A loud shout rang out: "The Emperor has arrived!"
The Fourth Prince, accompanied by Lady Nian and Lanqin, finally arrived. Everyone rose to greet them. Behind the Fourth Prince were the Thirteenth Prince and the Seventeenth Prince. When the Fourth Prince reached the seats on the high platform, he had Lady Nian sit on his right, and Lanqin naturally sat on his left. The Fourteenth Prince and the Seventeenth Prince then took their seats.
The crowd knelt and said, "Welcome Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine, and Consort Xi...May Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine, and Consort Xi enjoy good health and abundant blessings..."
The Fourth Prince was in high spirits. He raised his hand to indicate that there was no need for formalities, stood up, raised his wine cup, and said cheerfully, "Everyone, please don't stand on ceremony. Today is a family banquet, so please don't be shy. I heard that the lotus flowers in the Yuanmingyuan Garden are in full bloom and the scenery is beautiful. I thought that my brothers and I haven't been able to get together for a long time, so I took the opportunity of admiring the lotus flowers and invited everyone to the Yuanmingyuan Garden. It's also a chance to catch up and have a chat..."
Fourth Master habitually looked at Lanqin. Lanqin smiled slightly and met Fourth Master's gaze, their eyes filled with deep affection.
Although Nian Shi smiled gracefully, the provocation in her eyes was obvious. Lan Qin lowered her eyes slightly. She knew that the more ardent Nian Shi was, the more humble she should be. She would never argue about the length of this day.
Fourth Master's words were echoed by everyone, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
The Fourth Prince seemed quite pleased and continued, "Since the late Emperor's passing, I have been extremely busy with various matters since ascending the throne. I had intended to gather everyone together again, but unfortunately, I have been unable to extricate myself from state affairs. As a result, I have neglected my brothers. I will punish myself with a cup of wine... Please forgive me..."
After saying that, Fourth Master downed the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Third Master stood up first, holding his wine cup, and said to Fourth Master, "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has always been honest and kind to the people. I have heard that people in the city praise His Majesty highly, saying that he is a man of extraordinary talent sent by heaven, who has rescued the people from danger. His reforms are also based on the people's interests and are of paramount importance... Furthermore, Fourth Master is both lenient and strict with the people in the court, and knows how to appoint the right people. He is also very caring towards his brothers. How can you say that he has neglected them? Don't you agree?"
When Third Master turned around and shouted, everyone could only awkwardly echo him. However, Fourth Master's obsequiousness was obvious, which was very different from the self-important Fourth Master of the past. They sighed inwardly and laughed at him.
Fourth Master, however, was quite pleased and happily shared a drink with Third Master. Seeing Fourth Master's hearty laughter, Third Master became even more enthusiastic, using every word of praise he could think of to flatter Fourth Master. Perhaps Third Master himself was unaware that his appearance was truly comical and attention-seeking. Lanqin observed this and was slightly touched. Lanqin knew that Fourth Master trusted people like this the most, and naturally, Third Master was the safest among them.
After the Third Master finished speaking, the conversation flowed freely. The Fifth Master, the Seventh Master, and the Tenth Master all stood up, first expressing their remembrance of the late Emperor, and then praising the Fourth Master for his diligence and love for the people.
Fourth Master agreed to all of them and treated them with politeness and courtesy.
Finally, it was the Eighth Prince who raised his cup. Some people below were slightly taken aback and looked at him warily. In the previous struggle for the throne, the Eighth Prince had always been the Fourth Prince's rival, only losing to him at the very last moment. Everyone had seen the Fourth Prince's arrangements for the Eighth Prince, and they couldn't imagine what the Eighth Prince would say, so they all stared at him curiously.
Eighth Prince, holding his wine cup, bowed to Fourth Prince and slowly said, "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, although his reign has been short, he has accomplished much. He listens to the advice of his ministers, personally attends to all matters, and treats the people with leniency and compassion. His Majesty himself is diligent in his duties, never ceasing his work. I, your humble servant, sincerely admire and am completely convinced of His Majesty's virtue..."
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