The next day at court, what Luo Jiu had hoped for did not happen.
Furthermore, she believed that Rong Yu wouldn't make this public or tell anyone. She inexplicably trusted him and his character.
Many days have passed. Daqi has gone from late spring to the height of summer. The sun hangs high in the sky every day, and Luo Jiu can see the sun already rising every morning when she gets up, to the point that Luo Jiu feels uneasy even if she stays in bed.
To be honest, Luo Jiu's life is getting better and better. She has endless snacks every day, is waited on hand and foot, and doesn't have to review official documents every day. She's living a very leisurely life.
Gu Muchen has been very good to her lately, exceptionally so, and hasn't forced her to review memorials or study.
The only thing that bothered Luo Jiu was that Gu Muchen's favorability rating had not increased since the last time.
...
Early morning.
Luo Jiu dozed off again during the morning court session. With the Regent's indulgence, the ministers dared not say anything. However, each time, Prime Minister Ye Si would look at her with a disappointed expression.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report," the Prime Minister said. He looked up and saw Luo Jiu wave his hand, indicating he was listening, and continued:
"His Majesty's birthday is in a few days. His Majesty's coming-of-age ceremony should be a grand affair, so that all the surrounding countries can witness the strength and power of our Great Qi."
"Hmm..." Luo Jiu woke up. Birthday, I'd almost forgotten if you didn't mention it, interesting.
"Granted. Then let the Ministry of Rites handle it." Luo Jiu granted the request, waved his hand, and left the court.
...
Ten days later.
The palace had been renovated, with bright red lanterns hanging high, red ribbons draped over the plaques of each palace, and flowers everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. Every corner of the palace rejoiced for their emperor.
The banquet wouldn't begin until the evening. Luo Jiu had been taken to a temple that morning to pay respects to her ancestors and then endured a barrage of pleasantries from the ministers. She was utterly exhausted and sat listlessly on the dragon throne, on the verge of falling asleep.
Now I finally understand what it means to have great power and influence. Is making a simple birthday party so exhausting really a happy thing?
"The envoy from the Kingdom of Li has arrived! He presents a pair of jade ruyi scepters as a birthday gift to the Emperor of the Kingdom of Qi!"
"The envoy from Zhao Kingdom has arrived! He presents a screen depicting ten thousand horses neighing in unison as a birthday gift to the Emperor of Qi Kingdom!"
...
Luo Jiu had gotten used to Eunuch Li's shrill voice, and now, the sound no longer affected her sleep.
The food was right in front of her, but she couldn't eat it yet! It was practically testing Luo Jiu's limits.
Luo Jiu tried to take advantage of the minister's inattention to stuff the pastries that Yueying had prepared for her that morning into her mouth. Just as she took them out, she felt a sharp gaze sweep over her from the side.
Luo Jiu quickly stopped what she was doing, looked up, and saw Gu Muchen staring at her with a stern look in his eyes.
Luo Jiu trembled, startled, and quickly withdrew her hand, giving an awkward laugh.
Just as Luo Jiu was about to fall asleep, a clear and melodious bell sound suddenly rang in her ears. Luo Jiu was startled.
"The Holy Maiden of the Southern Kingdom has arrived with her envoy! She presents the snow orchid, the flower of the Southern Kingdom, to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Great Qi!"
Luo Jiu had no idea what gifts the Southern Kingdom had sent. Her gaze was completely drawn to the woman.
She wore a long, dark purple dress that revealed her slender, fair ankles and arms. It was adorned with numerous silver ornaments, including bells, which jingled softly in the breeze.
The woman's face was veiled in purple gauze, her long, black hair cascading loosely, a faint fragrance emanating from her temples. She touched her left shoulder with one hand, gesturing to Luo Jiu.
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