Chapter 302: Winter Solstice Banquet 3

After the military governors, the chancellors, senior ministers, imperial army commanders, and meritorious nobles came forward in turn to toast the Emperor and Empress, who responded gracefully. Liu Chengyou mostly just took small sips to show the gesture—everyone was there for the atmosphere, and as long as the mood was right, that was enough. No one dared to press him to drink more. Even so, after a few cups, a tipsy flush appeared on his face.

Liu Chenghsun, the Prince of Huaiyang, also stepped forward on his own initiative, first toasting the Empress Dowager, then Liu Chengyou and the elder Lady Fu.

"Second Brother, Sister-in-law, your younger brother toasts you!"

It hadn't been long since he established his own household, but Liu Chenghsun had already changed considerably—after all, he was now "independent." He was in the middle of his voice-changing period, so his voice sounded somewhat unpleasant, though his youthful immaturity could not be concealed.

Liu Chengyou gestured to him, and the two brothers drank together. Setting down his cup, Liu Chengyou still did not forget to educate him: "I permitted you to leave the palace and establish your own household because I hold great hopes for you. Study diligently, practice martial arts earnestly. Li Song and the others are all worthy talents of this age—do not treat them lightly or act recklessly. I will find time to examine your studies!"

"Yes!"

Because he had always held his elder brother in awe and reverence, Liu Chenghsun listened to Liu Chengyou's words very seriously and nodded in response. However, upon hearing the last sentence, a bitter expression inevitably appeared on his young face. During this period, under the supervision of Li Song and his other staff, he had been having a difficult time—although he had left the palace, he was actually more constrained than when he was inside it.

But likewise, Liu Chenghsun was no longer as irresponsible as he had been in the palace, which greatly satisfied Liu Chengyou, who had been quietly observing.

Nearby, Lady Li witnessed this scene of "brotherly harmony," and a clear look of gratification appeared on her kind and gentle face.

"Second Son, my energy is failing me—I shall return to the palace first." Seeing that the occasion was about wrapped up, Lady Li took the initiative to say to Liu Chengyou.

Upon hearing this, Liu Chengyou observed the Empress Dowager for a moment, and seeing that she indeed appeared unable to hold her liquor well, he respectfully saw her off and instructed the palace eunuchs to take good care of her.

"My lady, accompany me to toast the assembled ministers!" After the Empress Dowager left, Liu Chengyou called to the elder Lady Fu.

The elder Lady Fu was naturally delighted, responding with a gentle smile, and took up her cup to follow His Majesty. She glanced at Lady Gao—the Noble Consort noticed this, and although a smile remained on her jade-like face, it was no longer so natural. On ordinary days, perhaps the feeling was not so deep, but on such an important occasion, the gap in status between the Empress and the consorts was laid bare, even though Liu Chengyou normally treated both women equally.

Liu Chengyou, in high spirits, naturally would not concern himself with the feelings of his only consort. Together with the elder Lady Fu, he went from the chancellors onward, toasting each one in turn.

First was Wang Zhang—the only minister in the entire court whom Liu Chengyou used as a tool. Noticing the graying hair at Wang Zhang's temples beneath his cap, Liu Chengyou said in a sincere tone: "Since Jinyang, you, Minister Wang, have been in charge of finances, unwavering year after year, never once negligent. In pacifying border troubles, suppressing internal rebellions, and sustaining the army and the people, I have relied upon your efforts in raising and supplying funds. With this cup, I express my respect and gratitude!"

"I thank Your Majesty! I thank His Majesty!" Wang Zhang, his back hunched, drained his cup in one gulp, looking deeply moved.

"Minister Yang, you personally received the late emperor's dying charge, assisting me in governing state affairs, calming the people's hearts, ensuring that all matters ran smoothly and without disorder. Your toil and merit, I also keep engraved in my heart!" Toward Yang Bin, Liu Chengyou still maintained a kind and pleasant demeanor.

Although Liu Chengyou had always deeply detested Yang Bin's arrogance, his lack of regard for the bigger picture, and his disrespect toward the sovereign, he had no intention of denying his political achievements.

This was probably the first time Liu Chengyou had so candidly expressed praise for him, and Yang Bin was somewhat surprised, noting the smile curling at the corners of the Son of Heaven's mouth. He did not even glance at the Empress beside the sovereign, standing woodenly for a moment before somewhat slowly raising his cup, still maintaining his reserve: "Your servant received the late emperor's grace of recognition. All that I have done is merely to fulfill my duties in repayment."

Yang Bin's words conveyed a single meaning: he was repaying the kindness of Liu Zhiyuan.

Sometimes, one truly could not tell where Yang Bin's stubborn arrogance before Liu Chengyou came from—or perhaps it had already become a habit, difficult to change.

However, at this point, Liu Chengyou simply ignored it, taking a small sip before moving on. It was the elder Lady Fu following beside him whose expression shifted slightly before recovering her warm smile—though her phoenix eyes cast a somewhat cold glance at Yang Bin as he slowly sat down.

Without making a sound, Liu Chengyou walked before Guo Wei and Wang Jun, and both ministers simultaneously stood with cups in hand to receive him.

Two palace eunuchs waited nearby, and Zhang Dejun personally held a wine flask to pour. Liu Chengyou looked at Guo and Wang: "Recently, the reorganization of the military has been a heavy burden on you two ministers, pushing it forward with stability among the troops and no complaints from the soldiers—your achievements are outstanding. With this wine, I offer my thanks!"

"Your Majesty speaks too highly!" Guo Wei, as usual, maintained a humble posture.

Wang Jun, however, bore a hint of pride, accepting Liu Chengyou's praise openly, though he was gracious enough to respond with a smile.

Next came Feng Dao and the other chancellors, then the commanders of the Imperial Guard and Palace Command, as well as the various military governors. No one else was qualified to receive a personal toast from the Son of Heaven, and Liu Chengyou did not have that much energy or capacity for drink.

Even so, Liu Chengyou, together with the elder Lady Fu, did toast the senior officers of the imperial army units attending the banquet—this was a mark of favor and importance placed upon the military.

Although the preparatory period for this Winter Solstice palace banquet had been long, the main feast itself did not last too long. Aside from the Emperor's speech being of some importance, it was nothing more than eating and drinking. The music and dance were beyond most people's appreciation, and as for drinking—after all, it was within the palace, so how could one truly let loose.

In total, it lasted less than an hour and a half. Around the beginning of the xu hour, after Liu Chengyou made a few brief closing remarks and withdrew together with the Empress and consorts, the first large-scale imperial palace banquet of the Great Han dynasty in the Qianyou era was declared concluded, and the guests withdrew in an orderly manner under the guidance of attendants and guards.

Palace maids carried patterned lanterns, palace eunuchs followed alongside, and armored guards escorted front and back. Liu Chengyou and the elder Lady Fu, the married couple, leaned against each other as they strolled leisurely along the palace corridor. The wind howled as it blew, and for a moment neither spoke.

Gazing into the distance beyond the palace, a trace of dreaminess appeared on Liu Chengyou's wine-flushed face. He seemed almost able to hear the relaxed atmosphere of officials, soldiers, and common folk in the Eastern Capital celebrating the festival together. Even though, after tonight, the hard days would still have to be endured again.

"Your Majesty, the ministers have dispersed, and the Imperial Uncle is having people clean up the remnants of the feast!" A eunuch hurried up and whispered something into Zhang Dejun's ear, who then reported it.

"Mm!" Liu Chengyou merely responded lightly.

Stopping in his steps, Liu Chengyou stretched, yawned, and a puff of white vapor escaped his mouth. Turning his head to look at the elder Lady Fu, the dim yellow palace lantern light seemed somewhat ambiguous, illuminating his Empress's face. The traces of wine upon her diminished some of her usual dignity, and between her smiles, a certain allure was born.

Without any hesitation, Liu Chengyou pulled the elder Lady Fu into an embrace, drawing a soft cry from her, and asked, nearly pressing his face against hers: "What are you smiling about?"

The elder Lady Fu nestled in Liu Chengyou's arms, her limpid eyes looking up at him: "It's rare to see His Majesty with such a relaxed smile as tonight."

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou was slightly surprised and instinctively raised his hand to feel around his own cheek.

He laughed easily again, then said: "Come, let's go to Kunming Hall!"

Liu Chengyou was clearly planning to have a deeper exchange with his Empress, but the elder Lady Fu shook her head: "Your Majesty should go to Yaohua Hall tonight instead."

Taken aback, Liu Chengyou released the elder Lady Fu and studied her carefully, curiosity in his eyes.

The elder Lady Fu smiled warmly and said: "Tonight, having been by Your Majesty's side, your concubine is already content."

Pushing the man away, the elder Lady Fu's virtuous demeanor stirred Liu Chengyou's heart even more. So this was what a worthy empress was like...