Chapter 6: Seizing the Protagonist’s Full-Month Banquet
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The sixth day of the third month arrived swiftly.
Lu Chao Chao had been in the world for a month. She was plump and round-faced, growing both strong and endearingly chubby. Anyone who saw her could hardly resist giving her a cuddle.
Early that morning, Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor was bustling with activity.
“It seems that Miss Chao Chao knows it’s her big day today. She’s been in such high spirits all morning,” Ying Xue remarked fondly, holding her. Whenever she saw the baby, her eyes sparkled.
[Stealing the protagonist’s full-month banquet. So happy, so happy!]
Little Chao Chao waved her chubby hands and gurgled happily.
Madam Xu glanced at her and smiled. This little one was still young, and her ability to broadcast her thoughts came and went. Madam Xu didn’t push too hard; there was plenty of time. Being able to glimpse even a fraction of the future was already a significant boon. Still, the invisible blade hanging over her neck filled her with unease.
“Today will be crowded. Make sure to keep a close eye on Chao Chao,” Madam Xu instructed firmly.
Ever since that attempt on Chao Chao’s life the day she was born, she had assigned Ying Xue and Jue Xia to guard the child without leaving her side.
“Yes, Madam.”
“Madam, the guests have begun arriving in the front courtyard. The Old Madam requests your presence,” Deng Zhi reported from outside the room.
Although Marquis Zhongyong’s family held a hereditary title, they owed it entirely to the Old Marquis’ contributions during the founding of the empire. The Lu family had humble roots as farmers, and even after rising to nobility, they remained out of place among the aristocracy of the capital. Their rise had much to do with Madam Xu’s tact and talent. Her efforts in educating the family’s children gradually brought them prestige.
Years ago, Lu Yuan Ze had knelt outside the Xu family’s gates for three days and nights to win her hand in marriage, earning himself a capable wife.
“The Old Madam is something else. Miss Chao Chao’s already a month old, and she hasn’t even come to see her yet,” Jue Xia grumbled, her dissatisfaction plain.
“Enough. Don’t let such comments leave the Listening Wind Courtyard,” Madam Xu admonished, shooting her a stern look.
Jue Xia lowered her head in compliance.
Madam Xu made her way to the front courtyard. By now, many guests had arrived, including the Eldest Princess. Lu Yuan Ze’s younger sister, Lu Wan Yi, was already eagerly attending to her.
Madam Xu’s gaze lingered momentarily.
“Sister-in-law, you’ve finally emerged from confinement. Wan Yi missed you so much. I felt terrible for not being here for the delivery,” Lu Wan Yi said, affectionately linking arms with her.
“You and your sister-in-law are truly rare in how close you are,” remarked the Eldest Princess, a long-time confidante of Madam Xu.
Lu Wan Yi beamed. “When Sister-in-law married into the family, I was only two years old. She’s practically been like a mother to me. Of course, I’m close to her.” Her expression was one of genuine admiration.
This comforted Madam Xu somewhat. At least Lu Wan Yi’s regard for her seemed genuine. As the Old Madam’s youngest daughter, Lu Wan Yi had been practically raised by her.
Patting Lu Wan Yi’s hand, Madam Xu heard her ask, “Where is Elder Brother? Today is Little Niece’s full-month banquet. If he’s late, I won’t forgive him.” She pouted with dissatisfaction.
Madam Xu smiled but said nothing, leading the guests into the main hall for greetings.
The Old Madam, dressed in dark robes, sat at the head of the hall. Despite decades in the capital, she lacked the refined bearing of the capital’s nobility.
“Mother,” Madam Xu said, taking a deep breath and bowing deeply before the hall.
The Old Madam extended a hand affectionately. “Quick, help your sister-in-law up. I’ve been too unwell to visit during your confinement and worried about spreading illness to you. Are the servants not taking good care of you?” Her eyes swept critically over Deng Zhi, who immediately knelt.
Madam Xu smoothly withdrew her hand and replied with a smile, “Mother, don’t frighten the maids. They’ve been attentive. I just haven’t had much appetite lately.” How could she eat or sleep well when her husband was tending to another woman giving birth outside?
The guests praised her graciousness, marveling at how well the Marquis’ family treated her.
“It’s nearly time. Where is the Marquis?” the Eldest Princess asked, her brows furrowing slightly. “I should have a word with the Emperor. Such a major event should not be delayed.”
The Old Madam’s brow twitched, and her maid discreetly slipped away. Shortly after, the Marquis arrived, looking flustered, his forehead damp with sweat despite the cold weather.
Madam Xu’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Clearly, he’d been busy with the other full-month banquet.
“Apologies for the delay. To celebrate my daughter’s full month, I personally procured a Night-Luminescent Pearl from the Southern Seas,” Lu Yuan Ze said, his eyes full of contrition as he glanced at Madam Xu.
“A Night-Luminescent Pearl?”
“Such a treasure!”
“The Emperor gifted one to the Crown Prince as a night lamp just last year,” the Eldest Princess remarked in admiration.
Lu Yuan Ze bowed slightly. “It’s not as fine as the Emperor’s, of course.”
Night-Luminescent Pearls, rare treasures from the Southern Seas, were highly prized for their beauty and difficulty to obtain.
Madam Xu waved a hand. “Bring Chao Chao out; let’s not miss the auspicious hour.” Her resentment towards Lu Yuan Ze lessened slightly.
Soon, Ying Xue emerged, carrying the baby. The Eldest Princess, intrigued, reached out to take the child.
After a glance at Madam Xu, who nodded slightly, Ying Xue handed over the infant.
“What a lovely girl! She’s even more beautiful than the three before her,” the Eldest Princess exclaimed. Chao Chao’s snow-white skin, ink-black hair, and bright, lively eyes captivated her instantly.
Having long wished for a daughter, the Eldest Princess was thoroughly charmed. “Ah, such a darling! Here, your father brought you a Night-Luminescent Pearl. Do you like it?” Lu Yuan Ze teased, holding out the treasure.
Chao Chao’s tiny hands barely managed to grasp it. She stared intently at the pearl.
[A Night-Luminescent Pearl! He gave Lu Jing Yao an entire set of twelve pearls for her headdress, yet he brings me just a leftover scrap? Hmph, I don’t want it!]
Hearing this, Madam Xu’s smile froze. The faint hope that had risen within her was extinguished. Was her daughter destined only for others’ castoffs?
Fury and heartache gripped Madam Xu, making her chest ache as though pierced by needles.
Chao Chao, meanwhile, giggled at the Eldest Princess before throwing the pearl to the ground with a “thunk.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s face flushed as though slapped, alternating between red and white.
The room fell silent until the Eldest Princess laughed. “Marquis, you’ll need to try harder. Our little Chao Chao has high standards.”
Her laughter broke the tension, and she added, “I like Chao Chao. She and I have such a bond. If possible, I’d love to have her stay with me at the Princess’s Manor for a few days.”
Though reluctant, she returned the baby to Ying Xue, her gaze lingering longingly.
She had given Madam Xu ample face.
“Of course. Once the weather warms, we’ll visit you,” Madam Xu agreed with a smile.
Just then, the gatekeeper announced a new arrival.
“The Crown Prince has arrived.”