Chapter 266: Birthday

The thirteenth year of Hongwu, the eighteenth day of the seventh month.

Before dawn, the Imperial City of Yingtian Prefecture was already bustling.

Today is Empress Ma's forty‑eighth birthday.

The Emperor issued an order to hold a grand celebration.

Inside and outside the palace, lanterns and streamers were strung, and eunuchs and palace maids darted about as if their feet never touched the ground.

The Imperial Kitchen had been preparing for three days, and eight hundred longevity peaches had already been steamed.

Wu Wang Fu.

Zhu Yong got up earlier than usual, and just after finishing his wash, Zhu Huanhuan hopped in.

"Father! Father! Grandma's birthday is today; when will we go into the palace?"

The nine‑year‑old girl wore a newly made pink dress, her hair tied with two little buns, looking just like a doll from a New Year picture.

Zhu Yong smiled, patted her head and said, "Why the hurry? It's still early. Where's your younger brother?"

"Still sleeping! Lazy pig!" Zhu Huanhuan pouted.

As soon as the words fell, Zhu Qiong Jiong rubbed his eyes as he came in from outside, muttering, "Sister, you're talking bad about me again…"

The little fellow, with a tiger‑like head and brain, was carrying a small Stone Lock in his hand; it's his habit to lift it a few times in the morning before he will eat.

Zhu Yong looked at his son and smiled inwardly.

This kid's strength grows day by day.

In a few more years, he'll probably be able to compare with even a tenth of my current strength.

"Alright, everyone change clothes; after breakfast we'll go into the palace," Zhu Yong said.

Guanyin Nu stepped out of the inner room, dressed in a deep‑blue auspicious robe that made her skin appear even fairer.

She walked to Zhu Yong's side and whispered, "Prince, today is Imperial Mother's birthday; the gifts are all prepared."

"Hmm, I trust you with the arrangements," Zhu Yong nodded.

The gift was a half‑person‑high jade carving of Guanyin that they prepared together, commissioned by Guanyin Nu to be carved from a single piece of Hetian jade.

The jade Guanyin took a full three years, employing the finest craftsmen; the resulting statue had benevolent eyebrows and kind eyes, lifelike and vivid.

Empress Ma is a Buddhist, so this gift touched her heart.

……

At the end of the Mao hour, the carriage from Wu Wang Fu entered East Hua Gate.

When Zhu Yong's family arrived at Kunning Palace, the hall was already bustling.

Zhu Biao and Chang Wan had already arrived, bringing Zhu Xiongying and Zhu Wenwen.

Zhu Xiongying wore a great‑grandson ceremonial robe, standing neatly beside his father, already showing a hint of a little adult.

Zhu Wenwen was also five, her hair tied in two small braids, hiding behind her mother to secretly survey the surroundings.

"Elder brother, elder sister-in-law," Zhu Yong walked over.

"Second brother has arrived, sit quickly; Lao San and Lao Si haven't come yet," Zhu Biao said, laughing and patting his shoulder.

Just then, a eunuch outside announced, "Prince Qin has arrived, Prince Jin has arrived, Prince Yan has arrived..."

Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di entered together.

Following Zhu Shuang was Concubine Deng, the Qin Princess, who held a one‑year‑old child in her arms—Zhu Shangbing.

The little fellow stared with round eyes, curiously watching everyone in the room.

Beside Zhu Gang was Concubine Xie, the Jin Princess, who held a five‑year‑old boy, Zhu Jixi.

The child's eyebrows and eyes resembled Zhu Gang's, but his demeanor was much calmer.

Next to Zhu Di was Concubine Xu Miaoyun, the Yan Princess, who cradled a two‑year‑old chubby child, Zhu Gaochi.

The little fellow was white and plump, his face round and chubby, wriggling in his mother's arms, eager to get down and play.

"Second brother!" Zhu Di's eyes lit up the moment he saw Zhu Yong.

Since Zhu Yong's return, having secured such a vast territory for Great Ming, he holds his Second Brother in utmost admiration.

"Second brother, I heard the steam carriage you mentioned can now run..."

Zhu Yong smiled, "It can run; in a moment I'll take you to see it."

"I'm going too! Second brother, I heard that thing doesn't need a horse to pull it, is it true?" Zhu Shuang leaned in.

"It's true," Zhu Yong nodded.

Zhu Gang also leaned in, "Second brother, take me there! I haven't seen it yet…"

The three younger brothers circled Zhu Yong, each replying to the other's remarks, asking only about the steam carriage.

Zhu Biao, watching from the side, laughed, "Alright, alright, after Imperial Mother's birthday feast, let your Second Brother take you to see it to your heart's content."

Just then, a eunuch outside shouted, "His Majesty has arrived… Empress has arrived…"

Everyone rose and performed the bow.

Zhu Yuanzhang supported Empress Ma as they walked out of the rear hall.

Empress Ma today wore a bright red auspicious robe, a phoenix crown on her head; though nearing her fifties, she was well‑kept, appearing about forty.

"Everyone rise, everyone rise; today is an auspicious day, no need for formalities," Empress Ma said with a smile, raising her hand.

Zhu Yuanzhang, standing nearby, laughed, "Sister, today you're the highest authority; whatever you say is law."

The guests took their seats, and the birthday feast officially began.

First, the princes and grand‑sons presented their gifts in turn.

Zhu Biao, representing the Eastern Palace, offered a hand‑copied set of the Diamond Sutra; the characters were neat, each stroke exuding devotion.

Empress Ma took it, flipped through a few pages, tears glimmering in her eyes, saying, "Biao, you're thoughtful."

Zhu Yong then presented the jade Guanyin.

When that half‑person‑high jade Guanyin was carried in, the hall was filled with exclamations.

Its jade was warm and smooth, the carving fine; Guanyin's face was kindly dignified, her robes fluttered, as if she might step down from the lotus platform at any moment.

Empress Ma rose, walked to the jade Guanyin, gently stroked it, and murmured, "Good… good…".

She turned to Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu and said, "Yong Er, Minmin, this gift… Imperial Mother loves it so much."

Guanyin Nu replied gratefully, "As long as Imperial Mother likes it, that's good."

Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di each presented gifts.

Zhu Shuang gave a supreme mutton‑fat jade brought back from Shaanxi; Zhu Gang gave lacquerware from Shanxi; Zhu Di gave leather goods from Beiping.

They weren't costly, but all were heartfelt.

Then came the grandchildren's generation.

Zhu Xiongying led Zhu Wenwen, Zhu Huanhuan and Zhu Qiong Jiong forward, and knelt properly to pay their respects.

"Grandson bows to Imperial Grandmother, wishing her blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as the Southern Mountains," Zhu Xiongying's voice rang clear.

Zhu Wenwen and Zhu Huanhuan echoed the words.

Empress Ma laughed broadly, gathered the three children in her arms, and kissed each one.

"Good, good children."

It was Zhu Ji Xi's and Zhu Shang Bing's turn.

Zhu Ji Xi, five years old, could already utter a few auspicious phrases; though his speech was halting, it provoked hearty laughter throughout the hall.

Zhu Shang Bing, only one year old, was held by Deng Shi and could only coo and wave his hands.

Finally came Zhu Gaochi.

The two‑year‑old chubby boy was brought by Xu Miao Yun to Empress Ma's side, then suddenly twisted his body as if to get down.

Xu Miao Yun set him on the floor; he wobbled, steadied himself, then clasped his fists and, in a baby‑like voice, shouted, "Wish Imperial Grandmother… longevity… longevity as the Southern Mountains!"

After the shout, the chubby boy fell onto his bottom himself.

The entire hall erupted in laughter.

Empress Ma laughed until tears fell, quickly lifted the chubby boy and said, "Oh dear, my good grandson, come, Imperial Grandmother will hold you."

Zhu Gaochi, in Empress Ma's arms, grinned, showing a few tiny millet‑shaped teeth.

……

When the birthday feast was halfway through, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "Sister, today we have a surprise prepared for you."

Empress Ma asked curiously, "What surprise?"

Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands.

A few monks entered the hall; leading them was an old monk in a black robe, thin‑featured and deep‑eyed.

"I am the poor monk Yao Guangxiao, ordered to recite sutras and pray blessings for the Empress," the old monk said, joining his palms in prayer.

Empress Ma looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, "We specially invited him from a temple, saying his Buddhist teachings are profound; let him chant sutras for a few days for you, to keep you safe."

Empress Ma nodded, "The emperor is thoughtful."

Yao Guangxiao led the monks to a side hall; soon, the faint sound of sutra chanting drifted in.

Zhu Yong glanced at the old monk.

Yao Guangxiao…

That name was familiar to him.

Historically, it was this monk who placed the "white hat" on Zhu Di, inciting him to raise troops in the Jingnan Rebellion.

But in this life, history has already changed.

The Northern Yuan is gone, Goryeo is gone, Nüzhen is gone, and Wa Country has become the East Japan Office.

Zhu Di lives peacefully as Prince of Yan in Beiping, busy each day training troops, planting potatoes, promoting new farming tools—no mind for rebellion.

This monk should not be able to stir up any trouble now.

……

The birthday feast continued until the Shen Hour before dispersing.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang; Empress Ma returned to Kunning Palace to rest.

The others each returned to their residences.

……

At dusk, Zhu Yong returned with his wife and children to Wu Wang Fu.

Zhu Huanhuan chattered all the way, saying what happened in the palace today: "Father, Zhu Gaochi is so cute, he fell but didn't cry…"

Zhu Qiong Jiong had already awakened, sitting in the carriage, unusually quiet, listening to his sister's words.

The thirteenth year of Hongwu, eighteenth day of the sixth month.

Empress Ma's forty‑eighth birthday, everything perfect.

The younger brothers have all returned, the children are healthy and lively, the parents robust.

The Great Ming realm is very stable.

Zhu Yong's mouth curled into a smile.

Days like this are truly wonderful.

……

Night deepened.

In Kunning Palace, Empress Ma leaned on a soft couch, still holding the small model of the jade Guanyin.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat beside her, watching her.

Girl, are you happy today?

"Happy... Zhong Ba, you say, over these years, hasn't it gotten better and better?" Empress Ma said softly.

Zhu Yuanzhang grasped her hand and said, "Yes, it's getting better and better. Biao Er has become capable, Yong Er has returned, Lao San, Elder Four, and Fifth Prince have all made achievements, we have a huge pile of grandchildren, the two of us in this life, it's worth it."

Empress Ma nodded, her eyes a bit moist.

"What a pity... if back then we hadn't lost that child..."

"Girl, hasn't Yong Er been found? Though he suffered a bit, now he's the Wu King of Great Ming, a pillar of Great Ming."

"Heaven has been kind to us!" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted her.

Empress Ma leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "Yes, Heaven has been kind to us."

The candlelight flickered, reflecting a pair of intertwined silhouettes.

In the distance, a faint chanting drifted from the side hall.

It was Yao Guangxiao praying for Empress Ma.

The night of Great Ming was quiet and peaceful.