesitated and asked, “When can I eat next? Tomorrow?”

“Hmm,” Yan Qiushu thought for a moment and said, “You can eat as much as you want on your birthday.”

But birthdays are special occasions, and he would definitely celebrate at home.

As expected, when Yan Qiushu said this, he eagerly nodded, “Okay!!!”

Xiao Huaiting and Xiao Huaiwu both looked surprised and asked at the same time, “Are you celebrating your birthday at the mansion?”

It made sense they were surprised. Dongdong hadn’t celebrated his birthday at the Xiao Mansion since he was two. For some reason, the Xiao family never forced him, but they also expected him to stay home.

Dongdong nodded confidently, “Yes! My classmates want to come to my house to eat Sister Shu’s cooking!”

He felt proud and puffed out his chest.

Ever since he promised his friends they could come over, they had treated him better. Although he didn’t mind being alone before, it felt different now.

He realized he had been excluded because of the Xiao family’s reputation. Even while in class, it felt like he was in a different world. But now, it was different.

However, Xiao Huaiwu was more thoughtful and asked, “Have you told your grandparents?”

In the past, Dongdong’s birthday was a big deal for the Jiang family, who would hold a grand party to make connections with others. She wondered why they were so quick to agree this time.

After hearing this, Dongdong seemed to remember something. His smile faded, and he said guiltily, “…No, I promised Grandma I would visit her this time.”

Xiao Huaiwu just smiled at him and said nothing.

Dongdong nodded and asked eagerly, “Sister Shu, can you come to my grandma’s house?”

Yan Qiushu shook her head firmly, “No.”

“Ah?” Dongdong looked disappointed. He clenched his fists and said, “Then I’ll tell Grandma I’ll visit her next time I have a vacation.”

He didn’t want to let his friends down.

He often visits his grandma, so he could delay that visit.

Dongdong was conflicted and looked up at his mother, “Mom, take me to Grandma’s house. I want to tell her something.”

The two parents stayed quiet. At that moment, Xiao Huaiwu hesitated but felt a hand on her shoulder. Xiao Huaiting gently patted her shoulder and smiled, “Go ahead. Dongdong wants to celebrate his birthday at home. Don’t worry; I’ll protect you.”

Xiao Huaiwu bit her lip and, under Dongdong’s confused gaze, stood up, saying, “Okay, let’s go.”

The mother and son said their goodbyes and left. Xiao Huaiting followed a step behind and bowed to Yan Qiushu, clasping his hands together.

Yan Qiushu was surprised and stepped aside, asking, “What is General Xiao doing?”

The young man smiled and said slowly, “Thank you for your care, Miss Yan. I’m very grateful.”

Yan Qiushu felt her face heat up. Was her concern so obvious? But she quickly asked, “If you wanted Dongdong to stay home, why didn’t you do it before?”

Xiao Huaiting’s eyes dimmed, and he shook his head without answering. “Thank you very much, Miss Yan. By the way, the doctor checked my mother recently, and he said she is much better now. She is no longer as weak as before. I owe you a favor. If I can help you in the future, I will.”

Seeing his reaction, Yan Qiushu stopped asking questions.

That was how it ended.

Dongdong went to tell Mrs. Jiang that it was perfectly fine to celebrate his birthday at the Xiao Mansion.

Even if she was upset, she didn’t dare to be too angry with Dongdong, worried he would feel distant from her. She could only accept it and changed her invitation to a flower-viewing party, saying that the chrysanthemums and osmanthus flowers in her garden were blooming, inviting everyone to come and enjoy.

As a result of this change, more than half of the invites were returned. Only some families who were less prestigious than hers said they would definitely attend.

Soon, news spread that the Xiao family’s young master’s fifth birthday party would be held, attracting attention from many people in the capital.

After all, the Xiao family is powerful, and any small event draws interest. They hadn’t held a birthday party for their grandson in years, so why were they doing it suddenly?

Especially since Dongdong invited his classmates. Among his seven classmates, one was the eldest son of the third prince, and the others were children of various officials. This move seemed like he finally understood the importance of connections. 

Everyone was thinking about the upcoming event. However, the Xiao family didn’t send out invitations like the Jiang family. People sighed, noticing how proud and arrogant the Xiao family was, but they still sent invitations to express their desire to visit.

The Xiao family didn’t need to send invitations to maintain family relations. Those who should come would come, and those who didn’t want to come could skip it.

They planned a simple birthday party for their child. As more visiting cards arrived, the Xiao family got busier.

Yan Qiushu wanted to help with the cooking, but the Xiao family told her they had enough help. Yan Qiushu had taught the Xiao family’s chef many recipes, which were enough to satisfy the guests.

People usually ate before visiting others to avoid being hungry and facing cold food.

On Yan Qiushu’s birthday, she made a big birthday cake and some snacks for the children. In the past, there were typically two meals a day—breakfast and dinner—with lunch added later. Guests usually arrived after mid-afternoon.

That day, Yan Qiushu saw how grand the Xiao family was. Many seats were prepared, and the guests were of high social status. They were warm and polite, bringing valuable gifts and showering praise on Dongdong, the little birthday boy.

The Yan family, in contrast, was not as lively. The Yan family held a high title. Long ago, a powerful person in the family was made Duke of Anguo. When the title passed to Yan Qiushu’s grandfather, it remained with him to avoid demotion. If passed down, the title would become a marquis, lowering their status.

In recent generations, only Yan Qiushu’s father had some power. The rest of the family held less important positions. This is why Yan Qiushu’s father schemed to marry all concubines to princes. If any marriage succeeded, the glory of the Anguo Mansion would continue.

As she thought about this, Yan Qiushu realized that the family’s glory was still being maintained!

Just then, someone called her, “Girl.”

A familiar voice made her heart race, and she tightened her hands.