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Chapter 115 Birthday Gift - A Mirror!

Li Chengqian's gaze towards Xiao Ran became intense.

Li Shimin, Zhang Anan, and other familiar people were used to Xiao Ran taking out such things, but Wang Ji was not.

Although he didn't understand medicine, he could tell how precious the medicine was from Sun Simiao's reaction.

Originally, the birthday banquet would have been more appropriate in the evening, but considering that Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun would be leaving in the afternoon.

The birthday banquet is held at noon.

In theory, the siblings should give Li Lizhi a gift.

Considering this isn't their own home, giving gifts here would be a bit like forcing Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe to give them.

They don't give it out openly.

Princess Li Lizhi, being the eldest legitimate daughter, was not lacking in such gifts.

So we might as well not collect it.

Apart from calling Zhang Mingde, no one else was called.

It's just a group of people in the family.

Li Yuan and Empress Xiao were elders, so it's reasonable for Li Lizhi's birthday to be celebrated here.

As noon approached, the courtyard was filled with the aroma of food.

The three young maids, along with Li Zhi, liked to stay in the kitchen.

Knowing that everyone else was busy, the three girls didn't go in to bother or cause trouble.

Zhang Jinhe and Xiao Yu would occasionally give the children some food.

As it approached dinner time, Zhang Dalang and the others returned.

Although Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao's status cannot compare to Li Ke's, it is still higher than that of others.

The two were very down-to-earth and worked diligently under Zhang Dalang's guidance.

At first, I didn't know, but later I found out that Cheng Chumo and Cheng Tiehuan were twins.

"I'm so hungry!" Cheng Chumo sniffed the hay he was holding.

I've been staying at Xiao Ran's house for a while now, and I still can't get enough of the food.

"It should be soon!" Now that they were a little more familiar with each other, Zhang Dalang talked a bit more.

Li Ke, Cheng Chumo, and the others also saw the tattoo on Zhang Dalang's forehead, but none of them asked any further questions.

I don't know the specifics, but guessing it would definitely be a bad thing.

I don't want to reopen old wounds.

As the group chatted, they saw three little girls running towards them.

The little princess invited a few people to dinner.

"Seventh meal~"

"Okay, here I come!" Li Ke patted the little princess's head.

We used to eat out when it wasn't cold, but now that it's a bit cold, we can only eat in the living room.

It is Li Lizhi's birthday, and Li Lizhi will definitely be with her elders.

Xiao Ran is considered the head of the family, and he is also part of the household.

Originally named Zhang Dalang, Zhang Dalang said he would go to the other side himself.

Li Chengqian, Li Tai, Li Ke, Cheng Chumo, and the others could only go to the other side.

When Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi first tasted the food here, they were greatly impressed.

Today, Li Lizhi is dressed more formally.

Although Li Shimin's family visited every now and then, it didn't annoy anyone.

The family is excellent in their conduct and dealings with others. They never come empty-handed; they always bring many gifts, making it hard for anyone to dislike them.

Li Yuan picked up a piece of stewed mutton until it was tender and chewed slowly. His gaze fell on Xiao Ran, and he asked with the warmth of an elder, "Young man, how old are you now?"

Xiao Ran smiled upon hearing this: "Grandpa, I'm twenty-five this year."

"Twenty-five?" Li Yuan put down his chopsticks and tapped the table lightly with his fingertip. "Not young anymore. Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. At this age, it's time to think about settling down."

In Xiao Ran's era, it was considered quite normal for someone his age not to be married.

Before, Xiao Ran had been going on road trips and fishing, and never thought about getting married.

But in the Tang Dynasty, that age was simply too old.

Normally, people should get married and have children around the age of fifteen or sixteen.

"Grandpa, there's no rush, there's no rush."

I was afraid of being pressured to get married, but I never expected that I couldn't avoid it even in the Tang Dynasty.

Sun Simiao also put down his chopsticks. "What Master Li said is very true. It would be good for the young master to settle down and start a family as soon as possible."

The other people on the other side were also listening intently.

"Haha, I happen to have a suitable one here." Li Yuan said very seriously.

I really want to introduce someone to Xiao Ran.

I think Xiao Ran is a pretty good person.

Li Lizhi blushed and lowered her head, feeling a little embarrassed.

Xiao Ran just grinned foolishly, unsure of what to say.

"Several of my daughters are of marriageable age. What do you think?"

"Huh?" Xiao Ran looked puzzled.

I suspect I heard it wrong.

Li Lizhi also looked up at Li Yuan.

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun had similar expressions.

Li Yuan had many children, and there are indeed suitable ones now.

Previously, Sun Simiao, Li Shimin, and others, including Li Lizhi, all thought it was Li Lizhi.

Unexpectedly, she was Li Yuan's daughter, which messed up the generational order.

"Grandpa, this isn't a good idea." Xiao Ran was both amused and exasperated.

“Grandpa, what are you doing?” Li Lizhi asked helplessly.

"Haha, girl, don't be angry. Your grandfather was just testing you." Li Yuan was in a good mood and joked.

Sun Simiao smoothed things over, and the group continued eating.

It's obvious to everyone that Li Lizhi has some ideas.

Xiao Ran's background and status are indeed incomparable to Changsun Chong's, and even inferior to many people in Chang'an City.

However, Li Lizhi was familiar with Xiao Ran and knew his value.

If it weren't for the political marriage, Li Lizhi wouldn't have needed to consider her husband's background at all.

As long as Li Lizhi is happy, that's fine.

Li Lizhi was very interested in Xiao Ran's various deeds, and that was enough.

The three maids who were with Princess Yuzhang and the others squeezed between Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi.

Others got used to it too.

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun were naturally aware of Li Lizhi's attitude towards Xiao Ran.

Neither of them objected.

The titles are indeed a bit low, but we can find a way to improve them.

If Xiao Ran does these things, it's entirely possible to get him a marquisate later.

Li Shimin was confident about this.

Ultimately, both Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun recognized Xiao Ran's value.

It's true that Xiao Ran received a lot of money and valuables, but he also helped a great deal.

After everyone had eaten their fill, they cleared away the plates and Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe made tea for the others.

Xiao Ran asked Cheng Chumo and Li Ke to bring the cake over.

It's much bigger than before.

"Wow~" The little princess was very excited.

Such a big cake, covered in cream, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Although I'm already full, it won't stop me from eating some more.

The birthday cake made for Third Sister before didn't have any words on it. This was Xiao Ran's first time making one, so it's a bit rough around the edges.

This time it's much more exquisite, and there's also a sentence.

"If you smile, it is like the spring sunshine!"

Princess Yuzhang smiled.

It's as if her joy could bring warmth even in the dead of winter, as subtle as the moon hidden behind the clouds—bright but not glaring, quietly imbuing her words with her care.

Li Lizhi stared at the words, her fingertips lightly touching the edge of the cream, her ears turning slightly red. When she looked up, she met Xiao Ran's gaze. Both of them hurriedly looked away, as if afraid that their spring-like feelings would be blown away by the wind.

"Sister, make a wish quickly, Sizi can't wait to eat cake." Princess Yuzhang gently nudged Li Lizhi.

Xiao Ran's birthday celebrations are quite different; they're much simpler in comparison.

It's very complicated inside the palace.

"Great!" Li Lizhi really liked this birthday celebration.

Although it's simple, I find it very meaningful.

Li Lizhi opened her eyes, and no one knew what she had promised.

Just as they were about to cut the cake, the little princess tugged at Li Lizhi's sleeve, "Big sister~ I want to make a wish too~"

"Sizi, this is your elder sister's birthday." Princess Yuzhang gently tapped the little princess's delicate nose.

"No way~ I want to make a wish too~"

"Alright, alright, Sizi, make a wish!" Li Lizhi was very tolerant of her younger sister.

"I want lots and lots of sweet cream~"

"Little sac is in trouble~"

The people around them were also amused.

"You little rascal, you can't say that out loud," Li Lizhi said, shaking her head helplessly.

"How did the young master become yours?" Princess Yuzhang rubbed the little princess's head.

"That's it~"

The little princess was unreasonable yet still spoke with conviction.

"Okay, okay, it's yours, it's yours, time to eat cake." Li Lizhi picked up a knife to cut the cake.

Li Lizhi made the first cut and asked Xiao Ran for help.

The cake was quite large, so Princess Yuzhang and Zhang Jinhe helped out.

The three little girls were responsible for serving the other terminals.

The three young girls were very sensible; they first gave gifts to Li Yuan, Empress Xiao, Sun Simiao, and Zhang Mingde, who were the older ones.

There are no emperors or empresses here, nor princes or princesses; they are simply arranged by age.

When Li Chengqian and Li Zhi tasted cream for the first time, their eyes lit up.

The others didn't eat it much either.

This is the second time.

The two little princesses ate a bit more.

Empress Xiao gently scooped up a little cream with a spoon and put it in her mouth. Her eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and she smiled faintly:
"This milk-based product is quite peculiar; it's smooth and slippery, like holding a mouthful of spring snow, and it melts in your mouth without being greasy at all. Although cheese and lactose are also sweet, they are not as...soft as this."

Looking at the words on the cake, she added, "Not only is the taste exquisite, but the sentiment behind it is even more exquisite, warming the heart even more than a cake wrapped in gold leaf."

Li Yuan scooped up a large spoonful and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling his praise: "Hey! This stuff is more to my liking than the honey cakes I've had before! The cake is soft and fluffy, coated with this 'milk cream,' and the sweetness is just right, not cloying at all."

He held up the empty plate to Xiao Ran, smiling like a child, "Great, great, Si Zi, give Grandpa some more."

When the little princess heard her name called, she put down what she was holding.

"Hmmmm~"

They quickly sent some to the old man.

Xiao Yu and Zhang Jinhe smiled at each other as they ate their pastries.

People of all ages and genders love it.

While the others ate, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi left the living room.

Besides pastries, Xiao Ran also prepared a gift for Li Lizhi.

I wanted to package it nicely, but I couldn't find a suitable container.

It was given directly to Li Lizhi.

"Fifth Sister, happy birthday, this is for you."

Li Lizhi saw a round object in Xiao Ran's hand.

"Young master, what is this?"

Li Lizhi was in no hurry to answer.

Li Lizhi was very satisfied with the cake Xiao Ran had prepared.

"Just look at it and you'll find out."

Li Lizhi picked up the mirror and found nothing unusual on the back.

Slowly raising the mirror to my eyes, the image reflected in it suddenly burst into my vision.

It wasn't the blurry, misty look of a bronze mirror, nor the hazy reflection of the edges of the patterns, but a clear, perfectly detailed reflection of myself.

The curve of her eyebrows, the trembling of her eyelashes, and even the stray hairs at her temples that were ruffled by the wind, all seemed to have been drawn with a fine brush, vividly reflected in the mirror.

Li Lizhi subconsciously raised her hand to touch her temples, and the person in the mirror also raised her hand, the warmth of her fingertips seeming to be transmitted back through the mirror.

This wasn't the reflection in the bronze mirror that "probably looked like myself," but a living, warm image, with even the faint beauty mark under her eyes clearly visible.

Li Lizhi's eyelashes trembled, and when she looked up, her eyes were filled with surprise, like stars falling from the sky: "Young master... this, this is a mirror?"

Her voice softened, as if afraid of disturbing the all-too-real image, "The me in the bronze mirror is never like this..."

He looked down at the mirror again, his fingertips lightly tracing the cool edge, his tone filled with childlike wonder and amazement: "You can even count the strands of hair, it's like... like a person is encased in this glass-like thing. How was this made? It's even more realistic than the finest bronze mirror."

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something, looked up at Xiao Ran, and her ears turned red again.

The reflection in the mirror still showed the shyness she felt when looking at the cake; even that slight embarrassment was impossible to hide in the mirror.

This clarity made her feel inexplicably more aware of herself than others, and it reminded her of the words on the cake, "If you smile, it is springtime." Her heart felt as if a warm breeze had blown through it, making her tremble with tenderness.

"Young master... this gift is too precious."

Li Lizhi liked it very much, but was too embarrassed to accept it.

It was passed to Xiao Ran.

“This is just an ordinary mirror.” Xiao Ran gently pushed it to Li Lizhi. “There aren’t any in the Tang Dynasty now, but there should be plenty in the future.”

"Does the young master mean that it can be made?" Li Lizhi realized.

"Hmm, that's not difficult, provided it depends on the quality of the glass." Xiao Ran glanced at the direction where the glass was being fired.

"Is this also related to glass?"

"Yes, if the glass is of good quality, many mirrors like these can be made."

"Thank you very much, young man. Then I won't be polite." Li Lizhi was very pleased.

The core function of a mirror is to "reflect one's true appearance." In the eyes of the ancients, it not only reflects one's appearance but also implies "reflecting one's true self."

The boy's gift of the mirror seemed to say, "You are as real and moving in my eyes as you are in the mirror," or perhaps, "May you see my feelings for you through this mirror."

Using the "clarity" of objects to echo the "honesty" of emotions is more in line with the implicit etiquette norms of this era than speaking directly.

The "round" shape of a mirror has symbolized "reunion" and "longevity" since ancient times.

For unmarried men and women, giving a mirror implies an expectation for the relationship: that their feelings for each other are as flawless as the mirror and as sturdy as the mirror itself. Although it does not explicitly say "to stay together," it contains the subtext of "may this affection last forever."

Furthermore, mirrors are objects closely related to private life and are essential for women's grooming. When a young man gives such an item as a gift, it carries a sense of intimacy, as if he wants to "be a part of your daily life."

Unlike ordinary exchanges of books or stationery, gifting a mirror is more exclusive and thoughtful, as if saying "I care about your little details." This meticulousness is a rather bold expression of emotion against the backdrop of traditional etiquette.

Unbeknownst to them, their relationship had taken a significant step closer.

I hadn't expressed it proactively before.

Although it's still more subtle now, you can clearly feel it.

Li Lizhi put the mirror back in her room, and soon Princess Yuzhang Zhang Jinhe and others found out.

Xiao Yu and Zhang Erya, among others, curiously went to Li Lizhi's room to look in the mirror.

It is indeed a rare item.

Li Lizhi didn't say anything, but Zhang Jinhe and Princess Yuzhang both guessed its origin.

It could only have been given to me by Xiao Ran.

(End of this chapter)