The Emperor Chu’s Longevity Palace banquet was held in the Taihe Palace, with the Nine Ministers, Six Ministries, and various envoys in attendance. Notably, this year’s newly graduated scholars were also celebrating at the banquet.
As Song Ci would say, it’s not about scoring well, but about timing it right. No other scholars had this opportunity, simply because this year’s autumn exam was delayed a bit, coinciding with this grand event.
So what, what’s so great about this?
Can all officials attend the Emperor’s Longevity Palace banquet? Some officials can’t attend a palace banquet even once in their lifetime, after all, with so many talents in the Great Qing, the Emperor can’t summon everyone.
Attending the palace banquet is a big honor.
At this moment in the Tai Chi Palace, a royal table was set with a throne for the Emperor, and below were hundreds of tables for the kings and ministers. On the other side of a screen, the inner court ladies had a similar setup, with seats arranged according to rank and status clearly defined.
Song Ci sat among them, glancing at the banquet table, which was already laid out with various sweets, dried fruits, candied snacks, and fragrant tea, all exquisitely crafted.
She glanced at the fragrant garments and hair ornaments present, and the rosy lips of the concubines, thinking that these little snacks weren’t much bigger than a fingernail, surely made for the convenience of the ladies to eat, but they might just smudge their lipstick, how inelegant.
They say you can’t get full at a palace banquet, it’s just to attend for the sake of it, and she believed it.
Thankfully, she had a little something to eat at Empress Dowager Wang’s place first.
"The Emperor has arrived." Read complete version only at Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Song Ci straightened up, and along with everyone else, hailed long life, wishing the Emperor longevity without end.
"All ministers, rise."
Emperor Chu, dressed in his exclusive bright yellow imperial robe, began the official speech, recounting his own grand achievements, subtly mentioning some shortcomings during his reign, and finally called for the dishes to be served, announcing the start of the banquet.
The sound of musical instruments began, and suddenly a clear and melodious sound of a zither was heard.
Song Ci looked over...
Well, she couldn’t see anything; the screen blocked the view, merely shadows of someone playing the zither. The music soared, leaving a lingering resonance.
With wine, delicacies, and beauties, how delightful, except...
The annoying separation of men and women, rare at such a state banquet, she also wanted to watch the talent performances.
Song Ci silently complained in her heart, picking up a small dessert with her chopsticks and putting it in her mouth.
Turn grief into appetite, you old hag!
After the performance ended, the Emperor gave rewards, and filial sons stepped forward to offer birthday congratulations, each with impressive literary talents, as if possessed by a poet saint, eager to praise their royal father to the heavens.
Huh, is the Eldest Prince not competing with his brothers?
In such a setting, shouldn’t he be more active?
Song Ci silently put down her chopsticks, based on the palace drama and novel tropes she had seen, the Eldest Prince must be holding a big move.
Here it comes, here it comes.
Song Ci watched with interest.
The Eldest Prince stood under the imperial table, smiling broadly, clasped his hands, and greeted Emperor Chu with some well-wishing words, nothing more than wishing him longevity without end. However, his next words were:
"I, your son, have neither the literary talent nor skill in poetry like my brothers, but I have a gift to congratulate Father on your long life."
Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow.
The Eldest Prince beamed with joy, saying, "This morning the Imperial Physician checked the pulse, and my consort, Lady Zhong, was diagnosed with a happy pulse, already nearly two months pregnant. Congratulations, Father, you are becoming a grandfather!"
As soon as these words fell, the faces of all the princes changed slightly.
On the side of the inner court ladies, everyone’s gaze swiftly turned to the Eldest Prince Consort, including Empress Gongsun and Empress Dowager Wang.
Song Ci had a million "damn it’s" in her mind, it really was a big move. This "diagnosed with a happy pulse just this morning," who would believe it? Nearly two months pregnant, clearly waiting until today to announce it!