Chapter 54: Tian An returns home

I had sent a letter to his majesty to inform him that Tian Jing had given birth to a healthy young boy named Li Hao Yu. His Majesty sent 2 letters in reply. One was to say that He would give Hao Yu the title of Prince Jin. It seems that he had ruled out all of the youngest generations of princes for the prince's regent*(1) place. He also gave Li You*(2) the title Prince Yun. The other one was about how I had to start preparing for my and Princess Chiu Yeung's wedding

The most depressing matter was that our marriage would soon be around the corner. After this marriage even if I don't want to be involved with the Imperial Court I'm forced to be.

"Tian Hua is An An back?" Yao Yao asked as she impatiently paced around. This had to be the tenth time she asked already. Tian Xin shook her head for Tian Hua as she had already replied so many times. "Prince, Prince Jun Zhu's back!!!" Yu Xuan exclaimed as we all rushed out to welcome Tian An back. Tian Jing was in her room resting so she didn't join us. "Yu Xuan prepares some tea for our guests," I ordered rushing outside. When we reached the gates a carriage and a carriage were already parked outside. Many servants were standing outside and when they saw us Hu Chao Xing and Tian An were notified immediately. Hu Chao Xing stepped off the carriage first. He stuck a hand out to help Tian An off the carriage. Today I saw that the couple was wearing matching Hanfu. Hu Chao Xing was wearing a dark blue Hanfu that had cranes stitched on it. Tian An was wearing a maroon Hanfu that had butterfly patterns on the sleeves and bottom hem. Seeing me Brother Hu extended his hand bowed and greeted me "Brother-in-Law,". Tian An greeted me and called out "Ge ge,". Hearing her sweet voice I rushed out and motioned for them to get up. "We're a family. Just skip the formalities," I announced as they nodded. I gestured for them to come in and they followed me quickly. Tian Yao immediately rushed over to Tian An's side. Since young, those two were always the closest. I invited them inside and gestured for them to sit down. Not long later tea was served. We continued having a friendly discussion before Brother Hu stood up and announced "Brother Hu these gifts are a little something from the He family. I hope you can be happy and accept them," I stood up and placed my hand on top of his saying "You didn't have to,". He smiled and replied, "It's a must,". I laughed and asked Yu Xuan to bring Brother Hu's men towards the warehouse to drop off the goods.

I invited the pair to have lunch with us and they accepted heartily. I asked the kitchen to prepare Tian An's favourite food. There was a Variety of Noodles, Dumplings, Steamed Buns, some dim sum... It was a very lively meal. We were talking about recent court affairs. How Prince Rong had suddenly gotten sick. "Prince Rong suddenly getting sick is quite a fishy matter. This will push him into selecting an heir. After Prince Rong selects an heir many courtiers will start to side with a prince. As his Majesty doesn't have a son. So the fight for the Prince Regent spot will finally begin," Hu Chou Xing and I discussed. Turning his attention towards Tian Ming he asked "Young brother-in-law do you've any plans for the future?". I turned towards him as well because he rarely spoke of his plan so I too was intrigued. Tian Ming considered his answer and replied " I know his majesty has offered to help me in my career however I would prefer to work my way up myself. I know that in three months the annual imperial examination would begin. I plan to head there myself and take the test. If I pass I will accept whatever job His Majesty gives but if I fail that means I've no right to work under His Majesty,". I looked at him and smiled saying "Tian Ming, father would've been happy to see that you've grown up,". He blushed and stuffed food into his mouth. We laughed at his embarrassment. I glanced at Ming Yu and suddenly felt sorry for her. Mu Chen was accoupling Tian Jing in her room so Ming Yu was here having lunch with a table full of adults. She had taken a liking to Tian Yao and was listening to her quite attentively. I think she will be turning three soon right? In a week or so? I remember hearing Tian Jing mention it. Speaking of Tian Jing I ought to bring Tian An to meet her nephew. "Tian An, do you know that Tian Jing just gave birth to a son?" I informed her as she turned around in surprise. "Already? what's his name? Can I go and see him?" she questioned. I looked around for Butler He and asked him to ask Tian Jing whether or not I could visit her with Tian An. "His name is Li Hao Yu," I replied...

Butler came back and answered that Tian Jing had finished her meal and could have some visitors but not a lot. Yesterday the ladies in the family had already seen little Hao Yu so today I took Tian Ming, Tian An, Chao Xing and Ming Yu to visit Tian Jing.

When Tian An saw Hao Yu she gave him a green jade pendant in the hope that he will grow up to be as noble and wealthy. Hopefully, he will process great qualities in the future.

Glossary:

1. A prince regent or princess regent is a prince or princess who, due to their position in the line of succession, rules a monarchy as regent in the stead of a monarch regnant, e.g., as a result of the sovereign's incapacity (minority or illness) or absence.

2. Li You: Li Wei's son. Aged 3. Given Title Prince Yun.