As the night deepened, looking up at the night sky from the Moon-Viewing Terrace, one could see a full moon casting its cool light upon the earth, illuminating the entire Imperial Garden as if it were daytime, while the brightly lit Moon-Viewing Terrace shone even brighter.
A gust of cold wind blew by, and Emperor Rui shivered, tightening his cloak even more. He sighed, "Alas, the Moon-Viewing Terrace was built at the wrong time. Although we can enjoy the moon now, it's a bit too cold. Hmm, why is Minister Zhang dressed so thinly? Aren't you cold?"
Zhang Chao was taken aback and subconsciously touched the cold-repelling bead in the hidden pouch at his waist. He glanced around and smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. As a military officer, I am in good health, and with such a warm stove by my side, I do not feel cold."
"Oh, is that so?" Emperor Rui asked casually. He picked up his wine cup and laughed, "Come, my beloved ministers, raise your cups and drink heartily! Drinking wine will dispel this damned cold!"
"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison, raising their wine cups in a toast towards Emperor Rui, then drinking it all in one gulp.
Liang Yihan gently placed the empty wine cup on the table, then glanced at Zhang Chao without showing any emotion. He hadn't quite realized what was happening. Indeed, the Moon-Gazing Terrace was high up, and it was a winter night, making it exceptionally cold. He, with his spiritual power protecting his body, naturally didn't feel the cold, but Zhang Chao, a mere mortal, dressed so thinly, showed no sign of cold. Upon closer inspection, he was suddenly startled. He was astonished to discover that Zhang Chao possessed the aura of Taoist spiritual power.
Just as Liang Yihan was in a daze, a line of palace maids carried steaming hot delicacies up to the stage and placed them on the tables of the attendees.
Liang Yihan snapped out of her daze and heard Emperor Rui laugh loudly, "My beloved ministers, please try these dishes. I specially instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare them with great care!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone thanked him in unison, but did not pick up their chopsticks. Instead, they waited until Emperor Rui had taken a bite of food before picking up their chopsticks.
The banquet was bustling with toasts and laughter. Emperor Rui would occasionally chat with Zhang Chao or talk about everyday matters with Xuan Yuanhao. He seemed to have no airs at all and was especially kind to Xuan Yuanhao, appearing to be a brother in perfect harmony. Who would have thought that such an elder brother had personally killed four of his younger brothers?
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Emperor Rui's gaze inexplicably fell on Ahua again. At that moment, Ahua was standing idly beside Liuli, exuding a lazy aura. Her eyes were half-open, and her long eyelashes cast a small shadow on her face under the light of the palace lanterns on the eaves.
Emperor Rui felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
This woman was different from the ordinary women around him. She exuded a languid aura, yet within that languidness lay a subtle hint of mischief. Only when someone she liked was there to play with her would she unleash this playfulness. She appeared aloof, but within that aloofness lay a hidden dependence, depending solely on whether the person she wanted to depend on was by her side.
She is like a complex contradiction, both proud and gentle, both carefree and playful.
"Minister Zhang!" Emperor Rui was already slightly drunk. He called out loudly and laughed, "Minister Zhang, you are not afraid of the cold, but your little maidservant should not be dressed so thinly. Someone, go and fetch one of my cloaks."
Upon hearing Emperor Rui's words, Liuli and Ahua were somewhat confused, Zhang Chao looked bitter, and Liang Yihan's face darkened.
"Ahua!" Zhang Chao pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Ahua and said in a deep voice, "Hurry up and thank the Emperor for his concern!"
"Ahua?" Emperor Rui chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Minister Zhang, you've been too casual in choosing a name for the girl. The name you've chosen is too common!"
Liang Yihan, who was standing to the side, tightened his grip on his wine glass, his brow twitched, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.
Zhang Chao was taken aback for a moment, then said with a forced smile, "Yes, Your Majesty is right."
After a moment's thought, Emperor Rui smiled and said, "How about I give this girl a name? Hmm... let's call her Yue'er. Nothing is more serene and noble than the moon in the sky!"
After speaking, Emperor Rui smiled and looked at Ahua, expecting her to express her gratitude joyfully. However, Ahua didn't move at all, just stood there blankly, not even glancing at him. Emperor Rui's expression darkened.
Zhang Chao stared at Emperor Rui's face, observing his expression. Seeing that the emperor was somewhat angry, he quickly turned to Ah Hua and said in a deep voice, "Ah Hua... no, Yue'er, why don't you thank His Majesty for bestowing this name upon you!"
Ahua was taken aback, then realized that the maid the Emperor Rui was referring to was her. Ahua's face turned cold, and she said lazily, "Yue'er? I don't like that name. My name is Ahua, that's my real name."
Liang Yihan raised an eyebrow, smiled slightly, placed the wine glass on the table, and poured himself a glass of wine.
Emperor Rui's expression grew increasingly grim, his anger now evident.
Zhang Chao rose from his seat in alarm and knelt on the ground, saying in a panic, "Your Majesty, I have failed in my duty to manage my subordinates! Please calm your anger!"
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