The morning light pierced through the clouds, casting its glow upon the golden glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, illuminating the grand palaces in a radiant splendor.
Officials hurried through the streets, posting the imperial edict of amnesty in crowded areas, where gathered citizens buzzed with excitement, spreading the joyous news far and wide—the Emperor had been blessed with a pair of royal twins, a son and a daughter.
The palace was bustling with activity in celebration of the two newborn heirs. Every corner of the imperial household was adorned with festivity, and all who served were granted rewards, basking in the Emperor's benevolence.
The two young royals were kept in the Kunning Palace, spending their days nursing and sleeping by Yun Kui’s side. Wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes, only their tiny, fist-sized heads peeked out, looking like little kittens.
Watching their once-wrinkled faces grow fair and delicate day by day filled Yun Kui with indescribable joy. She would gaze at their eyes one moment, then gently tap their little lips the next, utterly enchanted by their jade-like cuteness.
The young prince was named Xiao Mingxuan, a name chosen by Xiao Qi'an—"Xuan" signifying the sacred jade used in heavenly rituals, embodying purity and brilliance. The little princess was named Xiao Mingxian, a name given by Yun Kui, meaning "radiant light, the envy of all."
Meanwhile, Sheng Yu, granted special permission, visited Kunning Palace on his days off to see Yun Kui and the children. He never arrived empty-handed, bringing either a chest of toys, tiny garments, or tiger-head hats. For their full-month celebration, he gifted each child a weighty golden lock pendant.
Yun Kui couldn’t help but worry—though her father now held the position of a minister, his salary was still limited. Such generosity might drain his savings.
Sheng Yu reassured her, "Your father had little to spend in Pengcheng all those years. After returning to the capital, I’ve acquired some properties and have plenty to spare. Spending it on you and the children brings me joy."
To speak somewhat irreverently, as the only living grandparent of the two little royals, how could he not dote on them? Seeing his daughter and grandchildren’s sweet smiles made every expense worthwhile.
Yun Kui could only accept the gifts on behalf of the children with a grateful smile.
As for Xiao Qi'an, with his wife and children residing in Kunning Palace, he moved much of his administrative work there as well. Returning from court each day, he would hear the babies’ hungry cries mingled with Yun Kui’s soft lullabies, filling his heart with boundless tenderness.
Mingxuan seemed a little afraid of him. The moment Xiao Qi'an entered the hall, the baby, who had been wailing, would instantly quiet down, lips trembling in a pitiful pout.
Xiao Qi'an, towering and imposing, would lift the baby high, only for Mingxuan to burst into tears at the feel of his father’s unyielding arms. Yun Kui would then take the child back, soothing him in her warm, gentle embrace until his cries subsided.
Mingxian, however, was bold like her mother. At the sight of her father, she would raise her tiny pink arms, demanding to be held. Yet once Xiao Qi'an complied, she would fake a cry, displeased with his hold, and wiggle back to her mother—only to shoot her father a mischievous look.
But if Xiao Qi'an feigned a stern expression, the little girl would immediately burst into frightened wails, making him chuckle. "Just like your mother—a paper tiger."
This always earned him an indignant glare from Yun Kui.
At night, Yun Kui, unwilling to part with the children, kept them close until Xiao Qi'an finished his duties. Only then would she allow the wet nurses to carry the sleeping infants to the side chamber.
Xiao Qi'an felt she was overly focused on the children. "Taking care of them during the day is enough—why exhaust yourself at night too?"
Yun Kui sighed. "The children rely on me so much. If they wake up and don’t see me, they’ll cry. I wonder how the two of us managed when we were little..."
Xiao Qi'an fell silent for a moment before pulling her into his arms and kissing her forehead. "That’s all in the past now."
Yun Kui replied, "I’m not sad. I stopped dwelling on the past long ago. I’m very happy now!"
Xiao Qi'an nibbled her ear. "Then tell me—who makes you happier? Me or the children?"
Yun Kui frowned. "Your Majesty, must you compete with everything? Even with the children..."
Xiao Qi'an fixed her with an intense gaze, clearly demanding an answer.
Yun Kui relented. "Without you, there wouldn’t be these two children, so of course you’re the most important. Being with you makes me happiest. Satisfied?"
The answer was correct, but her tone was dismissive. Xiao Qi'an wasn’t pleased, but since she hadn’t fully recovered from childbirth, he decided to let it slide—for now. He’d settle this score later, once her health was restored.
By the end of July, the summer heat had begun to fade, and Yun Kui had fully recuperated. During the day, she often took the twins for leisurely strolls in the imperial gardens.
Xiao Mingxian adored the lotus flowers, and Huai Qing and Huai Zhu showed off their agility by gliding across the pond, stepping lightly on the water and leaves to pluck a lotus bloom larger than a dinner plate. Xiao Mingxian clapped in delight, reaching out eagerly to grab it.
Nearby, Xiao Mingxuan watched the two guards with fascination, clearly envious of their skill. He even tried to reach for the swords at their waists.
Coincidentally, Sheng Yu came to the palace to visit his daughter and the two young royals. Noticing the little prince’s interest in martial arts, he borrowed Huai Zhu’s sword and performed an elegant demonstration of the Damo sword technique in front of the children.
Though past forty, his movements were as swift and precise as in his youth.
The two children watched, utterly mesmerized. Even the usually reserved Xiao Mingxuan waved his tiny fists, itching to try, which drew laughter from everyone present.
Yun Kui thought to herself: If Xiao Mingxuan enjoyed martial arts, perhaps he could inherit his father’s legacy. Mastering such skills would not only protect him in the future but also his sister.
On the eighteenth of August, exactly one year after their wedding, Xiao Qi'an drafted an imperial edict.
When Yun Kui read its contents, she was slightly startled. "Isn’t it too soon to name a crown prince after just two months?"
Xiao Qi'an replied, "Appointing an heir early will stabilize the court. From now on, his studies and martial training must meet the standards of a future ruler. Besides, he’s our only legitimate son—who else would we choose?"
Yun Kui chuckled. "What if Mingxuan turns out to be mediocre, like Emperor Chunming’s sons? Would you still have no regrets?"
Xiao Qi'an said firmly, "My children will be raised properly."
Yun Kui pressed, "But what if he simply lacks the aptitude? What if he’s not cut out to be emperor?"
Xiao Qi'an sighed. "Relax. They’ve inherited our looks, so they’ll surely inherit my capabilities. And you... are at least somewhat clever. You survived in the Eastern Palace back then and even became empress—a first in history. Our son won’t be a fool."
Yun Kui wasn’t sure if this was praise or a veiled jab. "But if our son inherits your domineering roughness and my love for wealth and beauty, wouldn’t that—"
Xiao Qi'an’s brow furrowed, and at last, he fell silent.
He did ponder over it for a moment, but these shortcomings could be addressed early through intervention and correction. As the heir to the throne, he would undoubtedly enforce strict discipline to ensure Xiao Mingxuan would not stray down the wrong path.
Yet he was acutely aware of something far more pressing.
Ever since the children were born, she had devoted most of her energy to them and was no longer as "lustful" as before.
Or rather, not as "lustful for him."
To test this, he had deliberately dressed in nothing but a thin sleeping robe after his bath, leaving his chest slightly exposed—just enough to reveal the very spot she had once adored.
When he entered, he found her idly playing with two small jade swords that Sheng Yu had bought for the children, intricately carved from green jade.
Xiao Qi'an frowned slightly, thinking to himself that Sheng Yu was becoming increasingly frivolous, spending his days obsessing over such trinkets and visiting the palace every other day. The children now adored watching him perform sword dances.
He approached slowly. Sensing his gaze, Yun Kui glanced up and remarked casually, "It's getting chilly with autumn here. Why is Your Majesty dressed so lightly?"
Xiao Qi'an's expression darkened.
Truly, human hearts were fickle.
He watched her in silence for a moment before saying, "It's late. Let's retire for the night."
Yun Kui gave a soft "Mm," tucking away the jade swords to weave a decorative knot for the children's cradles the next day.
Once in bed, she listened quietly for any sounds from the adjacent nursery.
The wall muffled most noises, and though she had initially wanted to partition off a small alcove within their chambers to keep closer watch, Xiao Qi'an had dryly remarked, "Should the emperor share his bedchamber with wet nurses too?" So she had relented.
Just as she was lost in thought, a faint cry—perhaps an infant’s whimper—reached her ears. Her eyes flew open, but unsure whether she had imagined it, she hesitated before deciding to check. The moment she tried to rise, however, the man suddenly rolled over, pinning her down and blocking her path.
Trapped beneath him, limbs immobilized, she met his smoldering gaze and swallowed hard. "You can’t possibly be thinking of— The children might be crying. I need to check."
Xiao Qi'an replied, "No one is crying."
Almost on cue, another muffled whimper drifted through the air.
Xiao Qi'an: "..."
Yun Kui: "..."
She attempted to rise again, only to be pressed back down. "Four wet nurses take shifts watching them. Do you really think they’d let them go hungry? Once they’re fed, they’ll settle. There’s no need for you to fuss over it."
A flicker of awareness about the young prince’s robust growth made Yun Kui instinctively tense her abdomen. "It’s only been two months since the birth. Is it... safe?"
Xiao Qi'an’s voice lowered. "Given how studious you used to be, shouldn’t you have researched exactly when it’s permissible and when it’s not? Must you ask me?"
Yun Kui offered a guilty smile, soothingly stroking his chest. "I’ve just been so busy with the children lately. It slipped my mind."
Xiao Qi'an bent down, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss that left her breathless. Only when she pushed against him did he finally relent, biting her lower lip sharply—punishment for her recent neglect.
The heat of the kiss stirred something in Yun Kui, but she still hesitated. "Are you sure it’s all right?"
Xiao Qi'an murmured, "Shall I check?"
After a brief pause, she nodded.
She knew he wouldn’t mind. He had often kissed that spot before, and when she gave birth, he had stayed by her side in the delivery room, even personally wiping away the bloodstains for her. At first, she had been a little reserved, but now she let him do as he pleased.
Xiao Qi'an lifted her skirt and carefully examined the scar. After a long while, his voice came out hoarse: "It’s healing well."
Yun Kui instinctively gripped the bedsheet tighter as she watched him lean down slowly, pressing his lips to the spot, moistening it with his saliva.
She could hear the faint cries from the adjacent room, mingled with the wet nurse’s soothing lullabies. A long time passed—
The baby needed another diaper change. The wet nurse got up to clean and redress them, perhaps feeding them a little more milk before softly singing a lullaby, rocking them gently until dawn broke in the east.
...
On the twentieth day of the eighth month, Xiao Qi'an proclaimed to the realm the appointment of his eldest son, Xiao Mingxuan, as Crown Prince.
The young prince, bearing the weight of great expectations, embarked on the path meticulously laid out for him by Xiao Qi'an while still in swaddling clothes.
His tutors were the most revered scholars of the land: the Crown Prince’s Preceptor was a great Confucian master, the Vice Preceptor was Chief Grand Secretary Cai Heng, and the Guardian was his maternal grandfather, Sheng Yu, now promoted to Minister of War. His study companion was the son of Shen Yanyu.
Fortunately, Xiao Mingxuan was precocious and resilient. Even at a tender age, he understood the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. He rose early every day to study diligently and practice martial arts, never slacking.
Of course, he sometimes envied his younger sister, who could earn their parents’ praise simply by being sweet-tongued or learning to eat with chopsticks on her own. Meanwhile, he had to recite poems and the Analects flawlessly just to earn his father’s nod of approval—and even then, there was no reward, because this was simply what was expected of him.
But Xiao Mingxuan knew he had to study and train hard, to become a Crown Prince his parents could be proud of. Only then could he properly honor them in the future and protect his little sister. No matter what, he would strive his hardest!
...
Another year passed, and it was the eighteenth day of the eighth month again.
Xiao Mingxuan and Xiao Mingxian were now five years old. Reminded by their grandfather, the two children had each prepared gifts for their parents’ fifth wedding anniversary.
Five-year-old Xiao Mingxian was as delicate as snow, her large, dark eyes glistening like grapes, her voice soft and sweet: "Brother and I prepared gifts for Father and Mother."
Xiao Qi'an and Yun Kui exchanged a smile. "What gifts?"
Xiao Mingxian had been busy in the kitchen since morning, her cheeks still dusted with flour. She proudly presented the pastries she had made with her own hands.
"Mother said Father likes sweets, so I made lotus blossom pastries for you. I shaped every one myself."
Xiao Qi'an picked up a rather lopsided pastry and took a bite. The little girl must have thought more sugar meant more deliciousness—the result was cloyingly sweet, with sugar granules crunching in every bite. Still, he grinned and nodded. "Beautiful and delicious. Mingxian is so talented."
Yun Kui also took a bite, marveling at how effortlessly the Emperor could lie through his teeth, but she didn’t hold back her praise either. "Mingxian did wonderfully! Mother loves it too!"
As she took another bite, something hard suddenly struck her tooth. Frowning, she pulled it out—a tiny golden pendant, carved with the figures of a man and a woman.
Yun Kui was stunned, her eyes lighting up in surprise.
Xiao Mingxian beamed. "Father said Mother is a little money-lover, so I asked Grandfather to have this pendant made. It’s carved to look like you and Father! Do you think it’s accurate?"
Xiao Qi'an hadn’t expected his daughter to come up with such a clever idea. He glanced at the pendant—it did bear a faint resemblance.
Yun Kui gently stroked the little golden figurine, her eyes slightly moist. "Mingxian is so thoughtful. From now on, your mother will wear this every day."
Xiao Mingxuan then presented a painting he had created, depicting a family of four in the imperial garden. The emperor and empress strolled hand in hand, admiring the flowers, while he sat at a stone table reading a book. His younger sister, Xiao Mingxian, skipped merrily by the pond, holding a lotus blossom with a radiant smile.
Trained by a master calligrapher and painter, Xiao Mingxuan had shown remarkable skill since the age of five. His parents exchanged a glance, both nodding in approval.
But Xiao Mingxian pointed at the little girl in the painting and protested, "I just learned this line in poetry—'Most charming is the child's playful mischief, lying by the stream peeling lotus seeds.' Is Brother calling me a little mischief-maker?"
Still new to poetry, she often misunderstood its meanings, leaving Xiao Mingxuan both amused and exasperated. "Here, 'playful mischief' means adorable and lively," he explained.
Xiao Mingxian pondered this, then brightened. "Then Father is a mischief-maker, Mother is a mischief-maker, Brother is a mischief-maker—our whole family is full of mischief-makers!"
Yun Kui, Xiao Qi'an, and Xiao Mingxuan: "…"
