20demayo Chapter 189 Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao's 6th Birthday
Chapter 189 Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao's 6th Birthday
The royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom has been decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations and filled with joy in recent days, as if it were immersed in an ocean of happiness.
It turns out that in just a few days, it will be the sixth birthday of the adorable little Nan Yi and little Nan Yao! This news spread quickly throughout the palace like a spring breeze, and everyone's face was filled with joy.
To ensure that this birthday banquet would be an unforgettable celebration, the entire palace worked together meticulously to prepare for every detail.
As the mothers of the children, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan were naturally even busier.
Their hearts were filled with deep love for their children, and they were determined to create a unique birthday cake for their little ones themselves.
So, on this bright and sunny morning, as the first rays of golden sunlight pierced through the exquisitely carved window lattices and gently bathed every inch of the Imperial Kitchen, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan arrived here eagerly.
The two were dressed in light and elegant clothes, with their sleeves rolled up high, revealing their fair and slender wrists, as delicate as lotus roots.
At this moment, their eyes revealed a deep sense of anticipation and unwavering determination.
With a smile on her face, Gu Liuli turned to look at the equally beautiful Jia Xiaoyan beside her and said softly, "Xiaoyan, today we must use all our skills and show off our abilities to give our Yi'er and Yao'er a big surprise!" As she spoke, her eyes shone with a warm and dazzling maternal light.
Jia Xiaoyan nodded vigorously and said confidently, "Liuli, don't worry! We will definitely be able to make a super delicious cake. I have already thought of the cake design, which will definitely be something that has never been seen in the palace before."
The two women exchanged a smile and began preparing the ingredients. The chefs from the imperial kitchen stood by, curious about the two ladies' novel idea, but still thoughtfully offered them various forms of assistance, handing them fresh flour, eggs, cream, fruit, and other ingredients.
Gu Liuli poured the flour into a large bowl, added an appropriate amount of yeast, sugar, and milk, and stirred it with chopsticks until it formed clumps. Then she began to knead the dough by hand. The dough rolled in her hands and soon became smooth and elastic.
"Xiaoyan, come help me knead this dough for a while, it's quite elastic," Gu Liuli said with a smile, calling to Jia Xiaoyan.
Jia Xiaoyan came over and kneaded the dough with Gu Liuli. The two discussed the cake decorations as they kneaded.
"Liuli, I think we can pipe Yi'er and Yao'er's names on the cake with cream and add some of their favorite fruits. It would look really beautiful," Jia Xiaoyan said enthusiastically.
Gu Liuli nodded in agreement: "That's a good idea. Add some colorful candies, and the children will definitely love it."
After kneading the dough, they placed it in a warm place to ferment.
While waiting, Jia Xiaoyan began preparing the fruit. She washed strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and other fruits, cut them into small pieces, and set them aside. Gu Liuli, meanwhile, was preparing the cream. She poured the cream into a large bowl and whisked it continuously until it became fluffy and emitted a rich milky aroma.
"Xiaoyan, how well is this cream whipped?" Gu Liuli held up the bowl to show Jia Xiaoyan.
"Wow, it's so beautiful, like a cloud," Jia Xiaoyan exclaimed. "It'll be so fragrant and sweet when I spread it on the cake later."
After a while, the dough had risen. Gu Liuli divided the dough into small pieces, rolled them into rounds, placed them on a baking tray, brushed them with egg wash, and sprinkled them with sesame seeds.
"Xiaoyan, look, these cake bases are done, just waiting to be put into the oven to bake." Gu Liuli said happily, pointing to the cake bases on the baking tray.
Looking at the round and cute cake bases, Jia Xiaoyan smiled and said, "I really look forward to seeing how they look after they're baked. They'll definitely be fragrant and soft."
They placed the bread into the steamer and set it. The cake base gradually rose and turned golden brown, filling the entire royal kitchen with an enticing aroma.
Jiang Youan stood to the side, a bright smile on his lips, and said softly, "I'm also looking forward to it with great joy! And, I've prepared special gifts for you two little ones." His bright eyes sparkled with excitement and mystery.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao immediately huddled up to Jiang Youan, blinking their big eyes and asking in unison with curiosity, "Really? Little brother Youan, tell us quickly, what is the gift?" Their eagerness to know the answer was incredibly cute.
However, Jiang Youan just smiled mysteriously and shook his head, saying, "Not now, the mystery will be revealed on my birthday." After saying that, he gently tapped the tip of his nose with his finger, as if to suggest that this would be a big surprise.
Meanwhile, in other corners of the palace, officials were equally busy, meticulously preparing for the upcoming birthdays of the two young princes and princess. Minister of Rites, Lord Li, personally visited the most renowned stationery shop in the capital. After careful comparison, he finally selected a set of the Four Treasures of the Study—a set of writing implements that could be described as flawless. This set of writing implements was not only of superior material and exquisite craftsmanship, but also embodied Lord Li's high hopes for young Nan Yi—that he would study diligently, become well-versed in literature, and grow into a pillar of the nation, contributing his wisdom and strength to the country and its people.
Meanwhile, Minister Wang of the Ministry of Revenue entered his personal treasury, carefully selecting from the dazzling array of jewels. Finally, he chose several extremely rare and precious pieces, adorned with dazzling gemstones, their craftsmanship breathtaking. Minister Wang thought to himself, "Such beautiful and captivating treasures would be perfect for the lively and adorable little Nan Yao. Wearing them, she will surely shine as brightly and radiantly as those rare jewels."
Besides, the military officers were also busy. They either crafted them themselves or searched far and wide, painstakingly acquiring a batch of finely made bows and arrows and incredibly sharp swords. These weapons, both practical and beautiful, were undoubtedly the best encouragement and blessing for young Nan Yi, who loved martial arts. They sincerely hoped that this brave and fearless young prince could strengthen his body through persistent training, and when he came of age, shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting his country and safeguarding this vast and prosperous land and the people living here.
The birthday day finally arrived, and the entire palace was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Red lanterns and ribbons hung on the palace gates, and bright red carpets were laid on the ground, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.
Dressed in magnificent attire and adorned with exquisite crowns, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, their faces beaming with happiness, entered the main hall surrounded by a crowd.
"Father, Mother, we're here!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao ran up to Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli and said happily.
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and patted their heads, saying, "Yi'er, Yao'er, happy birthday! May you grow up healthy and happy."
Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan stepped forward and hugged the children, saying, "Happy birthday, my darlings! This is the birthday cake we prepared for you."
As they spoke, they had a huge cake brought out. The cake had three tiers, each exquisitely decorated. The bottom tier was made of beautiful flowers and stars piped from cream, the middle tier was decorated with colorful candies spelling out the names of Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, and the top tier was adorned with fresh fruit, making it look both delicious and tempting.
"Wow, what a beautiful cake!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao exclaimed, their mouths agape in surprise, their eyes filled with delight.
"Thank you, Mother. This is the most beautiful cake I've ever seen," Xiao Nanyao said happily.
"Yes, Mother, you are amazing!" Xiao Nanyi also praised from the side.
At this moment, officials stepped forward one after another to present their gifts. Minister of Rites Li held up the Four Treasures of the Study with both hands and said respectfully, "Young Prince, Young Princess, these are gifts I have prepared for you. I hope the Young Prince will study diligently and the Young Princess will be graceful and talented."
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao accepted the gifts and politely said, "Thank you, Lord Li."
Next, Minister Wang of the Ministry of Revenue presented jewelry, the military officers presented bows and arrows and swords, and other officials also presented their carefully prepared gifts. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao happily accepted the gifts, their faces beaming with joy.
"Thank you everyone, I really like all these gifts," Xiao Nanyi said.
"Yes, thank you, uncles and aunties," Xiao Nanyao said obediently.
Amidst everyone's blessings, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao blew out the candles together and made their wishes. Then, they began to cut the cake, sharing it with everyone present. Everyone enjoyed the delicious cake and shared the joy of their birthday.
"This cake is delicious! Your cooking skills are superb!" an official exclaimed.
“Yes, this is the best cake I’ve ever eaten,” another official said.
Seeing the children's happy faces, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan felt a great sense of accomplishment. They knew that this birthday party was not only a testament to the children's growth, but also a gathering of everyone's love and blessings for them.
After the banquet, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao returned to their room and eagerly opened their gifts. Jiang Youan had given them a painting he had drawn himself, depicting the three of them playing together, with the words "Happy Birthday to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao" written next to it.
"Little brother You'an, thank you for your gift, we love it." Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao said happily to Jiang You'an.
Jiang Youan smiled and said, "No need to thank me, I'm just glad you like it. I hope we can keep playing together in the future."
The three children sat together, sharing their gifts and joy.
Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, spilled onto the roof of the palace, immersing the entire palace in a warm and beautiful atmosphere. This sixth birthday will become one of the most unforgettable memories of Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao's childhood.