The Crown Prince’s birthday arrived after all these preparations.
October 24th was Zhao Qichen’s birthday.
After this birthday, he would be a full ten years old by nominal age.
Zhao Junyao valued this eldest legitimate son greatly.
Since childhood, he held him to extremely strict standards, both academically and martially.
Zhao Qichen did not disappoint.
He inherited all the virtues of his father and mother.
Not only was he handsome and tall, but he also possessed exceptional talent in literature, military strategy, and tactics.
Whether in reading, practicing martial arts, or dealing with people, he was exceptionally capable and insightful.
There was nothing Zhao Junyao found unsatisfactory.
Particularly gratifying was the child’s remarkable endurance.
In his studies.
While he didn’t need to hang himself from the rafters and stab his thigh with an awl like scholars preparing for the imperial exam, he was never without a book in his hand.
His range of knowledge was extensive, covering poetry, essays, songs, and military strategies.
He played the zither beautifully and wrote elegant calligraphy, mastering all six classical arts of a gentleman.
On a day when he donned a flowing white robe and carried a folding fan, standing on the small bridges over the flowing waters of Jiangnan.
He would certainly be a charming and elegant young noble, capable of winning the admiration of many young ladies.
His martial arts skills were also highly advanced.
He diligently trained with several elderly Great Generals and sparred with even the most ordinary warriors in the Ministry of War.
He also sparred with peers from the Royal Clan who were of similar age.
Should he ever don a silver armor suit and enter the battlefield.
He would undoubtedly be a dashing young General.
In recent years,
Zhao Qichen became increasingly busy and was often not in the palace.
Every time Xia Ruqing saw him, the changes were pronounced.
In the past,
she could never have imagined that a nominally ten-year-old boy could mature to this level.
Perhaps he inherited his father’s height.
He grew early and learned a great deal through experience.
In any case, beyond the face and stature.
It felt as though the person before her was an adult, conducting himself with maturity and composure.
The gaze, bearing, and facial features were exactly like his father’s.
His gaze was sharp and steadfast, his demeanor calm, and his features distinguished.
On his birthday,
he hosted a feast in the Eastern Palace at noon, entertaining his teachers, mentors, elders of the Royal Clan, and other brothers.
He returned to the Duanning Palace in the evening to celebrate with his father, mother, brothers, and sisters.
Thus,
just after the midday meal, the small kitchen of the Duanning Palace became busy.
Xia Ruqing wrote a long menu.
She eliminated all ostentatious dishes and replaced them with favorites of the family.
There was cheese for Yue Er,
chicken legs and steamed fish for the brothers Henger and Yeye,
light appetizers enjoyed by Zhao Junyao,
and her own favorites like spicy shrimp and pepper chicken.
Most importantly,
there were smoked sausages, salted rabbit meat, and braised venison that Chenchen liked.
As Chenchen was the birthday star, the remaining side dishes and snacks were mainly to his liking.
After finishing,
Xia Ruqing checked repeatedly, ensuring there were no errors before handing it over to Zi Yue.
"Instruct the small kitchen!"
"All ingredients must be the freshest!"
"Use all the energy you have today!"
"Understood!" Zi Yue acknowledged and left with the menu.
Xia Ruqing leaned against the bed.
Counting on her fingers.
"We have gifts and food; what else have we missed?"
Zi Su shook her head.
"Empress, there’s nothing missed!"
"The Crown Prince will surely be very pleased!"
Xia Ruqing felt at ease.
Zi Su advised again.
"Empress, it’s still early; you should take some rest first!"
Xia Ruqing rubbed her temples.
"Alright!"
She said as she entered the inner chamber.
After helping her lie down, Zi Su adjusted the bedding and curtains, then silently exited, closing the door behind her.
Outside, the arrangements were still being made.
She had to oversee everything to avoid mistakes.
...
Xia Ruqing awoke in the late afternoon.
Chenchen had already returned.
From the inner chamber, she could hear Yue Er outside calling for her brother.
She quickly got up and called for Zi Yue to bring water for washing.
Sitting in front of the bronze mirror as she groomed, Xia Ruqing smiled.
"Yue Er is always clinging to her elder brother!"
"Now that he’s back, she’s going to have a blast playing!"
Zi Yue laughed.
"The Crown Prince dotes on the Princess, bringing her many treasures every time he returns!"
"The Princess would be happy for half a month!"
Xia Ruqing chuckled.
"Isn’t that true?"
She suddenly felt a bit of a headache.
"Yue Er always likes things meant for boys. When she grows up, I won’t be able to manage her!"
Zi Su quickly consoled her.
"Empress, what is this to worry about?!"
"Even the Emperor says that our Princess of Great Chu should have the spirit of a heroine!"