Time passed quickly amidst the busy preparations.
Before they knew it, the day of the children's hundred-day celebration had arrived.
They held the hundred-day feast at the Drunken Fragrance Tavern in Yiyang Town. Besides inviting Jiang Feng, Luo Ge also had someone send invitations to the Princess Consort of Nanyang and her family.
However, it was uncertain whether they would be able to come.
The village elders and relatives all came, as well as Wang Sister-In-Law and her family, Li Qiao and his wife, Hu Jun, and other friends.
While Luo Ge was busy entertaining the guests, Lady Qian and the others helped look after the babies. The entire tavern was bustling with activity.
"This little one is so handsome, he looks just like his father."
"This girl takes after her mother."
"Look at this tiny nose on such a small baby, it's so perky! And those big, bright eyes! The baby's skin is so fair and soft, truly beautiful!"
"They've certainly inherited the best features. They'll be absolutely adored when they grow up."
"Of course! Both their parents are exceptionally good-looking, so these little ones are bound to be just as lovely."
"I wonder whose lucky sons and daughters they'll end up with when they're older."
A group of women gathered around the babies, chattering excitedly and admiring them. The babies didn't fuss; instead, they blinked their big eyes, looking back at the cooing women.
"They're so well-behaved, unlike my little rascal at home."
Qin Mianmian watched the scene with fondness, then turned to look disapprovingly at her own son, who was either babbling noisily or trying to grab at everything within reach.
"Indeed, girls tend to be more docile. If you like, we could..." have another one.
Before Li Qiao could finish his sentence, Mianmian cut him off.
"Stop right there! Don't even think about it." Don't try to take advantage under the pretext of having a daughter.
They no longer had elders living with them at home.
She was already fumbling through each day, clumsily taking care of their current child.
Having another would be the death of her!
So she refused.
Hearing this, Li Qiao silently rubbed his nose.
...When Luo Ge and her family returned and overheard the couple's conversation, they found it rather amusing but didn't comment.
"The banquet is ready. Please, everyone, take your seats," she said, turning to the guests with a smile.
"Ah, very well."
Seeing that the hosts had spoken, everyone took one last admiring look at the babies before finding their seats.
Lady Qian and the others took the children upstairs to the private rooms.
"It seems we've arrived at just the right moment."
The Princess Consort and her son had arrived, dressed modestly as members of a well-off but ordinary family.
Hearing the Princess Consort's voice, Luo Ge turned around in delighted surprise. Seeing them, she broke into a smile.
"You've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you. Come upstairs, we've prepared your favorite dishes."
She had always enjoyed the Princess Consort's company, and now, knowing their true relationship, she was even more fond of her.
She wondered if the Princess Consort would be surprised when she learned the truth later.
"Alright."
The Princess Consort couldn't help but smile at Luo Ge's enthusiasm. She instructed her people to place the gifts they had brought on the gift table before following Luo Ge and the others upstairs.
The Prince of Nanyang had official business to attend to and couldn't spare the time, so only the Princess Consort and the young prince had come today.
"He's been quite busy these past few days. When he has some free time, we'll come together for a proper gathering. After returning last time, he's been constantly talking about going hunting in the mountains with Jin Chen! He said he must find an opportunity to go a few more times."
As they climbed the stairs, the Princess Consort chatted with Luo Ge.
"We're delighted that you could come today, Sister Xi. If the Prince enjoys it, he's welcome anytime. We'll host, and Jin Chen can take him out for a proper adventure. Last time was a bit rushed and he couldn't fully enjoy himself."
"Mm!" The Princess Consort nodded at Luo Ge's words.
Beside them, the young prince's eyes lit up at the conversation. He tugged at the Princess Consort's clothes.
"Mother, I want to go next time too. Father said he'd take me."
"Alright, alright, we'll take you."
As they spoke, they arrived at the private room where Lady Qian and the others were already waiting.
Luo Shiyan was arguing with his father over seating: "Father, I'm your son. You should let me have it."
The seat in question was next to where Luo Ge and her family would sit.
He wanted to sit with his sister and be close to his little nephews and nieces.
"I'm older, son. You should be the one giving way to me."
Lady Qian and Ling Yun watched this exchange: "....."
"Both of you move aside. How can two grown men properly look after children? Stop fighting, I'll sit here to take care of the babies."
"My lady???"
"Mother???"
Father and son were stunned as they watched Lady Qian successfully take the seat. This wasn't fair!
Luo Ge, who had opened the door first, felt a bit embarrassed as the Princess Consort had overheard this exchange before even entering.
"What's this?" The Princess Consort was surprised to hear familiar voices.
"Uncle? Aunt? Cousin? Cousin-in-law?" As she entered and saw the people inside clearly, she called out in even greater surprise.