Chapter 14: The Demon Princess's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 14: Family Banquet

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye night fell and the banquet began. The whole family sat around a large round table, the atmosphere harmonious and warm. The Prince smiled at the Chancellor and said, "Father-in-law, today is your daughter's birthday; please say a few words first." The Chancellor hurriedly waved his hands and declined, "How could that do? You should preside."

However, the Prince insisted on letting the Chancellor speak first, to show respect. Seeing this, the Chancellor no longer declined and gladly accepted the Prince's proposal. He slowly stood up, raised the wine cup in his hand, looked around with a smile, and then spoke: "Today is my daughter Si Yu's birthday. First, I want to wish my precious daughter a happy birthday!" Hearing her father's blessing, the Princess Consort was deeply moved. She also raised her wine cup and said gratefully, "Many thanks, Father." The Chancellor laughed heartily and said, "You, this Princess Consort, lack for nothing; we all don't know what to give you! As long as you live well, we are very happy too! But still, a woman must have money to have confidence! So your mother and I discussed it and decided to give you these few deeds as a birthday gift! These are a few shops under the Chancellor's Estate, all in bustling locations, earning quite a lot of money — all for you!" As he spoke, a servant walked over and handed the Chancellor a square little box. The Chancellor directly passed the little box to the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort glanced at it — all very profitable shops. Understanding her father must have put much thought into it, she said, "Father, how can I accept this? One or two would be enough!" The Chancellor laughed loudly and said, "Though they say a married daughter is like spilled water, you are forever the treasure of our hearts; of course we must give you the best!" The Princess Consort was so moved she didn't know what to say, only dumbly accepted the box, her eye rims instantly reddening.

An Wang patted the Princess Consort's shoulder. The Princess Consort came back to herself, said "Many thanks, Father," and no longer declined. An Wang raised his wine cup, signaling everyone to drink a toast together, so everyone stood up, raised their wine cups (of course, the children's cups held juice), and together wished the Princess Consort a happy birthday.

Next came the gift-giving segment! Everyone ate dinner while presenting gifts one by one. First was An Wang. An Wang produced an exquisite wooden box; opening it revealed a pair of jade bracelets. He personally put the jade bracelets on the Princess Consort's wrists and said gently, "This pair of bracelets I specially had an artisan custom-make; do you like them?" The Princess Consort bashfully lowered her head and softly said thanks.

Next was the eldest daughter Yan Xiner. Yan Xiner had people bring up the painting she was giving the Princess Consort. Two servants carried in a picture frame; the peony flower on the painting looked exactly like a real one — everyone stared with wide eyes. The Chancellor's Madam praised, "Truly worthy of the First Talented Woman of Kyoto; Xin'er's painting is truly good." Yan Xiner raised her wine cup and said to the Princess Consort, "This child knows Mother likes peony flowers, and since this daughter also excels at painting, she specially painted this Peony Painting to give to Mother, hoping Mother will like it." The Princess Consort happily said, "I like it very much; later Chunxi will hang this painting in my room." Chunxi hurriedly acknowledged. Next was Yan Si's turn. Yan Si raised his wine cup and said, "Mother, happy birthday! This child's gift will be shown to everyone after we've eaten our fill, because we have to go outside to see it." The Princess Consort couldn't help being a bit curious, but still suppressed her curiosity and said, "Many thanks, Si'er."

Next was Yan Shuang'er's turn. She first had Xiao Jin bring up a small box, then raised her wine cup and said to the Princess Consort, "Mother, this is a Peace Blessing I specially went to Baoguang Temple two days ago to request from Master Liaoyin. Inside the brocade pouch is a Peace Talisman personally written by Master Liaoyin. I hope Mother's days ahead will be peaceful and smooth." The Princess Consort looked at the small red brocade pouch lying in the box and said reassuringly to Yan Shuang'er, "Thank you, Shuang'er; Mother likes it very much. Mother also hopes you all will be peaceful and smooth."

Next it was Yan Wang's turn. He stood up with a proud face, walked before the Princess Consort, held an exquisite jade bracelet in both hands, and said with a smile, "Mother, this jade bracelet was obtained by this child from Xishang merchants with great difficulty. Not only is its texture warm and smooth, but its luster is also bright; worn on the hand it appears even more elegant and generous. Look and see if you like it?" As he spoke he handed the jade bracelet to the Princess Consort. (Xishang Kingdom produces abundant jade.)

The Princess Consort took the jade bracelet, examined it carefully, and her eyes revealed delight. She praised, "This jade bracelet is truly a rare fine object; Wang'er has a thoughtful heart." Finished speaking, she put the jade bracelet on her wrist; indeed, as Yan Wang said, it appeared very elegant and generous. Seeing this, everyone praised Yan Wang's discerning eye for being able to find such a precious gift.

Yan Wang heard everyone's praise and was also very happy in his heart.

Next came Yan Qianqian's turn. With a wave of her little hand, Mantou nimbly presented the prepared gift. Wow, it was a rectangular box tied with a pink butterfly knot — simply cute to the point of explosion! Mantou respectfully handed the box to the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort opened it full of joy; inside lay an extraordinarily exquisitely crafted dangling hairpin. The butterfly on it looked just like a real one! The Princess Consort picked up the dangling hairpin and conveniently inserted it into her own hair. Looking again at the tassels below, swaying to and fro — couldn't be more playful! Qianqian raised her wine cup and said with a grin to the Princess Consort, "Hope Mother will be beautiful every day from now on!" The Princess Consort smiled until her eyes curved into crescent moons and replied, "Thank you, my precious daughter!" Then everyone happily sat down together to eat.

After dinner, Yan Si led everyone to the courtyard. Yan Si glanced at Zhaocai, signaling to begin. Then he loudly said to the Princess Consort, "Mother, this is the birthday gift this child prepared for you!" As soon as the words fell, a "whoosh" sounded, a brilliant streak of light cut across the sky, and immediately afterward a cluster of gorgeous fireworks bloomed in the heavens, like a flower in full bloom. The fireworks were dazzling, lighting up the entire night sky. Everyone looked up, their eyes full of amazement and joy.

Immediately after, "whoosh whoosh whoosh" sounds rang out continuously; forty or fifty streaks of light successively rushed into the night sky and bloomed into beautiful flowers one after another. These fireworks took various forms — some like chrysanthemums, some like peonies, some like shooting stars… each unique, too beautiful to take in all at once. The Princess Consort raised her head, gazing at the sky full of fireworks, her heart filled with joy and contentment. She recalled the bits and pieces of being together with the Prince; those beautiful memories were as brilliant and colorful as fireworks.

At this moment, An Wang gently pulled the Princess Consort into his embrace and said tenderly, "Beloved Consort, thank you for bearing sons and daughters for this King. These years you have worked hard; in the days to come this King will surely treat you as at first. Let you be happy and joyful every day!" The Princess Consort was so moved her eyes brimmed with hot tears. She nestled tightly in An Wang's embrace, feeling his warm hold, only feeling she was the happiest woman in the world.

Looking over there, Qianqian was so excited she danced hand and foot, jumping while shouting happily, "Wow, so pretty!" Her laughter echoed in the night sky, making one unable to help being infected by her joy. Even the usually silent and reticent Yan Wang, at this moment, stared with wide eyes, intently gazing at the sky, as if wanting to deeply imprint this beautiful scene in his mind.

The Chancellor and the Chancellor's Madam stood to one side, watching the happy scene before them, their faces showing gratified smiles. Their gazes were full of love and blessings for their children, hoping they could continue to be happy forever.

Yan Xiner and Yan Shuang'er at this moment were also smiling until their mouths couldn't close; they held hands and together admired the gorgeous fireworks in the sky. At this moment, they forgot all worries and fully enjoyed this rare happy time.

The whole family happily sat together, gazing up at the continuously blooming fireworks in the sky, feeling that thick familial affection and happiness. The entire Prince's Mansion was permeated with a warm atmosphere; on everyone's face bloomed a radiant smile. This night was destined to become one of the most unforgettable moments of their lives.