Chapter 839: The Imperial Banquet

In the Chongyuan Hall, the state banquet was in full swing, with ritual music playing long and dancing and singing unceasing. The ministers and grandees of the Great Han all wore smiles, intoxicated by the scene—a picture of peace and prosperity, faintly suggesting an age of golden splendor.

However, Emperor Liu, seated high on the throne, looking at these old and young, inner and outer ministers of the Great Han, faced with the full hall of flattery and fawning, could not help but let a doubt arise in his mind—before the fall of the Meng Shu, was the court scene also like this? At this thought, Liu Chengyou, who had been feeling somewhat elated, suddenly grew a bit alert.

Subconsciously, he cast his gaze toward Meng Chang. At such a state banquet, Meng Chang, who had been enfeoffed as Duke of Zhao, naturally was among those in attendance, and his seat was not even far back, sitting together with Gao Baorong. The two surrendered lords seemed to have little to talk about. Gao Baorong's gaze lingered on the graceful figures of the beauties dancing in the hall, and from time to time he raised his cup with the Han ministers around him, completely at ease.

Meng Chang was the same, though his bloated face no longer showed any trace of his former heroic bearing and elegance, and there was a feeling of forced cheerfulness about him. He immersed himself in the wine, yet did not dare to get drunk, lest he lose decorum in the hall or say something he should not.

The lively splendor of the hall easily stirred emotions in response to the scene. Therefore, for Meng Chang, the more he drank, the more stifled he felt, and the sorrow in his heart grew deeper and deeper. But he could not show it openly; only between the drooping of his eyelids did a hint of obscure grief leak out.

Perhaps the Han emperor's gaze was too penetrating, or perhaps Meng Chang was too sensitive—looking up to meet it directly, he noticed Liu Chengyou's somewhat "chilling" stare. All his emotions instantly turned to fear. He hurriedly rose, took up his wine cup, and approached to offer his congratulations respectfully.

Noticing Meng Chang's behavior, Liu Chengyou's expression returned to natural ease, and a hint of drunkenness reappeared in his bright eyes. With a warm smile at the corner of his mouth, he said to Meng Chang: "I hear the Duke of Zhao is fond of wine, drinking often at home, never happy unless drunk. At tonight's imperial banquet, I have ordered all the finest brews stored in the palace brought out—you must drink to your heart's content!"

"Yes!" Meng Chang, hearing this, bowed again, and drained the wine in his cup in one go.

As for Liu Chengyou, he merely touched his lips to the cup and took a small sip. It was not that he was refusing to show respect, but that he had to maintain restraint. At such a grand feast, there were too many cups exchanged back and forth; his tolerance for wine was decent, but he could not withstand so many people.

Meng Chang turned and sat back down, resuming his previous state—dejected and at a loss, seemingly still unable to adapt to the atmosphere of the hall. He raised his eyelids slightly, his peripheral vision sweeping across the scene. On the left side of the hall, where the consorts and titled ladies gathered, it was equally lively—a flutter of pretty women, rich with fragrance. Through a symbolic curtain, he could make out two familiar figures.

As palace women with formal rank, the two consorts Xu and Li naturally had the right to seats there, though they too seemed somewhat out of place, quietly nursing their sorrow. After all, they bore the label of "not favored," and since formally entering the palace, they had never again received the Son of Heaven's summons to his bed.

"Your Majesty, look—what a lively scene this is!" The elder Lady Fu, in her capacity as Empress, personally attended to Empress Dowager Li.

Lady Li preferred quiet, but she could not help being infected by the atmosphere. A good atmosphere brought a good mood. Especially seeing the crowd of dragon grandsons and dragon granddaughters weaving among the tables and playing around the pillars, she grew even more delighted, an involuntary kindly smile on her lips. For the old empress dowager, a house full of children and grandchildren was perhaps the most gratifying thing of all.

"the elder Lady Fu, has your health improved? In daily life, you must take more care!" Toward Empress Fu, this daughter-in-law, Lady Li had always been very satisfied. Remembering her recent illness, she could not help expressing concern.

"Thank you for your care, Your Majesty. I will be mindful!" The elder Lady Fu smiled gently.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty, this concubine offers you a toast!" Amid the conversation between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, a soft, gentle voice sounded—it was the Grand Dowager of the Prince of Wei.

Since the former Prince of Wei, Liu Chengxun, had passed away, Liu Chengyou's sister-in-law had been widowed for eleven years now. She had always been proper and well-behaved, with an excellent reputation. Just as her husband had impressed people, she was humble and amiable, steadfast and gentle.

Taking a small sip, Lady Li looked at her eldest daughter-in-law, virtuous and obedient as ever, and could not help but feel pity, saying: "The eldest passed early—all these years, you have suffered!"

The Grand Dowager of Wei shook her head, however, and looked at Empress Fu, her jade-like face carrying deep gratitude: "In daily life, I rely much on Your Majesty's and His Majesty's concern. This concubine is deeply grateful!"

The elder Lady Fu sighed inwardly, knowing full well where the Grand Dowager of Wei's gratitude came from—the adopted Prince of Wei was the bond between the two.

Just as they were speaking, a small child of three or four suddenly ran up—it was the sixth imperial son, Liu Min, who had been adopted into the Prince of Wei's line. Looking at the three women, Liu Min stood dumbfounded, a look of bewilderment appearing on his innocent little face.

His adorable expression made the three women smile. The elder Lady Fu's beautiful eyes filled with even greater tenderness. She beckoned to him, drew him into her embrace, and asked gently: "Sixth Young Lord, what is the matter?"

Liu Min had left the palace for the Prince of Wei's mansion over a year ago. Though he had little understanding, he knew he had two mothers, and he was often brought into the palace by the Grand Dowager of Wei.

He still had feelings of attachment toward the elder Lady Fu, but at this moment he struggled to break free from her embrace, stepped back two paces, shuffling his little legs awkwardly, and said: "I need to pee..."

His expression was pitiful, clearly having held it in for a long time. Seeing his face, all three women could not help but laugh, and even the slight melancholy in the elder Lady Fu's heart dissipated considerably.

"Sister-in-law, let me do it!" As the Grand Dowager of Wei was about to take Liu Min to relieve himself, the elder Lady Fu spoke up.

Hearing this, the Grand Dowager of Wei said: "But Your Majesty is of the Empress's exalted station..."

The elder Lady Fu smiled gently: "Please don't take offense, sister-in-law!"

The Grand Dowager of Wei was by nature a gentle, agreeable woman, and immediately replied: "You speak too gravely!"

Of so many sons, why did Liu Chengyou insist on giving his legitimate son in adoption to his elder brother? Mainly to highlight "brotherly affection." Of course, in his heart, he did not place such great weight on the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate. Even so, after Liu Min left the palace, some regret had grown in his heart—though it was known to no one.

In the circle of noble ladies, all seemed harmonious and joyful, chatting with grace and interest. On Liu Chengyou's side, his spirits were equally high, pulling Gao Huaide, who had returned to the capital early, into cheerful conversation.

"Cangyong, in the campaign to pacify Shu, your toil and merit were great. Those towering mountains and perilous passes of Chuanshu—not easy to traverse, were they? For half a year of campaigning and achievement, I first use this cup as a small token of reward!" Liu Chengyou raised his cup with a smile, clearly holding this brother-in-law in considerable regard.

"To fight for the state and render distinguished service is this minister's long-cherished wish. Your Majesty has given your servant the opportunity to display his abilities—I am overjoyed, how could I dare speak of hardship? Moreover, in pacifying Shu and quelling rebellion, if one speaks of toil, the credit must go to the officers and soldiers of the various armies..." Gao Huaide replied.

"I have long known that Cang is open and magnanimous, versed in military affairs and loving his troops—indeed so!" Liu Chengyou smiled, clinked cups with him, and took a small sip.

"Sanlang, come—your maternal uncle has returned from the campaign, offer him a toast!" The four eldest imperial princes, all in formal attire, were attending at the sovereign's side.

Though young, the wine cups set before them were mostly for show. At this moment, at Liu Chengyou's instruction, Liu Xi stepped forward grinning, and said with proper formality: "Uncle, I offer you a toast!"

Seeing this, Gao Huaide laughed heartily, took the wine the eunuch had filled, and said with bold spirit: "Come, bottoms up!"

"I want to join Third Brother in offering the toast!" At this moment, Liu Fang rose as well, coming up to join in the fun.

Liu Fang's little face was flushed red, and his small frame was somewhat unsteady—clearly he had drunk some wine. Liu Chengyou glared at him: "How much wine have you secretly drunk?"

Then he asked: "Tell me, why do you want to offer a toast?"

Liu Fang raised his chin and said loudly: "Duke Linqing is both an elder and a general of the state. Having returned with merit, I should show my respect!"

Liu Chengyou was clearly delighted with Liu Fang's answer, and said: "Then go ahead and show your feelings!"

"Yes!"

Seeing this from the side, Liu Xu and Liu Yang could hardly remain seated. They too took their small cups and stepped forward to show respect. Gao Huaide drained his in one gulp, and the four imperial princes followed suit, putting on a show of boldness—though they drank too fast and choked terribly...

"Dalang, Erlang!" Liu Chengyou suddenly called out to Liu Xu and Liu Yang.

"Yes!" The two sons came forward.

Pointing at the great hall, Liu Chengyou said with a light laugh: "The lords seated here are all meritorious ministers of our dynasty. The prosperity of the state relies greatly on their labor. You two, on my behalf, offer a toast to the ministers and grandees!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou's instruction, the two sons were momentarily taken aback. Meeting Liu Chengyou's slightly encouraging gaze, they immediately complied. Liu Chengyou did not forget to remind them: "The gesture is enough—no need to drink much!"

"Yes!"

"You two, no more wine either—eat something!" Liu Chengyou then looked at Liu Xi and Liu Fang, focusing especially on Liu Fang, who seemed a bit dizzy: "Especially you!"

"Your Majesty's tender affection for your children is truly moving!" Gao Huaide remarked from the side.

"The children are young and know no restraint. If they drink themselves sick, their mothers will not let me off!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand.

Soon, the sight of the two imperial princes offering toasts drew nearly everyone's gaze. Many ministers had an indescribable look in their eyes, lingering between the two young figures.