CHAPTER 602: CHAPTER 602 PRINCESS’S FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 1

March 9th marked the first birthday celebration of the Third Princess.

Early that morning, Jiaofang Hall was already being decorated.

There was no stage, but tables had been arranged to fill an entire flower hall.

It was said that not only people from the Harem would come. Even Princess Consorts from the Royal Clan, Commandery Princesses, and County Princesses, along with the Empress Dowager, and the Harem’s Imperial Noble Consorts and Imperial Concubines, were all expected to attend.

After all, she was the Emperor’s first Legitimate Princess.

Even if she was not his biological child, the event’s grandeur was absolutely indispensable!

After breakfast, the Empress inspected everything prepared in the flower hall once more.

Only then was she completely relieved.

However, just to be sure, she summoned Yu Lan and instructed her.

"Honored Lady Cheng is pregnant. That’s the first priority. The Imperial Kitchen absolutely must not make any mistakes!

Also, Consort Ning, Consort Hui Pin, and Consort Xian Pin all have children, so their food must also be handled with extra caution!

As for the others, just take note of their preferences and don’t mix them up. That will suffice!

Everything must be flawless!"

Yu Lan bowed her head in assent and immediately sent someone to relay the instructions to the Imperial Kitchen again.

Pleased, the Empress then turned and returned to her quarters.

「Qingya Residence.」

Xia Ruqing held the gift list, worrying over it again and again.

Displayed before her were three gifts that had been prepared in advance.

One was a child’s garment made of soft, comfortable fabric, ideal for young children to wear.

Another was a pure gold longevity lock, valuable and substantial in weight; presenting it would surely be very prestigious.

The last one was a toy ornament the Emperor had given her previously, suitable for children. Little Bun particularly liked it, but he was too rough, and she couldn’t bear to let him ruin it. So, she hadn’t given it to him and had kept it instead.

All were fine gifts, but she couldn’t give them all. It would suffice to choose one or two.

"So... among these three, which one is better?"

After pondering for a long time, Xia Ruqing was still undecided.

Zi Yue then said, "The garment is pretty, but... I don’t think it’s suitable!

The Princess may not wear it, so Your Highness need not give that one!

Of the other two, just pick one. That would be enough!"

Xia Ruqing looked at the small garment, feeling a bit reluctant.

She had personally chosen the pattern.

"Ah, how wonderful it would be if I had a daughter!

With so many patterned fabrics in the storeroom, I would definitely design many beautiful clothes for her myself and dress her up beautifully!

Not like now, having nice clothes but no one to give them to."

"Very well, pack up these two gifts and send them over!

No matter how the Empress handles it, at least my sincerity will have been shown! Sigh!"

Zi Yue replied with a smile.

After Xia Ruqing had breakfast and washed her hands, she began to pick out her outfit.

Today, with the Empress Dowager and the Princesses of the Royal Clan present, wearing something too flamboyant would be inappropriate. Something dignified and modest would be better.

Therefore, she chose a pear-yellow court dress.

She then had Zi Yue style her hair into a dignified and elegant coiffure, accessorized with matching colored jewelry and head ornaments.

Her necklace, rings, earrings, bracelets, and other pieces were all of a rounded and generously proportioned style.

Dressed this way, she appeared both dignified and stately.

"That looks about right!"

Xia Ruqing checked herself in the mirror, looking from side to side.

This mercury mirror was one of the items from the Southern Ocean that the Emperor had given her on the second day of the month.

It was much like modern mirrors, but this one was made with exquisite mercury, embedded in colored glaze, both bright and grand.

For Xia Ruqing, who was used to copper mirrors, seeing something that so closely resembled what she had in her hometown almost brought tears to her eyes.

Even Zi Yue couldn’t help but click her tongue in admiration.

"This mirror is truly amazing; the reflection is exactly as our eyes see!

With such a mirror, couldn’t one even do their own makeup?"

Xia Ruqing laughed.

"Zi Yue, you’re jesting again. In a household that owns such a mirror, how could one possibly do their own makeup?

Which of them isn’t surrounded by a retinue of maids!

Although such a mirror could be bought for two or three dollars in modern times, in ancient times, it was worth a fortune!

The palace didn’t even have glass yet. During winter, those more favored might have transparent tiles for their windows.

As for the less favored, they probably had to make do with paper.

In the dead of winter, separated from the icy, snowy world outside by only a layer of paper... TSK TSK, just thinking about it made one feel cold!"

Xia Ruqing pushed aside those rambling thoughts and stood up.

"Let’s go!

It’s about time!"

Zi Su and Zi Ning promptly brought over a cloak.

"My Lady, please wear something warmer!"

This was a spring cloak, not as thick as those for winter, but it was very attractive. It was pear-yellow, like the warm spring sun or the blooming flowers in the Imperial Garden—graceful and dignified, yet not lacking a vibrant beauty.

When Xia Ruqing arrived, Consort Hui Pin was already there. Several Imperial Noble Consorts and Princesses of the Royal Clan were also present.

They were all seated in the opposite rows of seats.

Upon seeing her, they exchanged nods in acknowledgment.

Several of the Old Princess Consorts had reached an age to enjoy their later years.

Therefore, there was no tension.

These few old sisters, who had contended with each other for a lifetime, were now like children, gathered together, chatting and laughing merrily.

Xia Ruqing was initially indifferent until... she saw Princess Consort Yan.

Eh? What’s with Princess Consort Yan? Why isn’t she joining the other Old Princess Consorts for fun? Look, her face is quite pale! Could it be that, suddenly living in the Capital City, she’s still not acclimatized? Why does she look so sickly!

Xia Ruqing held her cup, sipping tea, her mind racing through various possibilities.

In the end, she couldn’t figure anything out and simply let the matter go.

Probably, she’s just ill! Not acclimatized? How could that be!

While she was pondering, a voice from outside announced, "Consort Ning has arrived."

Following her was the Noble Consort, then the Empress and the Empress Dowager, and finally, the Emperor.

A large crowd surged in, and the previously somewhat empty flower hall was now packed full.

Seeing the grand scene before her, the Empress felt extremely satisfied.

It was an innate longing for power and status.

"Your Majesty!"

The Empress, holding the Little Princess who had just turned one, approached Zhao Junyao.

"Hmm. Take a seat," Zhao Junyao said faintly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" the Empress said happily.

Zhao Junyao did not say anything more.

As for liking her—who wouldn’t like a plump, fair-skinned child?

However, Zhao Junyao found himself thinking more about... if Qingqing were to have a daughter, what would she be like?

With that thought, he became slightly distracted.

The Little Princess was naturally timid.

Seeing her father dressed in the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon robe, the little girl felt a bit scared!

She nestled in the Empress’s arms, not crying, not making a fuss, just blinking her eyes!

Many of those present were seeing the Little Princess for the first time.

After all, the Empress had rarely brought her out.

And not everyone could enter Jiaofang Hall, so...

Those who hadn’t seen her before were now slowly scrutinizing her, their eyes practically glued to her.

Among them was Shih Jieyu.

She watched the Little Princess, who would soon have no relation to her whatsoever, her heart feeling as if it were being torn apart.

Yet outwardly, she had to maintain a calm facade, the inner turmoil she felt going without saying.

The Empress scanned the room, her face adorned with the most dignified smile.

"My daughter turns one today. I am delighted that everyone could grace us with their presence!

Now that everyone is here, let’s begin!"

The main event today is, of course, the princess’s item-picking ceremony!