Soft Little Dumpling

One-and-a-half-year-old Su Ruanruan is the most precious little dumpling in the Prince of the Ninth Palace's household.

She can't say many words, but she's got the entire household wrapped around her little finger.

She chews on her father's imperial jade pendant, leaving strings of drool all over his court robes.

When the other officials tease the Ninth Prince for “raising a puppy” at court, he puffs out his chest. “My daughter is teething. Got a problem with that?”

Seven hidden guards line up, waiting for her to choose who gets to give her a piggyback ride. The winner gets to brag for three days.

Her cousin, the crown prince, lets her tug his golden crown crooked, his ears red as he stands perfectly still.

Her third prince cousin gets called “Mama Hen” and is left questioning his entire life.

When Noble Consort Rong sends over grapes from the Western Regions, Su Ruanruan rises on tiptoe to pop one into her father's mouth. “Daddy, sweet.”

Noble Consort Rong also sends a talking mynah. Su Ruanruan breaks off a piece of osmanthus cake and feeds it to the bird. “Birdie, have some cake.”

From then on, the mynah flies all over the capital calling, “Ruanruan is good!”

At a palace banquet, Noble Consort Rong secretly tries to trip her up.

Ruanruan wobbles over and holds out the half-eaten osmanthus cake:

“Here. Eat.”

The entire hall falls silent.

The empress lifts her onto her lap. Nestled in her grandmother's arms, Ruanruan gives a tiny yawn and promptly falls fast asleep.

Her drool smears across a patch of the emperor's robes, but the empress merely says, “Bring her more often from now on.”

She can't recite poetry or compete for favor. All she can do is smile, chew, and drool.

The whole capital is waiting in line to see her lose her first baby tooth.

Also known as The Joy of Raising a Baby Virtually Is Beyond Your Imagination.

Today's pampered little darling has arrived. Surely you want to come give her a cuddle?