Chapter 1573: Chapter 1580 Xiang Yun Also Gave Birth (2)
As soon as the little buns returned, Lady Du couldn’t spare a glance for Cai Wei, instead gathering Fei’er, Wen’er, and Wu’er around the baby bed made of Golden Silk Nan Wood to marvel at the little ones. No matter how long they looked, it was never enough, especially for Lady Du, whose eyes glowed with such maternal love that it seemed ready to overflow.
Fei’er also liked these children very much, not only because they were her flesh and blood but also because these little ones were truly adorable. Look at them lying together, peacefully asleep—like three porcelain dolls crafted from jade. Their round little faces, tiny noses no bigger than a pea—how could anyone not be utterly charmed?
While she was at Duke Li Guo’s Mansion, she knew a little about palace affairs. She knew the Empress Dowager had never thought well of her older sister. With these little ones now born, perhaps the Empress Dowager would look upon her sister with higher regard.
Wen’er and Wu’er, on the other hand, chattered away, debating who was the oldest and who was the youngest. Though their faces were flushed from arguing, they made sure to keep their voices as low as possible, for fear of disturbing their little nephews.
After watching the babies for a while, Fei’er finally walked over with a smile and said to Cai Wei, “These little ones are so exquisitely beautiful; they seem to have inherited all the best traits from both Older Sister and His Majesty. I’ve no doubt they’ll grow up to be truly remarkable.”
Cai Wei pursed her lips and smiled, responding, “You cheeky thing—getting married has taught you to flatter with a silver tongue, hasn’t it? Stop trying to sweet-talk me. Newborns can only look so good!” Though she said this, her face was still brimming with delight.
Fei’er laughed and said, “I’m not sweet-talking, really! If you don’t believe me, let’s just wait and see! My eyes are sharp!”
Lady Du chimed in with a laugh: “Fei’er is right. Although they’ve yet to grow into their features and it’s hard to tell for now, just from their five features and face shapes, you can already tell they won’t be anything but exceptional.”
Wen’er chose this moment to pipe up as well: “Exactly, exactly! Older Sister, our little nephews and niece are bound to have grand destinies. In our Academy, the students all say that when these little ones were born, the sky was painted red with auspicious clouds, and a pleasant fragrance lingered for ages. Such favorable omens—how many people throughout history have had this happen? Surely, they are destined for great fortune!”
Cai Wei laughed and said, “If we’re talking about red skies, that’s plausible. After all, they were born at night, and isn’t it often the case that the evening sky glows red? But as for the lingering fragrance, that’s nonsense. If there was any such fragrance, why didn’t I smell it? Honestly, these are just exaggerated tales, passed around by others to make it sound grander than it really is. Don’t take such superstitious nonsense too seriously at your age!”
With that, she shifted her attention to Wen’er and Wu’er’s studies. Currently, they were attending the Royal Institute, and as the Empress Dowager’s younger brothers, their teacher held them in high regard. Fortunately, the two young ones were diligent, studying hard and maintaining a low profile. They never flaunted their status as the Empress’s brothers, which undoubtedly owed much to Mu Zhongqing’s constant guidance. Otherwise, given their tender age and the environment of flattery surrounding them, they might easily have lost their way.
Lady Du went on to give some advice about Cai Wei’s confinement period and what should be taken care of. Although Cai Wei had palace maids and old matrons overseeing everything to ensure nothing would go amiss, Lady Du still felt the need to emphasize it once more. Cai Wei listened attentively, showing no hint of impatience.
Cai Wei then brought up concerns about home, asking why Die’er hadn’t been brought along and who was looking after her.
Lady Du replied, “Today is the children’s washing ceremony—if she started crying and fussing, it wouldn’t be auspicious. So, I left her at home under Auntie Liu’s care.”
Fei’er glanced at the palace maids and old matrons bustling in and out of the hall and suddenly asked, “Older Sister, why haven’t I seen the children’s nanny? Why does Older Sister have to look after them personally?”