Yun Zhang was extremely anxious, but Empress Zhao Zhi was not present, so as the host, he had to take her place in presiding over this grand banquet.
He watched Shen Hanshan's departing figure with a smile in his eyes, but in his heart he was seething with hatred.
"Your Majesty, I have heard that the literary style of the Great Xuan Kingdom has flourished in recent years, with a constant stream of talented people in poetry, lyrics, and prose. It is truly admirable." Yun Zhang raised his wine cup and toasted Zhao Yi from afar.
"Your Majesty flatters me. The culture of Yunchao is profound and has a long history, which we can hardly hope to match. However, cultural exchange is a bridge of friendship between countries. I hope that our two countries can take this opportunity to appreciate the beauty of culture together and jointly promote the progress of civilization."
Zhao Yi responded with a smile, his words revealing his respect and appreciation for Yunchao culture.
At this moment, a civil official from the Yun Dynasty stood up, holding a scroll of poems, and respectfully bowed to Zhao Yi, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a poem that I would like to present to Your Majesty of the Great Xuan Dynasty at this grand banquet to express the respect of the Yun Dynasty for your esteemed country."
"Oh? I'd like to hear the details." Zhao Yi looked at the civil official with great interest, his eyes filled with anticipation.
The civil official slowly recited: "Though separated by mountains and rivers, we share the same moon and sky. Though we are thousands of miles apart, our hearts are connected by a single thread. We wish to enjoy spring flowers and autumn moon together, and experience summer rain and winter snow together. The friendship between our two countries is as deep as the sea, and our cultures blend under the sun."
After the recitation, a round of enthusiastic applause filled the banquet hall. Yun Zhang also showed his approval and said, "This poem has profound meaning and sincere emotion; it is truly a masterpiece. May our two countries, as the poem says, be united in heart and forever strengthen our friendship."
Zhao Yi nodded in agreement and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Cultural exchanges can not only help the people of our two countries understand each other better, but also enhance friendship and promote peace. May our two countries work together to create a brilliant future."
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Yi gradually lost interest and, citing fatigue from the long journey, returned to the embassy to rest.
As soon as the people from Da Xuan left, Yun Zhang couldn't wait to summon a young eunuch and ask where the Empress had gone.
The young eunuch stammered for a long time before replying tremblingly, "This servant dares not reveal even a fraction of His Majesty's itinerary!"
Yun Zhang kicked him in frustration, his face darkening as he said, "Get out—"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" The little eunuch scrambled away as if fleeing for his life.
Spring Morning Palace.
With Cuiyun's help, Zhao Zhi finally got rid of the heavy headdress. She felt a sense of relief, yawned several times, and looked somewhat tired.
However, when she thought about what had happened at the palace banquet half an hour earlier, her heart was filled with an irrepressible joy.
Just half an hour ago, Zhao Zhi heard news from the guards watching over Cui Shenghe at the palace banquet that Cui Shenghe had regained consciousness.
Upon hearing the news, she excitedly ran to Cui Shenghe's palace. When she saw that Cui Shenghe had truly woken up, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She held Cui Shenghe's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably.
The two spoke briefly during their brief reunion. Zhao Zhi earnestly urged Cui Shenghe to rest early, as he had just woken up and was still very weak, and should not overexert himself. He needed time to recover his strength and energy.
After Zhao Zhi left Cui Shenghe's palace, she hadn't even had a moment to rest when she received another exciting piece of news.
It turned out that Lin Wanqing had also woken up at this time. This news made Zhao Zhi even more excited. As she walked along the long palace path, she did not notice that a figure was silently following behind her on the glazed tile roof.
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