Chapter 310 - 309: Sincerity
Everyone knew that Xie Yunzhen was blessed with a pair of fraternal twins, and he cherished them immensely.
Upon hearing that they could bring children to the banquet, the distinguished families of Yanzhou, those who were married and had children, selected the most well-behaved and sensible children from their families to bring along.
The oldest were just over ten years old, while the youngest were still in swaddling clothes.
No family brought more than two children.
Some were born of concubines, some were of the main branch.
But all had one thing in common, they were obedient and not unruly.
This caused quite a stir in families with many children at home.
Xie Yunzhen held significant power and even possessed a noble title, and his young daughter inexplicably received the title of County Princess.
What an honor that was!
Attending this banquet was undoubtedly a way to gain prestige and honor.
If selected to be companions to the County Princess and the young prince, it would be even more extraordinary!
Those who missed the opportunity were naturally displeased.
Anyone who had interacted with Xie Yunzhen understood his temperament.
When he dealt with people, he showed no mercy.
One misstep could lead to a miserable outcome.
People with a sense of judgment wouldn’t dare to bring mischievous children, fearing they’d leave happily and return in tears.
Otherwise, the whole family would suffer.
...
The guests arrived with gifts, bringing their children along.
Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen greeted guests at the gate, while the children were cared for by the nursemaids and brought into the banquet hall to meet the guests when needed.
Seeing one child arriving after another, Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but want to laugh.
In a place beyond the guests’ view, she whispered to Xie Yunzhen, "One would think we opened a private academy."
Xie Yunzhen felt the same.
He hadn’t liked children before, especially after his trip to Yangzhou where a brat from the Yuan Family made a mess of pairing people for marriage, insisting on calling Mingzhu "Aunt."
It infuriated him to no end!
Since then, he was even more annoyed by children.
But with the addition of the little ones at home, his attitude changed.
Though he believed deep down that his children were the best, seeing others’ children inexplicably softened his heart.
He secretly decided that if they got into trouble today, he wouldn’t hold it against them, considering their young age.
The guests were ushered inside.
This time, there was no separation by gender, but fortunately, the banquet hall was spacious enough. Even with many guests, there was still room for performances and dances.
Considering that very young children might not endure the whole banquet, Ji Mingzhu specifically arranged a courtyard for guests who needed to rest.
During New Year, with children visiting, red envelopes were a must.
Not a large amount, just a hundred coins each.
For good fortune.
Ji Mingzhu originally planned to distribute the red envelopes when the guests were leaving, but Xie Yunzhen pointed out that some children might get tired and miss out on receiving theirs.
And thus miss out on the fun.
It’s better to give them as soon as they arrive.
Such a small matter, Xie Yunzhen was willing to handle, and Ji Mingzhu was happy to let him.
As expected, the children were delighted to receive red envelopes as soon as they arrived.
They were less restrained and timid than when they first entered the estate. Some became bold enough to initiate conversation with Xie Yunzhen.
"Lord, I’ve also prepared gifts for the younger siblings. Why aren’t they here? Are they still sleeping?"
A chubby little boy of three or four said this.
Xie Yunzhen wasn’t used to interacting with children, so he cleared his throat and tried to appear more approachable.
"What did you prepare? Let me see."
Hearing this, the chubby boy happily ran off to get his gift box.
Ji Mingzhu whispered, "Don’t be stern. No matter what the little guy gives, praise him a bit; otherwise, he might think his gift isn’t good and be very discouraged."
Xie Yunzhen touched his face, "Am I being stern?"
Ji Mingzhu gave him an affirmative look, "Yes."
Xie Yunzhen was known for his unsmiling demeanor and was dubbed "Cold-faced Asura" a few years ago.
Only after marrying Ji Mingzhu did he begin to gradually change.
But to completely change his nature was unlikely.
In front of strangers, he was still that untouchable and unapproachable figure.
Most children would avoid Xie Yunzhen, keeping their distance.
The child just now was the grandson of the former prefect, recognized by Ji Mingzhu.
Named Xi Wang.
Due to his unique name and rotund appearance resembling a glutinous rice dumpling, he was easily memorable.
The first meeting was at the Xi Family.
At that time, the men and women were seated separately, and the old lady of the Xi Family gathered the children to greet Ji Mingzhu.
Among so many children, Ji Mingzhu only remembered Xi Wang.
Xi Wang quickly brought a small box to Xie Yunzhen, "Please have a look, Lord and Madam."
Though just a child, his formal tone made Xie Yunzhen inexplicably amused.
Taking the box and opening it.
Inside were two bamboo dragonflies.
The craftsmanship was rough, clearly made by the little dumpling before him.
Hearing Xi Wang refer to the twins as younger siblings made Madam Xi’s heart leap to her throat.
Seeing Xi Wang take a simple box from his larger gift box and hand it to the Lord himself made her eyelids twitch.
She silently cursed, wondering when the boy had slipped the box into the gift box.
Fearing her child had caused trouble, Madam Xi spoke up on his behalf, "The child doesn’t understand, insisting on preparing gifts for the County Princess and the young prince. I hope the Lord and Madam can forgive him."
Xie Yunzhen found the gift quite nice and sincere.
He handed the box to Jade, telling her to keep it safe.
"Zimu and Zishan just happen to be in need of this."
"Really? Will the siblings like it?"
Facing Xi Wang’s sparkling eyes, Xie Yunzhen resisted his discomfort and patted his head.
"Yes."
He quickly withdrew his hand.
He still couldn’t quite accept touching other people’s children.
This small gesture was enough to ease Madam Xi’s worries.
She had heard earlier that this Lord was decisive and unsparing, not to be trifled with.
Now it seemed that while the Lord was cold by nature, he wasn’t beyond reach or interaction.
Holding her son’s hand, she smiled at Ji Mingzhu, "There are so many guests today; we mustn’t monopolize your and the Lord’s time."
Ji Mingzhu made a polite gesture, "If there’s any lack in hospitality, please do forgive me, Madam."
Ji Mingzhu’s gentle temperament made Madam Xi enjoy her company.
But she dared not become too familiar, fearing overstepping and being seen as currying favor with the Duchess.
She nodded, "You go ahead and entertain others; I’ll take Xiao Wang to listen to the music."
Considering that children were also attending, even the performances were carefully selected.
Suitable for all ages.
The arrangement of the banquet hall, the food and tea on the tables, were all thoughtfully arranged.
The ladies attending had to compliment Ji Mingzhu’s meticulous work.
Whether the praise was heartfelt or not, as long as no one was deliberately picking faults, Ji Mingzhu was pleased.
During the New Year, it was fitting to exchange pleasant and light-hearted conversation.
Thus, Ji Mingzhu had Zimu and Zishan brought to the banquet hall.
Sitting at the head table, with Xie Yunzhen each holding a child.
Xie Yunzhen was proficient in caring for the children, feeding them water and burping them with skill.
The officials sitting below looked at each other in awe.
They knew the Lord adored his children and often carried the scent of milk.
But they hadn’t expected that he was truly adept at taking care of children!