Chapter 278: A Feast for Ages
The twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month was the Emperor’s birthday.
Although there had been widespread panic in the palace before, once the matter was over, no one was allowed to mention it again.
Therefore, the entire palace seemed to have completely forgotten the previous unpleasantness, presenting a scene of celebration and liveliness.
On the actual day, consorts of rank in the palace and noble ladies from the court were all required to attend. In the morning, those delivering birthday gifts nearly crowded the palace gates to bursting.
The Grand Princess did not attend today, but sent Cui Zhen to deliver a birthday gift to the palace.
“Your Majesty, the Grand Princess instructed this servant to enter the palace to deliver your birthday gift. She said that the entire realm belongs to Your Majesty, and any rare treasures presented before you are commonplace.
So she made a few novel dim sum, and requests that you try them. They were sent to the palace in a food box, without delay, and are still warm.”
“Is Aunt alright? The weather has been too cold these days, and the wind on the mountain is strong; it’s easy to catch a chill. I have ordered an Imperial Physician to go to the mountain to attend to her illness, and accompany you.” After the morning court, the Emperor came to the Empress’s Palace. Upon hearing from Cui Zhen that the Grand Princess was ill, he immediately arranged for someone to check on her.
“Then thank you, Your Majesty,” Cui Zhen said. “The Grand Princess is currently only coughing severely and cannot tolerate the cold wind; otherwise, she is well.”
“It is truly a pity that Aunt cannot come in person. I had already arranged for them to play the music Aunt enjoys,” the Empress said with a smile. “Perhaps I can have the Imperial Chef go to the mountain later. Aunt has been ill these days and likely has a poor appetite. If her meals can be prepared deliciously, her recovery should be swift.”
The Empress wanted to present herself as virtuous and capable before the Emperor, but in reality, she had known of the Grand Princess’s illness for some time and only now showed concern.
“The Empress’s thoughtfulness is appreciated,” the Emperor nodded. “There are many cooks in the palace; one or two more won’t make a difference. Cui Zhen likely knows what Aunt usually likes to eat and which cook is skilled at preparing it.”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty and Empress. However, as this servant sees it, it is not necessary.” Aunt Cui Zhen smiled. “The old woman who serves the Grand Princess’s meals is very skilled at preparing food, so His Highness has always had a good appetite. These dim sum were also made by him. Your Majesties might as well try them.”
The attending palace servants opened the lid of the food box, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.
“What exquisite pastries,” the Empress couldn’t help but praise. “They are on par with the Imperial Chefs in the palace.”
The Emperor and Empress both tasted a piece of dim sum, and their taste was, as expected, excellent.
“So the person by Aunt’s side has such excellent culinary skills. We should invite them to the palace someday to teach our cooks,” the Empress said with a smile.
After eating, the Emperor fell silent, even appearing somewhat lost in thought, but the Empress paid it no mind.
The time came, and the Emperor and Empress had to proceed to the banquet, which, needless to say, involved another round of bowing and congratulations.
As soon as the banquet dishes were fully served, Princess Duanmin stood up, holding her wine cup with a smile, and said, “Imperial Brother, today is your birthday. Your younger sister has been away from the Capital City for many years and only now has the opportunity to celebrate your birthday again. On such a fine occasion, how can there be no song and dance? Let everyone present also enjoy a taste of grassland charm.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a group of Fenye Tribe girls in vibrant clothes entered.
As the music began, they started a lively and energetic dance.
The court music and dances were something everyone was accustomed to; this exotic charm was truly refreshing.
After the dance concluded, applause erupted.
“Imperial Sister’s thoughtfulness is appreciated,” the Emperor said, also very pleased. “This must also carry a piece of the King of Fenye’s intention. I only wish for you and your husband to be a perfect match and deeply in love. This way, even if separated by a thousand miles, my heart will be at ease.”
The Emperor doted on this sister very much and had initially disagreed with her marrying far away. However, Princess Duanmin had been resolute in her desire to leave the Capital City back then, and he could do nothing about it.
When Princess Duanmin first returned to the Capital City, the Emperor, seeing her and Qi Sihe appear distant and cold towards each other, couldn’t help but worry, but he couldn’t say much.
Now that the two were quite intimate, the Emperor was naturally happy.
“Imperial Brother, before coming to the Capital, I was thinking about what would be a suitable birthday gift for you. Our Great Xia is rich in all directions, and Imperial Brother wields divine authority. The treasury is filled with gold, silver, pearls, and jade, and capable ministers and loyal generals are spread throughout the court.
Fenye is merely a small tribe, truly possessing no rare treasures to offer. However, we must express the intentions of myself and the Prince.
After much thought, I felt that nothing would be better than to offer people.”
Princess Duanmin pointed to the two leading dancers as she spoke: “These two are skilled in singing and dancing, have delicate minds, and are obedient in temperament. I spent three years carefully training them.
Imperial Brother works hard on state affairs and should have people by his side to serve him intimately. After the first month, I will return to the Grassland, and having them serve Imperial Brother will be like them serving me wholeheartedly.”
Everyone present had not expected Princess Duanmin’s birthday gift to the Emperor to be two beauties. They couldn’t help but look at the Empress; this was clearly meant to vex her.
The Empress was naturally displeased, but the situation was special, and she could not conflict with Duanmin.
After all, she and the Dong Family were trying their best to facilitate the marriage between Ying Tong and Zhuola Han, and they couldn’t let this minor matter delay the important one.
A few days ago, the Empress had sent Consort Yun to probe Princess Duanmin’s intentions, and Princess Duanmin had not objected.
Later, she even took the initiative to visit the Empress, wanting the twelve pairs of Luan Feng Bao Luo crystal palace lanterns that the Empress Dowager had bestowed for the Empress’s wedding.
The two then had a conversation, naturally discussing the marriage, which ultimately boiled down to bargaining.
The Empress knew that Princess Duanmin’s gift was a gesture of goodwill, and the marriage of Zhuola Han ultimately depended on the King of Fenye. Even if he were as devoted to the Princess as glue, he couldn’t be too vague on important matters.
The Empress conceded because she didn’t want Princess Duanmin to interfere. After all, there were countless treasures in the Imperial Harem, and she didn’t want to be bothered by trivial matters.
Therefore, even though Princess Duanmin caused such a scene at the banquet today, the Empress still smiled and said, “Sister’s thoughtfulness is truly commendable; this birthday gift is exceptionally considerate. I had also intended to select some imperial daughters to enrich the harem, but His Majesty always stopped me. These two beauties are perfectly suited, not only providing more attendants for His Majesty but also saving me a lot of trouble.”
“Empress is most magnanimous and understanding. Please forgive me for not consulting you beforehand. It was merely to add an element of surprise to the birthday banquet. You know, gifts lose their appeal if you know about them in advance,” Princess Duanmin said with a smile.
“Truly unconventional,” the Empress replied with a smile. “It is indeed very interesting.”
Afterward, the other women withdrew, and these two approached the Emperor, pouring wine and serving dishes.
They were only seventeen or eighteen years old, with slender and full figures, and pure and lovely appearances. Although they were from a foreign race, beauty knows no such boundaries.
On the contrary, because they were different from the Han people, they added a unique charm.
