He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he had a vague feeling that Mu Xinghe's words had a hidden meaning.

When Mu Xinghe first came to the Court of State Ceremonial to take over his post, his eyes were clear and he was sincere to people. He seemed easy to manipulate. I wonder if it was because he almost lost his life on the street last time that his nature changed.

Moreover, Mu Xinghe was in charge of overseeing the ceremony.

Realizing this, as if struck by lightning, Li Zanran suddenly stared intently at Mu Xinghe, his eyes gleaming with a terrifying light, and his breathing became rapid.

Mu Xinghe didn't look at him again, but simply rolled up his sleeves, looking rather leisurely, as if he was waiting for some good show to happen.

Li Zanran's heart pounded with anxiety; he suspected that Mu Xinghe might have a backup plan.

If so, then his fate today is hard to predict—

An official named Li Zanran felt increasingly uneasy and couldn't help but say something.

"Sigh, Lord Li, you seem to be full of dissatisfaction. You've already completed the task, and the foreign guests are very satisfied. What else could be bothering you?"

Li Zanran forced a smile, but it looked worse than a grimace, and his hands trembled beneath his sleeves.

On both sides of the main hall, there are welcoming seats. The tables and chairs are decorated with different carvings and cups for more than twenty countries. The food has also been adjusted according to the different tastes of each country.

After a series of elaborate offerings, greetings, song and dance performances, and meals, it was already dusk. The guests were tired and were escorted to their arranged lodgings by palace servants.

The palace where they slept was also decorated in accordance with the cultures of various countries, which pleased the foreign guests.

The palace servants did not rush to leave, but waited for the foreign guests' opinions. Only after receiving satisfactory answers did they return to report.

"Good, very good. The Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites have done a good job." The emperor was very pleased.

This further strengthened relations with more than twenty countries, which were located in all four directions. The increased diplomatic ties of the Great Swamp Kingdom would also put pressure on the Da Nu Kingdom.

This is why the emperor attached great importance to foreign dignitaries visiting the court.

Moreover, the Xiufeng Kingdom, which had previously been lukewarm in attitude, seemed much more enthusiastic this year, with many friendly remarks made in the main hall, which greatly pleased the emperor.

"They've been waiting long, let them in," the emperor said, giving Eunuch Qi a wink to prepare a reward.

This year is the emperor's most satisfying year, and the rewards will be even more generous.

Officials from the Court of State Ceremonial and the Ministry of Rites, responsible for all ceremonies, entered the main hall. Generally, officials below the fourth rank had to speak outside the hall, but today the emperor granted them special permission to enter.

Lord Gu praised Mu Xinghe, saying that he had the heaviest task, handled it the best, and almost ruined his health in the process.

The emperor looked at Mu Xinghe and remembered that Mu Xinghe was not only the son-in-law of the Qiao family, but also the top scholar in the imperial examination that he had personally selected a few years ago.

She was only twenty years old, but she had a composed demeanor and seemed to be a meticulous and responsible person.

It was also said that the Honglu Temple had been temporarily assigned to replace two sick officials. Although they lacked professional experience, they made up for it in such a short time and handled the matter so perfectly.

The Emperor nodded: "Indeed, a young talent emerges. I will make an exception for the reward given to the Shepherd, and grant it to the same person as Lord Gu."

Other officials also received rewards of varying degrees.

These past few days, I've worked tirelessly, day and night, all for this moment.

Actually, the reward is secondary; the main thing is that the mission went smoothly, and everyone felt relieved.

"You've all worked hard receiving foreign guests, and I'm tired too. You may all leave." The emperor waved his hand.

Mu Xinghe knew that speaking at this moment was not an option for him, a mere fifth-rank official.

But how could he let go of the opportunity to deal with Li Zanran?