Inside Chengtian Hall, the domed ceiling features a golden dragon playing with a pearl, the pearl sparkling and casting a dazzling light. The surrounding pillars are thick and sturdy, with dragons coiling around them. A red carpet covers the floor of the hall, leading straight from the hall entrance to a high platform.
Below the stage, exquisite tables and chairs were neatly arranged according to rank, extending from both sides of the hall all the way to the entrance. The tables were laden with delicacies and fine wines. Musicians played elegant string and wind instruments in the corners, the zither and flute harmonizing and the flutes and pipes playing melodious tunes.
Officials and their families took their seats first to wait.
As the group moved south, they followed Prime Minister Nan to their seats. Along the way, many officials greeted him, and Prime Minister Nan, with a smile on his face and arms crossed, said "Good, good, good..."
"Big sister, you sit in the middle." Nan Yichu pulled out all three seats in the row behind Nan Xiang and his wife, and then added, "That way you can take care of your younger siblings."
Nanqianyue chuckled, “You really are… somewhat humorous, but not much.”
After everyone was seated, Nan Yichu took advantage of the time while her parents and others were exchanging pleasantries to whisper in Nan Qianyue's ear, "Eldest sister, why did you change your clothes? Are you still wearing palace dresses?"
Nan Qianyue glanced at him lightly, then put her fingertip to her lips. "Shh, don't ask too many questions. The nobles from the palace should be arriving soon. Let's keep quiet for now."
"Oh." Nan Yichu shut up as soon as she was told to.
Just as Nanqianyue had said, within a few words, the eunuch's shrill voice rang out from the entrance of the main hall.
"His Majesty has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!..."
"Greetings, Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life!!" Everyone stood up.
"No need for formalities, please be seated, my lords."
The old emperor supported Empress Dowager Wei, followed by a group of people, including Prince Anzheng, Consort You, Consort Gui, Consort Xian, the eldest princess, the second prince, etc. Consort You glanced at her cold-faced son beside her, her heart burning with anger.
Look at the old emperor. Although he wasn't his biological son, at least he would put on a show and help the Empress Dowager. But this son I raised has no sense of propriety at all. He's like a block of iron, impossible to get close to.
When Nanqianyue looked up, her eyes immediately fell on Qin Yi, only because he was so tall and dressed up for the occasion.
His straight and upright body was wrapped in a dark robe with subtle patterns, and his head was adorned with a crown carved from black jade. Compared to his usual dignified demeanor, he was now somewhat overshadowed by his noble air.
After the old emperor took his seat, the ministers and their families dared to sit down. Then it was time for the court officials to flatter and wish the old emperor a happy birthday.
Nanqianyue lowered her eyes silently, seemingly absent-minded, but in reality, she was secretly learning. She could memorize these flattering words, and with a little integration and variation, she could use them for her own purposes.
Haha, she's such a little genius at studying!
The flattery session is over, and the envoys from various countries are about to enter the palace to offer their congratulations.
Today, all the civil and military officials of Dongling are seated on one side, while the opposite side is prepared for foreign delegations.
Of course, those of noble status would naturally be seated higher up, opposite the princes and princesses of Dongling, and even opposite Prince Anzheng, there were empty seats.
"The Crown Prince of Nan Jing led a delegation to offer birthday greetings!"
As the eunuch finished speaking, Xiao Chen, dressed in a magnificent jade-colored robe, came into everyone's view. His handsome face and noble demeanor made the noble ladies blush.
He led the Nanjing delegation steadily into the hall, and paid his respects to the old emperor of Dongling using Nanjing etiquette. "On the occasion of Your Majesty's birthday celebration, I, on behalf of Nanjing, extend my heartfelt blessings. May Your Majesty enjoy longevity and long life, and may your blessings be abundant and continuous. May your country's fortunes be prosperous and enduring. May the friendship between our two countries last forever, and may we join hands to create a glorious future together."
Southward Migration Month: Quickly jot this down in your notebook.
Nanjing was no less than Dongling, so Xiao Chen treated them with courtesy and showed no sign of being obsequious.
The old emperor laughed heartily, "Crown Prince Xiao, you must be tired from your journey. Please take a seat."
Xiao Chen nodded slightly and, led by a palace servant, sat down opposite Qin Yi.
The two looked up at the same time, their eyes meeting briefly, and an undercurrent of tension was already swirling between them.
The old emperor's eyebrows twitched slightly, and a flash of shrewdness appeared in his eyes.
"The Crown Prince of Xiqiu has led a delegation to offer birthday greetings!"
The crowd turned to the palace gate again and saw a strangely dressed, burly man stepping into the palace in long boots.
"Your Majesty, I, on behalf of my nation, extend my heartfelt congratulations on your birthday. May Your Majesty live as long as the mountains and enjoy as long as the sea and sky. May our two nations maintain friendly relations, facilitate trade, promote cultural exchange, and jointly safeguard peace."
Southward Migration Month: I don't want to remember it anymore.
The old emperor was still smiling broadly, "Prince Han, you must be tired from your journey. Please take a seat."
The eldest prince of Xiqiu sat down next to Xiao Chen, and as soon as he sat down, he felt a strong sense of hostility.
He gave a smirk, fully aware of the source of the hostility, but he was not afraid at all. Instead, he looked around expectantly, as if searching for someone.
Next came some small northern kingdoms to offer their congratulations. They were naturally different from Nan Jing and Xi Qiu, all of them carrying full respect and submission, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.
The old emperor also revealed his imperial majesty, enjoying their respect and flattery.
After the birthday celebrations from various countries concluded, orchestral music resumed, dancers filed in, and everyone raised their glasses, shouting, "May His Majesty live a long and prosperous life!"
As Nan Qianyue watched the dancers' graceful movements, she suddenly felt several gazes fixed on her. She looked up and glanced around, ignoring everyone.
"Eldest sister," Nan Yichu whispered, "that Crown Prince Xiqiu keeps staring at you."
Hmph, he'd been watching for a long time. At first, he thought the eldest prince was looking at his father, but after observing for a while, he realized he was spying on his eldest sister!
They have absolutely no manners!
Nanqianyue calmly and leisurely sipped her jade cup, her eyebrows slightly raised. "Alas, being too charming is also a kind of trouble."
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