TSFLIP Chapter 300

Feng Guang was pregnant after all, and she gave birth to a rather wrinkly baby. The palace physician smiled at the visibly displeased Prince Qian and explained, “Your Highness, all newborns look like this. Once they grow a bit, they’ll look much better. With such stunningly beautiful parents like the Emperor and you, the little princess is sure to become a beauty in the future.”

Gu Yan ignored the physician and lowered his head to look at the baby in his arms. Her tiny, wrinkled face wasn’t even the size of his palm, and he clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“What nonsense about all babies being like this? Feng Guang looked way cuter than this little one when she was born.”

Gu Yan seemed to forget that the child he was criticizing was his daughter.

Feng Guang, watching the series of expressions on Gu Yan’s face, felt a bit stifled. Sitting up in bed, she extended her hand. “Give me the baby!”

She had just given birth—how her strength had returned so quickly was anyone’s guess.

Gu Yan hesitated for a second but eventually handed the baby over to her. As he did, he added, “Feng Guang, I don’t dislike her…”

“Don’t talk!” Feng Guang glared at him. “I haven’t forgiven you yet for secretly taking birth-control medicine!”

Gu Yan felt awkward. Yes, he had been secretly drinking that concoction to prevent Feng Guang from getting pregnant. He didn’t like the idea of having children interfering in their relationship. However, he didn’t take stronger measures, such as sterilization, because he knew that as an empress, Feng Guang would eventually need an heir. He figured it was better for her to have his child after they’d had enough time together as a couple, rather than with another man.

His secret had been well-kept until Su Xu accidentally let it slip in front of Feng Guang. Because Su Xu was related to Su Bi, and Su Bi had ties with Ke Huai, who was Feng Guang’s friend, Su Xu escaped severe punishment. She was merely sent to the harsh northern wilderness.

The revelation about birth-control medicine caused a huge rift between Feng Guang and Gu Yan. To appease her, Gu Yan spent an entire month making amends by being exceptionally attentive to her… and ensuring they had a child.

Eventually, amid much anticipation, Dongyun’s first royal princess was born. And that wrinkly baby Feng Guang now held? That was her.

Unlike her father, who was full of disdain for the baby, Feng Guang adored her. “My daughter, even if your father doesn’t like you, your mother loves you more than anything. Grow up happily and become the most beautiful princess.”

As she spoke to the baby, her voice was gentle, her expression soft. The glow of motherhood added a layer of maturity to her beauty, making her even more stunning.

Watching her, Gu Yan suddenly thought that maybe this child wasn’t so bad after all.

“Hey, Gu Yan.” Feng Guang’s tone immediately turned cold when she addressed him. “No matter what, you’re still her father. Have you decided on a name for her yet?”

Gu Yan was silent for a moment before he smiled and said, “Let’s call her Xiaoxiao.”

Feng Guang froze in surprise. After a moment, she tightened her hold on the baby, looked down at her sleeping face, and smiled softly. “Alright, Xiaoxiao it is.”

And just like that, the little princess’s name was decided.

A ten-year-old girl sat in the courtyard, tugging on her father’s sleeve in protest. “Daddy, is my name really that simple? Doesn’t it have any deeper meaning?”

“The meaning is for you to always smile and be happy. Isn’t that good enough?” Gu Yan smiled faintly, tossing a piece of food to the hawk perched on the stone table.

Xiaoxiao, now ten years old, was at the age where innocence and curiosity bloomed. Her delicate features were beginning to show signs of her future beauty. In a few years, she would likely captivate the imperial capital. Spoiled by Feng Guang since birth, Xiaoxiao was headstrong and determined. Once she had a question, she wouldn’t stop until she got an answer.

She continued pestering her father. “Daddy, Daddy, is the meaning of my name just to smile and be happy?”

Gu Yan, unable to resist her persistence, put down the hawk’s food and patted her head. “Has Daddy ever lied to you?”

“No.” Xiaoxiao shook her head earnestly.

“Then can Xiaoxiao stay quiet now?”

“Okay!” She nodded obediently.

Gu Yan praised her, “What a good girl.”

Resting her head on the table, Xiaoxiao stared at the hawk. After a while, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why won’t you let me tell Mommy that you’re raising such a majestic hawk?”

“That’s because your mother doesn’t like animals like this,” Gu Yan lied without hesitation. “Do you remember our agreement?”

“Yes! If I don’t tell Mommy about the hawk, you’ll take me out of the palace more often!” Xiaoxiao grinned widely, clearly thrilled by the arrangement. Visiting her father’s estate was always exciting, and keeping this secret guaranteed more outings.

Gu Yan lightly tapped her nose and chuckled. “Xiaoxiao is such a clever child.”

“Of course! Xiaoxiao loves Daddy the most!” She beamed. “Unlike Mommy, who always makes me eat vegetables and forces me to eat those horrible carrots. Daddy is much better. You’re always so gentle and even buy me fun toys from the commoners.”

But deep down, Xiaoxiao didn’t think her mother was bad. Every night, Feng Guang would tell her bedtime stories and play with her. Xiaoxiao just wished her mother would stop insisting she eats vegetables—then she’d be perfect.

Su Bi walked over. “A message from the border has arrived, and it needs your attention.”

In recent years, since the prince of Longtao Kingdom had married Dongyun as one of its princess consorts, the two nations had reached a temporary peace. However, a nomadic tribe near the border had grown restless and often caused trouble. Matters like these were usually sent directly to Gu Yan instead of the empress.

Gu Yan patted Xiaoxiao’s head. “Daddy has to take care of some business. Can you play here by yourself for a while?”

“Okay!” Xiaoxiao replied loudly.

Gu Yan smiled and left with Su Bi.