Chương 279: Gift Giving, Family Dinner

Lu Bu looked at Liu Yao, a rare gentle expression on his face, and said, "This lad will surely become a fierce general in the future."

Xue Rengui laughed and said, "Fengxian, you want to take on disciples?"

Xu Da calmly replied, "The young masters and ladies are still young. Their future is up to them to choose."

Yuwen Chengdu hugged Liu Yan, his movements stiff as if he were holding a bomb, and he was covered in sweat, which amused everyone.

Gan Ning examined each cradle in turn, marveling, "My lord's efficiency is truly admirable!"

Cheng Pulai said, "Xingba, keep your voice down, don't scare the child."

...

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Xun Yu jointly gifted eleven complete sets of the Four Treasures of the Study—miniature versions, of course, suitable for children's early education. They also sent eleven fine Duan inkstones, each engraved with a different auspicious pattern.

Xun You presented him with eleven volumes of the Book of Poetry, handwritten by himself, with neat and elegant handwriting.

Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, these two "prodigal strategists," also gave unique gifts: Guo Jia gave eleven pure silver "first birthday" items, including miniature books, swords, abacuses, official seals, musical instruments, chess pieces, etc., all exquisitely crafted.

Xi Zhicai then presented eleven sets of jade Go boards, the boards made of warm jade that is warm in winter and cool in summer, and the Go pieces made of black and white agate.

Jia Xu gave the most practical gift: eleven land deeds, one for each of the eleven children.

"This small property I acquired in my early years is now offered to my young masters as a token of my appreciation," Jia Xu said calmly, but the gift was no small matter.

The strategists from Hebei, such as Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and Shen Pei, mostly sent classic books and calligraphy and paintings, which exuded the elegance of literati.

As expected, military generals such as Xu Da and Xue Rengui pooled their resources to make twelve golden zodiac animal statues, each the size of a fist, gleaming with gold, and carrying auspicious meanings.

Qin Qiong gave eleven pairs of peace locks, while Yuchi Gong gave eleven miniature steel whips, which were, of course, unsharpened decorative items.

Lu Bu eventually gifted eleven small bows and arrows. The bows were specially made soft bows, and the arrows were round-tipped training arrows, suitable for children to practice shooting.

Luo Cheng presented eleven miniature silver spears, exquisitely carved.

Yuwen Chengdu presented eleven gilded longevity locks, each engraved with a different mythical beast.

Shen Wansan was the most extravagant, bringing a whole caravan of goods: silk from Jiangnan, brocade from Sichuan, carpets from the Western Regions, pearls from the South China Sea... He said he would use them to make clothes for the children, to lay floor mats, and to make toys.

Cai Yong went to the Prince's Mansion every day, holding Liu Chen and Liu Ying tightly, and even said that he wanted to personally teach them.

Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing would come regularly to examine the pulses of the wife and children and prescribe remedies.

To Liu Ce's surprise, a congratulatory gift also came from Luoyang.

The emperor, Liu Hong, sent eleven pairs of jade ruyi scepters as a gift, symbolizing "everything goes well".

Empress He secretly sent eleven sachets through a trusted confidante. Inside, besides spices, were handwritten notes of blessings. Liu Ce opened them and saw the delicate handwriting: "May your children be healthy and happy forever. Lian."

He Jin also sent a gift: eleven imperial horses, putting on quite a show of respect.

The eunuchs, including Zhang Rang, presented gold and silver utensils as gifts.

Even Cao Cao sent a congratulatory letter, along with eleven precious swords, saying they were "for my nephews to protect themselves in the future."

Liu Bei sent straw-woven toys from Anxi County through a messenger. He was skillful and wove lifelike little horses and sheep.

Liu Ce accepted them one by one, feeling deeply moved.

Whether these gifts are expensive or not is secondary; what matters is the sentiment behind them.

In this way, civil and military officials expressed their recognition and blessings for the next generation of successors, which also meant that the Youzhou group truly had a foundation for its continuation.

...

In late October, Liu Ce hosted a simple family banquet at the Prince of Yan's residence.

There was no grand celebration; only key civil and military officials and their families were invited.

At the banquet, Liu Ce held his eldest son Liu Chen in his arms, letting everyone take turns to see him, which was considered his "official debut".

Xun Yu looked at the sleeping baby in the swaddling clothes and said softly, "With the birth of the eldest son, people's hearts are more at ease. My lord, the future of Youzhou is now much brighter."

Liu Ce nodded and looked out the window.

Eleven children, eleven responsibilities, eleven hopes.

He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer fighting just for himself, for his brothers, and for his followers.

It is also for these little lives, so that they can grow up safely in a better era.

"Gentlemen," Liu Ce raised his wine cup and said loudly, "today's joy is not just my joy, but the joy of Youzhou, the result of your collective efforts! Come, let us drink this cup to the full, wishing Youzhou prosperity and the world peace soon!"

May Youzhou prosper! May the world be at peace!

Cheers erupted, echoing through the Prince of Yan's residence and reverberating over Zhuo County.

...

In the afternoon, in the backyard of the Prince of Yan's residence, he looked up at the sky.

The autumn sky is high and azure.

The fourth year of Zhongping is about to pass.

Next year will be the fifth year of Zhongping.

The wheels of history are rolling forward.

The Emperor's health was deteriorating day by day.

The conflict between He Jin and the eunuchs became increasingly acute.

Undercurrents were surging throughout the Central Plains.

But Youzhou, under his rule, was thriving.

With a strong army, ample supplies, and popular support, the country was well-positioned to win over its people.

What will the future hold?

Liu Ce didn't know.

To establish a moral compass for heaven and earth?

To establish a life for the people?

Those are too far away.

"My husband."

Cai Yan's soft voice came from behind.

She was able to get out of bed and walk around, and with the help of her maid, she came to Liu Ce's side.

Liu Ce turned around and helped her up, saying, "Why did you come out? It's windy outside."

Cai Yan shook her head, leaned on his shoulder, looked at the lively scene in the courtyard, and said with tenderness in her eyes, "I want to see the children and see this excitement."

Liu Ce hugged her tightly and whispered, "You've worked hard."

"It's not hard work," Cai Yan looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the autumn sun, "I feel very happy."

The two smiled at each other.

...

From October to December of the fourth year of the Zhongping era, what drifted through Zhuoxian County was not snow, but a strong "sour smell".

Where does the sourness come from? It comes from the hearts of those bachelor generals and single strategists in the Prince of Yan's mansion.

Ever since Liu Ce's eleven children were born one after another, the backyard of the Prince of Yan's mansion has been filled with the cries, laughter, and babbling of babies, as well as the gentle whispers of the ladies and the busy footsteps of the nannies.

Liu Ce, as a father, became a "baby-showing maniac," having a small feast every three days and a big gathering every five days, with the same theme: "Come see my son/daughter, isn't he handsome? Isn't his cry loud? Hey, look how strong these little hands are!"

The first few times, the generals and advisors came to congratulate him with smiles, and holding the soft little baby warmed their hearts. But after a while, the feeling changed.