That topic was left at that, and Prince An continued to present birthday gifts.
After the princes presented their gifts, it was the dukes of the second rank, then the princes of the third rank, and then the dukes of the fourth rank...
When it was the turn of the Pingyang Marquis's residence, Shen Wan stood up and said, "Father, please forgive me. Father and elder brother have left the capital and cannot come to wish you a happy birthday in person. Only Princess Huai'an is left in the Marquis's residence. She came to the palace today, but she was suffering from severe morning sickness, so I sent her back. I will deliver the birthday gifts from the Pingyang Marquis's residence on her behalf."
As he spoke, he presented the gold-inlaid jade ruyi, a birthday gift prepared by the Princess of Huai'an.
The Emperor said, "The Marquis of Pingyang and his son have devoted themselves to the court, which greatly pleases me."
Shen Wan sat down and the birthday gifts continued. Most of the gifts were similar to those given in her previous life, especially those sent to the capital by officials who had been stationed elsewhere. These officials were less affected by Shen Wan's rebirth, and their birthday gifts were almost identical to those given in her previous life.
Among the birthday gifts from the civil and military officials, the one that amazed Shen Wan the most was the birthday gift from her eldest cousin and Princess Qinghe County: a kesi (silk tapestry) painting titled "Offering Longevity at Yaochi," which was lifelike and vivid.
The birthday gift presentation alone lasted for more than an hour, and Shen Wan's buttocks were numb from sitting for so long before it was finally over.
The dancers took to the stage, and the officials raised their cups to toast the emperor.
The dance ended.
Empress Song smiled and said, "I've heard that Princess Nanyi's dance is unparalleled in Western Liang. I wonder if I'll have the honor of witnessing her captivating dance today?"
Shen Wan was impressed by these words. She was afraid that Princess Nanyi would ask her to dance, so Princess Shouchun pretended to sprain her ankle. Empress Song still dared to provoke Princess Nanyi's desire to compete. She wondered who she was targeting.
Princess Nanyi stood up, her brows furrowed with pride and confidence. "Then this princess will perform a dance today to wish the Emperor of Great Chu good health and a long life."
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