Chapter 64: Surrounded by Guardians on New Year’s Eve
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
As the celebrations for New Year’s Eve were unfolding, the capital city was bursting with life. The night sky was ablaze with the brilliant colors of fireworks, and every home was adorned with festive decorations and intricate paper-cut art. Children, dressed in their brand-new clothes, frolicked joyously, their laughter and playful antics infusing the atmosphere with sheer delight.
Among these joyful participants was Lu Chao Chao, a lively eleven-month-old who was a beacon of happiness, sporting a proud new addition—a third tooth. This new development filled her with immense joy, bringing her tantalizingly close to realizing her dream of savoring a succulent chicken leg.
Her contagious smile, brightened by the sparkle of her three tiny teeth, warmed the hearts of everyone who saw her.
Watching her, Madam Xu’s face lit up with a smile, despite the ache from smiling so much. “My dear, I see you’ve sprouted another tooth. Tonight, I promise, a chicken leg will be yours,” she said, amused by Lu Chao Chao’s fascination with her newly emerging teeth.
Lu Chao Chao’s spirits lifted at the promise of her eagerly awaited treat, her mood visibly enhanced despite the bulkiness of her festive attire, which could have easily been uncomfortable.
“Today, we are going to the palace for the heavenly offering ceremony, followed by a grand banquet. You must behave impeccably,” Madam Xu gently instructed, wrapping Lu Chao Chao in a warm jacket to protect her from the chill during the solemn event.
Once they were ready, Lu Chao Chao, displaying a blend of curiosity and mischief, managed to retrieve a small box hidden under the bed. Using a tiny key she wore around her neck, she unlocked the box to reveal a collection of jade pendants—each one valuable enough to incite envy in her unreliable father. Yet here they were, casually hidden away by her. With a hint of disdain, she muttered, “Takes up space!”
Madam Xu, absorbed in her own preparations, caught only fleeting glimpses of her daughter rummaging through the box, her movements accompanied by the playful bobbing of her hair.
With determination, the little girl stuffed her pockets with chestnuts, peanuts, and a chunk of sweet potato, after carefully locking the box and concealing it once more.
The ceremony for the heavenly offering was a lengthy and somber affair, with no allowances for early departures. Madam Xu, mindful of the possibility of needing a restroom break, avoided drinking water, opting instead for just enough thick rice porridge to satisfy her hunger.
“Why must the legitimate offspring be present for the offering this year? Chao Chao is barely eleven months old and hardly able to walk,” Deng Zhi complained, wrapping an additional scarf around the child for extra warmth.
Madam Xu’s eyes rested on Lu Chao Chao, who was innocently interacting with ants on the ground. She briefly wondered if perhaps the king wished to see Chao Chao but quickly dismissed the thought, doubting that the king would have such leisure.
As they were about to depart for the palace, Su Zhi Qing approached, radiating a sense of happiness and well-being, in stark contrast to her demeanor over the past half-month, during which she had tirelessly endeavored to curry favor with Lu Yuan Ze, who had, until now, shown little interest in Madam Xu’s quarters, seemingly enamored instead by his new consort’s charm.
“Madam, may you enjoy peace and health in the coming year,” Su Zhi Qing greeted, her voice brimming with barely contained joy.
“Just say what you need to. We mustn’t delay the offering to the heavens,” Madam Xu replied, holding a royal decree of the third rank, which granted them entry to the palace for the ceremony.
Lu Chao Chao, overhearing the conversation, couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Su Zhi Qing’s efforts to rise in status and the drama it was likely to stir within the family.
“The lord has agreed to promote me to the family registry last night,” Su Zhi Qing announced with a respectful bow, citing Madam Xu’s preoccupation with her children and advancing age as reasons why a younger wife might relieve some of the household burdens.
This news was a significant victory for Su Zhi Qing, who, despite striving to maintain composure, was visibly struggling to contain her excitement, buoyed by her youth, beauty, and education—qualities she believed combined the best attributes of both Madam Xu and Pei Jiao Jiao, securing her a place in Lu Yuan Ze’s affections.
Upon hearing this, Madam Xu barely managed to hide her disappointment and disdain. “Very well. Tomorrow, we’ll include Miss Su in the family register. As for the marriage…”
In a gesture of apparent goodwill, yet tinged with subtle condescension, Su Zhi Qing responded, “Sister, there’s no need to rush my wedding ceremony. I’m fine with the arrangements after the New Year’s. My main concern is the reputation of the household.”
This casual use of “sister” did not sit well with Deng Zhi, who couldn’t help but scoff at the audacity. “Do you really think just anyone can claim a place in our esteemed family lineage?” Deng Zhi rebuked sharply.
The head maid’s words underscored that Madam Xu was not just anyone; she was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Xu family, raised in luxury and adoration, without a single sister to her line. The fact that Su Zhi Qing dared to put herself on equal footing showed her lack of decorum, despite her newfound status in the Marquis household.
Flushed with embarrassment yet filled with simmering resentment, Su Zhi Qing couldn’t help but reflect on the irony of her situation. She thought to herself about the emptiness of titles without love, alluding to a secret she believed Madam Xu was unaware of: Lord Yuan Ze’s longstanding extramarital affair. Her pity for Madam Xu was mixed with a cruel sense of satisfaction.
Acknowledging Deng Zhi’s rebuke with a mixture of defiance and forced humility, Su Zhi Qing agreed, albeit with a frosty smile, “Ms. Deng Zhi speaks the truth. I have indeed lost sight of my place.”
Choosing not to engage further, Madam Xu simply advised Su Zhi Qing to take good care of their husband before departing with her entourage for the palace.
The ceremonial offering to the heavens was underway at the palace, with the king and his courtiers performing the ritual. Madam Xu and the other women, children in tow, were stationed discreetly to one side, sheltered from the biting cold wind. Unbeknownst to Madam Xu, this seemingly inconspicuous spot had been deliberately chosen for Lu Chao Chao by the king and crown prince themselves.
Among the officials, Lu Yuan Ze found himself positioned at the back, his rank not affording him a better view of the proceedings. Despite this, he was soon caught up in conversations filled with pride and anticipation for the future, especially concerning his bastard son, Lu Jing Huai, whose literary talents were being recognized and celebrated among the courtiers present today.
However, not everyone was in a celebratory mood while discussing the poem. Minister Chen of Rites was one of these individuals. He had been caught up in the recent scandal due to Lu Yuan Ze’s personal affairs, and now he had also had a falling out with the man. There were definitely going to be consequences for that. Even so, he was more than happy to bear the burden after getting word from the physician that his unborn child was going to be a boy last night.
Casting a knowing glance over to the marquis, he thought, somewhat bitterly, “Let him deal with the consequences on his own. It’s no concern of mine if he ends up ruining his relationship with his own daughter. That baby girl is going to be a phoenix when she grows up.”
Meanwhile, the atmosphere was one of deep reverence and solemnity on the ceremonial stage. With great dignity, the Royal Astronomer recited the sacred texts, offering prayers to the heavens for a year blessed with favorable weather and prosperity for the kingdom.
The king and the crown prince, standing side by side, embodied the gravitas of the moment. The king’s thoughts were tinged with a profound sense of gratitude towards the divine for the miraculous presence of Lu Chao Chao, whose actions had been instrumental in saving the life of the crown prince. This gratitude was reflected in his solemn demeanor as he participated in the ceremony.
As the king bowed his head in a gesture of deep respect and humility towards the higher powers, an unexpected and charming disruption occurred. From behind the grand bronze cauldron, used in the ceremony as a symbol of offering and sacrifice, emerged a little baby. The sight of her, with a bright, toothy grin showcasing three tiny teeth, brought a moment of unexpected joy and lightness to the solemn proceedings. Her expression of pure delight and innocence stood in stark contrast to the formality of the ceremony, offering a reminder of the simple joys and hope that children bring into the world.