Chapter 161: An Audience with the Emperor

Chapter 161

An Audience with the Emperor

Lately, their mother hadn’t been going out much, so the three little ones were thrilled to finally go out with their father. They excitedly crawled all over the carriage. When they arrived at the palace, Song Qilin personally carried all three children. He didn’t trust anyone else to keep an eye on them. The children were very cooperative, they behaved themselves and nestled quietly against him without wriggling about, risking falling. Passersby couldn’t help but point and admire the adorable trio, clinging to their father like little bear cubs. Song Qilin paid no attention to the curious glances as he followed Princess An Le with a serious expression. Finally, they arrived at the Gan Lu Palace, where the Emperor often resided to write.

Before the eunuch at the door could announce their arrival, Princess An Le had already slipped inside. Soon, the sound of laughter echoed from within. The eunuch then received orders to invite the General and his children inside.

The children looked around curiously as they entered the palace. The grandeur of the royal palace was unlike anything they’d ever seen, not even the sprawling Yong An Hou Manor could compare. The large pillars were intricately carved with dragons, the ceilings were high and airy, and the beams were all beautifully patterned. As soon as they entered the chamber, Song Qilin gently set the children down and bowed in respect.

The triplets stood in a row. When they saw their father making a gesture as if to show respect, they mimicked him with clumsy little gestures, nodding their heads in unison. Each of them bounced back and forth in the most adorable way. They thought that the uncle in the yellow robes was clearly someone of importance, as his house was massive, and he also had a strange, beaded crown on his head. They had never seen anyone wear such a peculiar headpiece, so they stared up at him with their wide eyes and open mouths. Both the Emperor and Princess An Le burst out laughing at the sight.

“They’re exactly as funny as you said. Just look at their faces. They’re staring at me as if I’m some sort of strange creature.”

Seeing the Emperor laugh, the little dumplings smiled back at him, as if they had known him for ages. Then, their curiosity got the better of them, and they started wandering around, eager to explore. Da Ge suddenly bolted toward one of the dragon pillars and reached up to touch the intricately carved dragon scales. Seeing this, his younger siblings began to follow suit, prompting their father to call them back.

"Bao Bao, don’t be naughty. Bei Bei, Hua Hua, come back to Father."

The Emperor watched the little turnips toddle about, clearly amused. These children had inherited the best traits of both their parents. Dressed in their formal attire, they looked even more adorable, like little dolls. Without realizing it, the Emperor found himself stepping down from his throne to get closer to them, speaking to Song Qilin as he did so.

“Let them be. They’re still at an age where curiosity rules. There’s nothing here that can be broken. Let them explore a bit.”

Song Qilin could only stay silent as the Emperor had already come to the children’s defense. The Emperor, now holding Xiao Hua Hua, who wore a red dress embroidered with plum blossoms, gazed at her with affection. Her hair had grown long enough for Nie Shuang to tie it into small buns with red ribbons. Xiao Hua Hua gazed up at the Emperor’s radiant, kind face and smiled sweetly, thinking that this nice uncle would surely bring her some treats soon.

“What’s your name, little girl?”

Though Xiao Hua Hua couldn’t speak clearly yet, she understood the question. She pointed her small finger at her chest and said,

“Hua...Hua...Hua...”

The innocent expression melted the hearts of those around. Princess An Le approached, gently pinching the little girl’s cheeks in adoration.

"She’s so adorable, Your Majesty."

"Mm, quite a clever little one."

The Emperor lifted Xiao Hua Hua up and down, making her giggle with delight. Her bright smile spread joy to everyone present. As the Emperor gazed at her, he was reminded of Princess An Le when she was little. This child had no fear of strangers; despite meeting for the first time, she played as if they were old friends. Even the Emperor, who was used to being revered, enjoyed being liked, even if it was by a mere toddler.

After playing for a while, Xiao Hua Hua became tired and began squirming, wanting to be set down. Noticing that she had been there for a while without receiving anything to eat, she looked around and pointed to her mouth.

"Yum, yum..."

This time, the adults in the room, including Song Qilin, couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The Emperor ordered snacks to be prepared for the children.

"It’s my fault. You’ve been here for quite some time, and I’ve not arranged anything to welcome you."

Meanwhile, Da Ge and Bei Bei were happily running circles around the large pillar, their laughter echoing through the room, catching the attention of their younger sister, who eagerly followed them to play. The Emperor watched the children and then turned to speak with Song Qilin.

"They’re all beautiful children, but it’s interesting how the twins don’t resemble each other very much."

"Yes, Your Majesty, not only in appearance but also in personality. Each of them has their own way of causing trouble."

Then, the father of many children went on to describe the mischief of each child—Bao Bao was the ringleader of wild games, Bei Bei was quietly stubborn, and Xiao Hua Hua was always more interested in playing than eating. His expression as he spoke radiated warmth, and the Emperor found it hard to believe this was the same General Song who was once known as the Jade-Faced Reaper. The General, who used to show no mercy to those who crossed him, now seemed like the warmest of fathers.

When the snacks were brought in, the children immediately stopped in their tracks. Their big, round eyes sparkled. Da Ge was the first to rush forward, his chubby face lit with excitement, followed closely by Bei Bei and Xiao Hua Hua. They crowded around their father, clinging to his arms and legs like baby birds waiting to be fed. The Emperor sipped his tea, watching the scene with delight as Song Qilin broke off a piece of snack and fed it to Xiao Hua Hua, who opened her mouth expectantly. Next, he fed Bei Bei. Bao Bao, impatient for his turn, stood on tiptoe, reaching for the treats himself. Seeing the little rascal’s determined efforts, the Emperor laughed heartily. An Le, amused, picked up a pastry and handed it to her favorite nephew.

"Here you go, Bao Bao, your favorite."

An Le smiled at him. Bao Bao made a babyish sound, cupping his hands together as if to thank her, and then took a big bite, leaving crumbs on his plump cheeks and lips. His delighted chewing was so endearing that it made everyone smile. Bao Bao, noticing the uncle in the yellow robe watching him, thought he might want a bite too. With a generous spirit, just as his mother had taught him, he extended the half-eaten pastry toward the Emperor.

"Aaah...!"

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. Did this tiny child really intend to offer him a half-bitten treat?

"Little one, you go ahead and finish it,"

The Emperor spoke to him with a kind smile. Bao Bao, thinking the uncle in the yellow robes was just being polite, toddled over and offered the snack again.

"Nom, nom..."

He said to the most powerful man in the land. The Emperor looked at the half-eaten treat in the chubby little hand and, seeing Bao Bao’s earnest and expectant expression, smiled gently.

"What a thoughtful child you are. Thank you for thinking of me."

He reached out and accepted the snack, placing it aside. Although he didn’t eat it, he accepted Bao Bao’s gesture of goodwill. In truth, Bao Bao’s eyes were more focused on the dangling pearls from the Emperor’s crown. He wanted to climb up and grab them, but he knew his father would surely scold him, so he simply stood there, staring. Song Qilin, who had been busy feeding the other two children, glanced up and quickly apologized when he saw the interaction.

"Bao Bao has been impolite. Please forgive him, Your Majesty."

"There’s no need for an apology, isn’t that right, little one?"

The Emperor said, turning to Bao Bao. The chubby child grinned widely and nodded, then hurried off to grab another piece of snack. Whether he understood or not was unclear, but Bei Bei, seeing his brother return, patted his head as if praising him. It was a touching scene that made onlookers envious of General Song’s blessed family life.

"No wonder...someone as stubborn as the Hou has come to fully accept your wife. Not only is she skilled, but she has given the Song family such wonderful children."

Song Qilin felt a swell of pride upon hearing the Emperor’s praise of his wife. An Le immediately chimed in.

"Of course, Father. If it weren’t for Sister Nie’s kindness, these three wouldn’t be calling him Grandfather at all!"

The Emperor, caught off guard by his daughter’s candid comment, gave a slight start. In front of General Song, the son of the Hou and her future brother-in-law, Princess An Le dared to speak so boldly. The Emperor cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"When they reach the age of schooling, let them join the princes here for their education."

Song Qilin gratefully accepted the offer. After lingering a little longer, he noticed that the children were starting to get sleepy, so he respectfully asked to take his leave. The three mischievous ones, not only clasping their hands to bid farewell to the Emperor, also waved enthusiastically as Song Qilin carried them out, as if bidding farewell to an old friend.