Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 257 First Meeting with My Younger Brother

First meeting with the younger brother: The tender care of the royal siblings

In the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, sunlight filtered through layers of foliage, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone path. A gentle breeze carried the delicate fragrance of flowers. Xiao Nanyi wore a dark blue brocade robe, a bright yellow jade belt cinching his waist, from which hung a smooth jade pendant. With his light steps, the pendant swayed gently, producing a clear, melodious sound. Xiao Nanyao wore a pale yellow silk skirt, the hem embroidered with delicate peony patterns. With each step, she swayed like a blooming flower in the wind.

"Brother, let's hurry! I really want to see my little brother!" Xiao Nanyao said, jumping up and down while holding Xiao Nanyi's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Xiao Nanyi smiled and patted Xiao Yao's head: "Okay, let's go now."

The two arrived at the room where Yan Dongdong and Jiang Nianchen were. They gently pushed open the door and saw Yan Dongdong sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Jiang Nianchen in her arms, her face radiating tender maternal love. Seeing Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao enter, she smiled and greeted them, "Yi'er, Yao'er, come here quickly."

Xiao Nanyao rushed to the bedside, her eyes fixed on Jiang Nianchen in his swaddling clothes, and whispered, "He's so small, is this my little brother?"

Xiao Nanyi also stepped forward, looking curiously at the newborn baby. Jiang Nianchen was sleeping soundly, her little face rosy, her little mouth moving occasionally, as if she were having a sweet dream.

“Yes, this is your little brother, Jiang Nianchen,” Yan Dongdong said gently.

Xiao Yao carefully reached out and gently touched Jiang Nianchen's little face: "So soft, little brother is so cute."

Xiao Nanyi looked at his little brother with curiosity in his eyes: "Will he play with us in the future?"

Yan Dongdong smiled and said, "Of course! When my little brother grows up a bit, he can play with you all and study together."

At this moment, Jiang Nianchen seemed to sense the movement around her. Her little eyebrows furrowed slightly, her little mouth pursed, and she made a "woo-woo" sound.

"Is my little brother awake?" Xiao Yao asked anxiously.

Yan Dongdong gently shook Jiang Nianchen and coaxed her softly, "Chen'er, be good, don't cry."

Xiao Nanyi imitated Yan Dongdong, gently patting Jiang Nianchen's little body: "Little brother, don't be afraid."

Perhaps feeling the love from her older siblings, Jiang Nianchen gradually calmed down and fell into a sweet sleep again.

Xiao Yao looked at Jiang Nianchen and suddenly said, "Brother, we must protect our little brother from now on and not let others bully him."

Xiao Nanyi nodded vigorously: "Yes, I will definitely protect my brother and you."

Yan Dongdong was deeply moved by this scene: "With older brothers and sisters like you, Chen'er will definitely be very happy."

In the following days, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao frequently visited Jiang Nianchen. They would bring their favorite toys for their little brother, and although Jiang Nianchen couldn't understand them yet, they still enjoyed it immensely.

Once, Xiao Nanyi brought a rattle drum. He shook it gently, and the rattle drum made a crisp sound. Jiang Nianchen was attracted by the sound, opened her eyes, stared at the rattle drum, and waved her little hands unconsciously.

"My little brother seems to really like this rattle drum," Xiao Nanyi said happily.

Xiao Yao also came over: "Little brother, look at this, isn't it fun?"

Jiang Nianchen looked at her older brother and sister, making "ee-ee-ya-ya" sounds as if responding to them.

Another time, Xiao Yao brought a small rag doll that she had made herself. She placed the rag doll next to Jiang Nianchen and said to him, "Little brother, this rag doll is for you. It can keep you company when you sleep."

Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Yao would also tell Jiang Nianchen stories. Although their stories were simple and childlike, Jiang Nianchen always listened very attentively, watching them intently.

"Once upon a time, there was a little rabbit who was very brave..." Xiao Yao told the story vividly.

Jiang Nianchen lay in the cradle, her little hands clenched tightly, as if she were listening intently to the story.

As time went by, Jiang Nianchen gradually grew up and began to learn some simple actions and expressions. He would show an innocent smile to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, and giggle when they teased him.

"My little brother is smiling! My little brother is smiling!" Xiao Yao exclaimed excitedly.

As dusk settled in the palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, soft light filtered through the carved windows, illuminating every corner of the magnificent building and adding a touch of warmth. Little Nan Yi and Little Nan Yao, hand in hand, returned from the Jiang residence, excitedly discussing the adorable appearance of their little brother, Jiang Nianchen, their steps as light as butterflies fluttering in spring.

“Brother, little brother’s smile is so cute. His eyes are squinted into slits, like crescent moons.” Xiao Yao said, imitating Jiang Nianchen’s smile, her face beaming with a pure smile.

Xiao Nanyi nodded with a smile: "Yes, it's especially funny when he waves his little fists, it's like he's saying hello to us."

As they talked, they arrived at the palace where Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli were. Inside the palace, Xiao Jingchuan was sitting on the dragon throne, reviewing memorials, while Gu Liuli was quietly reading an ancient book beside him. Hearing footsteps, they looked up and saw Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao walking in with joyful faces.

"Father, Mother, we're back!" Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao said in unison, their voices clear, loud, and full of energy.

Xiao Jingchuan put down the memorial, smiled, and said, "You're back. You all seem so happy. Did something fun happen at the Jiang residence?"

Like a cheerful little deer, Xiao Yao skipped and hopped to Gu Liuli's side, took her hand and said, "Mother, let's go see little brother Jiang Nianchen! He's so small and cute!"

Xiao Nanyi stepped forward and added, "Father, my little brother's cheeks are rosy, and his skin is very tender and soft to the touch."

Gu Liuli smiled gently and patted Xiao Yao's head: "Really? Tell your mother what other interesting things your little brother has done."

Xiao Yao excitedly recounted, "When we arrived, the little boy was sleeping, and his little mouth was moving, as if he was dreaming of eating. Later, he woke up, and his older brother teased him with a rattle drum. He kept staring at the rattle drum, and his little hands were moving around. It was so much fun!"

Xiao Nanyi continued, "Yes, he also makes 'ee-yah-yah' sounds. Although we can't understand what he's saying, it feels like he's chatting with us."

Xiao Jingchuan listened with great interest, his eyes full of affection: "It seems that Jiang Nianchen has brought you a lot of joy."

Xiao Yao remembered something else, her eyes sparkling: "Mother, when my little brother smiles, he has two little dimples, which are so sweet. When my brother and I tell him stories, he listens so attentively, his eyes never blinking."

Gu Liuli smiled and said, "You are all good older brothers and sisters. Please take good care of your little brother in the future."

Xiao Nanyi nodded earnestly: "Mother, we definitely will. I also told Xiao Yao that we should protect our little brother and not let him be bullied by others."

Looking at the children, Xiao Jingchuan said with emotion, "I am very pleased to have such sensible children like you. When Jiang Nianchen grows up a bit more, you can teach him to read and write, and play with him."

Xiao Yao said excitedly, "Great! When my little brother grows up, we'll take him to the Imperial Garden to fly kites and to Taiye Pond to go boating."

Xiao Nanyi also said, "I also want to teach him horseback riding and archery, so that he can become a brave man."

Looking at the children's expectant faces, Gu Liuli felt a surge of warmth in her heart: "However, you must also remember that your little brother is still young and needs your patient companionship and guidance."

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Yao answered in unison, "We remember, Mother."

Then, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Yao enthusiastically recounted the details of how they teased Jiang Nianchen, such as Jiang Nianchen's adorable gesticulation when he was amused, and the little force with which he gripped Xiao Nanyi's finger. As they spoke, they gestured, making Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli burst into laughter from time to time.

"We had so much fun at the Jiang residence today," Xiao Yao said with a smile. "I even brought my little brother a doll that I made myself. He doesn't know how to play with it yet, but I think he'll love it."

Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, "Jiang Nianchen will understand your intentions in the future."