Qin Junyao was happy when people praised her daughter's beauty, but she also had doubts, "Second Aunt, where do you see that she's pretty? She looks like a little monkey."
Qin Second Aunt touched the little hand on her forehead. "She'll look better when she grows up. Yao Yao, have you named her yet?"
"Yes," Qin Junyao shifted the pillow behind her. "Zhao Yuqi."
"Yu means rain, representing grace and favor, and Qi means beautiful jade."
Grandma Qin and Mother Qin sat to the side, folding diapers. Upon hearing 'beautiful jade', Grandma Qin looked up.
"Grace, beautiful jade. We have to thank Yao Yao for this. Yao Yao, that nickname 'Little Hammer' is quite fitting."
Qin Junyao smiled. She was quite surprised herself.
She had expected Zhao Liangcai to come up with another name related to hardware.
When Zhao Liangcai had last written, there was a separate sheet of paper in the letter with the name Zhao Yuqi, and the explanation was similar to Grandma Qin's understanding, although Qin Junyao found the explanation a bit far-fetched.
"It's true, Junyao means beautiful jade. Liangcai is truly thoughtful," Mother Qin finished folding the diaper in her hands and put it aside, walking to Qin Second Aunt's side to look at Little Hammer together.
Little Hammer had a formal name now, but that didn't stop everyone from using her nickname.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Due to the cold weather, Qin Junyao decided to hold a small "washing the third day" ceremony for Little Hammer in the side hall.
The invited guests were all family, besides the Sheng family who were staying at the Zhao residence, there were the Qin and Hou families, as well as Ling Manshuang and Bai Qing.
A banquet was held at noon, with noodles as the main course. It was customary to have "washing noodles" for this ceremony.
The formal washing ceremony began after lunch.
Jixiang's maternal grandmother, who was the midwife, would have the host set up an altar in the main hall to worship the deities.
The deities to be worshipped were specific: Empress Xuanyuan, Empress Bixia Yuanjun, Empress Yunxiao, the Goddess of Bestowing Children, the Goddess of Inducing Labor, the Goddess of Smallpox, the Goddess of Eyes, and thirteen other deities.
In addition to the main hall, "Kanggong and Kangmu" (deities of the birth bed) were also worshipped at the pregnant woman's bedside. Those with better conditions would also offer a rooster and a hen.
After the worship, the basin filling ceremony began.
Jixiang's grandmother placed a basin filled with herbal bath solutions, including mugwort and sophora branches, on the table in the side hall and then picked up the child.
Subsequently, friends and relatives, in order of seniority, would each add a spoonful of clean water to the basin. Some would also add items like coins and red dates.
Whatever was added, Jixiang's grandmother would offer corresponding blessings.
Adding clean water symbolized a continuous flow of blessings and a clever, intelligent child.
Adding red dates symbolized an early childbirth and the birth of more children.
Jixiang's grandmother was most delighted when coins were added, as all the coins from the basin would belong to her after the ceremony.
After the basin filling came the basin stirring. Jixiang's grandmother would stir the basin while saying auspicious words, and then proceed to formally bathe Little Hammer.
Of course, auspicious words were indispensable.
Following this were other procedures such as dressing, receiving blessings, and the conclusion.
After all, she was the daughter of a general, so even a small washing ceremony had to be performed completely.
Fuzi witnessed the entire process. It was the first time he had seen his little niece.
When the baby was returned to Qin Junyao, he repeatedly called out to Little Hammer.
Little Hammer cooperated, kicking her feet every time Fuzi called her.
"Sister-in-law, can I hold her?" Fuzi looked up at Qin Junyao with longing in his eyes.
Qin Junyao pulled the thin blanket covering Little Hammer up a bit. "She's too small. You can hold her in another month. For now, you can gently touch her."
"I want to touch too," Qin Xiaoyu ran over and reached out.
Grandma Qin, who was nearby, stopped Qin Xiaoyu. "Be gentle. If you dare to be rough, I'll pinch you to death. You can bend over ten embroidery needles with your strength. You're too much."
"I want to learn the flying needle technique from Sister Yining," Qin Xiaoyu muttered, her hand gently gripping Little Hammer's tiny hand.
She silently said to herself, "Yuqi, I'm your aunt, your real aunt."