Chapter 37: The Eternal Festival

Half a month later, in the Imperial Palace.

The night descended, and the stars twinkled like diamonds.

Today was the Eternal Festival, marking His Majesty’s twenty-seventh birthday, and it was also the most grandiose day in the entire Qian Dynasty.

Liu Zhaoyi, responsible for all arrangements for the Emperor’s birthday celebration, had long decided that the banquet would be held in the Taiji Hall.

The Taiji Hall loomed majestically, its grand architecture impressive.

The beams and pillars, made of golden nanmu wood, were embedded with dazzling jewels that illuminated the space with a golden brilliance.

At this moment, the hall was filled with music and dance.

Royal relatives and officials gradually entered under the guidance of the palace maids.

According to the ritual protocols of the Qian Dynasty, they took their seats in an orderly manner.

The royal relatives and officials were seated closer to the front.

Since the Emperor had not yet arrived, they engaged in relaxed conversation.

Behind the officials sat the wives of the ministers.

Most were dressed in luxurious garments, their makeup exquisite, exuding elegance in every gesture.

Though they also whispered among themselves, their voices were soft and gentle, not daring to make a sound.

Prior to entering the palace, they had been trained by designated etiquette matrons; any disrespect to those in higher positions could result in punishment or bring disaster to their families, and these noblewomen could not afford to lose face.

Further back were the legitimate sons and daughters of the officials.

Young ladies and gentlemen, especially those attending the palace for the first time, observed the grandeur of the hall with curiosity.

Yet they remained restrained, sitting properly in their designated spots.

Palace maids moved gracefully, serving drinks and delicacies.

The entire Taiji Hall, though bustling with voices, exuded a sense of solemn order.

Shen Yuling entered the banquet hall alongside Feng Moheng.

Their seats were just below the princess, almost in the foremost position.

According to palace rules, when officials attended royal banquets, they could only bring their legitimate wives and legitimate children.

Thus, the Prince’s residence had only Shen Yuling attending this time.

She and Feng Moheng sat down next to each other.

The banquet table looked incredibly lavish, but space was limited.

With them seated, their garments inevitably brushed against one another.

As Feng Moheng settled down, he intended to take Shen Yuling’s hand, but she shyly withdrew it, politely rejecting him.

If she dared to hold Feng Moheng’s hand, it was likely she would lose it by tomorrow.

Feng Moheng did not insist, thinking she was still unaccustomed to such large court banquets.

However, the main character of the day, Quan Minghe, had yet to arrive.

Feeling bored, Shen Yuling’s mind was filled with curiosity about one matter.

In the past half month, Feng Moheng had not once stayed overnight in her Ninglan Courtyard!

Sometimes when he came for dinner, she would deliberately tease him with little tricks.

Feng Moheng always appeared to remain calm on the surface, but the panic in his eyes was impossible to hide.

In the end, he always hurriedly left.

She found it puzzling.

What tricks had Quan Minghe used?

Just as she was lost in thought, a loud voice rang out, “His Majesty has arrived!”

Everyone turned their heads in unison.

Quan Minghe entered wearing a black dragon robe, adorned with a vividly embroidered golden dragon, exuding a tremendous aura.

Behind him followed Liu Zhaoyi and several other concubines, including Jieyu and Meiren.

Although Liu Zhaoyi held immense power in the harem, in such occasions, she could not walk alongside the Emperor.

She could only silently follow behind.

Watching the Emperor’s tall and imposing figure, her ambitions never waned.

Initially, she had thought that if the Emperor never took an empress, she could accept being the only Zhaoyi in the harem for a lifetime.

However, recently, the emergence of Jieyu Shen, whom the Emperor protected so well, made her uneasy!

No matter how she investigated, she could find no information about Jieyu Shen.

She feared the Emperor might fall for someone else and that the empress position would be taken by another.

Liu Zhaoyi would not allow anyone in the harem to overshadow her!

She did not believe the Emperor could keep someone locked in Yaohua Palace forever.

It was also a coincidence that her sister Jingyi’s rival was also surnamed Shen.

Since her sister had written to ask for her help, today, Shen Yuling would not leave unscathed.

Liu Zhaoyi’s eyes held a smile, but hidden within it was a hint of calculation.

Quan Minghe’s expression was solemn, his gaze straight ahead as he walked directly to the dragon throne.

In an instant, everyone present stood up and respectfully knelt on the ground.

In unison, they exclaimed, “Long live Your Majesty! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless fortune, bring blessings to the four seas, and may the country remain forever stable and prosperous!”

The voices were harmonious and unified.

Once Quan Minghe sat down, he spoke slowly, “Rise.”

His deep, sharp gaze swept across the entire hall like a tangible force.

Wherever his gaze passed, everyone felt an invisible pressure enveloping them.

Soon, a palace maid stepped forward, skillfully filling the wine cup in front of him.

Quan Minghe then rose.

All present hurriedly lifted their cups, respectfully standing alongside the Emperor.

His authoritative voice resonated throughout the hall like a great bell.

“I have received the mandate of heaven, established the nation.

I vow to create a great legacy and leave a name for eternity.

Our dynasty has existed for nine years, with the world in peace and the nation stable; this is a blessing for our dynasty and the people.

On this joyous occasion of my birthday, I am grateful to gather with all of you here.

I will work with all of you to uphold the right path, protect our country, and safeguard our people.

At this moment, let us drink this cup together.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers all raised their heads and drank from their cups in unison, then bowed together.

They simultaneously recited what seemed to be a carefully prepared congratulatory phrase.

“Your Majesty, the founder of our nation, has received the mandate of heaven, established order, and created this unparalleled achievement, bringing blessings to the people and stability to the nation.

On Your Majesty’s birthday, may Your Majesty enjoy good health and create everlasting accomplishments!”

Shen Yuling also raised her cup and drank it down in one go.

The people in the hall were the centers of power in the Qian Dynasty.

Yet at this moment, they were all kneeling at Quan Minghe’s feet.

What must it feel like to stand so high above, to be in Quan Minghe’s position?

Her gaze inadvertently lifted slightly.

Just then, she unexpectedly met Quan Minghe’s deep, sharp gaze.

Shen Yuling’s heart skipped a beat.

She quickly lowered her head.

Out of the corner of Quan Minghe’s eye, he caught sight of the close proximity between her and Feng Moheng; his long lashes lowered slightly, revealing a chilling glare in his eyes.

Feng Moheng was becoming increasingly displeasing to him.

Liu Zhaoyi sat in the position just below the Emperor’s left.

Using the pretense of drinking, her gaze subtly fell on Shen Yuling.

This Shen family young lady truly had some capability; her sister Liu Jingyi had a childhood bond with the Prince, having grown up together for a full ten years, yet she could easily sway him.

Since the arrival of Meiren Wang two years ago, Liu Zhaoyi had developed a deep aversion to women who were flirtatious and knew how to entice men.

Liu Zhaoyi coldly withdrew her gaze, regaining her dignified composure.

She slightly turned her head and gave a barely noticeable signal to the palace maid beside her.

The maid understood, nodded, and quietly retreated.