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Fu Huai’an’s birthday fell on March 21st, exactly one month earlier than Fu Yuzhang’s.

On that day, Fu Yuzhang woke early and went to find Xie Yaoniang, coaxing her playfully. She was quite overwhelmed by his persistent affection, laughing for a while before asking, “What is it that you want?”

Fu Yuzhang clinked and clattered as he proudly displayed the bracelet and longevity lock that Fu Huai’an had given him, then said, “It’s brother’s birthday—gift!”

Xie Yaoniang was greatly surprised. “You little one, you actually remember to give a birthday gift?”

Fu Yuzhang’s smile was like honey, sweet and radiant, as he patted his longevity lock. “Brother gave it to me!”

“All day long, you only think about your brother!” Xie Yaoniang teased with a touch of envy, gently tapping Fu Yuzhang’s forehead. “Since it’s really Brother An’s birthday, if you want to give a gift, then go ahead.”

With that, she turned to Jin Xiu and instructed, “Take Zhang’er to his little storeroom and let him pick whatever he wants to give.”

“Mother is the best!” Fu Yuzhang said sweetly.

“Now you know your mother is the best?” Xie Yaoniang laughed, her joy so vivid it seemed to blossom. She couldn’t resist pulling Fu Yuzhang into her arms and cuddling him, calling him her precious darling for a long while.

Fu Yuzhang puffed out his slightly flushed cheeks, then eagerly led Jin Xiu towards his small storeroom.

His very own treasury, after all—it was only right to have a thorough look!

Although it was called a small storeroom, it was by no means small. It was a spacious room with half a dozen crimson wooden chests stacked inside.

Jin Xiu directed the young maid to softly open the chests, and Fu Yuzhang stretched out his neck to peer inside. There were brightly colored textiles and brocades, gold and silver lock necklaces, and even a jade Buddha statue carved as the ever-smiling Maitreya, kind and gentle in expression, cool and smooth to the touch. Also there were peace tokens, nine-linked rings, Lu Ban locks, and treasure-inlaid folding screens…

All gifts given to Fu Yuzhang after his birth, filling more than ten chests, each item quite valuable.

Fu Yuzhang carefully examined each chest, finally selecting a jade plaque carved with golden scales and a Ruyi scepter motif, symbolizing good fortune. It was small and exquisite—perfect for Fu Huai’an.

Thrilled after choosing the gift, Fu Yuzhang was determined to be the first to present his brother with a birthday gift!

At that moment, Fu Huai’an had just finished preparing and was about to leave when the wet nurse came in carrying Fu Yuzhang. The room immediately echoed with Fu Yuzhang’s clear voice: “Brother, happy birthday!”

Fu Huai’an was surprised, then his heart warmed with delight. Little Zhang’er was so young and yet remembered his birthday—a truly good brother!

If only he were taller, Fu Huai’an wished he could lift Fu Yuzhang into his arms.

Fu Yuzhang took out the cherished golden-scaled jade Ruyi plaque and happily handed it to Fu Huai’an. “Brother!”

“This is for me?” Fu Huai’an was even more astonished.

Hearing this, Jin Xiu smiled broadly. “Indeed! Little Lord might not know, but the young master insisted on choosing a gift for you first thing this morning. This jade plaque was personally picked from his storeroom!”

Fu Huai’an found the jade plaque even more precious in his hands, carefully tucking it away. This was Zhang’er’s first gift to him—a treasure worthy of its own locked box!

After giving the gift, Fu Yuzhang was very satisfied. He took Fu Huai’an’s hand and pointed toward the door. “Noodles!”

“That’s right, eating longevity noodles on one’s birthday is a must. Zhang’er is so clever!”

Happy and excited, Fu Huai’an followed to the main courtyard. Naturally, Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang also presented gifts of equal or greater value than Fu Yuzhang’s jade plaque. But in Fu Huai’an’s heart, Zhang’er’s gift remained the most precious, worth more than gold.

***

At the Hall of Honor and Longevity, the matriarch embraced Fu Huai’an warmly and presented him with a bronze tiger.

Fu Yuzhang’s eyes widened in amazement: a genuine bronze artifact! No wonder the Marquis’s household was so profoundly established.

A maid placed a bowl of longevity noodles before Fu Huai’an, and the matriarch and others joined in eating. But Fu Huai’an’s noodles were special—just one long thick noodle strand. The matriarch looked on affectionately. “Eat your longevity noodles without breaking them from the start. Eating these noodles means a lifetime of health and peace.”

Fu Yuzhang looked at the chopsticks on the table, eager to try. He had grown eight teeth now, no longer like before when only his front teeth came in and eating often caused surface wounds.

Since he began eating solid food, Fu Yuzhang insisted on giving up breastfeeding, determined to eat the same as Xie Yaoniang and the others.

Xie Yaoniang was still a bit unsure, but the matriarch and Fu Yuan were unfazed—Fu Huai’an had been just the same, so the brothers were truly alike.

Fu Yuzhang’s bowl was filled with delicate wontons, shrimp-filled, in a chicken broth base. The wrappers were translucent as crystal, faintly revealing the tender pink shrimp inside.

Fu Yuzhang glanced at his chubby hands, then reluctantly shifted his gaze from the chopsticks and obediently picked up a spoon, eating the wontons one bite at a time.

The matriarch watched as Fu Huai’an finished his bowl of longevity noodles in one go, then turned her attention to Fu Yuzhang. Seeing him eat so contentedly, she smiled again. “Zhang’er is quite skilled with the spoon.”

Mentioning Fu Yuzhang, Xie Yaoniang had endless stories to tell and continued, “Yes, he even tried using chopsticks these days, but guess what? The two sticks almost fought in his hands. He’d grip one tightly but let the other slip away. Before he could even pick up food, the chopsticks would be gone.”

The matriarch laughed heartily. Seeing Fu Yuzhang’s chubby cheeks growing more adorable, she softened her voice to comfort him. “Our little Zhang’er is still small and can’t hold chopsticks well. Grandmother will have a set of small chopsticks made just for him so they won’t slip anymore.”

Fu Yuzhang beamed, showing off his eight little teeth, then gleefully stuffed another mouthful of wontons.

The matriarch was greatly pleased. “This child is so easy to care for—he eats well all by himself. Watching him eat makes me want to eat more.”

Fu Yuzhang thought to himself that when one is healthy, food naturally tastes better. In his past life, he couldn’t eat this or that; stomach aches and nausea were constant, even his heart would ache. He never had the chance to enjoy a proper meal. How could he not eat well in this life?

To be able to eat well is truly a blessing!

In the past year, Fu Huai’an had become livelier, influenced by Fu Yuzhang. After breakfast, he wanted to take Fu Yuzhang to the garden to play.

Now it was late March, with warm sunshine overhead. Fu Yuzhang had already shed his heavy clothes and donned light spring attire.

The day he was freed from restrictions, Fu Yuzhang was so happy he rolled around in bed several times and even shakily stood up holding onto the bed frame.

One month later, his legs were stronger, and his balance much improved. Holding onto something, he could walk quite steadily. But Xie Yaoniang worried he might fall and carefully instructed the wet nurse to hold him well outside.

Now, brought to the garden by Fu Huai’an, Fu Yuzhang looked at the blooming white, pink, and yellow flowers, inhaled their fragrance, and grew so joyful he struggled in the nurse’s arms, wanting to get down.

The wet nurse dared not use force and allowed him to do as he wished. Unexpectedly, once on the ground, Fu Yuzhang dashed straight into the flowers.

Xie Yaoniang, watching from behind, saw how happy he was and finally relaxed, telling the wet nurse, “Let him be for now.”

The wet nurse loosened her grip a little.

Fu Yuzhang then grabbed Fu Huai’an’s waistband with one hand and toddled forward unsteadily.

Fu Huai’an didn’t dare take quick steps, fearing Fu Yuzhang wouldn’t keep up. But Fu Yuzhang defied expectations—he suddenly let go and joyfully rushed forward, naturally tumbling onto the grass.

Blue sky, green grass, the sweet scent of flowers and fresh earth—what a perfect place to roll around!

Fu Yuzhang clapped his hands happily, then rolled once more on the grass, tilting his head back and inviting the astonished Fu Huai’an, “Brother, come join me.”

Fu Huai’an hesitated a moment, then took a few steps forward to persuade him gently, “This is still rather improper. Get up now.”

Fu Yuzhang covered his ears with both hands, refusing to listen, and continued to roll joyfully, covered in grass and petals but unfazed, laughing heartily.

Fu Huai’an was inexplicably infected by his laughter and laughed out loud too. Glancing back at the calm-faced Xie Yaoniang, Fu Huai’an tentatively stretched out his right leg and gently lay down on the grass. “Ah, the sky is so blue!”

Xie Yaoniang was almost at a loss, unwilling to admit that her son was leading Brother An into foolishness. But children’s happiness was so simple; rolling on the grass could bring them delight for the entire day. The whole garden was filled with their laughter and playful shouts, naturally drawing smiles from all who heard.

In the end, Xie Yaoniang did not stop them and let Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an enjoy themselves thoroughly. Only after they were done did she instruct the wet nurse to carefully wash them and dress them in fresh clothes, shoes, and socks.

Fu Huai’an felt a strange thrill, like having done something mischievous—ashamed yet excited. Looking at the carefree, happy Fu Yuzhang, he couldn’t help but laugh along. Zhang’er was truly a little bundle of joy.

This birthday celebration had been so much fun!

Fu Huai’an thought it was the most enjoyable birthday he had experienced in four years. After returning, he even composed a five-character poem:

The fragrant grass lays out a splendid scene,
Birthday smiles blossom in full bloom.
Bodies tumble in the verdant fields,
Childlike joys fill the fleeting hours.

This poem amazed Fu Yuzhang for a whole year!

Was this the prowess of a genius protagonist? Both had rolled on the grass, but while Fu Yuzhang only laughed foolishly, Fu Huai’an had gone home and composed poetry!

To be able to write verse at four years old—that was the fearsome talent of a prodigy.

When Fu Yuan heard this, he said nothing but held Fu Huai’an’s hand and carefully wrote down the poem together, placing it in Fu Huai’an’s study.

On the second day of the fourth lunar month, the legendary Master Zhou finally returned to the Marquis’s mansion.

Fu Yuzhang immediately clung to Fu Huai’an’s waist, trying to become a pendant on his brother’s hip. “Master, tell stories!”

Fu Yuan was briefly taken aback. “Your memory is quite good.”

Fu Huai’an looked puzzled: is remembering what others said really a sign of good memory?

Understanding Fu Huai’an’s expression, Fu Yuan thought: sometimes being the father of a prodigy isn’t always a pleasant experience.

Fu Yuan decided to follow through on his earlier plan: once Master Zhou returned, he would let Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an go together to the west wing, not restricting Fu Yuzhang and allowing him to come along. Yet, he still felt some guilt toward Master Zhou, knowing it would be hard work caring for the children.

Just as Master Zhou settled in, he looked at his three-headed student, then glanced at the chubby little ball beside him, beginning to question his own life choices: Was he really the tutor for the Marquis’s prodigy young master? Why was there this unsteady toddler tagging along?