Beside Feiyue Lake is a theater, quaint and elegant, with traces of time showing through its blue bricks and gray tiles.
Inside the theater, the actors on stage delivered a variety of brilliant performances, some passionate and high-pitched, others melodious and gentle, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
Nanzhifang was the largest opera troupe in Kyoto, and its leader, Mei Qi, was a legendary figure.
He was famous in his youth for his clear voice and handsome appearance. Now, although he is over forty, he is still as good as ever and can always cause a frenzy whenever he takes the stage.
The story being performed on stage is about an ancient god who sacrificed himself to save people.
The audience was completely mesmerized, as if they were witnessing a true god descending to earth.
Mei Qi's acting skills have reached a level of perfection. Every subtle movement and every change in her eyes is full of deep emotion, making her irresistible.
"Good, reward!" With a loud shout from the stage, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
Silver coins rained down onto the stage, shimmering with an alluring light.
Mei Qi smiled and bowed in thanks. He didn't usually put on his costume for performances. But today, he was performing in the palace, so he had to give it his all.
"Sister Du, I heard that Her Majesty the Empress intends to make you the principal wife of Prince An. Congratulations!" The speaker was Shi Yaoqing, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Works.
“Sister Shi, you’re quite well-informed. But who can truly fathom Aunt’s thoughts?” Du Ruoxi smiled faintly, gently swirling the teacup in her hand, creating ripples.
"That's true, but the whole capital is talking about it, saying that the Empress Dowager favors you greatly, and that you are the only one she can do it for," Shi Yaoqing continued, unwilling to give up.
Her jealousy towards Du Ruoxi surged like a tidal wave, yet she had to suppress it. However, her father's rank was too low; he probably wasn't even qualified to be a concubine of the Prince of An.
Du Ruoxi could hardly suppress the smile on her lips, inwardly mocking Shi Yaoqing. How dare she even think about His Highness?
She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, trying to suppress her anger with the pain. Du Ruoxi, relying on being the Empress's niece, always acted arrogantly.
Miss Shi looked up at Du Ruoxi, a sly glint in her eyes. She parted her red lips slightly and said calmly, "But who can truly fathom His Highness Prince An's intentions?"
Du Ruoxi was slightly taken aback; these words seemed to have touched something deep within her. She put down her teacup, her gaze becoming profound.
“Sister Shi is right,” Du Ruoxi said slowly, her voice tinged with helplessness. “The Empress’s favor and His Highness’s wishes are beyond our control. We can only do our best and wait for the flowers to bloom.”
Having said that, the two stopped talking and simply watched the show in silence.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived." Suddenly, a palace maid's voice broke the lively atmosphere of the theater.
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. The Empress Dowager's personal presence was unprecedented.
Upon seeing this, everyone knelt down to pay their respects.
The Empress Dowager waved her hand gently and smiled, "Rise, all of you. I'm just here to join in the fun today, no need for formalities."
As she spoke, she casually found a comfortable seat and sat down, and Meng Zhelan followed closely behind, sitting down next to her as well.
She picked up some melon seeds from the table and, while cracking them open, said to Meng Zhelan, "Lan'er, I've heard that the operas in Nanzhifang are the best in the entire capital. Let's relax today and enjoy this wonderful performance. You must be exhausted these days."
Having traveled extensively over the years, she had grown weary of the formalities of the court and increasingly preferred to live as she pleased.
"I've heard people talk about it, but I've never had a chance to go and see it." Meng Zhelan actually prefers to stay in the pharmacy alone.
"Lan'er, life is short. We can't always bury ourselves in our own affairs. We should occasionally look up and see this bustling world." She smiled, the sunflower seed shells dancing on her fingertips like leaping musical notes, adding a touch of liveliness to her words.
As the two women engaged in an intimate and relaxed conversation, the atmosphere around them gradually became more subtle.
People's eyes began to dart between them, and whispers gradually rose.
"I heard that the Empress Dowager has a close relationship with this commoner. It seems the rumors are true."
"Yes, look how happily they are chatting. The Empress Dowager even personally chose a seat for this doctor."
"This is truly a rare sight. The Empress Dowager is so approachable and close to ordinary people."
Although these words were spoken softly, they reached Du Ruoxi's ears clearly.
Her hand gripped the delicate handkerchief tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure. How could this lowly commoner be worthy of sitting with the Empress Dowager? She could tell that Prince An paid special attention to Meng Zhelan.
"How can this lowly commoner be worthy of sitting with the Empress Dowager?" Du Ruoxi thought to herself.
Jealousy and anger burned like wildfire, and looking at Meng Zhelan's ordinary yet confident face, the sense of imbalance in his heart became even stronger.
However, what she cared about was what Meng Zhelan disdained.
At the stroke of Shenshi (3-5 PM), the princes, ministers, and their families who had come to the palace for the birthday banquet arrived at the banquet venue under the guidance of the palace maids.
The seven-nation talks in the main hall finally came to a successful conclusion, and Emperor Wenyuan breathed a sigh of relief, able to enjoy a moment of peace and joy in this grand birthday banquet.
At the birthday banquet, melodious music and singing filled the air, creating a dreamlike atmosphere as the lights shone brightly.
A variety of delicacies are displayed on an exquisite jade plate, their aroma filling the air and making one's mouth water.
Emperor Wenyuan sat upright on the high platform, his face serene, his eyes revealing an indescribable sense of satisfaction and pride.
After a full day of intense talks, relations between the seven nations were further solidified and deepened, which was undoubtedly the best birthday gift for him.
"Your Majesty, may you live as long as the Southern Mountains and enjoy boundless blessings," the crowd chorused.
Emperor Wenyuan raised his hand to signal them to dispense with formalities, and his gaze swept over everyone as he said, "Today, it is my great fortune to be able to spend this auspicious day with all of you, my beloved ministers. Since I ascended the throne, I have been blessed by Heaven, the country is prosperous, and the people live in peace and contentment. This is all my good fortune, and it is also due to the efforts of all of you."
Upon hearing this, everyone bowed their heads humbly and said, "Your Majesty's blessings are boundless, and the country is prosperous. This is truly due to Your Majesty's wise leadership."
Emperor Wenyuan smiled slightly and continued, "However, I know that the affairs of the world cannot be accomplished by one person alone. I need the help of all my ministers to assist me in order to safeguard my country and ensure long-term stability."
The crowd responded in unison, expressing their willingness to serve His Majesty and assist him in governing the world.
Emperor Wenyuan nodded in satisfaction and said, "Today is my birthday, and also a time for family reunion. I wish to invite all my beloved ministers to a royal banquet to celebrate this auspicious day together."
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