On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the sky was unusually clear. Apart from the soldiers patrolling the city and fetching water and firewood, everyone gathered around the training ground.
In December last year, to consume the excess energy of the soldiers and prevent them from harassing the citizens, Shouchang proposed a winter management plan. Besides daily training and necessary living tasks, soldiers were grouped according to their preferences. Some went fishing by the river, some helped repair damaged houses, some learned to make baskets and winnowing fans from local craftsmen, others worked on forging, charcoal-making, and milling.
With things to do, the soldiers stopped causing trouble, focusing on work after training and reporting to the clerk, who recorded their efforts. One fish equaled one stroke, one basket another, blacksmithing and milling counted double. The top ten individuals by New Year's Eve received rewards, while those causing trouble during this period had all their points deducted.
To add fun, Shouchang commissioned ten soccer balls and formed teams of eight for elimination matches. The winning team would receive ten taels of silver per member.
Soccer was a popular sport among civilians, almost everyone played it. However, Prince Cui Yi, coming from the palace, was clumsy, kicking several balls to pieces and knocking over players before being ordered off the field by Shouchang.
Thus, Cui Yi sat glumly on the sidelines, watching Stao Qian, Yang Qiong, and even Bai Lizan play enthusiastically, envious and frustrated.
This frustration persisted even during the final match on Lantern Festival. Seeing him fidgeting restlessly on the viewing platform, Shouchang found it both amusing and sympathetic. After both teams arrived, she asked, "Is there a kind captain willing to take Prince Cui Yi? Adding him to your team, the prince's share of the reward goes to you."
Red team led by Yang Qiong, Blue team by Cao Qian, all sixteen players looked at each other hesitantly, none daring to take the hot potato.
Cui Yi sank deeper into depression, sulking in his chair. Finally, Yang Qiong relented, "Prince, join our team, just keep your feet light." Not expecting him to score.
Cui Yi's ears perked up, tail wagging, looking at Shouchang. She chuckled, "Go ahead."
Bai Lizan joined in, hearing Cui Yi joined Yang Qiong's team and seeing the gloomy faces of the players, he laughed, "Can you give me a spot too? I'll balance the teams."
Bai Lizan was equally poor at soccer, missing the goal despite aiming carefully. Though lacking Cui Yi's brute strength, he wouldn't hinder teammates. Shouchang agreed, nodding.
The Blue team players looked mournful.
Bai Lizan eagerly changed into coarse clothes and joined the game. The referee signaled the start, and Cui Yi dashed out like a wild dog, delivering a powerful kick. All eyes followed the ball... nothing. Looking back, the new soccer ball was lodged under his foot.
Shouchang nearly dropped her teacup laughing.
Replacing the ball, Cui Yi became cautious, gently tapping it as if handling fragile eggs.
Blue team members surrounded him, wary of his past recklessness. Soccer stalled for a whole incense stick's time. During halftime, Cao Qian gathered his team, strategizing. Yang Qiong's team did the same.
The second half began with both teams surrounding Cui Yi, captains engaging in one-on-one battles. Cui Yi struggled to escape, resembling a trapped fly. Unable to participate, he watched his teammates play freely.
At halftime, both teams scored once. Cui Yi announced his withdrawal, sulking on the platform.
Shouchang handed him a bowl of yam porridge, "Soccer is for fun. Whether you play or not doesn't matter, don't let it upset you."
Cui Yi accepted it moodily, stirring the soup with a spoon, rubbing his right eyelid. Shouchang asked, "Did you sleep poorly last night?"
"My eyelid has been twitching since morning," Cui Yi said, one eye open, "Left eye for wealth, right eye for disaster. No wonder I'm unwanted."
Shouchang laughed, "It's just superstition. You probably didn't sleep well."
Cui Yi grunted noncommittally, sipping the porridge. Without the hindrance, the game progressed smoothly. Red team scored twice, Blue once.
Watching the game, Cui Yi suddenly remarked, "Father died exactly a year ago. I couldn't even return to pay respects."
Shouchang sighed softly, "We should have returned for the funeral."
Emperor Jianyuan treated his second son well despite remarrying and making the eldest son, Cui Jie, the crown prince. Though unsuited for ruling, Jianyuan allowed Cui Yi to stay away, rewarding him generously and postponing his marriage.
Though Jianyuan sided with the favored son in his later years, Cui Yi bore no grudge, still respecting him as Father.
Last year, Emperor Jianyuan died, and Cui Jie concealed the news until securing power, announcing it officially. Sons far away, like Cui Yi, should have returned for the funeral but were sent further away by imperial decree.
Cui Jie denied Cui Yi the chance to mourn properly.
The soccer match ended with Red team winning by one goal. Cui Yi rewarded them as promised, then went with Shouchang and their daughter to see lanterns.
As the sun set, the air grew cold and dry. Little Cui Xian held a lotus lantern, her face flushed with excitement. Cui Yi checked her hands, warm, saying, "Xian'er isn't cold."
Shouchang, holding a hand warmer, exhaled white breath, smiling, "Xian'er is like a little stove, never cold. Last winter, I feared she'd catch a chill, holding her all night, yet she warmed me."
Cui Yi lifted her, smiling faintly, "They say daughters are parents' coats, ours is a little stove."
Shouchang laughed, spotting a vendor selling lucky tiger toys, wanting to buy one for Xian'er. Cui Yi suggested, "Xian'er is a girl, maybe a rabbit is better." Holding a cloth rabbit, Xian'er grabbed it eagerly.
Shouchang put the tiger toy back, but Cui Yi added, "Buy the tiger too."
The vendor, sensing their preference, flattered them, "Sir looks prosperous. Buying these toys will bring a healthy son next year!"
Cui Yi paid without comment, continuing their stroll.
Shouchang asked, "Do you want a son?"
Cui Yi's expression was indifferent, though his Adam's apple betrayed inner tension, "No, it's up to fate."
Shouchang found it amusing, "Having children is a woman's duty. How can there be willingness or reluctance? As future emperor, you need heirs. If not me, someone else will bear them."
Cui Yi frowned deeply, staring at her with complex emotions, struggling to speak.
Thinking of his deceased father, brothers, and potential future conflicts, Cui Yi felt a deep sorrow. In royal families, having sons often meant endless power struggles. Either he dies, or Cui Jie does. Would his son follow the same path?
"Shouchang."
"Hmm?"
Meeting her clear eyes, Cui Yi declared firmly, "One son is enough."
Shouchang smiled, nodding, "Okay."