Chapter 323: 175 Divine Green Tea (First Update)_3
He had received news from Minister Zhuang in advance that the position of Libationer at Guozijian had been confirmed. The Emperor intended to confer upon the crown prince the title of Ning King at the first court meeting of the New Year, and simultaneously, he would be officially appointed as the Libationer of Guozijian.
“Congratulations, sir!” the butler said.
Zheng Siye raised his chin proudly: “What about it? If it weren’t for all those troublesome incidents, I should have rightfully been the Libationer of Guozijian already!”
The butler replied, “Indeed, sir! But it’s not too late now!”
Thinking of something, he asked, “Are the clothes ironed yet?”
“Yes, sir! Yes, sir! Just waiting for the official badge to be issued by the court to sew it on!” the butler hastily answered.
Guozijian’s ceremonial robes are commissioned by the court, but Zheng Siye couldn’t wait that long. He had them made prematurely—a robe that currently lacked the Libationer badge signifying his position.
“Show it to me!” Zheng Siye said.
“Yes, sir!” The butler beamingly brought the robe over.
Zheng Siye’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he looked at the robe.
“Sir, would you like to try it on for size?” the butler asked.
Zheng Siye cleared his throat, “Ah, sure, just in case it doesn’t fit right, you can get it altered in time.”
“Indeed, profoundly true, sir!” the butler laughed.
Eager, Zheng Siye quickly changed into the Libationer’s robe, strolled up and down, and spread out his arms for the butler’s appreciation, “How is it?”
The butler gave a thumbs-up, then flattered him incessantly, “Perfect! Sir, you look so regal in this outfit!”
Zheng Siye was extremely satisfied. He stepped before the bronze mirror, inspecting himself from front to back, and brushing his wide sleeves, he said, “Just missing the badge!”
“You will have it when you come back from the court meeting!” the butler laughed.
Reluctantly, Zheng Siye took off the Libationer’s robe. After today, he would be able to wear it every day!
Zheng Siye prepared to attend the morning court assembly.
The sky was still pitch dark, and the gates of the Imperial Palace had not opened yet, with all the ministers waiting outside.
When they saw Zheng Siye approaching, the Minister of Personnel was the first to congratulate him, quickly followed by the Minister of Revenue, the Head of Honglu Temple, and others.
Clearly, everyone had heard that Zheng Siye would soon be conferred as the Libationer.
This was a deal sealed in stone. Zheng Siye couldn’t be bothered with false humility and laughed as he returned the greetings.
His current position was lower than these ministers, but after the court meeting, he would be on par with them. Therefore, the greetings were now beginning to morph into polite equalities.
Soon, the Palace Gate opened.
“After you, Minister Zheng,” a government official said with a smile.
Zheng Siye smiled back and with a determined stride, he ascended to Jinluan Hall.
The first court meeting of the New Year was as harmonious as previous ones.
All the civil and military ministers handed in memorials, praising the achievements of the emperor.
The emperor was very pleased.
In line with the gossip from within the palace, the emperor praised the crown prince greatly, conferring him as Ning King. Soon, it was Guozijian’s turn.
“Now that Guozijian has reopened, we can’t leave the Libationer’s position vacant indefinitely. Fortunately, I already have an ideal candidate in mind…” The emperor’s imposing voice echoed in Jinluan Hall.
Zheng Siye straightened excitedly.
He had finally greeted this day!
At last! At last! At last!
Only a bride awaiting her wedding ceremony could be compared to his eagerness at this moment. He was a bride waiting for the groom to conduct the formal wedding ceremony with him!
Then, he saw an eunuch rushing over. He knelt and bowed outside Jinluan Hall, saying, “Your Majesty! You have a letter!”
Common letters don’t interrupt the proceedings at Jinluan Hall, unless it’s a matter of urgency.
Everyone worriedly thought, could this be another emergency report from the border pass?
“Bring it to me,” the emperor said.
The eunuch delivered the letter to the emperor.
As the emperor finished reading the letter, he unexpectedly stood up from the Dragon Throne.
Everyone was in shock. What on earth happened? Was there a breach at the border pass?
The next second, they all heard the emperor say excitedly, struggling to contain his emotions, “The… the previous Libationer has returned to the capital, he wrote me a letter, he even asked if I’m doing well…”
Zheng Siye’s heart dropped.
Hadn’t the previous Libationer retired and returned home hundreds of years ago? Why would he flirt with the emperor by writing a letter at this critical moment? And for what?
Moreover, it was a romantic and articulate letter which, when roughly translated, meant: “Your Majesty, it’s been years since we last saw each other. How have you been? Please forgive my past impulsiveness. Every time I think of your kindness towards me, I am overwhelmed with remorse. I have returned now. Your Majesty, do you still feel the same for me?”
The emperor was visibly moved, tears welling in his eyes, “The matter of the Libationer will be discussed later. Court is adjourned!”
Zheng Siye felt as though he’d been struck by lightning!