The wound still ached faintly. She gently touched her belly, marveling at the miracle of life's continuation.
The child who had been with her for ten months was now out of her womb, and would forever be the apple of their eyes.
"Your Highness, you should eat something too. Look how pale your lips are."
Xiao Tingyi was concerned for Feng Jinyao, and Feng Jinyao equally cared for him.
It was only when it was mentioned that he realized how hungry he was.
The scent of the fish porridge wafted into his nostrils; he was indeed famished.
"A'yao, rest for a while. I'll go out and eat a bit."
With that, he quickly left, picked two of the most filling dishes, and ate them in haste. By the time the wet nurse brought the baby back, he had just finished and was washing his hands.
The well-fed infant quickly fell back into a deep sleep.
Seeing the wet nurse's drowsy state, Xiao Tingyi frowned and immediately ordered,
"Wet nurse, find a few more wet nurses. One is not enough for the county princess."
The wet nurse thought she had offended His Highness and was about to beg for mercy, but then Aunt Zhang chuckled, supported the wet nurse, and nodded in agreement.
After instructing the maids to attend to them, she led the wet nurse out.
"Mama Zhang, what's wrong? Is His Highness not...?"
"Don't worry, His Highness is just doting on his daughter. He's afraid you won't get enough rest and your milk won't be good for the baby."
Hearing this, the wet nurse was amused and exasperated.
However, His Highness was right. If there were two more wet nurses to take turns caring for the baby, it would indeed be better.
And so, the next day, this pampered little county princess gained two more wet nurses. Three of them took turns caring for her, and her appetite grew significantly.
Thus, while other newborns might have a yellowish complexion, she grew fairer and more radiant with each passing day.
The Mid-Autumn Festival soon arrived.
The family was bustling with activity in their private residence.
Prime Minister Bai, Grand Secretary Xu, and Elder Master Min were formidable opponents. The three of them, when gathered, spent their days playing military chess or dominoes.
Though they were all figures of immense authority in court, they now behaved like mischievous old men.
Elder Master Min repeatedly accused the other two of being cunning!
Grand Secretary Xu, who would not be outdone, immediately retorted,
"I wouldn't dare say anything else, but aren't the words 'cunning' and 'deceitful' usually used to describe wealthy merchants like yourselves?"
"Hmph, you old scoundrel!"
"Who are you calling names!"
"Whoever responds!"
All of them were elderly, and their bickering was even more intense than that of the children like Dou Ge'er and Feng Yunluo.
Prime Minister Bai would watch them argue with a smile. When they finally looked down at the chess and domino boards, they would find their positions already compromised. Then, the two would put aside their differences and gang up on Prime Minister Bai.
Old Madam Bai and Old Madam Xu sat nearby, chatting about family matters and joining in the fun.
It was truly a joyous occasion.
Madam Lin, Princess Wenyi, Madam Feng, and Madam Min were all busy preparing the evening feast and refreshments for moon-gazing.
Although there weren't many people, they were meticulous, so no detail could be overlooked.
Aunt Zhang and Divine Physician Zhang were now solely focused on Feng Jinyao and her daughter, unaffected by other matters.
Bai Siruo and Xiao Muqian had returned to Prince Kang's mansion with Jin Ge'er, but Feng Jinlin and Xu Mingyue, along with Feng Jinxu and Madam Wen and their children, were playing in the garden.
The appearance of Bai Silang with Feng Yunhe and Feng Yunli brothers caused the children to cheer.
Feng Yunhe, now nearly ten years old, was remarkably dignified and steady.
Feng Yunli was also more well-behaved, though his eyes darted around, searching for his favorite second uncle.
With Feng Jinlin around, the children were never short of fun.
In just a short while, they were all gathered around Feng Jinlin, calling him a good uncle, good maternal uncle, and good father.
This kind of rapport with children was something the Bai men and Feng Jinxu could not match.
Bai Silang and Feng Jinxu stood together, discussing recent court affairs. Meanwhile, Bai Dalang and Bai Shanwei were in a corner under the corridor, whispering.
"We received news from your third uncle. He's gravely ill in Qiongzhou and wishes to... wishes to see you and Si Han."
Bai Shanwei fell silent.
He had toiled his entire life, only to face a lonely end. He wondered if he would ever feel he had chosen the wrong path.
Bai Dalang felt pity for his half-brother. Regardless, Bai Shanwei was still his son, and Si Han, his daughter.
Past grievances seemed insignificant in the face of death.
However, he would not force Bai Shanwei. If he wished to see him, he could; if not, it would simply mean they had no fate together in this life.
Bai Shanwei looked up at the full moon in the sky. After a long pause, he said,
"My fate with him is shallow in this life, so I will not see him. If Si Han returns, please help me send him something. It will suffice as a connection of blood."
Bai Dalang nodded, not trying to persuade him.
"Do not advise others unless you have experienced their suffering."
He understood this principle.
The following year, on the third day after Bai Shanwei achieved the top rank in the imperial examinations, Bai Chaoke breathed his last, surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law.
At the time of his death, the Qiao family's heirloom jade pendant was placed beside him.
Of course, this is a story for another time.
Meanwhile, Little Douzi, seeing his elder brother absent, looked around. Upon spotting Bai Shanwei, he ran over and said to him,
"Brother, come play with us! Second Cousin is very naughty, and Little Douzi can't beat him!"
He then pulled Bai Shanwei towards the lively gathering. As they ran, Bai Shanwei smiled, his eyes curving.
Feng Jinyao had only given birth a few days ago, so she naturally could not go out in the wind at this time.
Therefore, the feast was set up inside their main room. The inner room was divided by a screen and curtains, which did not affect anything. Instead, they could clearly hear the lively sounds from outside.
Thus, everyone, without distinction of male or female seating, sat together and shared a true reunion dinner.
Xiao Tingyi had held the baby for several days and was now quite skilled.
The baby also enjoyed the lively atmosphere. With so many people gathered around, she was not frightened but rather excited, giggling and laughing.
Everyone felt that indeed, a tiger begets a tiger cub!
"Your Highness, has the child been named?"
"Yes."
"What is it, what is it?"
Not only Feng Jinlin, but everyone was curious.
After building up the suspense, Xiao Tingyi slowly said,
"Xiao Youning."
"Youning. Is it from the 'Book of Songs,' 'Weiwei qi ming, junzi you ning'?"
Prime Minister Bai asked, and Xiao Tingyi smiled and nodded.
"A peaceful life, simple happiness. It is indeed a good name."
After his explanation, everyone understood. The daughter of the Prince of Ding was extraordinary from birth; she would enjoy endless wealth and honor. It was no wonder he had named her this way.
"And her nickname will be Ning'er?"
Madam Feng looked at Xiao Tingyi and asked softly. Xiao Tingyi smiled and replied, "As Mother-in-law decides."
Thus, everyone began calling the newborn child Ning'er.
She seemed to like the name too, and kept smiling when being doted on.
Inside the inner room, Feng Jinyao listened to the voices of everyone, feeling immensely at peace.
In this life, all that she had was what she desired.
*******
One month after Xiao Youning's birth, news from "Jinling City" reached "Dongdu City." Emperor Ren, grateful that she was his youngest cousin, specially bestowed upon her the title of Princess.
Sixteen years later, when Xiao Youning officially took charge of the entire Prince of Ding's army in the Southwest, people were astonished to realize that this princess was a person of unparalleled brilliance, no less than her father!
As for her grievances and entanglements with the King of Nanyue, that is another story.
(The End)
Finally, finally, on the last day of 2022, this book that has accompanied everyone for so long has come to an end. Immense gratitude to every reader for their support and affection.