If according to the customs of common folk, when this baby reaches its full month, a grand "baby washing ceremony" should be held.
But the Second Princess is frail; if she gets chilled during the washing, it will cause more trouble.
Therefore, Lin Wanyi specially asked Eunuch Qin An to make a wooden basin, no water inside, just placing items inside that symbolize good fortune.
There were colorful coins, rhinoceros horn, gold and silver ingots, and various dried fruits.
When the sun is high in the afternoon, they symbolically placed the Second Princess into the basin, performing the basin-adding ceremony, which completed the full-month ritual.
Both Nanny Du and Nanny Ji found this idea sensible.
The necessary rituals were present, and it wouldn’t affect the Second Princess’s health.
It’s the best outcome.
In the small kitchen, Chunqi was feeling much more relaxed now.
The two newly appointed cooks were diligent and humble, so they got along well with Chunqi.
With their help, Chunqi could prepare more dishes.
When Lin Wanyi arrived, she happened to catch her handling various ingredients.
Seeing her little master, Chunqi was smiling broadly as she walked over.
"The little master is here?"
"Yes, what are you preparing?"
"This servant brought some freshly harvested lotus roots from outside, later I will make lotus root boxes for you. Additionally, I’ll make crab roe noodles with fresh crabs, plus a dish of treasure duck and steamed pumpkin, enough for you and the Second Prince."
Listening to this, Lin Wanyi’s appetite was stirred.
She loves lotus, both for its purity and for the various ways lotus roots can be prepared.
To her, treasures like the lotus are rare.
Most importantly, it doesn’t pick a particular place to grow.
Be it muddy ponds or stormy rains, it always finds a way to thrive.
Lin Wanyi loves everything with strong vitality, be it flowers, plants, trees, insects, fish, birds, or beasts.
"Very good, make more of those lotus root boxes, let everyone have a taste."
"Rest assured, little master. This servant has prepared a lot. It’s enough even if we eat it for two days."
Lin Wanyi was quite confident in Chunqi’s handling of the ingredients.
Not only was the small kitchen fully equipped, but it was also very clean and efficient.
You wouldn’t catch the smell of oil and smoke even if you stood inside for a while.
"After the full-month ceremony for the Second Princess, let’s make mooncakes together."
Lin Wanyi suddenly suggested.
Chunqi naturally found this idea appealing, but after the incident with the lotus seeds, she dared not take initiative anymore.
"Little master, let us servants handle these leisurely tasks, perhaps you should rest."
"It’s not a strenuous job, besides, didn’t we make mooncakes ourselves at the East Cross Courtyard in previous years?"
Thinking about it, Chunqi agreed.
Anyway, the Emperor wouldn’t suddenly rush back to trouble her.
Thus her mind swiftly adjusted as she spoke up.
"Then that’s great, this servant will prepare the fillings: sweet bean paste, osmanthus honey filling, pine nut filling, and salted egg yolk filling. Also, the cloud leg filling sent by the Dong Family last time, which is also delicious, this servant will prepare six types of fillings, it’s auspicious!"
"Very good, our Chunqi is truly capable."
Lin Wanyi’s praise carried a playful tone, making everyone feel as if they were back at the East Cross Courtyard.
Lively and laughing, they temporarily forgot the palace rules.
The lunch was very filling, probably because Lin Wanyi missed breakfast and was quite hungry. This text is hosted at novel-fire.ɴet
Especially the crab roe noodles, which were exceptional.
Lin Wanyi ate quite a large bowl.
The Second Prince also seemed far from satisfied and initially planned to have another bowl.
But Lin Wanyi persuaded him.
"There’s more delicious food later, didn’t you say you wanted to eat mooncakes last time? We’ll make them this afternoon; if you stuff yourself now, how will you eat mooncakes?"
The Second Prince grinned slyly.
"Hehe, don’t worry Lady Lin, even Nanny Du said that I’m at the age of growth now. Eating more and running around later won’t stuff me."
Lin Wanyi tilted her head slightly, observing him up and down.
Indeed, this child seemed to grow strong quickly.
Having been busy caring for the Second Princess recently, there has been less attention on him.
It seemed like he had grown taller in just a month.
However, this was a bit of a catch-up for the Second Prince.
Originally, he was the size of a six-year-old, but only appeared three or four.
So now that his bones were getting stronger, it’s natural to find ways to grow taller and stronger.
Otherwise, wouldn’t it waste the day and night care given by Nanny Du and Lin Wanyi?
Seeing this, Lin Wanyi finally relented.
Let Xia An serve him another bowl.
But this time, the bowl was not full.
The Second Prince glanced at Xia An, wanting to say something.
But he thought, having something to eat was better than nothing.
If Lady Lin changed her mind later, he might not even get this small bowl.
Thus, he ate heartily again.
The scene of the child eating happily brought smiles to everyone.
Nanny Du looked at the Second Prince in his current flourishing state, feeling quite gratified.
Now she just hopes that the Second Princess’s illness can improve.
The Emperor doesn’t have many heirs, only four.
If both the Second Prince and Second Princess get better, there’s hope for the future.
Then she gave Lin Wanyi a deep glance, her eyes filled with approval and admiration, along with a touch of determination and loyalty.
After lunch, the Second Princess was brought over.
Having just woken up and eaten well, she was more spirited than usual.
Her appearance had opened up a bit, resembling more the Emperor than Princess Consort Lan.
But children often resemble their mothers, and daughters their fathers.
With round eyes, she was now curious about everything.
The wet nurse placed her gently into the basin, and she didn’t cry.
Seeing this, Lin Wanyi was glad.
Nanny Ji began saying auspicious phrases, and everyone put good fortune items into the basin.
Probably unfamiliar with the scene, the Second Princess showed unprecedented excitement.
Her small hand, originally tucked inside her quilt, kicked out.
Seeing her strength now, everyone present was delighted.
She has a long journey ahead, may encounter hardships, but at least she can grow up.
She can experience the changing seasons and enjoy the world’s pleasures.
That is the best result.
After the lively basin ceremony for the Second Princess, Nanny Ji and the wet nurse took her down to sleep first.
A child of her age needs ample sleep and food to grow quickly.
It’s also beneficial for her condition.
As for the Second Prince, after tidying up, he joined Lin Wanyi, eager to start making mooncakes.