Chapter 107 Xiao Jian's Birthday

"Poor Xiao Jian, poor brother." Before Xiao Jian's birthday, Xiao Yanzi gave Qing'er some pointers, asking her to make a little garment for Xiao Jian as well. But thinking that Xiao Jian still hadn't been able to win over the Empress Dowager and get her to give in, she felt sorry for him.

Qing'er also sighed, "The Empress Dowager has raised me for so many years, so of course she is worried about me. In fact, she has already accepted Xiao Jian in her heart, but she just doesn't want me to get married yet, just like the Emperor is reluctant to part with you."

"That's true. If I had a daughter like you, I definitely wouldn't want to marry you off!"

Qing'er covered her mouth and laughed, "Little Swallow, if you're really anxious, you can go and plead with the Emperor to let you get married sooner!"

"No way, I want to play for another two years!" Little Swallow pouted. "Alright, let's stop talking and go to the General's Mansion to celebrate for my brother."

Emperor Qianlong had prepared a residence for Xiao Jian long ago, and it was completed just before Xiao Jian's birthday. Therefore, Xiao Jian's birthday celebration and housewarming banquet were held together.

Xiao Yanzi and Qing'er had made plans to go to the General's Mansion to celebrate Xiao Jian's success. As for Yongqi and Ziwei, the two siblings went with the Fu brothers.

The position of general was actually established during wartime and would be abolished after the war ended. However, because of Emperor Qianlong's trust in Xiao Jian and Xiao Yanzi, he did not abolish the position and even had Xiao Jian train a Xiao family army.

After everyone gathered at the General's Mansion, they presented their gifts one after another. Qing'er's gift was the last one to be presented, but just like Xiao Yanzi's before, she didn't let everyone know what it was.

Fu Ertai looked curiously at the box in Qing'er's hand. "Qing'er, why are you being so mysterious, just like Xiao Yanzi? Is there something we can't know?"

Little Swallow said, "You might receive a gift like this after you find someone you like."

Fu Ertai pouted, "Little Swallow, you're not being fair. You only said half of what you meant, leaving me wondering what was going on."

Qing'er couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Ertai, if you really want to know, you can find a wife sooner."

"Oh, Little Swallow, where is my wife?"

Xiao Yanzi glanced at Yongqi, then said mysteriously, "I've done some calculations, and your wife will appear next autumn."

Foltai was somewhat excited and pressed for more information: "Really? You'll really come next year?"

Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi both nodded, reassuring Fuertai.

Fu Erkang looked around and laughed, "Today's main character is Xiao Jian, so let's not try to steal the spotlight." They lowered their profile a bit, found a place to sit down, and prepared to eat and drink.

Then, people from all walks of life in the officialdom came to the Xiao residence. "Congratulations, General Xiao." The one who spoke was Fu Heng, whom Fu Erkang and the others called Uncle Fu. Xiao Jian respectfully said, "Lord Fu, you can just call me Xiao Jian."

"Private friendships are private matters, but today is your birthday and housewarming banquet. The Fifth Prince, Princess Feiyan, and Princess Qing are all here. How dare I, Fu, act presumptuously?"

Yongqi reluctantly got up and walked towards Fu Heng and Xiao Jian, "Uncle Fu, please don't be so polite, we're all family."

Fu Heng smiled and said, "Fifth Prince, that may be true, but etiquette must not be disregarded."

Little Swallow walked over and said with a smile, "Alright, let Uncle Fu take a seat quickly."

Once everyone had arrived, the banquet officially began. "Today is my birthday and also my housewarming party. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me."

"General, you are too kind. If it weren't for your life-saving rescue, my son would probably be gone by now. You are our family's savior. I must attend your banquet."

"General, if it weren't for your help in February two years ago, I would be dead already. My life was saved by you..."

Several people expressed their gratitude to Xiao Jian. Standing next to Xiao Jian, Xiao Yanzi exclaimed, "Brother, you're amazing! In just a few years, you've gained so many loyal protectors."

"Go back and sit down. After you finish eating, you still need to go to the palace to express your gratitude." Although Qianlong trusted them, they couldn't take advantage of his trust to do whatever they wanted and give others a handle to make things difficult for him.

After the banquet, Xiao Jian and the others went to the palace. Xiao Jian went to the Qianqing Palace to express his gratitude, while the others had their own business to attend to and did not accompany him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Xiao Jian bowed to Emperor Qianlong upon arriving at the Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Qianlong looked up at Xiao Jian and said with a smile, "Xiao Jian, get up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xiao Jian stood up and quickly expressed his gratitude to Emperor Qianlong.

However, Emperor Qianlong said, "Xiao Jian, you want to marry Qing'er, and Xiao Yanzi wants to marry Yongqi. Sooner or later, you'll all be family. Why be so polite with family?"

Xiao Jian smiled slightly and said, "That may be true, but I must not be unreasonable. I should still express my gratitude."

"If His Majesty is willing to believe, that is His Majesty's business. What Xiao Jian needs to do is to live up to His Majesty's trust and not give others any leverage to question His Majesty!"

“He is a smart man. With your assistance, Yongqi will surely reach new heights in the future.”

Xiao Jian humbly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. The Fifth Prince is intelligent and quick-witted. Even without Xiao Jian, he would still be an outstanding individual!"

"Don't be modest. Ever since Xiao Yanzi and you appeared by Yongqi's side, Yongqi's changes have been visible to the naked eye. In a few years, when Yongqi gets married and has children, I can abdicate in peace."

"Your Majesty..." Xiao Jian looked at Qianlong in confusion, "Your Majesty is in good health, why do you want to abdicate?"

"Although I am in good health, I also want to go out and have some fun. Yongqi is handling state affairs with increasing ease, and now with your and Erkang's help, I can rest assured."

Xiao Jian still had a lingering worry in his heart and asked, "Your Majesty, with Xiao Yanzi's status, it might be difficult for her to win over the people if she were to become the mother of the nation."

"Yongqi will handle this matter. We should trust him; he'll find a way." You see, someone as talented as Xiaoyanzi, skilled in both literature and martial arts, can even come up with policies to stabilize the country. What right do those people have to keep bringing up Xiaoyanzi's background?

"Xiao Jian, I know what you're worried about, but I hope you'll give Yongqi a little more trust and believe that he can definitely bring Xiao Yanzi happiness!"

"Yongqi is not the emperor. He won't have three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines. In his world, there is only Xiaoyanzi! So no matter what, he will protect Xiaoyanzi!"

“You’ve seen Yongqi’s hard work and Xiaoyanzi’s growth over the past few years. They are both working hard for their future, so as their family, we should naturally do our best to help them, shouldn’t we?”

"Your Majesty is right. Xiao Jian was overthinking it."

"I am aware of your relationship with Qing'er. The Empress Dowager is not dissatisfied with you, but she is reluctant to let Qing'er get married so soon. You should perform well and make the Empress Dowager understand in every way that you will not take Qing'er away when you marry her, but will give the Empress Dowager another grandson!"

Xiao Jian nodded. "Xiao Jian understands. Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, Xiao Jian will take his leave."

"Go on, Xiao Jian, good luck, I'll be waiting for your good news." Qianlong smiled as he watched Xiao Jian's departing figure, then stretched. "Little Lu."