Chapter 3595 Grand Scene
In a blink of an eye, two months passed.
In preparation for the Emperor's birthday and the arrival of envoys from various countries to celebrate his birthday, the palace was busy for two months. In addition to renovating and cleaning some halls, even the flowers and plants were rearranged.
Originally, everyone was a little lazy during the two years that the emperor and the imperial concubine were away from the palace. However, they did not expect that they would bring back such a big thing as soon as they returned. Everyone was so busy that they forgot to eat and sleep, but they did not dare to complain. After two months, the entire imperial city was completely renewed, and everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
On this day, Nan Yan, accompanied by Concubine Yi and Concubine Li, went to the city wall to enjoy the scenery.
Almost the entire Imperial City was within her sight. She looked at the cleanly washed glazed tiles and the golden roofs reflecting the sunlight, and couldn't help but smile. "It's been a while since I've seen the Imperial City this beautiful."
Concubine Yi laughed and said, "The Emperor has been busy with government affairs since the capital was moved. He rarely entertains guests, so how could he have the time to clean up?"
Concubine Li covered her mouth and laughed, "Everyone said this just now, but they just hope it can happen more often in the future."
Nan Yan smiled bitterly and shook her head: "It's good enough to have this one time. The emperor has always been worried about the high expenses."
Concubine Yi laughed and said, "Come to think of it, why did the Emperor suddenly decide to hold such a grand ceremony?"
Nan Yan said, "It was this time when Japan was causing trouble. His Royal Highness handled it beautifully, taking care of both the inside and the outside, which convinced the people of the Western countries. That's why they proposed to come and congratulate the Emperor on his birthday. Who knew that after they proposed it and the Emperor agreed, not only the Western and Southeast Asian monarchs, but even the monarchs of the Western Regions heard the news and wanted to send people here? It would have been a big scene."
Concubine Yi said, "This has never happened before."
Concubine Li also laughed and said, "Isn't it true? We have been able to catch up with such a prosperous era."
Hearing the word "prosperous age", Nan Yan's heart was as sweet as honey. She looked around and said softly, "I have already informed the emperor that you two are veterans of the palace. In particular, Concubine Li played an indispensable role in managing the harem during the emperor's tour of Yongzhou this time. Therefore, the emperor agreed to let you two attend the tour."
Concubine Yi and Concubine Li could hardly believe their ears.
Concubine Li opened her eyes wide and asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, is this true? You want us to attend such a grand event?"
Nan Yan smiled and said, "Since it's such a grand occasion, naturally you guys have to go and see it. However, there aren't many people in the harem who can go, only two or three of you. You better be prepared and don't make any mistakes that will embarrass the emperor."
Concubine Li was overjoyed and said quickly, "I understand."
Concubine Yi was also very happy. Although she came from a prominent family and had seen some of the world, she had never seen anything like this. The two of them naturally knew that this was the result of the Imperial Concubine's plea to the Emperor, so they both thanked her. Concubine Yi turned to Concubine Li and smiled, "I never thought we would encounter such a good thing."
Nan Yan said, "Don't just think about good things. These days, I will accompany the emperor to inspect various places in the palace to see if there are any omissions. You should pay more attention to the harem. Besides, with such a big event coming up soon, don't let anything happen in the harem to spoil the emperor's mood."
The two immediately said, "Yes."
Over the next few days, Nan Yan accompanied Zhu Feng as he meticulously inspected the palace's preparations. The repairs and cleaning were complete, and the next step was to arrange the dishes and set up the banquet.
Zhu Feng originally planned to hold the banquet directly in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but after careful calculation, he found that there were so many people that if the envoys from various countries and their entourage were included, the Hall of Supreme Harmony would not be able to accommodate them at all.
Nan Yan looked at the size of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and carefully counted the number of people coming, and found that there was indeed no room for everyone.
So he said, "Then what does the emperor plan to do?"
Zhu Feng said, "He Yi's suggestion to me is to only host a banquet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to entertain envoys from various countries, and then select officials of the second rank and above from among the civil and military officials to accompany the banquet."
Nan Yan nodded and said, "That's fine. However, those envoys definitely couldn't have come alone, and their entourage wouldn't necessarily be all idlers. Shouldn't we allow them to sit at the table? That would only make people think we're being stingy."
Zhu Feng said: "That's natural, so we have to arrange another place."
Nan Yan asked, "Then what arrangements does the Emperor have?"
Zhu Feng said, "He Yi and your uncle both suggested holding the banquet in Wuying Hall. However, I feel that although Wuying Hall is not far from the main hall, it is still separated by a wall. They won't be able to hear what I say over there. Besides, Wuying Hall is not very big, so holding the banquet there will make people feel petty."
Nan Yan nodded.
She looked back at the spacious hall, then slowly walked to the entrance and looked down. The spacious open space immediately came into view. She thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the courtyard outside is large enough. Why not set up another banquet here?"
"here?"
Zhu Feng walked over and glanced down, then immediately said, "It's not like I haven't thought about this place, but it's empty. If it rains or blows, won't people suffer outside?"
Nan Yan immediately said, "Of course it won't rain. I've already asked someone to check the weather. From today until the day of the emperor's birthday, there will be no wind or rain in the capital. If the emperor is worried about the envoys' entourage and the civil and military officials getting sunburned—"
As she spoke, she looked at the spacious square again.
Then she said, "In my opinion, we should build a canopy from north to south. From east to west, we can build eight canopies in total, four on each side, which can accommodate hundreds of people to celebrate the emperor's birthday at the same time. That way, the emperor won't have to worry about holding a banquet in two places, nor will he worry about people thinking we are petty. It's spacious and grand enough to hold a banquet down here."
After hearing what she said, Zhu Feng was somewhat moved.
Nan Yan continued, "Then the dance and music won't have to be in the main hall. We can move it directly outside. That way, the emperor and the people in the main hall can see it, and the people below can also see and hear it. The banquet can be held in two places, but we can share the same joy. Isn't that great?"
Zhu Feng nodded in satisfaction and said, "Okay, let's do it."
After saying this, he turned his head away, and Xiao Shunzi, who was following him, said cleverly: "I will go down and pass on the order."
After saying that, he ran away.
Zhu Feng watched him run away, then turned back to look at Nan Yan and said with a smile, "My concubine is becoming more and more capable."
Nan Yan raised her eyebrows and said, "It's just a small matter. I just offered some advice. How can I say that I'm capable? Your Majesty really underestimates me."
Zhu Feng suppressed a smile and said, "Don't get cocky just because I praised you a few times. You have to keep a close eye on Xinping and Chengjun these next two days. They will be attending the banquet alongside the Crown Prince. This won't be a family dinner in the harem; it's a grand occasion. They won't embarrass me."
Nan Yan said: "Of course."
Zhu Feng then nodded.
When he turned his head to look at the busy crowd below, he suddenly sighed, not knowing what he was thinking of.
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