The son-in-law of a prosperous family

Just a few days after Zhao Yunchuan returned to the Hanlin Academy to take up his post, the atmosphere of the New Year spread throughout the capital like a tide.

There are lights and decorations everywhere, and the streets and alleys are filled with the aroma of fireworks and New Year's goods. As the end of the year approaches, the palace becomes increasingly busy, and everyone is looking forward to the annual closing ceremony.

On the day of the closing ceremony, the Forbidden City was covered in silver and the auspicious snow fluttered down, adding a touch of holiness to the solemn ceremony.

Zhao Yunchuan, dressed in brand new court robes and standing tall, stood neatly in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony with civil and military officials. After the ceremony, everyone dispersed and Zhao Yunchuan returned home with a relaxed mood.

Starting today...holiday!

As soon as he stepped into the house, the reward from the palace was delivered, and it was Li An, the eunuch beside the emperor, who came in person.

Zhao Yunchuan hurriedly led his family out to greet them.

Li An's face was full of smiles, and his voice was sharp but somewhat friendly: "Lord Zhao, His Majesty has specially ordered us to send these rewards to you for your diligence and dedication over the past year as a reward!"

Zhao Yunchuan knelt down respectfully to express his gratitude: "Thank you for taking the trouble to make this trip, Eunuch Li. Your Majesty, I will never be able to repay your grace even if my body is torn to pieces!"

After saying this, he stood up, welcomed Li An into the house, and asked someone to serve him tea and snacks.

Li An took a sip of tea, looked at the furnishings in the room, and said with a smile: "Lord Zhao, your family is living a harmonious and happy life. No wonder His Majesty often mentions that you are a pillar of the court. This time, not only will you be rewarded generously, but His Majesty also specifically instructed you to spend the New Year with peace of mind and devote yourself to court affairs after the New Year."

Zhao Yunchuan thanked him repeatedly, feeling warm in his heart.

After Li An left, the whole family gathered around the mountain of rewards, marveling at them.

The gift box contains not only rare ginseng and deer antlers, gorgeous silks and satins, but also exquisite porcelain fired in the imperial kiln.

Just as the family was immersed in the surprise, Zhao Yunchuan accidentally discovered that deep among the many gift boxes, there were two more exquisite small boxes hidden.

Out of curiosity, Zhao Yunchuan gently opened one of the boxes and saw an exquisitely carved peace lock lying quietly inside.

The lock body is made of pure gold, and it glows softly and dazzlingly under the sunlight.

On the lock surface, the auspicious dragon and the auspicious phoenix surround each other, lifelike, and the dragon scales and phoenix feathers are clearly visible. Between the dragon and the phoenix, the word "peace" is engraved in the ancient and majestic seal script, with strong and powerful strokes.

Opening another box, there was also a peace lock of the same style and exquisite craftsmanship, but it was engraved with the word "joy".

Huai Ge'er came forward and gently stroked the peace lock, his eyes full of surprise: "Your Majesty is so thoughtful, even the gifts for the children are prepared so carefully. This peace lock has such a good meaning. I hope our two babies can live a peaceful and happy life."

Zhao Yunchuan nodded slightly, a smile on his face: "Indeed."

Although he lost the right to name his child, it was not so unacceptable for Zhao Yunchuan.

Zhao Yunchuan and Huai Ge'er smiled at each other, each holding a safety lock and gently swinging it in front of the baby in the cradle.

The golden peace locks collided with each other, making a crisp and pleasant sound, which instantly attracted the attention of the two little guys.

They stared with their round eyes, waving their pink little hands in the air, trying to catch the shaking safety locks, shouting "squeaky squeaky" in their mouths, their little faces flushed red with excitement.

Zhao Yunchuan shook the safety lock and asked softly, "Dear ones, do you like this gift?"

As if they understood, the two children responded more enthusiastically, and the shouting one after another filled the house with vitality.

Huai Ge'er smiled and gently placed the safety lock in the children's hands. The little ones immediately held them tightly and put the locks in their mouths from time to time.

"Look at the look on his face, he must like it very much." Huai Ge'er said softly, with a happy smile on his face.

Afterwards, Zhao Yunchuan and Huai Ge'er carefully put the safety lock around the child's neck.

New Year's Eve soon arrived. Zhao Yunchuan, wearing his official uniform, was reluctant to leave. He didn't want to attend any palace banquet at all. He just wanted his family to stay at home and spend the New Year in peace and comfort.

"Brother Huai, I don't want to go!"

Huai Ge'er smiled and lightly touched Zhao Yunchuan's eyebrows with his fingertips. He smoothed his slightly wrinkled court robes for him and said softly, "I know you are reluctant to leave home and want to be with me and the children. But His Majesty is hosting a banquet. This is a great honor. If you don't go, you will offend His Majesty's kindness."

Zhao Yunchuan put his arms around Huai'er's waist, rested his head gently on her shoulder, and muttered like a sulky child: "What would you do if something happened to you without me? I'm worried. Besides, it's Chinese New Year, who doesn't want to have a reunion dinner with their family? Why do you have to attend that stupid uterine banquet!"

Huai Ge'er reached out and rubbed Zhao Yunchuan's hair lovingly. He looked up at the two sleeping children in the cradle and said softly, "Look, the children are sleeping soundly. With me accompanying them and their parents helping them, nothing will go wrong.

Besides, when you come back, we can continue to celebrate the New Year together, and it will be lively and exciting, isn’t it the same?”

Zhao Yunchuan listened, still holding Huai Ge'er tightly, reluctant to let go. He raised his head slightly, looked at his wife's gentle face, and sighed helplessly: "Okay, I'll be back soon. You and the children must wait for me to come back, I still want to stay up with you!"

Huai smiled and nodded, took a cloak from the side, and carefully put it on Zhao Yunchuan, and reminded him: "It's freezing outside, you should pay attention to keep warm on the way. At the palace banquet, don't just think about home, socialize as you should, and don't lose your manners."

Zhao Yunchuan kissed Huai'er on the forehead, let go of his hand reluctantly, and walked out of the house, looking back every few steps.