Another year of spring arrives.

Zhao Junyao emerged from the pain of the previous year and returned to being the spirited emperor he once was.

He unraveled the mysteries in his heart, came to terms with past regrets, and let go of past sorrows.

His heart grew broader, and he became more mature.

Each hardship he encountered was like a sculptor’s chisel, refining a piece of raw jade repeatedly, until it became a praised heirloom.

Over the next two years,

he busied himself with governing affairs and, in his leisure time, explored the people with Xia Ruqing.

In spring, they admired flowers; in summer, they watched the rain; in autumn, they enjoyed the maple leaves; in winter, they watched the snow.

A hundred miles around the Capital City were imprinted with their presence almost everywhere.

Life was fulfilling yet peaceful, perfectly described by a poem:

Spring has flowers, autumn has the moon; summer has cool breezes, winter has snow.

If there are no worries in one’s heart, it is a good time on earth.

...

Two years later.

The Twentieth Year of Jiayuan, winter, the eighteenth of the lunar month.

On this day, from early morning, Duanning Palace was bustling with joyous activity.

Wearing a simple cotton gown, Xia Ruqing busily gave out orders.

"Xiao Zhu Zi, go to the Imperial Garden and pick some fresh plum blossoms! I want to fill these vases!"

"Xiao Xizi, take the menu to the kitchen and make sure they prepare the dishes well!"

"Zi Ning, go to the storeroom and find some fresh ornaments to replace those in our room!"

"Zi Yue, help me choose a dress, I need to change soon!"

Everyone responded promptly.

"Empress, don’t worry!"

Only then did Xia Ruqing smile with relief.

"I know it’s hard work for you all, but today is Yue Er’s tenth birthday, please bear with it, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely later!"

Zi Yue laughed first.

"Empress, how can you say that?"

"Serving our master is our duty, speaking like this makes it sound distant!"

Zi Ning also chimed in.

"Exactly!"

"We maids don’t need rewards, just hope the Empress grants us some good wine and food later, that would satisfy us!"

Xia Ruqing playfully pushed them.

"Go on, look at you all, I’ve spoiled you, haven’t I?"

They laughed and went out.

...

After a hasty breakfast,

Xia Ruqing changed into another outfit and sent someone to Fengyu Pavilion to call Yue Er over.

Speaking of Fengyu Pavilion,

Ever since Yue Er was eight, she didn’t want to live with her mother, saying it was too restrictive and insisted on moving closer to the front palace in Fengyu Pavilion.

Several attempts to stop her were futile, so she let her go.

At first, she was worried, fearing Yue Er might misbehave based on her status.

Luckily, Chenchen was a good brother, and Yue Er learned a lot from him.

So,

Aside from disliking studying, ten-year-old Xiao Lele was almost proficient in everything she liked.

Anyone who saw her couldn’t help but praise her as the peculiar yet naturally poised Little Princess.

Now that girl lived there without supervision, enjoying unbridled freedom.

...

In Fengyu Pavilion,

Hearing her mother calling for her, Yue Er appeared puzzled.

"Today’s weather isn’t good, it’s windy and snowy outside, why did Mother suddenly call for me?"

Ying Luo thought for a moment and shook her head.

"I don’t know either!"

"But... I heard Miss Chen and County Princess Yilan are coming to the palace today, but I’m not sure why!"

Yue Er frowned.

"Why are they coming?"

"Usually, they don’t come even when I invite them, now I didn’t, and they’re here?"

As she helped Yue Er with her clothes, Ying Luo advised.

"Don’t think too much, the Empress must have her reasons, let’s hurry over!"

Yue Er nodded.

Wearing a cloak embroidered with red plum blossoms and sheepskin boots from tribute, she grabbed her Golden Whip and headed out.

Ying Luo was speechless.

"Why bring a Golden Whip to Duanning Palace?"

Yue Er, realizing this, awkwardly laughed.

"I forgot!"

"Anyway, I’m used to it, I’ll just bring it!"

"Let’s go!"

"Alright then!"

Yue Er declined the warm sedan and silk umbrella, donned the cloak’s hood, and dashed into the swirling snow outside.

...

"Mother! Mother!"

In Duanning Palace, Xia Ruqing was busy when she heard the familiar voice of her daughter.

She smiled and hurried out to meet her.

Seeing her beloved daughter soaked from the snow,

like most mothers, she worried while nagging endlessly.

Why didn’t she take the warm sedan, why didn’t she wear more layers, and so on.

Yue Er giggled.

"Mother!"

"You’re even more nagging than Sister!"

Xia Ruqing didn’t mind her daughter’s teasing; instead, she affectionately stroked her daughter’s hair.

"I feel... you’ve lost weight again?!"

"Did you leave the palace again recently?"

Yue Er raised an eyebrow.

"I went out several times, which one are you referring to?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Alright, forget I asked.

She pulled her daughter into the inner chamber, calling for a fire brazier to be placed in front of them.

They chatted while warming up.

"Mother, why did you call me here today?"

Xia Ruqing was stunned, her expression froze with surprise.

"What? You don’t know?"

Yue Er was even more puzzled.

"Know what?"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

"Did you forget what day it is?"

Yue Er tilted her head in thought.

"Forgot!"

"Alright then!"

Xia Ruqing felt hopeless and helplessly had to remind her.

"Today’s your birthday, Yue Er!"

"After today, you’ll be ten!"

Upon hearing this, Yue Er was completely stunned.

"How... how did I forget this?"

"But Mother! I thought we weren’t celebrating, why the sudden change?"

Xia Ruqing explained.

Over the past two years, the palace had numerous issues, your father was in a bad mood, and others passed away, etc.

A young girl’s non-milestone birthday wasn’t suitable for a big celebration, so we didn’t.

"But now, everything’s fine, the past two years have been smooth, and your father has recovered!"

"Coincidentally, you’re now ten!"

"My Little Princess can no longer be overlooked!"

Yue Er hesitated for a moment, processing the news.

"Alright... then!"

She smiled, clasping Xia Ruqing’s arm.

"Thank you, Mother!"

Though not fond of formalities, she couldn’t refuse since her mother enjoyed them!

Xia Ruqing stroked her hair, slyly adding.

"Guess what Mother prepared for you?"

Yue Er glanced around, tilting her head.

"I guess you invited Wei Yu and Yilan here! Am I right?"

Hearing this, Xia Ruqing laughed heartily.

"How did you know?"

Yue Er chuckled mischievously.

"The commotion here, how could it escape me?!"

Xia Ruqing smiled warmly and continued.

"It’s not only your girlfriends; your brother is here too, they all came!"

"I heard... they’ve prepared many gifts!"

Yue Er’s eyes sparkled with joy.

"Really?!"

"Is Brother coming too?"

Xia Ruqing nodded.

"Of course, you are his most treasured sister, how could he not come?!"