At the hour of You (5-7 PM), His Majesty and the Empress arrived in their palanquins, accompanied by grand music. After the Emperor ascended his throne, the music ceased, followed by the cracking of whips.

The crown prince and other princes entered the hall in turn, while civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above entered the hall through the east and west gates of the Taiping Hall.

Today is the Lunar New Year's Eve banquet, and the Crown Prince and Prince Qi are both allowed to leave their residences to attend it.

However, the Crown Prince was in high spirits and didn't take the confinement seriously, while Prince Qi was said to be very ill and unable to come.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices began presenting offerings to the imperial banquet.

After a series of lengthy ceremonies, it was time to present the treasures to the emperor.

First and foremost is the Crown Prince.

He presented the emperor with three boxes of "longevity pills".

Xie Zhaozhao suddenly looked up at the tray that the Crown Prince had ordered to be brought over.

On the red silk were three exquisitely crafted boxes. When the boxes were opened, each box contained three black pills sprinkled with gold powder.

"Your Majesty, this is an elixir that I obtained from the Imperial Preceptor Xiandou. I have only obtained nine pills, and I offer them to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty a long and healthy life, and boundless years."

The Crown Prince respectfully presented the box, and Xie Zhaozhao's heart was in her throat.

This elixir of immortality must be Guan Yingying's panacea, right?

The Crown Prince said to Hua Zisheng, "Chief Steward Hua, please give one pill to Father Emperor so that he may ascend to immortality soon."

Emperor Hui held the box and looked at the pills. Xie Zhaozhao clenched her fists and her face turned pale.

She hurriedly looked for Gu Shaoyu. Didn't he say he would handle it? Why was it all sent to the Emperor?

Unexpectedly, when she looked over, the other person was also looking at her.

Xie Zhaozhao subtly indicated to the Crown Prince that there was a problem with the "elixir of immortality," and Gu Shaoyu shook his head slightly.

He shook his head?

Tell her not to worry?

Don't interfere?

Or is this pill fake?

She mouthed, "Fake?"

Gu Shaoyu nodded slightly.

Xie Zhaozhao breathed a soft sigh of relief, feeling at ease.

Madam Xie gently tugged at her sleeve, and Xie Zhaozhao turned her head slightly, somewhat surprised.

Madam Xie smiled, glanced at Gu Shaoyu, and then shook her head slightly at her.

Xie Zhaozhao's ears turned red instantly. Her grandmother had misunderstood her and thought she had been exchanging flirtatious glances with Gu Shaoyu in the main hall!

She quickly lowered her eyelids and obediently listened to everyone presenting their treasures.

Emperor Hui did not immediately swallow the pill. He had the beggar Zisheng accept it and said, "The Crown Prince is very kind. As a reward, he shall have ten horses."

"Thank you for the reward, Father Emperor."

The Crown Prince didn't expect Emperor Hui to eat it immediately; he just wanted him to accept it.

He was reluctant to give it to His Majesty, but that woman Tu Qianyue insisted that he pass it on to his father, saying that his father knew the benefits of the pill and would surely forgive him.

By giving me a few pills, I won't need to spend money on anything else. Not only will I save money, but these divine pills are also unique.

The Empress was even more confused about the Crown Prince. Was he trying to improve his relationship with the Emperor? And to ensure the Emperor's longevity?

Next up was the Prince of Jin, and several other young princes who also presented their treasures.

Next came the ministers presenting the treasures.

The offerings ranged from ingenious ideas to expensive treasures.

Seeing that Gu Shaoyu remained silent and calmly watched others present gifts, the Crown Prince couldn't help but smile and ask, "I wonder what rare item Grand Secretary Gu plans to present to Father Emperor?"

Actually, many people think this way, but they just don't dare to say it.

His Majesty is usually very kind to Grand Secretary Gu. What treasure will he present to His Majesty?

When Gu Shaoyu was asked by the Crown Prince, he stood up and said to His Majesty, "I have little money and know nothing about treasures. My things are not presentable and I am afraid Your Majesty will find them unworthy."

The Crown Prince was secretly pleased to hear this, but he still said gently, "Whether it's good or not, Father Emperor won't mind. After all, it's all from the heart, right, Father Emperor?"

Emperor Hui smiled and said, "The Crown Prince is right. Grand Secretary Gu is devoted to the country and incorruptible. Whatever gift you bring, it is your good intention, and I will gladly accept it."

Madam Hou also looked at Gu Shaoyu. Other people's treasures are either priceless or ingenious. What kind of treasure can he offer to His Majesty?

The old lady was filled with unease, thinking that all of San'er's salary and the estates and shops had been handed over to the public treasury.

The other day, the eldest son mentioned that all the mansions were preparing to present their treasures, and asked what the Marquis's mansion should present.

The old lady thought that she had never had to worry about the annual treasure presentation; Gu Shaoyu had always taken care of everything. She had gotten used to letting go and decided to do the same this year as in previous years, without having to worry about anything.

So they didn't prepare anything for the mistress!

But then Madam Lu whispered to Madam Tu, "Sister-in-law, has our Marquis's mansion prepared any gifts?"

Madam Tu remained silent. What was she preparing? The public treasury had no money, and in the past, the third son had always found ways to contribute treasures; the manor had never interfered!

Xie Xiangxiang was slapped twice and felt utterly humiliated in front of the people from both households. She hated Xie Zhaozhao to the core. At this moment, she felt very pleased. The household definitely hadn't prepared a gift for Gu Shaoyu. She was always standing in Tu Shi's place to observe the rules and hadn't heard her mention it at all.

Didn't the eldest sister have a large dowry? Why doesn't she help her husband? Is she really that stingy?

He has lost face in front of His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the royal family, and he has lost face in front of all the court officials. It would be best if he could not hold his position as Grand Secretary and was dismissed and investigated.

Wasn't that arrogant? Twice slapped in the face, Xie Zhaozhao, I'll retaliate tenfold, a hundredfold, sooner or later!

Her eyes fell on Xie Zhaozhao, whose eyes were lowered as she looked at the snacks and fruit platter on the table in front of her.

Xie Xiangxiang thought bitterly: The Crown Prince had better ascend the throne soon, and Grand Secretary Gu should fall from power. Xie Zhaozhao, if you are still so calm, I will walk upside down from now on.

Gu Shaoyu took out an iron box and a letter.

The Crown Prince chuckled and gently reminded him, "Grand Secretary Gu, I have already presented the elixir of immortality to my father!"

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