Spring in Jinghe Year Four: Three Moments, One Answer
These three mini-theaters—An Old Friend Arrives, A New Branch in the Ai Family, and As If the Plum Blossoms Never Faded—are written as a quiet triptych of spring.
Each explores a different facet of Ai Miao's world:
A past friendship resurfaces, and is gently but firmly claimed over (An Old Friend Arrives);
A child is born into the Ai family, and the emperor offers a name, a future, and a quiet reassurance (A New Branch in the Ai Family);
A childhood acquaintance reappears, and a silent handclasp becomes the final word (As If the Plum Blossoms Never Faded).
Though each stands alone, together they trace a season of emotional clarity— Where possession is not just jealousy, but protection; Where family is not just blood, but choice; And where love is not declared, but quietly held.
If you read them in sequence, you may find that spring in Jinghe Year Four was not just a time of blossoms— But a time of belonging.
Time: Spring, Jinghe Year Four
Place: Wen'an Residence / Imperial Palace
That afternoon, Ai Miao was reviewing memorials in his study when Steward Ai Fu burst in, nearly tripping over himself, his wrinkled face blooming into a chrysanthemum-like grin.
"My lord! My lord! Wonderful news! A messenger just arrived from the eldest young master's residence—Madam has given birth to a healthy baby boy at the hour of the dragon! Both mother and child are safe!"
Ai Miao's brush paused mid-stroke, a drop of ink blooming on the page. He looked up, and for once, his usually cool expression gave way to visible surprise. Then, a genuine smile spread from his eyes, lighting up his entire face.
"My brother… has a son," he murmured, voice tinged with quiet joy and reflection. Though he and his elder brother Ai Zhe were not particularly close due to differing paths, they were bound by blood. The birth of a child in the family was no small matter—it was a blessing.
"Prepare the carriage. I'll visit my brother's residence." He set down his brush and rose, his tone carrying a subtle urgency.
But just as his carriage was ready, a palace eunuch arrived at full gallop, bearing an imperial message: His Majesty would be leaving the palace immediately to accompany Lord Wen'an in offering congratulations at the Prime Minister's estate.
Ai Miao blinked, then understood. Gu Lian was making a statement—offering the highest honor to the Ai family, and giving his "consort" the utmost face.
Soon, the imperial procession arrived at the gates. Gu Lian was not in his imperial carriage, but dressed in plain robes, astride a fine steed. Upon seeing Ai Miao, he smiled and extended a hand.
"Come. Ride with me."
It was a breach of protocol, but no one dared object. Under the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Ai Miao was pulled up onto the horse, seated before the emperor. Gu Lian wrapped an arm naturally around his waist, nudged the horse forward, and called out:
"To the Prime Minister's estate!"
The emperor's personal visit was an immense honor for the Ai family, still basking in the joy of new life—and a considerable shock.
The elderly Prime Minister Ai Wenzheng (Ai Miao's father) led the entire household to greet them, including the newly delivered young madam (who offered thanks from behind a screen), and Ai Zhe, now a first-time father and visibly overwhelmed.
"We humbly greet Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor—" Ai Wenzheng began to kneel.
"Today, we set aside courtly rites and speak only as family," Gu Lian said, dismounting with ease. He personally helped Ai Miao down, the motion fluid and natural. Standing side by side with Ai Miao, he smiled and gently stopped Ai Wenzheng from bowing.
"Prime Minister, please rise. I'm here to offer congratulations and share in your joy. No need for formalities."
His gaze then turned to Ai Zhe, who was both thrilled and flustered.
"Congratulations, Assistant Minister Ai, on the birth of your son. The Ai family has a worthy heir."
Then, turning to Ai Miao, he said in a low, familiar tone, "Well? What are you waiting for? Go meet your nephew."
—
In the inner chamber, Ai Miao gazed at the wrinkled, rosy newborn in the nursemaid's arms. His eyes, without him realizing, had softened.
He reached out a finger, gently brushing the baby's cheek. The tiny child instinctively grasped his finger.
A strange warmth surged through him.
Gu Lian stood beside him, watching his focused, tender profile. His heart softened.
"You like children?" he asked quietly.
Ai Miao blinked, withdrawing his hand and gently prying open the baby's fist. His expression returned to its usual calm.
"Infants are innocent. Pure. Endearing." He paused, then added, with quiet intent, "The Ai family has an heir now. My father and brother can rest easy."
Gu Lian understood. Ai Miao was telling him—he no longer needed to feel guilty for being unable to leave descendants.
Moved, Gu Lian leaned in, whispering quickly while the nursemaid looked away:
"We have each other. We have this empire. That's enough. But if you truly want a child, we can adopt a bright one from the imperial clan. You can raise him yourself."
Ai Miao's ears flushed. He didn't reply, but a flicker of warmth passed through his eyes.
—
Back in the main hall, Gu Lian was in high spirits. He turned to Ai Wenzheng.
"This child is born at the dawn of a prosperous era. A most auspicious sign. I shall overstep my bounds and bestow a name—what say you?"
An imperial naming was an extraordinary honor. The Ai family immediately knelt in gratitude.
"We thank Your Majesty for this immense grace!"
Gu Lian paused in thought. "The Book of Songs says, 'Wise in letters and arms, a shining heir to his ancestors.' Let him bear the character Zhao—may he grow to be upright, learned and brave, and bring glory to his house. Ai Zhao. What do you think, Prime Minister?"
"Ai Zhao… Ai Zhao… A fine name! On behalf of my grandson, I thank Your Majesty!"
His voice trembled with emotion. This was more than a name—it was a promise, a blessing, a shield.
Imperial gifts followed like flowing water: Gold and silver, silks and jewels, estates and shops— Even a set of imperial calligraphy tools, marked for Ai Zhao's future studies. The generosity far exceeded any standard celebration.
—
On the way back to the palace, they rode together again. Spring wind carried the scent of blossoms.
Gu Lian held Ai Miao close, resting his chin lightly atop his head. Then, suddenly, he chuckled.
"What is it?" Ai Miao turned slightly.
"I was just thinking," Gu Lian said, voice full of quiet joy, "If we had a child… who would he resemble more?"
Ai Miao stiffened—barely.
Gu Lian noticed instantly. He tightened his embrace, voice turning solemn and gentle.
"Foolish thought. Having you is having everything. I only said it because… the way you looked at that child…"
He paused, voice dropping lower, tender and lingering:
"My Ai Miao is one of a kind. No one could ever take your place."
Ai Miao relaxed, leaning back into that warm, solid embrace. He closed his eyes, listening to the steady heartbeat behind him.
"…Mm," he murmured.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the road back to the palace— Two figures, close as one, never to part.