Chapter 1118
The Emperor Emeritus's Birthday Banquet Begins
Chapter 1118 The Emperor Emeritus's Birthday Banquet Begins
The loud voice echoed throughout the gates of the Qianqing Palace.
Many civil and military officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Emperor! May the Retired Emperor enjoy both blessings and longevity!"
Zhang Jinyu was visibly taken aback when the slogan came out of nowhere. It sounded so much like the chants of the Taiping Cult, with phrases like "May you live as long as the Southern Mountains" and "May you live as long as Heaven."
"My beloved subjects, rise and enter."
The Martial Emperor was in high spirits. With a wave of his hand, he appeared in a bright yellow robe covered with a jacket adorned with a five-clawed golden dragon. The Retired Emperor, on the other hand, was dressed in a Taoist robe with the Eight Trigrams and a Taoist crown. Although he was over sixty years old, his complexion was ruddy, his eyes were bright, and his steps were steady. The sharp aura between his brows transformed him into that of a virtuous and learned man, completely unlike the image portrayed by outsiders.
After the Emperor and the Emperor Emeritus entered the hall, a eunuch shouted again.
"All civil and military officials enter the hall."
The officials lined up on both sides, civil and military officials on either side, and slowly entered. The three princes led the civil officials, while the other princes stood in the line of nobles. Marquis Zhang Jinyu of Luoyun and Marquis Bai Guangju of Xiangyang followed at the very end.
After the civil and military officials entered, eunuchs led them to their seats on both sides. At this time, the front rows were reserved for high-ranking officials, leaving only the central hall empty. Zhang Jinyu had no way to hide now; a eunuch approached him.
"My lords, please take your seats."
This so-called "seat of honor" was simply the front row. Although it was at the very back, at least you could see clearly. Reluctantly, I nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, young master."
He then followed the eunuch to the front row and sat down next to the Marquis of Xiangyang. In front of them were the seats of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, and opposite them were the seats of the Six Ministries Vice Ministers. Coincidentally, Shen Zhongxin, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was sitting opposite him. When he saw the Marquis of Luoyun in front of him, he bowed and greeted him.
Zhang Jinyu returned the greeting discreetly. Clearly, there weren't enough seats, and he didn't see a single official below the fourth rank. It's said that there are many officials in the capital, but few people are seen on ordinary days. Today, it seems that officials are as numerous as dogs.
After an unknown amount of time, once everyone was settled in their seats, the eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs announced their greetings in a loud voice.
"The birthday celebration begins. Please invite the Duke of Zhenguo and the Dowager Lady of Rongguo Mansion, along with the civil and military nobles, to present their congratulatory memorials."
This shout startled Zhang Jinyu. The Rongguo Mansion had also come to present a congratulatory memorial; she couldn't tell if it was Jia She or Jia Zheng.
Looking at the seats of the dukes, apart from the Duke of Zhenguo, who was dressed in a red official robe, the other dukes actually walked in from outside the hall. Especially the old matriarch, who was leading the way, leaning on a cane, walking in front of them.
Upon reaching the center of the main hall, everyone stopped. The three princes rose simultaneously. The one in the lead, Prince Zhou Ding of Jin, wore a python robe, a jade belt around his waist, and a jade-like crown. He walked to the center of the hall and stood there, followed by Princes Wei and Chu, who lined up in order.
Then, several old dukes and their wives stood solemnly behind them. Suddenly, the chimes of the palace rang out softly, and the imperial musicians played the "A Thousand Autumns" melody. The melodious strings and bamboo instruments perfectly captured the solemnity of the imperial ceremony.
The Prince of Jin stepped forward first, holding high the gilded congratulatory memorial, and said loudly;
"On behalf of all the princes, your grandson wishes the Emperor Emeritus a long and healthy life. Since the Emperor Emeritus abdicated, he has lived a secluded life, yet he has always cared for the people, reduced corvée labor, and brought peace to the land. Now, the nine provinces are enjoying a bountiful harvest, granaries are full, the people are happy, and doors are left unlocked at night. This is all due to the benevolence of the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor Father, and the grace of Heaven. Your grandson wishes the Emperor Emeritus boundless happiness and longevity."
After speaking, he glanced at Lord Zhou of the Court of State Affairs. Seeing that Lord Zhou nodded, he took the lead and bowed deeply. When his forehead touched the ground, the hem of his court robe spread out like a fan, demonstrating perfect etiquette without the slightest error.
On the dragon throne in the main hall, Emperor Wu nodded in satisfaction and looked at the retired emperor on the prayer mat at the east end. The retired emperor was holding a golden whisk, his face was ruddy, and he clapped his hands and chuckled when he heard this.
"Your Highness, you are too kind. Please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Prince Jin rose respectfully, but the only sound in the entire hall was the music and dance; no one made a sound. Zhang Jinyu, in particular, looked surprised. He had never seen the Emperor Emeritus before; in fact, this was the first time he had seen him in person since arriving in the capital—no, since his transmigration.
But when he actually saw the person, he found him to be quite ordinary. Moreover, his Taoist robe and the way he sat on the high platform lacked any imperial dignity and prestige. In particular, the Taoist crown he wore looked out of place. He had never seen any Taoist masters who had attained enlightenment, but he had seen the group of Taoist priests from Longhu Mountain. Even if they didn't have the air of immortals, they at least had some of the air of otherworldly beings.
There was also the congratulatory letter written by the Prince of Jin, which claimed that the whole world was at peace. It was utter nonsense, and he had a strange look in his eyes. He could only sit there quietly.
This time, it was King Wei's turn to hurriedly step forward. His congratulatory memorial was in a sandalwood box; when opened, it rang with a clear, bright sound like jade.
"Grandson wishes the Emperor Emeritus success in his cultivation and that he may enjoy all the blessings of Heaven. When I last visited Jiangnan, I saw thousands of rice paddies on both sides of the Grand Canal. The people often say that it is because the Emperor Emeritus reduced the corvée labor that he received the Emperor's grace. Longevity tablets are set up in the streets and alleys, and people pray for the Emperor and the Emperor Emeritus day and night. I am presenting you with a brocade of longevity clouds embroidered by the people of Jiangnan. This is an auspicious sign."
Another eunuch came forward to receive the congratulatory letter and present it to the Emperor Emeritus, who smiled slightly.
"I appreciate your kind gesture, you may rise."
As the Second Prince rose, the Third Prince, Prince Chu, with a youthful air about him yet a composed demeanor, presented the congratulatory letter.
"Your Majesty, I went to Xihe County. Although I did not send as many gifts as my elder brothers, I found many precious gems and jades that Your Majesty would need for your cultivation. Therefore, I collected them and sent them to Your Majesty for your use. I hope Your Majesty will always be happy."
He bowed deeply to the ground again, which made the Emperor Emeritus's smile deepen.
"Alright, you've done the prayers, sit down and rest."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As the three princes took their seats, of the remaining attendees, only a few from the Duke's mansion remained standing. The Duke of Zhenguo, without hesitation, stepped forward first; his voice, though hoarse, was full of energy.
"This old minister pays his respects to the Retired Emperor,"
"Your humble servants pay their respects to the Retired Emperor,"
The people from all the mansions behind him knelt down, trembling, and the Duke of Zhenguo shouted again.
"In the tenth year of Yuanfeng, the year of Dingwei, in the midsummer month, your subject, the Duke of Zhenguo, kowtows and says, 'Blessed by Heaven and with the widespread grace of Your Majesty, the Retired Emperor has ruled the world for decades, diligently governing and bringing peace and prosperity to the nation. Externally, the barbarians submit; internally, the people live in peace and well-being.'"
At this moment, the Emperor Emeritus's expression finally changed. He recalled how the men had followed him through countless battles, and how now they were all old and frail. How could he not feel sorrow?
When the congratulatory message was particularly moving, the Duke of Zhenguo's voice trembled slightly.
"Your Majesty, I once accompanied the Emperor Emeritus on the battlefield, witnessing Your Majesty leading the charge and fighting valiantly. I also assisted Your Majesty in governing the country, witnessing Your Majesty working tirelessly day and night. We have weathered many storms together for decades, and we have no way to repay you. We wish Your Majesty good health and long life, and we wish our Great Wu Dynasty a thousand years of prosperity and eternal glory!"
As the last sentence fell, all the civil and military officials in the Qianqing Palace bowed in submission.
May our Great Wu Dynasty last for thousands of years and prosper forever!
"Good, good, Your Majesty. They are all loyal ministers and generals. I am pleased. Shouzhong, take all the gifts. Let them all sit down. They are old, don't make a fuss."
The retired emperor, visibly agitated, waved his hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
These words brought tears to the eyes of several old dukes, who then took their seats. There was no ceremony of presenting gifts as had been prepared beforehand. All words paled in comparison to the final shout of the Duke of Zhenguo.
Fortunately, Zhou Xianzhe of the Office of Transmission reacted very quickly and immediately shouted;
"The envoys present their gifts."
Whether it was just her imagination or not, a number of strangely dressed people from different races appeared outside the hall, offering gifts to the people inside. Zhang Jinyu found it all rather uninteresting, as they were simply offering rare items, such as luminous pearls, precious swords, and even some gold utensils—nothing special at all.
Occasionally, rare and unusual items would be presented, always drawing astonishment from the officials. Seeing that the gift-giving was complete, the Dowager Lady of the Rongguo Mansion petitioned, leading several ladies from the Duke's mansion to the inner palace. After they left,
The grand banquet officially began, Dai Quan shouted loudly.
"Let the banquet begin."
As the melodious music began, a group of palace maids dressed in colorful clothes, with light, quick steps, and more than twenty women in bright red dresses filed in, each holding a red brocade cloth. They danced in the center of the hall, accompanied by court music, creating a scene that was truly like a fairyland.
Sitting at the front, Zhang Jinyu had the clearest view. As everyone's attention was drawn to her, she noticed that the old matriarch of the Rongguo Mansion, along with several wives of former dukes, was walking towards the back of the palace. They were probably going to the inner palace to accompany the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Looking at the row behind him, only Jia She was leering at the dancers in the hall, while Jia Zheng, sitting on the side of the civil officials opposite him, sat there properly and meticulously.
Suddenly, Zhang Jinyu wondered if these aristocratic families were living a tiring life. Ignoring everyone else, she picked up her teacup, took a sip, and pursed her lips. The tea wasn't anything special; it was just plain tea after the rain. She wondered how much the Imperial Household Department had embezzled. She then picked up a golden-yellow pastry and put it in her mouth, only to suddenly stop. If she hadn't just drunk the tea, she would have spat it out. It was bland and tasteless, and incredibly dry. Was it made by the Imperial Kitchen or bought from outside? Her expression turned somewhat strange.
Looking around, I saw no one eating the tea and snacks. Could it be that everyone else knew these things were inedible, but I was the only one who didn't know?
Especially when the Marquis of Xiangyang was sitting behind him, he turned around and saw that the man was sitting upright with his eyes straight ahead, looking every bit the gentleman.
"My beloved ministers, today is the Emperor Emeritus's sixtieth birthday. I am very pleased. On this occasion, all of you, please drink this cup of wine to celebrate the Emperor Emeritus's birthday."
The Empress, perhaps in high spirits after watching the dance in the palace, was holding a white jade wine cup, the amber liquid gently swirling within.
The remaining officials and their attendants all knelt beside the table, filling the wine cups on it. The civil officials, on the one hand, picked up their cups, their long robes and wide sleeves concealing their mouths as they raised their cups, and drank them down. The military officials, however, were decisive and swift, tilting their heads back and drinking it all in one gulp. The wine dripped down their lips, staining their black court robes, leaving small marks, but they did not seem to care.
Grand Secretary Li, however, was different. Supported by his eldest son, he stood up, raised his wine cup, and...
"Your Majesty's grace is boundless. The Emperor Emeritus spent half his life on the battlefield, pacifying all directions. Now the country is peaceful and prosperous, which is truly a blessing for all people. This old minister is also getting old. With this cup of wine, I wish Your Majesty and the Emperor Emeritus a long and happy life."
After saying that, he shakily brought the wine cup to his lips and took a sip.
It seems like things have started.
Grand Secretary Lu also stood up to speak;
"What the Grand Secretary says is absolutely right. His Majesty is in the prime of his life, and the world is at peace. Today, the Emperor Emeritus is celebrating his birthday, which is a cause for celebration throughout the land. There are many talented people in the court. Since I thoroughly investigated the Ministry of Personnel, countless mediocre people have been dismissed, and newly appointed scholars have been put in office. Now, the granaries in various places are full, and the people live in peace and prosperity. This is all thanks to His Majesty and the Emperor Emeritus. I drink this cup to the brim and wish my Great Wu a prosperous military future."
His face was resolute, and he actually said that the martial arts were prosperous, which attracted the attention of everyone. Even Zhang Jinyu was impressed and admired him. Those who can lie are considered smooth, but those who can lie without changing their expression are cunning and treacherous. The area inside the pass has just been pacified and the capital is almost a ruin. Where is the peace and prosperity?
However, they couldn't resist the flattery from these court officials. The civil officials' mouths hardly stopped, and the military officers couldn't even get a word in edgewise.
After an unknown amount of time, the dance ended, and the Emperor Emeritus picked up his white jade wine cup, nodded slightly, and his gaze was mostly gentle.
"Alright, my beloved ministers, today is the Emperor Emeritus's birthday, why be so polite? Let the banquet begin."
"Have a banquet."
The Empress chuckled and waved her hand. Dai Quan immediately roared in celebration.
The palace doors swung open, and as the dancers withdrew, the soft sound of boots crunching over gold bricks drifted in. Everyone looked up and saw a large group of eunuchs and servants carrying food boxes as they entered; presumably, this was what the imperial kitchen had prepared.
They walked in pairs, side by side, to their respective tables, their movements perfectly synchronized, as if they were cut from the same mold. Once all the eunuchs had stood still, the head eunuch called out in a high-pitched voice.
"Serve the banquet."
The crowd then saw each eunuch take out plates and bowls from a sandalwood food box behind them. In no time, eight dishes were laid out on each table, arranged in celadon, white, and blue porcelain plates and bowls, looking quite elegant.
Finally, after setting out the bowls and chopsticks, the person left.
Zhang Jinyu smelled the aroma and looked closely for a few moments, but couldn't name it. The first thing she saw on the table was a blue porcelain bowl in the center, containing a large piece of meat with an amber-colored sheen. The syrup was thick and mixed with the aroma of wine, but she couldn't tell what kind of meat it was.
But don't know,
Just then, Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, appeared surprised.
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, among the dishes on this table, is the braised meat in the middle venison from the Western Hunting Grounds? It seems to be the same venison that many young generals hunted at the hunting grounds last year."
Mentioning last autumn's hunt, many military officers were filled with joy, especially regarding the food, most of which was divided among various families. The fact that it was stored in ice cellars was a testament to the considerable effort required.
Dai Quan stood at the front desk, glanced back at the Emperor, and only spoke after seeing the Emperor nod.
"Your Highness is right. The stewed meat in this dish is venison from last year's hunt. It was specially selected by the Imperial Kitchen and fed with Shaoxing wine for a full twelve hours to remove the gamey smell. Venison also symbolizes good fortune and prosperity."
As the introduction was given, the officials enjoyed the meal. The retired emperor sat cross-legged to the side, and upon hearing the explanation, he nodded in satisfaction. He picked up his chopsticks, and with a gentle flick, the venison trembled and separated, as delicate as jade. As he put it into his mouth, the rich aroma of the meat spread across his tongue.
Everyone ate politely, even the old Duke from the military ranks. Only Zhang Jinyu ate without restraint, picking up his chopsticks and stabbing a large piece into his mouth. The aroma of the meat filled his mouth; the cooking was superb.
He ate too quickly and choked a little. He saw a white porcelain bowl next to the plate and bowl, opened the lid with one hand, saw that it was filled with soup, picked it up and took a sip. It was refreshing and helped cut through the greasiness. He ate heartily, taking bites of meat and sips of soup, staring in disbelief at the officials and doctors opposite him.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the princes, especially Prince Zheng and others, kept glancing at the back of the table. Seeing Marquis Luo Yun's eating habits, they wore disdainful expressions. Then, as if contagious, the princes exchanged glances...
Song Wang Zhou Jiansheng was the first to speak.
"It really is venison from the autumn hunt. The aroma lingers in your mouth as soon as it enters your mouth. But no matter how delicious it is, you should still eat it properly, unlike some people who come from beyond the Great Wall and don't know where their next meal will come from."
King Song paused, holding his wine cup, and spoke in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft. The dancers outside the hall had just come up and had not yet started playing their music. His voice carried throughout the hall, causing many courtiers to pause their chopsticks and look around. They all saw Marquis Luoyun wolfing down his food, and many people were wondering what King Song meant.
"Ah, fourth brother, you don't know this, but Marquis Luoyun often eats dried meat outside the northern border. He probably has never seen such a fine banquet. Besides, venison is meant to be eaten in big bites to be truly delicious. If we don't savor it in small bites, it would seem a bit pretentious."
Han King Zhou Lingguang responded with a playful remark, deliberately using his chopsticks to pick up a small piece of venison, taking a sip from it before slowly putting it into his mouth.
As soon as the King of Han spoke, how could the King of Chen resist laughing?
“Third Brother is right, but this banquet in Qianqing Palace is not a military camp on the border. We should follow some rules. Look at that piece of meat, the sauce has spilled outside. If word gets out, people will think that I, the Marquis of Dawu, do not know etiquette.”
My gaze fell on Luo Yunhou's desk, where the mottled surface stood out conspicuously.
Zhang Jinyu, who was enjoying her meal, felt a wave of disgust wash over her upon hearing their conversation. She put down her chopsticks, as if she'd swallowed a fly, and looked up at the princes, who sat relatively comfortably, looking quite respectable. She was about to speak...
The Marquis of Xiangyang behind him reacted quickly, picking up a piece of venison, taking a big bite, swallowing it, and then interjecting.
"Your Highnesses, Marquis Luoyun is a military general. He is used to military campaigns. Even I eat the same food in the camp. If I eat slowly, it will waste time. So please don't be shy about it."
Little did they know that this explanation only drew more contempt from the princes. Prince Zheng, Zhou Changde, put down his wine cup and shook his head.
"What the Marquis of Xiangyang said is true, but the army is the army and a banquet is a banquet. The dishes this time were all carefully prepared by the Imperial Kitchen and need to be savored slowly to appreciate their flavor. So, it's a matter of face."
These words, which could be considered a reprimand, were like pebbles thrown into a lake within the palace, creating ripples among the court officials. Many even had a hint of a smile in their eyes, while the four princes and eight dukes frowned and remained silent. The three princes wanted to speak, but were glared at by the Empress.
"My lord, don't you agree?"
(End of this chapter)