At first, Bai Xilie was clumsy, afraid of hurting his daughter’s soft black hair, and couldn’t do it well.
But after he wholeheartedly learned and asked Qingmei for guidance many times, he could now braid three different styles of hair and knots.
Bai Zhi’er looked in the mirror as her father skillfully twisted her hair into a pair of bun hairdos.
She clutched her little steamed buns with her tiny hands and said softly, "Daddy, you’re much better than big brother."
"Big brother?" Bai Xilie asked with a laugh, "Do you mean Xuan Mo?"
Bai Zhi’er nodded, "Last time big brother did my hair, it looked like a cockatoo, it was not pretty at all."
"But not to discourage him, Zhi Bao endured it and didn’t take it down until after returning to the palace!"
Her adorable soft voice made Bai Xilie burst into hearty laughter.
Bai Xilie pinched his daughter’s cheeks, "Next time daddy sees him, I’ll ask him to learn well so that he won’t make our Zhi’er look bad again."
Upon hearing this, Bai Zhi’er lifted her little face and said in a childish voice, "The hair may not be pretty, but this kid is good-looking, inheriting daddy’s handsome charm and mom’s beauty, it kind of saves the day!"
Bai Xilie laughed heartily, "You clever little thing."
In his eyes, there was overwhelming doting as he kissed Bai Zhi’er’s chubby rosy cheek.
"My dear daughter, are you full? If you’re full, daddy will take you to the Jishen Temple."
The little one nodded obediently and, with a sweet voice, said, "Okay~"
The civil and military officials stood at the Imperial City Gate, braving the cold wind, waiting for Bai Xilie’s arrival.
The Emperor’s indulgence of the little princess had increasingly become without principle!
Today was the temple ceremony, yet the hour had passed.
Wouldn’t this incur the wrath of the Heavenly God? What if Great Chu was no longer protected?
Finally, they saw Bai Xilie’s carriage approaching.
Everyone hastily bowed in salute.
Bai Xilie, dressed in a bright purple dragon robe today, held Bai Zhi’er, who also wore a matching pearl purple brocade.
The father and daughter, both of outstanding appearance, were eye-catching wherever they stood.
Especially Bai Zhi’er, with her round, white delicate face, bright eyes, and fluttering long lashes.
She looked at the officials, and Historian Wang, summoning some courage, waved secretly and received a sweet smile from Bai Zhi’er.
Historian Wang immediately smiled contentedly.
Bai Xilie motioned with his hand and spoke in a calm tone, "Rise, my dear ministers, although we missed the auspicious hour today, I believe that with sincere hearts during the ceremony, the Heavenly God will not blame us."
The officials felt mixed emotions in their hearts but all had to respond in unison, "The Emperor is wise."
Soon after, the Imperial Guard opened the way, and the officials, three to a carriage, surrounded the Emperor’s carriage.
A grand procession headed toward the Heavenly Altar, not far from the Imperial City.
Upon reaching the altar, the Ritual Officer had already completed all preparations.
The officials first offered incense on the altar.
Subsequently, Bai Xilie carried Bai Zhi’er into the hall.
The little one raised her watery black eyes, curiously observing the temple interior.
Three statues of benevolent and solemn elderly gods stood tall and majestic.
The air was filled with a pleasant incense aroma, with an array of fruits and dishes on the offering table.
Bai Xilie put down Bai Zhi’er and patiently said to her, "These three are the legendary immortals protecting this land. Zhi Bao should kneel with daddy on this mat and ask them to continue blessing Great Chu with good weather next year."
Bai Zhi’er blinked her big eyes.
She recognized these three grandpas.
However, just as Bai Zhi’er was about to kneel with daddy.
The plaque engraved with the immortal’s name suddenly fell from the altar.