September 18th is Old Zhu's birthday, which is naturally an extremely important day.
Fortunately, many people are familiar with the procedures and know what to do at this time. Not to mention that every dynasty has some experience to draw upon, the Ming Dynasty had been established for nearly thirty years, so naturally there was enough experience to draw upon.
Zhu Xiong Ying got up early and said to Xu Miao Qing, who was already dressed, "Today is quite busy, so please take good care of her."
Xu Miaoqing naturally didn't need to concern herself with the affairs of the imperial court, but she had plenty to do in the inner palace. On Emperor Zhu's birthday, as his granddaughter-in-law, Xu Miaoqing naturally couldn't be idle; she had many things to attend to.
Moreover, with no Empress or Crown Princess now in power, Xu Miaoqing, as the only legitimate mistress of the Zhu family across four generations, naturally has to appear when entertaining noblewomen in the palace. It's fair to say she's currently the most noble woman in the entire world; everything is perfectly legitimate.
Little Zhu is making a fuss, the child is still crying. He was sleeping soundly but was woken up and is now very unhappy.
On such an important occasion, young Zhu still had to make an appearance. He certainly couldn't wear 'new clothes,' but this little fellow was dressed in a six-tassel crown and five-symbol robe, a rank equivalent to that of a prince. Young Zhu's social status was on par with his uncle, Zhu Yunwen.
Holding her chubby son, she left the Eastern Palace. Such an important occasion was one she couldn't miss. All the high-ranking civil and military officials were prepared; to be impolite at this moment would be considered a grave offense. Not only would it ruin her career, but it was also uncertain how many members of her family would survive.
When Zhu arrived at the Huagai Hall, he received the homage of the cabinet ministers and palace officials before going to the Fengtian Hall to receive the congratulations of the officials.
Little Zhu isn't shy at all. Although he's a bit grumpy when he wakes up, he's calmed down now. The enthusiastic little guy is perched on Zhu Xiong Ying's shoulder, looking at many uncles and grandfathers, most of whom he doesn't recognize.
"Second Uncle!" Little Zhu was overjoyed to see a familiar face and called out to Zhu Yunwen, "Second Uncle!"
Standing among a group of princes, Zhu Yunwen winked at Zhu Wenyin, teasing the little boy. The censor coughed, but it didn't stop Zhu Wenyin from continuing to clamor for his second uncle.
These are people we can't afford to offend, and their identities are quite special, so there's no need to say anything more.
When the whip cracked, Zhu Xiong Ying, leading little Zhu, headed towards the Fengtian Hall. Old Zhu, along with the musician Chen Le, performed the ceremony south of the Dan Chi where officials paid their respects. As the musician raised his banner and played the "Flying Dragon Melody," Old Zhu strode with the stride of a dragon and the gait of a tiger.
"Yin'er, come here!" As soon as he sat down, Old Zhu clapped his hands happily, "Come to your great-grandfather."
This put Zhu Xiong Ying in an awkward position, as he still needed to pay his respects to the emperor. Before he knew it, little Zhu had run off. The little guy happily ran towards the steps, neither going to the left nor the right. He simply thought the middle area was more spacious and convenient.
Zhu Xiong Ying had just taken a step when Old Zhu coughed, and Zhu Xiong Ying immediately stood up straight.
This is only for Old Zhu, because the real ceremony hasn't even started yet. Everyone is watching eagerly as little Zhu diligently lifts his short legs, climbs onto the first level of the steps, and continues on. When he can't walk anymore, he uses both hands and feet to quickly climb up, his movements incredibly smooth. Stage fright is simply not an issue for him.
Zhu Xiong Ying was on the verge of tears. He was considered very favored, but he had never actually walked the imperial path. Now, his fat son had beaten him to it, and in full view of everyone.
Old Zhu, beaming with joy, watched as Little Zhu ran towards him, then picked him up and sat him down.
There was nothing more to say. Zhu Xiong Ying led the worship, and the music resumed. After the "Song of the Gathering of Heroes" ended, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately stepped onto the steps and gave a formulaic speech. At this moment, the "Song of Celebrating the Imperial Capital" began to play, followed by the "Song of Joyful Peace" and the "Song of Celebrating the Holy Dynasty".
Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne, holding his great-grandson with a happy smile, glancing at his great-grandson intentionally or unintentionally.
Little Zhu was truly not stage-frightened, nor was he alarmed by the many people kneeling in worship. Little Zhu simply sat happily on Old Zhu's lap, watching the civil and military officials; he probably found it quite amusing.
"He's definitely a member of the Zhu family, so bold!" Old Zhu thought to himself with amusement. Little Zhu's performance surprised him. "At such a young age, so daring, he's definitely from the Zhu family!"
Zhu Xiong Ying had no idea what Old Zhu was thinking at this moment; all he needed to know was that everything seemed to be going smoothly. In reality, on Old Zhu's birthday, almost everything else had to take a backseat, as that was the most important thing.
At this time, it's best not to say anything that would spoil the mood. The civil and military officials generally understand this principle and will not do anything to cause trouble.
This is not just the awareness of a subject, but also the duty of a subject, after all, they are now celebrating the emperor's birthday.
While the Fengtian Hall was bustling with activity, Xu Miaoqing was also entertaining the noblewomen of the inner palace. There were rules there too, but they were certainly more relaxed than in the previous dynasty, and the requirements weren't as strict.
At this moment, Xu Miaoqing felt even more conflicted, because most of her close female friends were not yet qualified to enter the palace to offer birthday greetings to the emperor. And those who were here to offer birthday greetings were mostly her elders.
Everyone now considers these things to be perfectly natural, because Xu Miaoqing is now the Crown Prince's Consort. Not to mention in front of these noblewomen, even civil and military officials would obediently submit to her; this title and status were already established long ago.
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