Chapter 66: The Brightest Star of the Jia Family

The morning sun bathed the Jia household in a golden hue, casting soft light through the intricately carved windows. A gentle warmth lingered in the air, and even the courtyard plum blossoms seemed to bloom more vividly today. It was a special day—Baby Jia Naun's one-month celebration.

In her room, Jia Lan stood before the mirror, her fingers nimbly fixing a delicate pearl clasp into her dark, coiled bun. She wore a soft blue qipao with embroidered silver cranes, a nod to longevity and blessings. Her skin glowed with excitement, her eyes sparkling like twin stars. A touch of rose-colored balm colored her lips, giving her a subtle, fresh elegance.

"Lan'er," Mother Jia called from downstairs, "are you almost ready?"

"Coming, Mama!" Jia Lan gave herself one last look and then hurried down the stairs, her silk slippers whispering against the polished wood.

Downstairs, the air was already bustling. The savory aroma of braised pork belly, sweet-and-sour fish, and steamed chicken filled the halls. Mother Jia stood at the center of it all, overseeing the kitchen staff and dishes like a seasoned general.

"Is the red bean glutinous rice cake ready?" she asked.

"It's cooling now," replied a maid.

"And the longevity noodles?"

"Being tossed with sesame oil as we speak."

Father Jia entered the dining room with a tray of red envelopes. "I've prepared these for the guests' children. And the wine has been arranged outside."

Jia Lan greeted both of them cheerfully. "Smells like the banquet of the century downstairs."

Her father grinned. "Only the best for our little Naun."

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Grandfather Jia and Grandmother Jia welcomed their old friends—retired officials, neighbors, and comrades from their youth.

"Ah, Lao Zhang! Still walking as straight as bamboo!" Grandfather Jia laughed heartily, clasping hands with a tall gentleman in a military coat.

"You flatter me, Lao Jia," Lao Zhang replied with a hearty chuckle. "I hear you've finally become a grandfather?"

"Indeed!" Grandfather Jia puffed his chest. "Our little Naun is the first of the next generation. She's clever, alert, and already favors her grandmother."

"Oh please," Grandmother Jia waved a hand, laughing. "She loves me because I sing her lullabies."

Another elderly guest, Madam Sun, leaned over with a playful glint in her eyes. "I heard she's a beauty like her aunt Jia Lan?"

"Exactly so," Grandmother Jia beamed. "Lan'er helped care for her mother, pampered the baby, and even arranged this gathering. She's a gem."

As if on cue, Jia Lan entered the hall with a graceful stride, hands neatly folded in front.

"Good morning, Grandfather, Grandmother," she said with a slight bow. "Uncles and Aunties, welcome."

"Look at her!" Madam Sun clapped her hands. "Lan'er, you look like a flower in full bloom!"

"Thank you, Aunt Sun," Jia Lan replied with a warm smile.

Grandfather Jia placed a proud hand on her shoulder. "She's the soul of this household."

Back in Xu Li's room, the new mother was basking in peace. Her confinement period was officially over, and today, she had washed her hair after a month. Jia Lan had personally helped her, drying and brushing it gently before putting on a light no-makeup look that highlighted her serene beauty.

"You look like a blooming lotus," Jia Lan teased.

"After not touching shampoo for thirty days, I feel like a wild herb." Xu Li laughed.

Jia Zhe sat nearby, gently rocking baby Naun in his arms. "You're both too beautiful. My heart can't take it."

Xu Li chuckled and poked his arm. "Don't get used to being this charming."

"Too late," he replied, kissing her temple.

In the hallway, Jia Wei and Yao Jing were already greeting guests. They had set up a small table for receiving gifts and red envelopes. Yao Jing was noting down names, while Jia Wei helped sort the items.

"Don't forget Aunt Wang's gift set," Yao Jing reminded him.

"I'm not blind!" Jia Wei retorted. "But yes, she brought a whole tea set!"

Soon, Jia Ruiyu, Jia Lan's elegant elder sister, arrived with her husband Zhou Heng. They came bearing a beautiful red gift box and a hand-stitched baby dress.

"You're late," Jia Lan teased.

"I wanted to look better than the famed Aunt Jia Lan," Jia Ruiyu said with a grin.

Baby Naun was passed around like treasure wrapped in pink blankets. Guests melted with smiles when she gurgled or blinked at them.

"She's our little empress," Father Jia joked.

Jia Zhe beamed with pride. "She's our family's blessing."

Throughout the day, the home was filled with cheerful voices, blessings, and the clinking of teacups. The baby's cries came only when she needed something—and the entire family moved as one to meet her needs.

As dusk approached and the lanterns were lit, the Jia household shimmered like a jewel under the spring sky.

And baby Jia Naun, cradled in loving arms, smiled her sleepy little smile—unknowingly becoming the star of not just the day, but the heart of a home.

The sun cast golden rays across the polished stone courtyard as Jia Grandfather stood proudly in his navy-blue changshan, hands clasped behind his back. His old comrades from the bureau were seated in the garden pavilion, sipping on warm chrysanthemum tea and nibbling candied lotus seeds. The red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze.

"Old Jia, your luck is honestly infuriating," one of them, Retired Director Lin, said with a dramatic sigh, fanning himself with his cap. "Back in the day, your handwriting was crooked, your temper was worse, and yet look at you now! A fine house, a fine family, and now—an even finer great-granddaughter."

The others burst into laughter.

"That's right!" said Old Wang, chuckling. "I have three sons and not a single one knows how to boil water, let alone treat me to sweet soup like your Jia Zhe does for you. And your granddaughter-in-law—like a phoenix from a painting! Our own daughters-in-law only know how to argue over dumpling fillings."

"And don't get us started on your grandchildren," another grumbled with faux bitterness. "That Jia Lan—polished, graceful, top of her generation. Is there anything she can't do? Even my wife likes her more than she likes our daughter!"

Jia Grandfather chuckled heartily, his beard trembling. "You all are just sour because Heaven favors those who do good deeds."

"Then Heaven must owe you a mountain of virtue," Lin muttered. "Tell us, how did you trick fate into lining your path with gold and grandchildren?"

Just then, a soft set of footsteps descended the inner staircase, and all heads turned toward the doorway.

Jia Lan appeared, radiant as a spring blossom.

She wore a flowing light ivory dress with embroidered blue cloud motifs. Her hair was elegantly pinned, her lips tinted a rose-petal hue, and her hands carried a tray of honeyed pastries.

"Uncles," she said with a warm smile, bowing gently. "Grandfather said you favor sweet treats more than politics nowadays."

"Aiya!" Old Wang nearly spilled his tea. "She even knows how to joke!"

"Lan girl, if only I were forty years younger—" another teased, clutching his chest.

"Don't frighten the child," Jia Grandfather said, laughing. "You lot are already gray, yet still talk nonsense."

Jia Lan served each of them with care and grace.

"We're simply admiring excellence," Lin said, accepting the pastry. "Old Jia, if you raise a great-great-grandchild, we're sending in a petition to Heaven. Clearly, they've been too biased in your favor."