Chapter 64: Surrounded by Guardians on New Year’s Eve
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
As New Year’s Eve unfurled, the capital city was alive with the vibrancy of fireworks painting the night sky, while festive decorations and paper-cut art adorned the windows of every home. Children, donning their brand-new attire, engaged in playful antics, filling the air with laughter and merriment.
Among these cheerful souls was Lu Chao Chao, an eleven-month-old beacon of joy, proudly sporting a new tooth—her third, to be exact. This development was a source of immense delight for her as it brought her one step closer to the dream of feasting on a succulent chicken leg.
Her infectious smile, enhanced by the gleam of her three tiny teeth, was a sight that warmed the hearts of all who laid eyes on her.
Observing this, Madam Xu couldn’t help but smile despite the ache in her cheeks from the prolonged expression. “My dear, I see you’ve sprouted another tooth. I promise, a chicken leg will be yours tonight,” she assured her, amused by Lu Chao Chao’s fascination with her growing teeth.
Lu Chao Chao’s spirits soared at the promise of her much-anticipated treat, her mood visibly brightening despite the layers of festive attire that could have easily caused discomfort.
“Today, we’re attending the palace for the offering to the heavens, followed by a banquet. You must be on your best behavior,” Madam Xu gently instructed, wrapping Lu Chao Chao in a warm jacket to shield her from the cold during the solemn ceremony.
Once ready, Lu Chao Chao, displaying a blend of curiosity and mischief, managed to retrieve a small box hidden under the bed. Using a small key she wore around her neck, she unlocked the box to reveal a collection of jade pendants, each valuable enough to stir envy in her scummy father, yet here they were, casually stashed away by her.
With a hint of disdain, “Takes up space!”
Madam Xu, busy with her own preparations, only caught glimpses of her daughter’s little form as she rummaged through the box, her movements marked by the playful bobbing of her hair.
With effort, the little girl packed her pockets with chestnuts and peanuts, alongside a sweet potato chunk, after meticulously locking the box and hiding it once again.
The ceremony for the heavenly offering was a lengthy and somber affair from which no departure was permitted. Madam Xu, cautious of the need for a restroom break, refrained from drinking water, opting instead for just enough thick rice porridge to fill her stomach.
“Why must the legitimate offspring be present for the offering this year? Chao Chao is merely eleven months old and hardly able to walk,” Deng Zhi lamented, wrapping an extra scarf around the child for warmth.
Madam Xu’s gaze fell on Lu Chao Chao, who was innocently engaging with ants on the ground. A thought crossed her mind—perhaps the king wished to see Chao Chao, but she quickly dismissed it, doubting the king would be so unoccupied.
As they prepared to leave for the palace, Su Zhi Qing approached, radiating happiness and well-being, a stark contrast to the previous half-month during which she had spared no effort to win over Lu Yuan Ze, who had, until now, not shown any interest in Madam Xu’s quarters, seemingly captivated by his new consort’s charms.
“Madam, may you enjoy peace and health in the coming year,” Su Zhi Qing greeted, barely containing her elation.
“Just say what you need to. We must not delay the offering to the heavens,” Madam Xu responded, holding a royal decree of the third rank, signaling their entrance into the palace for the ceremony.
Lu Chao Chao, overhearing the conversation, couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Su Zhi Qing’s attempt to rise in status and the ensuing drama it would cause within the family.
“The lord has agreed to promote me to the family registry last night.” With a respectful bow, Su Zhi Qing shared the news, citing Madam Xu’s preoccupation with her children and advancing age as reasons why a younger wife might alleviate some of the household burdens.
This revelation was a significant triumph for the woman, who, despite her efforts to maintain composure, could hardly walk straight from the excitement of her newfound favor. She believed her youth, beauty, and education positioned her as the ideal blend of both Madam Xu and Pei Jiao Jiao’s best qualities, securing her a spot in Lu Yuan Ze’s heart.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Upon hearing this, Madam Xu could barely conceal 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 but laced with subtle condescension, Su Zhi Qing spoke her mind: “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 though, 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 highlighted that Madam Xu wasn’t 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 in equal standing showed her lack of etiquette regardless of her newfound status in the Marquis household
Flushed with embarrassment yet filled with simmering resentment, Su Zhi Qing couldn’t help but ponder the irony of her situation. She thought to herself about the hollowness 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 tinged 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.”
Madam Xu, choosing not to engage further, 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’s been caught up in the recent scandal due to Lu Yuan Ze’s personal affairs, and now he’s also had a falling out with the man. There’s definitely going to be consequences for that. Even so, he’s 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.