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Whether it was just Fu Yuan’s illusion or not, he always felt a faint weakness in Master Zhou’s expression, prompting him to speak out of concern, “Has Zijing grown weary from the long journey?”

Master Zhou thought to himself, “Weary from the journey? No, it’s clearly because your son startled me!”

Fu Yuan noticed the increasingly subtle expression on Master Zhou’s face and inexplicably felt a pang of guilt. When Master Zhou suddenly brought up Fu Yuzhang’s “Zhua Zhou” ceremony, Fu Yuan spoke up, “Brother Zhang is still young and a bit lively in temperament. But is he too mischievous, disturbing Zijing’s peace?”

Master Zhou gave Fu Yuan a deep look, took a deep breath, and asked tactfully, “Marquis, was the young master also this clever when he turned one?”

Master Zhou had only come to the Marquis’s residence last year as a tutor and had never seen Fu Huai’an before he was three. Though well-versed and having encountered several prodigies in the past, even those with talents as exceptional as Fu Huai’an, he was still shocked by Fu Yuzhang.

It wasn’t that Fu Yuzhang was smarter than Fu Huai’an, but rather that he had the advantage of age. Master Zhou had never dealt with a prodigy under one year old before!

Fu Yuan had seen the infant version of Fu Huai’an and, after some thought, decisively shook his head, “Back then, Brother An was too young; we hadn’t even begun teaching him characters. We just thought he was very clever, quick to learn to speak, and quite precocious.”

Master Zhou glanced at Fu Yuan again, “Marquis, surely you know the young master recognizes characters very quickly?”

Fu Yuan’s expression remained normal, “The steward told me earlier on the road.”

Master Zhou hesitated, considering Fu Yuzhang’s age, unsure where to start, then glanced at Fu Yuan with envy, “The marquis’s fortune with children is truly something I’ve rarely seen in my life.”

Who else is blessed enough to have two prodigious sons in a row?

Fu Yuan also felt fortunate and nodded modestly, “Thanks to Heaven’s grace, I was blessed with two qilin sons. It must be the protection of my ancestors.”

Hearing this, Master Zhou wondered where exactly the Marquis’s ancestral tombs were located.

Sensing the topic might be risky, Master Zhou quickly abandoned the thought and smiled, “I wonder what surprises the young master will bring us at his first birthday banquet?”

“Brother Zhang, be sure to look carefully and choose what you like,” Fu Huai’an whispered to Fu Yuzhang, “Grandmother said when I had my first birthday ceremony, I grabbed a book in one hand and a seal in the other. Everyone said I was destined to pass the imperial exams and become a high-ranking official. You’re so smart, surely no less than me. Someday, brothers serving together in government, helping each other, governing the country and bringing peace—wouldn’t that be just like in the operas, a just and righteous official?”

Fu Yuzhang thought to himself, That’s not an exaggeration. As the original protagonist, that really is my future—not only reaching the highest official rank but also becoming the imperial tutor, a great minister and power broker. The career path is thrilling beyond words.

So it seems the “Zhua Zhou” ceremony is quite accurate?

Fu Yuzhang felt intrigued. This was his first time participating in the ceremony, and it sounded like a lot of fun!

Lady Xie originally planned to have Fu Yuzhang practice picking auspicious objects beforehand, but on second thought, all the items on the table were carefully selected; whichever one he picked would be good. So she abandoned the idea and smiled, picking up Fu Yuzhang, “You look so clever—don’t make any mistakes during the ceremony. Pick the items with good meanings. Pens, ink, paper, inkstone, seals—choose any one, and everyone will praise you endlessly.”

Fu Yuzhang grinned, showing eight tiny pearly teeth, and happily nodded, “I’ll pick well!”

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“Yes! Pick the best items!”

On the day of his birthday, Fu Yuzhang was dressed in splendid attire. He wore a vermilion brocade robe embroidered with bat patterns at the cuffs, a majestic qilin embroidered in gold thread on his chest, a gold necklace adorned with a longevity lock, and matching red tassels on both sides. These complemented the red tassels on his ear crown, perfectly matching his outfit.

Except for New Year celebrations, this was the first time Fu Yuzhang wore such grand clothing.

Fu Huai’an arrived early in the main courtyard to pay respects, dressed similarly. The brothers already resembled each other in features; with their matching attire, no one would doubt they were full siblings.

Fu Yuzhang immediately spotted the golden-scaled Ruyi jade pendant hanging from Fu Huai’an’s waist and gleefully waved his arms, loudly boasting, “I gave this to you!”

“That’s right. This is the birthday gift Brother Zhang gave me. I specially had someone take it out from the treasury to wear,” Fu Huai’an said, smiling as he patted Fu Yuzhang’s forehead and handed him a ochre-colored scent pouch.

Curious, Fu Yuzhang took it and before opening, a faint sandalwood fragrance wafted from it. He was a bit surprised and hastened to open it.

Inside was a string of bodhi seed prayer beads—eighteen beads, glossy and smooth, imbued with a subtle sandalwood aroma, exuding an extraordinary spiritual aura.

Lady Xie was astonished. “These belonged to Master Hongwen, worn closely for many years. He recited sutras and burned incense daily, and Master Hongwen personally consecrated them after chanting sutras for eighty-one days straight, earnestly seeking Buddha’s blessings. Only then did the matriarch bring them back to the Marquis’s residence for you. Master Hongwen is a highly accomplished monk who only teaches those with affinity. Many noble families in the capital sought an audience at the Grand Xiangguo Temple but were turned away. Master Hongwen has wandered the world for years, his whereabouts uncertain—meeting him is extremely difficult. Beads and talismans personally consecrated by him are priceless!”

Lady Xie hadn’t expected Fu Huai’an to present such a precious gift for Fu Yuzhang’s birthday. Even as Fu Yuzhang’s mother, she felt it was overly generous.

Fu Huai’an smiled generously, “I consulted Grandmother, and she doesn’t mind me ‘offering a flower to Buddha’ by giving the beads. She said she originally prayed for the family’s health and safety, so it’s the same for Brother Zhang.

I’m a few years older and have been blessed by the beads. Now I pass on their blessing to Brother Zhang, hoping he too absorbs the spiritual protection, keeping evil and impurity away, and enjoying smooth and worry-free days.”

Lady Xie was momentarily speechless, then stammered, “Then... I will accept them on Brother Zhang’s behalf. I have many fine items in my treasury; after the guests leave, you can take a look and choose whatever you like!”

So that’s the origin of these beads! Fu Yuzhang curiously examined the prayer beads. They seemed to glow with a radiant light, their luster richer and scent more delicate than ordinary beads—truly a treasured item cultivated by a master monk.

This is all my brother’s boundless love! Fu Yuzhang looked up at Fu Huai’an with a beaming smile, his voice sweeter than honey, “Thank you, brother!”

Fu Huai’an patted Fu Yuzhang’s forehead again, “Brother Zhang, be sure to pick well during the ceremony.”

Fu Yuzhang nodded vigorously, promising to choose well and perform earnestly, not to disappoint his brother!

Fu Yuan was already greeting guests in the front hall. The Xie brothers had arrived early and were seated near the front, smiling warmly as they looked at the festively dressed Fu Yuzhang.

Master Zhou’s seat was also near the front. After two days, his mood had settled, and he propped his chin on his hand, watching Fu Yuzhang with anticipation, eager to see what the boy would pick.

The little fellow looked bright and clever—surely his choice would not disappoint. Yet as he observed Fu Yuzhang’s growing excitement, Master Zhou’s expression grew more complex: he had a feeling this child might stir up some mischief.

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Fu Yuzhang was placed by Fu Yuan on a long table draped with vermilion brocade. Numerous small objects were arranged atop it: the four treasures of the study, a golden abacus, a white jade seal, an elephant carrying a jade vase... all miniature versions, exquisitely crafted and adorable. The elephant was adorned with a red flower, vivid in color, perfectly suited to a child’s taste.

Fu Yuzhang’s eyes were overwhelmed by the sight. He plopped down on the table, glancing here and there, prompting Lady Xie to whisper anxiously, “Brother Zhang, quickly choose one you like!”

Fu Huai’an also whispered, “Choose well!”

Fu Yuzhang nodded in understanding.

All eyes focused on Fu Yuzhang, eager to see which object he would pick.

His smile was radiant. The golden abacus was cute and precious—he wanted it! The miniature bow and arrow looked fun; he was sure he could shoot a bow by next Lantern Festival! The translucent, lustrous white jade seal clearly bespoke refined taste—perhaps the same one Fu Huai’an had grabbed at his own ceremony. He wanted that too!

Everyone craned their necks as Fu Yuzhang remained motionless, smiling as he surveyed the miniatures.

No doubt the craftsmen were skilled; Fu Yuzhang felt his eyes were insufficient to take in everything.

Yet Lady Xie and Fu Huai’an continued whispering encouragement.

Fu Yuzhang blinked, his smile growing even brighter, and finally moved.

Everyone held their breath, watching as Fu Yuzhang wobbled to his feet, took a few unsteady steps, then—perhaps feeling he was too slow—plopped back down on the table. Using hands and feet, he crawled swiftly, not lingering long by any particular item.

The crowd was stunned, suddenly curious: what was he up to?

Returning to his crawling style, Fu Yuzhang’s little limbs worked vigorously. He zipped to one end of the table, grabbed the corner of the tablecloth with his chubby hand, then turned and crawled toward the center.

The vermilion brocade covered all the “Zhua Zhou” items tightly.

Fu Yuzhang nodded in satisfaction, hugged the big bundle of cloth happily, and proudly presented his “treasure” to Fu Huai’an: “I got them all!”

Overcome with excitement, his speech had become clearer.

Fu Huai’an was stunned too, never imagining Fu Yuzhang would do this. But as a protective older brother, he immediately cheered loudly, “Brother Zhang, well done!”

Everyone else present thought: Is this how the “Zhua Zhou” ceremony is done???

Truly an eye-opener!