Chapter 32: The Treasure of Strife (Part 1)

  His Majesty the Emperor shouted out this last sentence with such a severe tone, and suddenly all the officials present had a palpitation in their hearts. Chen Yu Shi, who had just spoken, was so frightened that he hurriedly knelt down again, knocking his head repeatedly, but could no longer speak.

  Nobody knows what the Emperor meant, they are all guessing what kind of noble guest has arrived at General's mansion to receive such favor from the Emperor. Even breaking into the Imperial Guard surrounded by the Forbidden Army is not pursued, what is the relationship between this person and the Emperor?

  Those who knew what the Emperor was saying all let out a soft sigh in their hearts. Is that person back? If it's really him, then the Emperor's words aren't anything too surprising. Of course, those who know about these things are only a handful of people in the grand hall.

  No one would suspect the Emperor's words, and no emperor would dare to speak out his past mistakes so confidently in public. However, facing the enraged Emperor, there was no one brave enough to provoke him further. Since the Emperor himself did not pursue the matter, what else could others say? As the Emperor said so, the General's alleged crime of dereliction of duty would naturally not fall on his head.

  The atmosphere is a bit awkward now, and no one dares to speak. The emperor himself doesn't open his mouth, it's very heavy. When all the officials didn't know how to break this deadlock, an inner servant at the side door of the main hall beckoned to the chief eunuch who was attending the emperor.

  He cautiously moved to the door, listened to the eunuch say a few words in a low voice, and his face changed slightly. His feet didn't dare to slow down, silently but quickly returning to the emperor's side, leaning against the emperor's ear, and reporting in a low voice.

  "Is this really the case?" The Emperor's body leaned to one side, as if he didn't dare to believe it. The eunuch nodded slightly, he himself had not dared to believe what the palace servant said at first, but the little eunuch swore that it was the Dragon Guard who spoke personally, and so he reported it.

  "Approved!" Along with the emperor's affirmative nod, this sacred decree was immediately passed down.

  His Majesty seems to have lost interest in staying in the grand hall to handle state affairs: "Pass on, an hour later, set up a banquet in the palace to entertain the ministers and also welcome the envoys from vassal states!" The Heavenly Dynasty is the Heavenly Dynasty, even setting up a banquet is because of entertaining the ministers, and the foreign envoys just happen to arrive at that time, not specifically for them to rest and refresh.

  The emperor's words were like a sacred decree, and everyone became busy as if they had tightened their springs. Originally, this banquet was already arranged, and the preparations were all in place. With the emperor's sacred decree, it wasn't even half a moment before everything was properly arranged. The foreign envoys had been waiting outside, and now they all came in to kowtow and thank him.

  This grand feast invited almost all officials in the capital. Because there was a special intention to promote the current emperor's benevolence and virtue, some imperial consorts and officials were specially allowed to participate. In addition, some national scholars also received invitations. Of course, Qin Yifan was among them, who was especially permitted by the Emperor.

  Long Yuexia found it strange that the Emperor seemed to be showing too much favoritism towards this Mr. Qin, not only allowing a commoner like him to attend such an important ceremony, but also permitting the zombie he brought along to participate, which was not something that could be explained away by mere imperial grace, as many high-ranking officials and favored ministers in the court had never received such treatment.

  However, thanks to the emperor's favor, Qin Yifan and his two companions were allowed to attend. But Long Tongling was uneasy about the mysterious death of Qin Xiaoling and insisted on accompanying her personally, finding a seat in a remote corner. Given their current lowly status as commoners, this was the only arrangement they could have in this corner.

  A grand feast was held in the palace, but a single palace hall could not accommodate everyone. Fortunately, officials from the Ministry of Rites had made arrangements beforehand, cordoning off a large area in front of the main hall with yellow fabric and decorating it, creating an equally majestic scene that did not compromise the dignity of our great nation. As there were female guests attending, a special section was set aside, separated by light silk screens, for the palace's consorts and those noblewomen to take their seats, all without any loss of etiquette, showing meticulous consideration in every aspect.

  Today, the Holy One's banquet is a representation of respect and status. No one would dare not to give face at this time, even those who are ill will come to attend. Of course, only officials above the fourth rank can participate, those with lower ranks can only obediently do what they should do.

  The emperor returned to the palace to change his clothes, and after a flurry of activity as the officials took their seats, the banquet venue was ready. The officials were seated according to their ranks, waiting for the emperor and the imperial consorts to arrive and start the banquet.

  Among the cheers and bows of "Long live Your Majesty", the emperor, who had changed into his ceremonial attire, finally arrived. After taking his seat in the main position, he signaled to the officials to rise from their bows. The banquet officially began.

  "Pass on the imperial edict to the envoys from a foreign land!" The chief eunuch, after nodding to the emperor, grasped the public announcement gong and loudly proclaimed the edict. The emperor's sacred decree spread far and wide with the voice of the official, all the way to outside the Meridian Gate. Several envoys had already been waiting for the edict outside the gate, and upon hearing the proclamation, they hastily adjusted their clothes and hats, and followed a leading eunuch into the Forbidden City with reverence.

  The envoy had already formally presented the letter of surrender and a large batch of tribute to the Heavenly Dynasty in the grand hall a few days ago. However, this time they also brought some of their best things, which would be taken out at the banquet. Not for anything else, but just to let the Emperor of Zhongyuan see it too, and slightly improve the status of his country in the eyes of the Heavenly Dynasty.

  The grand scene was no less than the festive celebrations, and the only thing that made some people look sideways was that in a remote corner of the banquet hall, the leader of the Imperial Guard, Long Gongzi, was actually sitting with several people wearing ordinary civilian clothes, which were also very old-fashioned. It was really impossible to guess what this arrangement was.

  The general did not sit with them, by his rank, of course, in the position closest to the emperor, otherwise it would be misunderstood. Currently, Qin Yifan's impression is that he doesn't know what he's doing, first of all, his identity, saying he's a commoner, but has the qualifications to participate in such a banquet, and also has Long Tongling accompanying him. Saying he's an official, how could he wear such a loss-of-state attire?

  Even if it's the barbarian envoy who came to pay homage, it's also a matter of utmost luxury. Although they can't learn even a fraction of our imperial majesty, they still try their best to imitate. How is it that these few people, especially Qin Yifan, are still wearing such attire, causing the dignity of our dynasty and His Majesty to be trampled?

  After three rounds of wine and five courses, one of the foreign envoys finally took the lead, stood up from his seat in unison with the others, and bowed to the emperor again. Everyone present was shocked, and the farce was about to begin.

  Continue celebrating the stable starting point, everyone recommends support, thank you