The Longevity Banquet began with the Ritual Officer delivering a lengthy official speech praising Emperor Chu’s achievents. Following this, a group of filial sons and virtuous grandchildren presented longevity gifts to Emperor Chu.
Song Ci watched the adult princes, each family kneeling in turn, and couldn’t help but feel sowhat emotional. Even so, the Empress Dowager still thought it was not enough.
Well, it’s true that the Imperial Family values spreading its branches. The more prosperous the family, the more it proves the Chu dynasty’s posterity is ensured. If one heir fails, there is another to continue the lineage through thousands of generations.
As soon as the birthday wishes were concluded, the sound of music resonated, and the opening performance began. It was a beauty from the harem performing a longevity dance—her movents as graceful as a swimming dragon, clearly specialized in this art.
Perhaps this beauty would be favored by the Emperor again tonight.
Song Ci suddenly thought no wonder so many yearned to be emperor; just this enchantnt was enough to captivate them.
She lowered her head and looked at the dishes on the table. The number of dishes at the Longevity Banquet easily exceeded three figures, but this year’s count was less than usual, reduced to double digits, all low numbers. Even so, they remained exquisite.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t all be tasted, partly due to the damnable etiquette and also out of fear that soone might have tampered with them. Although everything was strictly monitored and tampering was difficult, the first consideration was maintaining decorum.
Thus, Song Ci only took a few nibbles.
Officers from the official side constantly toasted to and honored the Emperor’s longevity, while so poets and scholars, fortunate enough to be invited, composed poems and engaged in dueling verses. So even played the flute, making for a lively scene.
Song Ci watched with great interest—how pleasing it was to see talented ancient n playing the flute.
At the Imperial Decree’s table, the noble ladies Empress Dowager Wang personally selected for the performance before the Emperor wore slender veils.
"She could actually perform before the Emperor?" Madam Song’s voice was low, but Song Ci heard it.
Song Ci was also a bit surprised, hearing that the eldest miss was nad. Once nad, the gloom between her brows dissipated. Washing her hands and burning incense, she perford a celestial lody that echoed through the hall, endlessly lingering, winning endless praise from Emperor Chu.
Madam Wen proudly held her head high, her heart soothed by the envious gazes of the others.
"Honestly, after hearing so many noble ladies play the zither, Miss Wen truly deserves the first place." Song Ci smiled and remarked to those beside her.
Madam Guan agreed, "Madam is right; she indeed has a renowned teacher. Miss Wen’s zither skills are a true marvel."
But Madam Song felt sowhat displeased—she was not a Zither Master; why require such high-level zither skills?
Song Ci watched the proud-as-a-peacock Miss Wen return to Madam Wen’s side, exchange a few words, and then leave with the palace attendants and maids.
Pride is deserved after reclaiming a lost round.
Song Ci then enjoyed another noble lady’s drum and dance performance, feeling the clashing atmosphere of marching chariots in the drumbeats and dance, deeply moved.
"It’s General Liu of Dingbei’s beloved daughter—so gallant and valiant, worthy of her military family heritage," Madam Guan praised, identifying the woman in the bright red robe playing the drums.
Unintentionally, Song Ci saw the glint in Emperor Chu’s eyes and sighed. The harem was indeed going to gain new mbers.
She picked up the tea, taking a sip, and spotted Guan Shuyan whispering to Madam Guan, her curiosity piqued. She said, "Miss Guan Liu, are you going to change clothes?"
Guan Shuyan blushed and nodded.
Song Ci asked, "Which hall do you plan to use?"
During the Longevity Festival, with a palace banquet, there were undoubtedly multiple halls for female guests to change clothes.
"For female guests, Gonghe Hall is closer."
Song Ci paused, looked around, then smiled, "How coincidental, I also want to go. Would Miss Guan Liu mind giving a hand? Shall we go together?"
Madam Guan was surprised, her eyes flickering.
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