Chapter 173 : The Emperor’s Birthday Celebration (5)
On the night before the Heavenly Emperor’s birthday, the Golden Dragon City held a grand banquet for the noble families of all nine palaces.
For this occasion, the verdant field next to the Crystal Jade Pond was transformed into a huge banquet area. Banquet participants were seated according to their ranks, with the palace masters and their families sitting closest to the Emperor and his royal family.
Other than that, everyone had the privilege to dine under the clear, unclouded full moon.
One by one, the palace masters brought their closest family members with them to congratulate the Emperor and personally hand over their carefully selected gifts for their liege.
"Your subject, Zhang Zhiyuan from Longjing Palace Master is here with his wife and son. We herewith congratulate Your Majesty on the auspicious, eighty-eighth* birthday. May Your Majesty’s reign last for tens of thousands** of years!" Zhang Zhiyuan proclaimed solemnly once they arrived in front of the Heavenly Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Prince.
With their heads bowed close to the ground, Lady Song and Zhang Fengxi repeated the last sentence.
The Heavenly Emperor was in an excellent mood today. He raised his wine cup and beamed at the Zhang family.
"Rise, rise! This is a birthday celebration. All of you, do enjoy the food and drinks!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" They all said in unison before they retreated to their table.
Zhang Fengxi raised his eyes to look at Xie Jianyu. Alas, his gaze was unreciprocated. Xie Jianyu did not notice him because he was busy looking at the ones who came after the Longjing Palace’s group.
It was the Juhua Palace Master and his family.