Chapter 14 New Year Festival: "Peace reigns throughout the land, tranquility reigns in all directions."
The Imperial Palace, Cloud Palace.
From early morning, the emperor was surrounded by a crowd. He was dressed in a noble and dignified manner from head to toe, and the dark patterns on his dragon robe shimmered faintly in the sunlight. His long, black hair was tied back, and he wore a crown on his head, with a dark green gemstone set in the center of the crown, and delicate tassels hanging on both sides, rustling softly as they swayed.
The central gemstone was chosen by Gu Huizhou himself a year ago and had placed there by the Imperial Household Department; it was a dark, gloomy green. Cui Xiangzhu wanted to advise Gu Huizhou to replace it before the New Year, but fearing for his life, he kept quiet.
"Today is New Year's Eve, and with the victory at the front this year, all the civil and military officials are looking forward to spending the New Year with His Majesty tonight." Cui Xiangzhu smiled brightly, dismissing the surrounding palace maids as he continued, "This servant has long heard that they have prepared quite a few operas tonight. Your Majesty, you must take a good look."
"This is ginseng soup prepared for you by the Imperial Kitchen. His Majesty will be staying up all night tonight to celebrate the New Year, and tomorrow officials will come to pay their respects to His Majesty. If you are tired, please come back and rest early."
Cui Xiangzhu kept muttering to himself, while Gu Huizhou frowned in annoyance and said, "Hmm."
After working tirelessly until evening, Cui Xiangzhu finally breathed a sigh of relief. With the officials about to enter the palace, he sipped his tea in the small courtyard. Despite it being winter, he broke out in a sweat. "You all better keep an eye on things for us tonight!"
The head eunuch, with a stern expression, shouted to the group of junior eunuchs below the steps, "Today is the first New Year since the generals returned victorious, and you gentlemen must be quite indignant. You all must keep a close watch on His Majesty, or we'll all lose our heads!"
He shook the dust off his sleeves and coughed lightly. "Tonight, we'll be releasing sky lanterns with the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department. You'll have to be careful with the details yourselves, so don't blame me for not giving you a heads-up."
"Thank you, sir!"
"Alright, everyone get to work. Remember, there can't be any mistakes!"
The group of eunuchs scattered in all directions. Cui Xiangzhu glanced at the sky and then hurriedly ran off.
"Oh! My lord, you're dressed so festively today!" Li Li bumped into Baili Yi. Both of them were dressed exceptionally festively, making it clear at a glance that they were dressed for the New Year. He smiled broadly, "Lord Baili, you seem to be in a good mood today. Come, come, let's go in together."
Baili Yi teased him, "Why are you so happy? Yesterday, I heard Madam say that the General's wife has been particularly fond of sour things these past few days. Could it be that there's good news?"
"Hahahaha," Li Yi waved his hand, "What nonsense! My daughter and the general have only been married for ten days. It's just that the general is very knowledgeable. When he returned to the capital, he brought back some sour dates from the border. My daughter liked them very much and kept asking the family to send some more back."
"That's wonderful! The general and his wife truly have a beautiful story!"
"Thank you for your kind words, Lord Li. However, I have heard that your son has recently gained the favor of His Majesty. The Second Young Master has done an excellent job in distributing the grain and fodder, and the people are now praising His Majesty's benevolence."
Baili Yi paused, "Yes, he's been so busy with this matter these past few days that I only saw him yesterday. He's lost a lot of weight." Baili Yi sighed, "My wife was so heartbroken that she cried. Although it was because my son spoke too quickly that day, entrusting this matter to him was His Majesty's way of showing his appreciation."
Li Li nodded repeatedly, "Lord Baili is right. The Second Young Master is always capable in his work. After this incident, he has also passed the Emperor's testimonies, and his future rise to prominence is just around the corner!"
"Hahahaha, I've taken Lord Li's good wishes to heart, let's go!"
"Lord Baili, please!"
The two men hadn't arrived early, and as soon as they sat down, a palace maid came to pour tea. Beside Baili Yi was Liang Fu. The two men exchanged a nod and said, "Lord Liang, you look very well today. It's been a while since the victory at the front. Is there some good news on General Liang's side?"
"Brother Baili, what are you saying? Today is New Year's Eve, a joyous occasion for all the people of the world, not to mention those of us who can drink with His Majesty, it is an even greater joy."
Baili Yi nodded emphatically, "Yes! Brother Liang is right! It is our great fortune to be able to spend New Year's Eve with His Majesty today!"
"Quickly, His Majesty is here."
"Quickly, it's His Majesty."
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects! Long live the Emperor!"
Gu Huizhou walked at the front, followed by Cui Xiangzhu and others. He sat on the dragon throne at the front, looking down at the officials in the hall. "Rise."
Casually toying with his wine glass, Gu Huizhou watched as Cui Xiangzhu placed the mushrooms on the table. "Today is New Year's Eve, my dear subjects, please make yourselves at home."
"Your Majesty, we thank you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
For the past two years, these people still haven't gotten used to the emperor's temperament. In the past, no emperor had ever been silent at a palace banquet, as if the banquet was just another form of morning court.
With that thought in mind, the ministers returned to their seats, the palace servants played music and sang, and the officials toasted each other with wishes for good health.
Yu Guangzhong saw that the emperor was drinking wine cup by cup, and every now and then someone would make eye contact with him. He quickly forced himself to look away and hide in the crowd, but he was afraid that the emperor would remember who he was.
Han Jiqing sat with Han Jiwen. He originally wanted to sit with Liang He and his group of military officers, but he was so annoyed by that person that even looking at him hurt his eyes.
"Big brother, what were you looking at just now?"
Han Jiwen was very refined in his speech and eating. His fair skin and delicate features made him look nothing like an officer on duty in the military. However, he was very intelligent and served as Han Jiqing's strategist. The two worked together very well.
"His Majesty."
"Your Majesty?" Han Jiwen looked up. The emperor seemed to be looking down on all living beings. He asked, "Brother, His Majesty seems unhappy." He had also made military achievements, and his status in the court had risen compared to before. Moreover, he was a child of the Han family. Now, as long as he established a relationship with Han Jiqing, he could have a say in the court.
The two were speaking when a drunken old minister rushed towards them, "General Han! Military Advisor Han! Please accept this old minister's cup!"
Han Jiqing quickly stood up. "Old Chen! Please have a seat!"
"General, please sit down! I, Old Chen, am so happy today. I can finally have a peaceful New Year," the old man said, his eyes reddening, whether from drunkenness or genuine emotion, it was hard to tell. "General and strategist deserve this cup of wine from me, Old Chen. Cheers!"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Chen."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Chen."
The old minister finished his wine and swayed as he turned and left, still carrying a wine cup in his hand. He would probably have to be helped home again today. Han Jiqing's smile faded. He remembered Gu Huizhou, whom Han Jiwen had just mentioned, and looked up in that direction.
It was as if a barrier separated the person on the steps from the courtiers in the hall. No matter how noisy it was below, the person above just watched quietly. Han Jiqing felt uneasy. He downed a cup of wine and muttered to himself, "He wasn't like this before."
"Brother?" Han Jiwen asked, "What did you just say?"
“It’s alright,” Han Jiqing raised his glass, “Come have a drink with me, brother.”
"Hey, don't get drunk. Dad just went to drink with those adults, and he reminded me to keep an eye on you before he left."
"What are you afraid of?" Han Jiqing glanced at his father. "He can't control me today, and your brother's alcohol tolerance is reliable, so don't worry."
"Hey! Look, the sky lanterns are lit!"
"A sky lantern! It really is a sky lantern!"
"This is the first time I've seen the sky lanterns rise inside the palace. It's just different from seeing them outside the palace."
The grand hall where the banquet was held was magnificent and imposing. On a spacious and flat terrace outside the hall, nearly a hundred ministers, drunk and with their arms around each other, walked to the railing. Hundreds of sky lanterns rose from below, with white paper covering the central flame, and orange-red halo carrying white silk slowly rising.
Some of the sky lanterns were inscribed with phrases such as "May the country be prosperous and healthy, and may you live a long and happy life."
"May our two generals' victory this year bring peace and prosperity to our nation for a hundred years to come!"
May the country be prosperous and the people at peace!
"I wish that next year our Great Yun will be prosperous and strong, and that the rivers and seas will be peaceful and tranquil."
"May the rivers be clear and the seas be calm!"
Xu Yi stared blankly at the sky lanterns, hundreds of them gathering in the sky and rising higher and higher. He murmured, "Peace and tranquility reign." Watching one lantern disappear beyond the sight of the tall buildings ahead, he turned to look into the palace. The person on the high seat had vanished. "Your Majesty—"
Han Dahai stood beside Xu Yi, looking somewhat drunk. He leaned against the railing and said, "His Majesty still has to stay up to celebrate the New Year, and there will be music to listen to later. Lord Xu, please stay here in peace."
Xu Yi's brows remained furrowed, and he forced a smile, "Minister Han, please."
Beneath the bright window of the Cloud Palace Warm Pavilion, a cup of Tusu wine sits on the table, with a golden cup on top, and a wisp of smoke slowly rises from the incense burner.
Gu Huizhou's steps were still steady. He leaned against the soft couch in the warm pavilion, still holding the wine cup in his hand. Cui Xiangzhu walked in from outside and placed the bowl of mushrooms on the table. "Your Majesty."
"Get out of here."
"yes."
Since the founding of the Yun Kingdom, on the first day of each lunar month, the emperor would place a golden cup on a table under the bright window of the Yun Palace's warm pavilion, personally fill it with Tusu wine, then light the candles on the "Jade Candle Long Tune" candlestick, then use the "Eternal Green" brush to burn incense on the Eight Auspicious Symbols incense burner, and finally write auspicious words on yellow paper to pray for the peace and stability of the country.
In the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, it will be midnight. Only Gu Huizhou will remain in the warm pavilion. The window is still open, and from there you can see a few sky lanterns floating in the sky.
Gu Huizhou sat alone at the table, having already filled a cup with Tusu wine, which he placed on the table in the moonlight. Beside that cup was a pot of mushrooms, their orange-red caps resembling newly lit sky lanterns.
"His Majesty!"
"His Majesty!"
Han Jiqing?
Gu Huizhou slowly rose to his feet and walked to the door. Cui Xiangzhu stood guard at the door. "Your Majesty, is this General Han?"
Even before he arrived, his voice could be heard from afar. Gu Huizhou waved, and Cui Xiangzhu nodded. He walked along the corridor and saw Han Jiqing staggering towards him. He offered him a slight helping hand and said, "General Han, please be careful."
The man grinned foolishly, "Alright, thank you, Eunuch Cui."
Han Jiqing continued forward, walking along the corridor and stopping in front of the warm pavilion. "This humble general greets Your Majesty."
What are you doing here?
Han Jiqing was carrying something in his hand, and his bowing posture swayed with the effects of the alcohol. "This humble servant comes to pay New Year's respects to Your Majesty."
Gu Huizhou leaned against the doorframe. "Then General Han, please wait a moment." With that, Gu Huizhou turned and went into the warm chamber, the door slamming shut behind him. The emperor's shadow moved from the doorway to the soft couch.
The brush, scented with sandalwood from the incense burner, was used by Gu Huizhou to casually write a few large characters. The black characters flowed smoothly onto the yellow paper, their momentum as powerful and vigorous as a rainbow.
"Peace reigns throughout the land, and tranquility prevails in all directions."
Han Jiqing was peering out the window when he saw Gu Huizhou write those eight large characters. He chuckled, "Your handwriting is still so beautiful, much better than mine."
"Your Majesty, wine should not be used to water flowers."
"Mushrooms won't do either!"
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[Qingxin][Qingxin][Qingxin] Note: The information about releasing sky lanterns and staying up late under bright windows on New Year's Eve is from the internet and has been modified. Those who want to learn about the true historical New Year's customs should consult the internet themselves; the information in this article is inaccurate!
[Blue Heart][Blue Heart][Blue Heart] P.S.: Wow, this blue heart is so pretty!
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