"Enough."
Emperor Yuanyou's voice rang out, and Song Xiyan forcibly stifled her sobs, though her reddened eyes still brimmed with grievance.
Yet none of the surrounding Song Yanzheng, Song Yanchao, or Song Yanming spoke up in her defense.
This sight weighed heavily on Emperor Yuanyou's heart, leaving him stifled with frustration.
"Xiyan is indeed in mourning and should not celebrate lavishly. However, this year marks Ah Huan's first formal birthday banquet since being reunited with us. Not holding a grand celebration would be unreasonable."
"In that case, let them be held separately."
"Thank you, Father." Song Yu bowed in gratitude to Emperor Yuanyou, who merely turned his gaze to his little granddaughter nibbling on pastries beside him, his gloom easing slightly.
His Ah Huan's birthday banquet?
It must be grand!
"I plan to host a feast in the palace for the officials and set up public banquets outside the palace to celebrate with the common folk—a way to gather blessings for Ah Huan."
At Song Yu's words, Prince Chu and Prince Qi widened their eyes in disbelief.
Even the Crown Prince's birthday celebrations wouldn’t dare to be this extravagant! A mere princess, yet they would go to such lengths?
Surely the Emperor wouldn’t agree.
But the next moment, Emperor Yuanyou chuckled and said, "Do as you wish. The public banquets will be funded from my private treasury. I shall host a birthday feast for my granddaughter."
"No, the expenses must come from the Qin Prince's Mansion. As her father, it is my duty to celebrate Ah Huan's birthday."
By now, Prince Chu and Prince Qi’s faces had turned ashen, like corpses drained of life.
Not only had the Emperor agreed—
But he and their eldest brother were now competing to spend money on the public banquets?
Heaven had no eyes! The great imperial family of Da Qi had been bewitched by a... a...
The two princes glanced at Song Shihuan, watching her take delicate bites of her pastry, and found themselves unable to utter the words "sorceress."
Instead, they settled on:
Bewitched by a mere child.
......
News of Emperor Yuanyou and Song Yu’s grand plans for Song Shihuan’s eleventh birthday spread swiftly, prompting a flood of gifts into the Qin Prince's Mansion.
"The Zhao Family presents a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets."
"The Xu Family offers a rare painting."
"......"
Staring at the nearly overflowing storeroom, Song Shihuan tugged at Song Yu’s sleeve.
"Father, they’ve sent too much. It’s just my eleventh birthday."
"Not at all. This is barely anything."
Song Yu waved dismissively. "You are my only daughter. No gift is too extravagant for you."
"Come, let me take you somewhere."
He led Song Shihuan out of the mansion. A cool breeze swept past, lifting the red ribbon tied in her hair as it fluttered behind her. Yingchun and Baoxia followed, their eyes crinkled with smiles, while the Nanny beamed with joy.
The Nanny glanced up at the sky, her eyes glistening with moisture.
"I’ve never seen His Highness cherish someone so dearly."
An hour later, Song Shihuan stood frozen before a freshly restored grave.
The surrounding wasteland bore clear signs of cultivation.
When had Father sent people to tend to Grandma’s resting place?
"Flower seeds have been planted all around. In a few months, this place will be in full bloom."
Song Yu’s voice trembled with excitement. He clapped his hands, and ten shadow guards emerged, each holding a... gift.
"Ah Huan, go open your presents."
"Presents?"
"In three days, we celebrate your eleventh birthday. These are gifts for the first ten years—belated, but I hope you’ll forgive me."
......
Song Shihuan approached the first box.
Inside lay a solid gold necklace, the kind noble families in Da Qi placed around infants to ward off ill fortune and bring stability.
Her fingers brushed the cool metal, yet it burned with warmth.
She turned to Song Yu, who nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue.
The second box held a peachwood charm tied with a red string—clearly blessed at a temple.
She examined each gift with reverence, her movements deliberate. When she finished, she spun around and flung herself into Song Yu’s arms.
"Thank you, Father. Ah Huan loves them."
At her words, Song Yu grinned broadly.
Preparing these gifts for Ah Huan felt like... celebrating the childhood he never had.
"Grandma, did you hear? Ah Huan said she loves them." Song Yu called out. "Rest assured, I will celebrate her birthday every year from now on."
Song Shihuan tightened her grip on his sleeve.
Grandma, do you see?
I have the best father in the world.
......
Within ten days of Song Yu and Song Shihuan’s return to the capital, the entire city had gained a new understanding of the Qin Prince’s devotion to his daughter.
"Have you heard? His Highness prepared ten years’ worth of birthday gifts for the princess."
"In three days, the Qin Prince's Mansion will host public banquets so commoners like us can share in Princess Fu'an’s blessings."
"Princess Fu'an is truly blessed—the Qin Prince’s only daughter, a status beyond compare, and the Emperor’s most treasured grandchild. I’ll definitely go to soak up some of that joy."
"Me too..."
The streets buzzed with talk of Song Shihuan’s birthday, while the Ping Prince's Mansion remained eerily silent.
"I can’t bear this! Why does everyone only have eyes for Song Shihuan? When Father was alive, no one ever celebrated my birthday with such grandeur!"
Inside, Song Xiyan raged hysterically.
Shen Hua'er dismissed the maids before speaking firmly. "Have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you about patience?"
"You only tell me to endure, but now they’ve humiliated me to my face! How can I endure this?"
"And what will you do if you don’t?" Shen Hua'er met her gaze. "Princess, times have changed. We are no match for the Qin Prince's Mansion."
At the words times have changed, Song Xiyan’s composure shattered.
Just last year, she had been the favored Princess Fuyun, the darling of heaven.
Why had fate abandoned her so cruelly?
......
Yet the Qin Prince's Mansion paid her no mind, proceeding smoothly with preparations for Song Shihuan’s birthday.
Three days later, at dawn.
Song Shihuan pushed open her door to find Song Yu already waiting in the courtyard, his expression tinged with nervousness.
A smile spread across his face as he softly said:
"Ah Huan, happy birthday."
Unsure how a father should celebrate his precious daughter’s birthday, he had chosen the way he knew best.
Instantly, the courtyard echoed with a chorus of well-wishes:
"Congratulations to the Princess on her birthday!"
