boyutpedia Chapter 154 The Joy of the Birth of a Princess
Chapter 154 The Joy of the Birth of a Princess
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the sun rose early, its golden rays filtering through the clouds and bathing the earth in a warm and dazzling veil. In the streets and alleys, people hung red lanterns and colorful silks, their vibrant colors creating a dazzling spectacle, like a magnificent painting unfolding before them. Every corner was filled with a festive atmosphere, laughter and cheerful voices rising and falling, creating a peaceful and joyful festivities.
For ordinary families, the first day of the Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion for family reunions and shared happiness. The family gathers around a table, enjoying a sumptuous feast, reminiscing about the past year, and hoping for a prosperous and peaceful new year. Children, dressed in new clothes, excitedly set off firecrackers and receive red envelopes, their faces beaming with innocent smiles.
However, amidst this joyous celebration, a different scene unfolded within the imperial palace. Deep within this solemn and majestic palace, the Emperor and Empress eagerly awaited the birth of a new life. For them, this day was not only filled with the joy of the New Year, but also carried an incomparably special and profound significance—their long-awaited child was about to be born.
As time slowly slipped away like sand in an hourglass, every minute and every second seemed to stretch out infinitely. However, in this breathtakingly silent moment, suddenly, a clear and loud cry of a baby, like heavenly music, abruptly shattered the tranquil atmosphere of the palace.
Immediately afterward, a palace maid rushed over, her face beaming with barely suppressed joy. Before she could even catch her breath, she eagerly shouted, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Her Majesty the Empress has successfully given birth to a little princess!"
This sudden good news struck Zhao Shouyi like a thunderbolt, instantly jolting him upright on the dragon throne. He sprang from his seat as if electrocuted, nearly losing his balance in the suddenness of his movement. But at that moment, he couldn't care less about such formalities; his eyes shone with undisguised joy, like the brightest stars in the night sky.
His usually serious and tense face completely relaxed, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up into a wide smile. The smile was so bright that his mouth almost stretched to his ears, completely losing the dignified demeanor he usually displayed as a monarch.
"Quickly! Bring the little princess to me so I can have a good look at her!" Zhao Shouyi shouted anxiously, his voice trembling slightly with excitement. Upon hearing this, the midwife quickly and carefully cradled the newborn baby in her arms, then swiftly and lightly approached the emperor.
Zhao Shouyi gazed intently with anticipation, and saw the little princess in her swaddling clothes, like a beautiful porcelain doll, exquisitely sculpted and utterly adorable. Her skin was as delicate and smooth as snow, and her large, watery eyes were like two sparkling black gems, shimmering with a lively and captivating light.
Zhao Shouyi couldn't help but gently reach out his hands, as if afraid that the slightest force would damage this priceless treasure. When his fingers touched the little princess's soft, smooth cheeks, a warm current surged through his heart. This wonderful feeling captivated him, leaving him utterly mesmerized. At this moment, his heart was filled with the joy and love of becoming a father for the first time, his deep affection overflowing.
Within the swaddling clothes lay a tiny infant, peacefully resting. Her skin was as delicate as a peach blossom in spring, white with a rosy hue, so smooth and supple it seemed one could easily touch it. Her tightly closed eyes, like two crescent moons, though not yet open, already hinted at a bright and captivating beauty that would one day shine with radiant charm. Her small mouth was slightly pouting, as if she were lost in her own thoughts even in her sleep; such an adorable expression was utterly endearing.
Zhao Shouyi stood to the side, his gaze never leaving the tiny life. His eyes were filled with the joy and emotion of becoming a father for the first time, a heartfelt happiness that seemed to overflow. Looking at this exquisitely beautiful little one, he felt his heart completely melt. At this moment, he forgot all his worries and fatigue, and smiled tenderly at his beloved daughter with boundless joy.
Just then, a series of light but hurried footsteps approached from afar. Zhao Shouyi looked in the direction of the sound and saw the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus walking briskly towards them. It turned out that after hearing the news of the Empress's childbirth, they couldn't wait to come and see their newborn grandson or granddaughter in person.
The Empress Dowager entered the hall with a beaming smile. Before she could even settle in, she eagerly asked, "Did the Empress give birth to a prince or a princess this time?" Her excitement was palpable. Zhao Shouyi, seeing this, quickly stepped forward, bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus, and then carefully took the child from the midwife. His movements were incredibly gentle, as if afraid of waking the sleeping little one. He then gently placed the child in the Empress Dowager's arms, his face radiating pride and joy, and cheerfully replied, "Your Majesty, look, it's a lively and adorable little princess!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's dignified and composed face was instantly filled with joy. She became as excited as a child, waving her hands and repeatedly saying, "Great! Great! I finally have a precious granddaughter! This is the greatest joy of all!" As she spoke, the Empress Dowager carefully held the little princess in her arms tighter, as if afraid of accidentally losing this precious little life.
She gazed lovingly at the exquisitely beautiful little princess in her arms, her bright and warm eyes now overflowing with tenderness and affection. The little princess lay quietly in the Empress Dowager's embrace, her eyes tightly closed, her tiny face as rosy and adorable as a ripe apple, making one want to kiss her.
In contrast, the retired emperor, though equally delighted, appeared more composed. He smiled slightly, his gaze remaining fixed on Zhao Shouyi with concern, and then asked in a gentle yet earnest tone, "Your Majesty, our Zhao family is now blessed with a new addition. Have you decided what name to give our little princess? After all, a name is related to a person's entire life."
Faced with the Emperor Emeritus's question, Zhao Shouyi was taken aback at first, then scratched his head somewhat awkwardly and replied with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, I have been busy with state affairs lately and have not thought carefully about the name of the little princess. I can't think of a suitable name for the time being." After speaking, Zhao Shouyi looked at the Emperor Emeritus with a slight apology.
Just then, the Emperor Emeritus suddenly had a flash of inspiration and suggested with a smile, "Since the little princess was born on the first day of the Lunar New Year, how about naming her Chuyi (First Day)? This name is simple and easy to remember, and it also has a special meaning, symbolizing a new beginning and hope."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shouyi's eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes, Father is absolutely right! The name 'Chuyi' is excellent; it sounds fresh and refined, and has a beautiful meaning. From now on, she will be our Zhao family's Chuyi Little Princess!" After saying this, everyone burst into laughter, and the entire palace was filled with a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.
Then, the Empress Dowager carefully and gently handed the swaddled infant to the standing palace maid, carefully instructing her to take good care of the new life. Immediately afterwards, the Empress Dowager, with a beaming smile, walked briskly towards the Empress, who had just given birth and was now lying weakly on the bed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!" Although the Empress's face was as pale as paper, she still mustered some strength and struggled to sit up to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager quickly stepped forward, reached out to support the Empress, and said gently, "Quickly, no need for formalities! My good daughter-in-law, you've suffered so much. Here, this is a small token of my appreciation that I specially prepared for you. Please accept it." As she spoke, the Empress Dowager smiled and took out a pair of exquisitely crafted, dazzling golden dragon and phoenix bracelets from a tray carried by a maid beside her, and gently handed them to the Empress.
A hint of surprise and emotion flashed in the Empress's eyes. She quickly reached out her hands to respectfully accept the bracelet, then lowered her head and said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It is truly a blessing that this child was born safely. I will do my best to teach her with care in the future."
The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, and said earnestly, "Yes, with your words, I am much more at ease." After saying this, the Empress Dowager inquired with concern about the Empress's postpartum health, diet, daily life, and other matters. The two women chatted happily, and the entire palace was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Some are happy, some are sad! This annual Spring Festival might be a time for others to relax, have fun, and enjoy themselves, but for our little prince, it's not so easy! He had been looking forward to a good rest during the New Year, but who would have thought that at the crack of dawn, his strict teacher would summon him like a death knell, demanding that he memorize extremely difficult texts and classics. The poor little prince could only force himself to concentrate and begin a long and tedious day of study.
Finally, school was over, and the young prince was utterly exhausted, listlessly dragging his heavy steps back to the palace. Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a commotion of chatter coming from not far ahead. Listening closely, he realized that several palace maids were gathered in a group, excitedly discussing something. Out of curiosity, the young prince couldn't help but move closer to hear what they were saying. What he heard delighted him! The palace maids were enthusiastically discussing their newly born princess! Only then did the young prince realize with a start that he already had a little sister!
Upon hearing the news, the young prince was instantly energized, his excitement boundless. Without a word, he took off running towards his mother's palace, his speed like an arrow released from a bow. Soon, he arrived at the palace gates, panting heavily. After calming his rapid breathing, he eagerly stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room anxiously. Sure enough, on the magnificent bed lay a beautifully sculpted baby—his beloved little sister!
Looking at the incredibly cute little girl before him, who resembled a doll from a traditional Chinese painting, the young prince's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile. He couldn't help but step forward, carefully extending a chubby little hand to gently stroke his sister's delicate cheek, murmuring, "Wow! My little sister is so adorable! She's like a fairy who stepped out of a painting!"
"Oh dear, you little rascal, your sister is still so young, she can't take this kind of commotion! What she needs most right now is a good night's sleep and some rest, so please stop making such a racket!" the Empress said softly, while gracefully extending a jade hand to make a shushing gesture.
Upon hearing this, the young prince, though somewhat unwilling, dared not disobey his mother's command. He could only carefully tiptoe out of the room like a kitten.
Just then, the Emperor happened to stroll over from the opposite direction. His imposing gait exuded authority, yet when his gaze fell upon his beloved son, it instantly softened into eyes full of tenderness and affection. He slowly knelt down, a smile on his face, and asked in an extremely kind tone, "My precious son, have you seen our lovely little princess? Tell your father, do you like this little sister?"