In November, joyous events were endless. First was the Crown Prince's inauguration ceremony, formally announced to the world, with the Great Qing's Crown Prince appointed, and meanwhile, a general amnesty was granted.
Immediately following was the joyous occasion of the marriage between the eldest Princess Jiayi and Prince Consort Cui. Invitations for various weddings and childbirth celebrations were sent to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Song Ci, however, did not attend many banquets. When the first snow fell, her frail body caught a cold again, leaving her weak and deciding to feign illness and stay in.
Outside, snowflakes drifted gently, while inside, it was as warm as spring or summer, the air filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and peanuts. Infants giggled playfully on the heated brick bed.
