Blessings and Joy: Fubao's Full Moon Celebration

Upon their return, both Mrs. Li and Li Chengyuan balanced a few baskets of vegetables on poles. Li Xiaojun and Li Xiaoli had their hands full—one clutching two chickens, the other carrying several bottles of wine. Despite their age making these tasks challenging, the anticipation of Fubao's upcoming full moon celebration lifted their spirits as they strolled home humming.

As they arrived, villagers returning from their farms were surprised by the sight and called out to Mrs. Li, "Well, well! Mrs. Li, gathering so many vegetables, is this for your granddaughter's full moon celebration?"

With a joyful smile, Mrs. Li affirmed, "Indeed! Tomorrow, everyone will gather for a festive celebration with delicious food and wine!"

"Excellent!" The villagers responded. Once the Li family left, some couldn't help but remark, "The Li family is truly doting on their granddaughter. The boys in their family never received such treatment for their full moon celebrations, but it's not surprising."

"Absolutely, the Li family hasn't had a girl for generations. It's a rare occasion, so it's only natural they'd shower her with love. It seems like the little one is truly blessed, with the entire family cherishing her!"

...

With the table set and dishes prepared, it was time to celebrate.

Since Fubao's birth, Mrs. Li kept a list of those who spoke ill outside the yard and never invited them. Therefore, only Li Chengyuan was invited to visit some villagers who frequently visited or were close acquaintances.

Later that evening, Mrs. Li cradled Fubao and tried on new clothes for her.

The garments were tailored by the village seamstress, with Mrs. Li adding extra touches to ensure they were of the finest quality.

Spoiled and chubby, Fubao looked adorable in her new red dress, along with the tiger-head hat and shoes purchased in town. She resembled a blessing doll, irresistibly cute and inviting hugs and kisses.

Li Chengyuan's gaze lingered on Fubao, his smile unwavering. He whispered, "My girl is so beautiful, she truly takes after me!"

Beside him, Lin Yanfen raised an eyebrow and said, "Didn't you claim she looked like me before? Now suddenly it's you again? Fubao was born to me, so naturally, she resembles me more!"

Li Chengyuan chuckled and touched the back of his head. "Yes, yes...like you. But Fubao is also my daughter, and there will always be something of me in her as her father. If Fubao didn't resemble me at all, I'd be disappointed."

Lin Yanfen gave him a playful glare. "What are you suggesting? That I found another man?"

"Of course not!" Li Chengyuan quickly kissed her on the cheek. "I'm sorry, my dear wife, you know I struggle with words."

Fubao wanted to close her eyes and avoid witnessing this display of affection.

However, her four older brothers surrounded her cradle, captivated by her. Oblivious to the need for sleep, they stared at her with fascination.

"She's so cute!" Li Xiaolei exclaimed, holding the cradle with both hands. He looked at Mrs. Li eagerly and asked, "Mom, when Fubao grows up, can I marry her?"

Mrs. Li was taken aback, then affectionately poked his forehead. "Silly boy! Fubao is your sister. How can an older brother marry a younger sister? You're out of luck, kiddo."