Tai and Yan: Childhood Sweethearts

“Er Tai, I want a bite-sized pastry.” Er Tai calmly pushed the pastry in front of him toward Xiao Yanzi.

“Don’t they all taste the same? Do you really like those pastries that much?” Xiao Yanzi took a bite. “My arms are too short. I can’t reach.” Qing’er and the others couldn’t help laughing. She had short arms and said it with such shameless confidence.

Er Tai had been turning something over in his mind for a long time. He looked up at Xiao Yanzi’s face and asked curiously, “I’m older than you, but you call Er Kang ‘Brother Er Kang.’ Why don’t you call me brother?” The four princes all looked taken aback by the sudden question.

“Hey! Who’s your little sister? Don’t go calling me that. I already have enough brothers with Fifth Brother, Sixth Brother, and the others. Do I need another one? Having a princess call you brother? You must have a lot of nerve, not knowing your place.” Xiao Yanzi looked at Er Kang, then turned her head toward Yongqi, tilting her head as if seriously considering the question. After thinking for a long while, she slapped her little hand down on the stone table and said in a soft voice,

“I don’t want so many brothers. I want a different name for you.” Afraid no one had heard, Xiao Yanzi gave another proud little huff. “I said no! I don’t want so many brothers. How about you be my childhood sweetheart instead?” The princes were so startled by Xiao Yanzi’s words that they swayed before sitting up straight again. The princes, Qing’er, Er Kang, and the others all darkened their expressions.