Arrival of the TWINS ...

On 9th October 2005, the Empress Dowager gave birth to a pair of twins. Perhaps it is typical for Royal families to have lesser children as I find it quite rare to have hamsters giving birth to twins. The arrival of the princesses is more than just a bundle of joy. They are the hopes of the royal family line. Both of them are heirs to the throne. With the combination of the Empress Dowager’s strong character, the Emperor’s mild temper and both parents’ good genes in appearance, the princesses are gorgeous and born to be natural rulers.

Due to differences in educating and grooming their heirs, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor once again filed for separation. The Emperor still cares a lot for his family so he stayed in the Sky Manor just beside them in order to visit them every day. Thus his influence on their Highnesses is still considered a lot which explains the nice temper that they inherited from the Emperor.

The Empress Dowager, though considered ruthless, handled them with extreme care and concern. She does not allow anyone to see them until they are big enough to address the world. She may not be a tolerant wife but she is certainly a wonderful mother. 老佛爷无微不至的照顾让格格们感受到了亲切的母爱，就连老夫也被深深的感动。世人未必能了解老佛爷，但主子好的一面，老夫全看在眼里。

After they reach teenage age, they are given the titles Princess of Marble Palace and Princess of Pearl Palace. Princess of Marble Palace looks exactly like their Majesties while Princess of Pearl Palace has a lighter coat of fur which brings out the elegance in her.

Her Highness, the Princess of Marble Palace (left) & Her Highness, the Princess of Pearl Palace (right)

The sisters are a perfect complement of each other. Due to the uniqueness of Pearl Princess, she was often given more media attention than Marble Princess. I am also smitten by Pearl Princess beauty. However, as the Palace Steward, I know Marble Princess has more traits of a leader. Despite Pearl Princess’ popularity, the sisters care for each other a lot and are the best siblings I have ever met. They are always so nice to each other. They do almost everything together. Their favourite activity is star-gazing on the roof top.

The Empress Dowager stayed in the Emerald Palace with their Highnesses until they grow big enough to move to the newest Palace extension, the Halls, so that the Emperor can stay in the Emerald Palace. The Empress Dowager spends her days growing old with their Highnesses in the Halls. The next one year was nothing but absolute peace and joy. When everything seems to be going well, 坏消息便接踵而来。The happiness in the Palace was soon disrupted and things will never be the same again.

The Empress Dowager with Their Highnesses