On the night of New Year’s Eve, the palace was extremely lively.
In the past, every time this day arrived, the emperor would first summon all the civil and military officials to drink together and stay up all night to wish the emperor and his subjects would be of one heart in the coming year.
However, ever since Gu Nuo’er was born, Gu Yihan changed this tradition.
On the night of New Year’s Eve, he would definitely not go anywhere. He would accompany his daughter to stay up late1 and celebrate the new year.
Today was no exception.
After Gu Nuo’er was brought back to the palace by her two older brothers, it was already close to sunset. The consorts in the Qiushui Palace had long left.
At night, a grand banquet was prepared in the Lixiang Palace. All the consorts and princes had to attend.
Some of the emperor’s trusted aides and important officials would also be specially invited to the palace to attend the banquet.
Gu Nuo’er had changed into a radiant red dress, and her neat hair that was dark and soft was braided into small buns. From afar, she looked like a cute doll.
The child sat on Gu Yihan’s lap and pointed with her small finger. “Father, Baby Nuo wants to eat meat~”
Gu Yihan lowered his head and smiled. He poked a few meatballs with his chopstick and placed them in Gu Nuo’er’s small hand like it was a skewer.
Gu Nuo’er was obedient and cute. She held onto the chopstick and ate until her lips were oily.
She took a few bites and suddenly felt a cold gaze looking straight at her.
The child tried her best to raise her head from her father’s arms and met Ye Siming’s gaze.
She waved the meatball skewer in her hand and shook her head, smiling like a sweet bun.
Ye Siming watched from afar as she swayed left and right like a little white pearl.
He secretly clenched his teeth.
This little thing was asking to be bitten again.
Gu Yihan did not notice anything. He was holding his daughter and drinking good wine in the presence of his consorts and trusted subjects. There was nothing that made Gu Yihan happier than this moment.
He raised his cup and invited everyone to drink together. “On this festive day, my beloved consorts and ministers naturally have to say something to liven up the atmosphere.”
Gu Yihan raised his eyebrows and looked around, immediately calling out Bai Yi’s name.
“Come, Bai Yi, say your wish for the next year first before drinking this cup of good wine.”
Bai Yi was a martial art practitioner. With hundreds of gazes on him, his entire body trembled and he silently stood up while holding his cup.
Sensing everyone’s gazes on him, Bai Yi felt a chill down his spine.
It took him a long while before he said, “For the country to be prosperous and the people to be safe. For there to be no wars.”
After saying that, he raised his head and downed the wine in his cup!
“Excellent!” Gu Yihan was very happy. “I like the words ‘no wars’.”
Gu Nuo’er, who was in his arms, craned her neck and said softly, “I like them too!”
When Gu Yihan heard this, he was overjoyed.
If his daughter liked it, he liked it.
The emperor waved his hand and rewarded Bai Yi with a chest of gold, silver, and jewelry.
However, Bai Yi politely declined with a difficult expression. “Your Majesty, can you take back this chest of money and allocate more rations to our camp?
“This winter is cold. If the soldiers and horses eat more, this winter won’t be too tough to tide through.”
Gu Yihan nodded in agreement without thinking.
“Chunshou, take down Bai Yi’s words and inform the Ministry of War to arrange for it as soon as possible.”
Bai Yi was overjoyed. A simple and honest smile appeared on his square face. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
His voice was like a loud roar, showing how happy he was.
When Gu Nuo’er heard this, she had already finished the meatballs in her hand.
She pouted her shiny lips. “They are both generals, but why are they so different?”
Her voice wasn’t loud, but Gu Yihan heard her.
He raised her eyebrows and lowered his head. “Good Baby Nuo, what are you talking about?”