As the two little ones grew, and Feng Jin’s recovery progressed, Ling Mohan reopened the gates of the East Courtyard, allowing others to visit.
Upon hearing this news, the elder Mr. Ling, skipping breakfast, rushed over to see his two great-grandsons.
Ling Mohan was pushed to a corner by the throng, his right to even catch a glimpse of his son taken away. The resentment in his heart was evident on his face.
The twins, meanwhile, had become the center of attention, being looked at by this person and held by that one, never put down.
“Quick, let me hold them!” Elder Mr. Ling eagerly snatched a child and cradled him affectionately. “This child is much more lovable than Mohan was as a child. Look at them… such handsome little faces.” Elder Mr. Ling’s gaze was solely on the twins, having long forgotten about Ling Mohan.
“Grandpa, you should rest. Let me hold them.” Ling Mohan stepped forward, attempting to claim a child, but was met with a stern glare from Elder Mr. Ling. “I’m not tired. Go do what you need to do, and stop loitering around. If you keep this up, I’ll end up with another spoiled grandson like you.”
After more than twenty years of life, Ling Mohan was experiencing the feeling of being disliked for the first time. His grandfather had always prioritized him, but now everything had changed.
“By the way, how is the preparation for the baby’s full moon banquet coming along?”
“Grandpa, I intended to postpone the full moon banquet and combine it with the hundred-day celebration. The time difference isn’t that significant, and preparing for two banquets consecutively is a bit troublesome.”
Elder Mr. Ling’s expression darkened. “My dear grandsons’ full moon banquet and hundred-day banquet must both be held. My Ling family doesn’t lack money. If you’re short on funds, I’ll cover the expenses; I won’t have my great-grandsons be the slightest bit inconvenienced.”
“Grandpa, they are so young, what do they know? There’s really no need…”
“No need? I’ve gained two beloved grandsons at once; this is the greatest joy! From now on, my grandsons’ affairs are the Ling family’s biggest matters, and none of you are to treat them lightly!” Elder Mr. Ling’s anger flared, and if he had a stick in his hand at that moment, he would have struck Ling Mohan directly.
“Grandfather, don’t worry, the full moon banquet will be handled with utmost care,” Feng Jin quickly interjected, not wanting the grandfather and grandson to argue over such matters.
“You’re more sensible than Feng Jin!” Elder Mr. Ling pointed at Ling Mohan’s nose and scolded him. He then turned to the butler and said in a deep voice, “Quickly go and invite the tailor from the east of the city to our home. My dear grandsons’ full moon banquet is such a grand occasion; I must prepare myself properly.”
“Yes, Old Master. I’ll go fetch him right away!” The butler acknowledged the command and hurried out. Elder Mr. Ling did not leave the East Courtyard all day, gazing at the two treasures, a smile never leaving his lips.
“Old Master, it’s already dark. You should return and rest. You can visit the young masters again tomorrow.”
“It’s dark already? Time passes so quickly.” Elder Mr. Ling shifted his gaze from the children and looked outside, indeed, it was dark. Elder Mr. Ling stood up; having sat all day, his back was quite weary.
“Tomorrow, you must wake up early and open the gates. I’ll come to see them again,” Elder Mr. Ling sternly instructed Ling Mohan. He wished he could watch the two precious babies forever. After holding them for a while longer, he reluctantly departed.
It was not until late at night that Ling Mohan managed to send away everyone who had come to see the two treasures. He then rushed to the children's side, finally having his turn to see them.
“Be gentle, they just fell asleep.” Feng Jin’s heart leaped into her throat as she saw Ling Mohan handling the children roughly. Ling Mohan acted as if he hadn’t heard her, still cradling Da Bao. He had noticed over the past couple of days that the personalities of these two children were worlds apart. Da Bao was more lively, smiling at everyone, while Er Bao was more composed, rarely smiling no matter how you tried to coax him. Despite being twins, their personalities differed so greatly. Furthermore, they seemed to dislike each other; sometimes, when not watched, they would start fighting. Feng Jin had commented that this was a habit from the womb and could not be changed.
…
Soon, it was time for the twins’ full moon banquet. Feng Jin had been spending the last few days in the small kitchen, intending to make a cake for the two children. While other ingredients were easy to obtain, the cream proved to be a challenge for Feng Jin. It took considerable effort just to find milk. After several inquiries, she finally found a cow that was lactating. She then spent money to purchase the cow. Feng Jin looked at the cow, which was as tall as she was, and her hand, poised to collect milk, hesitated.
“Lu Shi, go and milk her.” Feng Jin decisively stepped back, handing the bucket she had prepared for the milk to Lu Shi.
“Young Madam, I’ve never done this before. Perhaps you could find someone else?”
“When Heaven bestows a great task upon a person, it first pains their mind and exhausts their sinews and bones… From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were no ordinary person. No one else but you can do this.” Feng Jin couldn’t help but praise Lu Shi to the heavens, reaching out to pat his shoulder. “Go, I believe you can do it.”
Lu Shi, inadvertently swayed by Feng Jin’s words, walked towards the mother cow with a proud stride. He reached out to milk her. The moment he touched her, the cow seemed to get angry and delivered a flying kick, sending Lu Shi tumbling to the ground. If Lu Shi hadn't had some martial arts skills and reacted quickly, he would have been kicked again. The instant the cow became agitated, Feng Jin swiftly retreated and hid indoors. Peeking through the slightly ajar door, she watched Lu Shi’s battle of wits with the cow.
“Be careful. Don’t hurt the cow, and don’t startle her, otherwise, there will be no milk.” If the cow were to get scared, it would affect the quality of the milk, and without the raw ingredient, her cake would be ruined.
Lu Shi managed to break free, his black attire stained with some unidentified yellow substance and emitting a faint odor. Fortunately, his efforts were not in vain, and he finally managed to extract some milk.
“Young Madam, here is the milk you requested.” Lu Shi handed Feng Jin a small bucket of milk, which he had nearly risked his life for. Feng Jin approached Lu Shi, her brow furrowed. She struggled to control her breathing, quickly took the milk, and stepped back a pace. “Guard Lu, thank you very much for this. Once the cake is made, you must have a generous portion.” Feng Jin was truly touched by Lu Shi’s actions today, having gone through so much trouble for a small bucket of milk, and ended up looking so disheveled.