As Leng Ruohan departed, he glanced back at a little girl in the flower bush, smiling brightly with a peony on her head.
【014】 The Cradle Ceremony Mishap
Today is my first birthday. Time flies—like having diarrhea, I guess? (A bizarre comparison.)
The nursemaid woke me up early to wash and dress me, and I haven’t even had breakfast yet, which is annoying.
I pouted as I took in the decorations around me. Wow, is a one-year-old’s birthday really this grand? Everything is red and green, like a wedding! How wasteful; I’ll feel guilty.
Main hall.
“The—Emperor—has—arrived—!” a eunuch’s sharp voice announced.
Everyone lowered themselves instantly. Held by my nursemaid, I was hidden and not worried about overstepping. I curiously looked at the Emperor, who seemed around forty or fifty—definitely no chance with me—so I didn’t bother to look closely. To me, the Emperor was just a figure in yellow with the label: Emperor.
What caught my attention was a little guy next to him, presumably the Crown Prince. Around three or four years old, he had a chubby face, crescent moon-shaped eyebrows, sparkling eyes, and red cherry lips. His hair was half-tied with a small purple-gold crown, and a bright yellow satin ribbon parted the front hair by his ears. He wore a luxurious black robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns.
I swallowed; what a pretty boy. The Emperor laughed, and soon everyone joined in. Hey, want to know why? Because I pooped right on the spot! But Dad’s expression was not good. I quickly rushed over and hugged Dad’s leg, calling out, “Daddy—hug—hug—” Everyone was shocked. A one-year-old usually learns to vocalize, but this baby could express clear intentions!
“Congratulations, Lord Shi, congratulations!”
Speaking at one year old, this girl is extraordinary!” A man in a blue robe stood up and congratulated my father. Dad’s serious face softened into a smile.
If they heard what I said to the little handsome guy yesterday, they’d be scared silly, I thought smugly while sitting on Dad’s lap.
“Such an interesting baby, I’m quite looking forward to what she’ll grab today,” the old emperor remarked.
“Yes, yes—Lord Shi…” The guests urged my father in a mix of flattery and curiosity.
