Time flies, and the Fourth Prince's birthday quietly arrived.
The Fourth Prince instructed that this year's birthday banquet should not be a grand affair.
The reason why the Fourth Prince did not tell anyone was perhaps because he had already experienced the endless prosperity and turmoil and now cared more about family reunions; or perhaps the Fourth Prince did not want to celebrate his birthday in the same grand manner as the late Emperor.
Upon hearing this, Lanqin said to the Fourth Prince, "How can we simply not celebrate the Emperor's birthday?"
"I just don't want to live like this," the Fourth Prince said stubbornly, like a headstrong old man.
"Your Majesty, it was Hongli and Hongzhou who insisted on having a big celebration," Lanqin said. "We'll just have a family banquet."
Fourth Master then nodded in agreement.
On the day of the Fourth Prince's birthday banquet, all those present were his sons and grandsons, as well as his brothers and their offspring.
As night fell, lanterns slowly rose in the Forbidden City.
The eunuch pasted up the "longevity" character, and Lanqin parted the hanging reeds. On this birthday, gathering with her children, grandchildren, and relatives would make the Fourth Prince's birthday celebration more pleasant. She only hoped that the Fourth Prince wouldn't be angry because she had troubled everyone.
As dusk fell, piles of gifts of gratitude were presented. Lanqin, in the inner chambers, watched the people inside through the screen. The Fourth Prince hadn't arrived yet; the princes and nobles chatted intermittently, while the children played. Lanqin observed, thinking the banquet was quite pleasant. Perhaps in the future, when she was bored, she could summon them to the palace to cultivate their relationships.
Upon hearing the announcement of the Emperor's arrival, everyone bowed, and Lanqin entered. The Fourth Prince waved his hand lightly and took the seat of honor.
After the guests were all seated, the Fourth Prince looked to his left. To his left sat Hongli and Hongzhou, their principal wife, Ushihabechuk and their son-in-law, and many children of varying ages, all of whom were the Fourth Prince's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Looking to his right, he saw his brothers seated there: the Seventh Prince, the Thirteenth Prince's wife, the Fifteenth Prince, the Seventeenth Prince, and their wives. Lanqin sat right beside him, within easy reach.
The Fourth Prince touched the chair, glanced at Lanqin, and Lanqin smiled at him, just as sweetly as she had in the past. He looked away; just a few steps away lay the empire.
Fireworks lit up the sky as daughters and sons-in-law came to offer their birthday wishes. A bunch of grandchildren with pigtails followed suit and bowed in greeting. The fireworks outside were deafening. The brothers with graying temples bowed lightly. As Fourth Master listened to the chaotic sounds of birthday wishes and fireworks mixed together, he suddenly felt melancholy. In the blink of an eye, half a lifetime had passed. Time really does fly by.
"Your Majesty, here you go." Lanqin tilted the wine pot, filled it with wine, and handed it to the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince stared at Lanqin, finally returning to reality.
"Today is His Majesty's fifty-seventh birthday. The children and princes have all come to wish His Majesty a happy birthday. Is His Majesty pleased?" Lanqin leaned closer to the Fourth Prince and asked a few questions.
"I am delighted, I am very pleased, you have a kind heart." The Fourth Prince held the orchid zither in his hand and nodded several times.
Fireworks burst brilliantly outside the courtyard. The Fourth Prince reflected on his life, which, like these fireworks, had been a spectacular and magnificent display. Reflecting the fireworks, he recalled countless events, each significant and momentous. He remembered his mother holding his hand as they walked along the palace path, then his mother's indifferent attitude towards him, then the arduous struggle for the throne, and finally, the dazzling affairs of state.
The wine glasses were filled and emptied repeatedly. In this room full of friendly and welcoming wine glasses, even the Fourth Master, who had abandoned his usual temperament, raised his glass in response.
Today is his birthday. May the ancestors of the Qing Dynasty grant him a moment of relaxation so that he may enjoy this family bliss.
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