"Are you ever going to stop? Instead of gossiping, you should be doing your own thing..." Hongli wasn't angry, but Hongzhou next to him had red eyes and was clenching his fists as he roared.
Everyone turned to look at Hongzhou. They thought Hongzhou was deliberately avoiding Hongli, and that the two had a falling out. They hadn't been mindful of Hongzhou when they spoke. But when they heard others gossiping about Hongli, they still couldn't hold back their anger towards Hongli, which caused everyone to vent their anger on Hongzhou.
Hongtai stood in front of Hongzhou and said with a grin, "Oh... you can't say that anymore? It was just a joke between brothers, and Hongli didn't even take it seriously, yet you're standing up for him?"
Hongzhou glared at the other person defiantly and said, "You can't win over the Emperor yourself, so you're trying to sow discord here. Be careful, or the Emperor will dislike you even more if he finds out..."
Hongtai was the eldest son of Prince Cheng, and his personality was very similar to that of the Third Prince's wife. After hearing this, he pointed at Hongzhou and said angrily, "What...what did you say?"
Hongzhou took a step forward without ceremony, but Hongli quickly stopped him, saying, "It's alright, a few words won't matter, let's not delay the important matter..."
Hongzhou pushed Hongli aside and said, "You're all jealous of Hongli. It's none of your business how much the Emperor values and likes Hongli. Besides, if something had happened to that old man just now, would the Five Perfections Elders have been properly counted? If the Emperor blamed you, could any of you bear the responsibility? Hongli did the right thing, protecting all of you. Instead of being grateful, you're here making sarcastic remarks..."
After Hongzhou finished listing his grievances in one breath, everyone was speechless. One person quietly dispersed, and everyone silently returned to their respective positions.
Hongli looked at Hongzhou gratefully and smiled. Hongzhou was still angry and turned his head away with a red face, but Hongli knew that Hongzhou was still on his side, and his heart warmed.
The banquet for the elderly officially began. The Jiuzhou Qingyan in the Yuanmingyuan Garden was decorated solemnly and grandly, showcasing the imperial grandeur in every aspect.
The garden was draped in colorful silk, a dazzling spectacle of color, with palace lanterns hanging from the rooftops. A thousand long tables and benches were arranged in a row in the courtyard of Jiuzhou Qingyan, creating a magnificent scene. Thousands of palace maids and eunuchs moved about in front of the tables and chairs, where fresh flowers and pastries were laid out. A thousand elderly people took their seats, supporting each other and praising the scenery of the courtyard. Some even lingered over the tables and chairs, reluctant to sit down.
Once everyone was seated, a shout rang out: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Kangxi slowly walked in, surrounded by a crowd. He was dressed in a yellow robe with dragons playing with pearls on it. He had an extraordinary bearing. Although he was no longer as brave and powerful as he used to be, he still had the aura of a monarch and the power to shake the mountains and rivers.
Behind him was Li Dequan's entourage, followed by his grandsons and other princes.
In an instant, the entire arena fell silent. Everyone rose and knelt, hearing the arrival of the imperial envoy. Three whips were cracked, and the music and drums ceased. Everyone bowed and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
After Kangxi was seated on the dragon throne at the very front of the platform, he nodded and smiled, saying, "Please rise, everyone. Today, I have specially organized this banquet for the Thousand Elders. All those present are accomplished elders and deserve our utmost respect. There is no need for excessive formalities..."
The elderly people thanked them profusely several times before sitting down one by one.
Looking at the five-fold elders seated below, Emperor Kangxi was filled with emotion. He was also very satisfied with the arrangements for the banquet for the thousand elders. Smiling, he surveyed the entire room and then gestured to Li Dequan. Li Dequan bowed, stepped back a few paces, and glanced at the princes. The princes then obediently went to direct the palace maids and eunuchs to prepare the meal in an orderly manner, and the banquet began smoothly...
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