Chapter 179: Birthday Banquet

The smile on Zhang Yu's face froze; the walnut he had been rolling in his hand also stopped, his distinct-jointed fingers unconsciously tightened, fingertips turning white.

He waved his hand, signaling the two subordinates behind him.

"You two, take Lord Jiang back to my mansion to rest."

Zhang Yu switched to a reddish-brown horse and, following the emissary official, galloped all the way toward the direction of the imperial palace.

Inside the imperial study, sandalwood incense curled gently.

The young empress sat upright on the dragon throne, holding a memorial, her brows furrowed.

She looked to be just over twenty, her skin fairer than snow, her features picturesque, yet her eyes bore a steadiness and dignity beyond her years.

"Summon Zhang Yu for an audience."

With a sharp, thin announcement, Zhang Yu hurried into the imperial study, lifted his robe and knelt, speaking loudly:

"Subject Zhang Yu pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise."

The empress's voice was cold and clear, devoid of any emotion.

Zhang Yu rose, lowering his head, not daring to meet the emperor's gaze.

"How is the investigation into the murder of Prefect Zhao of Wangzhou City going?"

The empress set down the memorial in her hand, her sharp gaze fixed on Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu's heart tightened, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

To lay hands on an imperial court official is not something an ordinary assassin could do; there must certainly be hidden motives behind this.

The empress attaches great importance to this case; if there is no progress for a long time, she fears she too cannot escape blame.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, County Magistrate Li Wenqing and others of Wangzhou City are still pursuing the culprit."

"But... but so far no clues have been found."

Zhang Yu's voice trembled slightly.

The empress let out a light sigh, rubbed her brow, seeming somewhat fatigued.

"Prefect Zhao was honest and clean in office, deeply loved by the people, yet he has met a cruel end; my heart aches greatly."

"Zhang Aiqing, this matter must be investigated promptly, to give me and the people an explanation."

"Subject... subject obeys the order."

Zhang Yu's mansion, with carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and bracket sets, is far more luxurious than the governor's mansion of Wangzhou City.

Artificial hills and flowing water, rare flowers and exotic grasses, spread throughout the entire courtyard.

Jiang Xiaomu strolled through it, yet could not muster the slightest interest.

He casually glanced at the murals of strange rare beasts along the corridor, his eyes vacant, thoughts drifting.

"Those strange beasts in the painting must be the artist's imagination; they don't look real at all."

Jiang Xiaomu silently muttered, the manner of these capital officials is truly ostentatious.

Just then, a sudden rush of footsteps broke the courtyard's tranquility.

Zhang Yu came over, his face full of spring breeze, wearing a smile full of falseness.

"Lord Jiang, you have waited long; the emperor's audience took some time."

Zhang Yu clasped his hands in a respectful salute.

"No problem."

Jiang Xiaomu responded lightly, his tone showing no emotional fluctuation.

"Lord Jiang, you have been weary from travel; it would be better to stay a few days in my mansion, so I may modestly fulfill the host's courtesy."

Jiang Xiaomu shook his head.

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Zhang, but I am accustomed to staying at an inn, where I am freer."

"Very well, since that is the case, I will not insist."

"All of Lord Jiang's expenses in the capital will be borne by me."

"Then it would be impolite to refuse."

Jiang Xiaomu also did not decline; in this situation, excessive modesty would seem affected.

Zhang Yu exchanged a few more pleasantries, then ordered a servant to take Jiang Xiaomu to the city's finest inn.

Jiang Xiaomu followed the servant out of Zhang's mansion, yet felt doubtful about Zhang Yu's enthusiasm.

After settling in, Jiang Xiaomu walked alone along the streets of the capital.

The bustling crowd, the dazzling array of goods, made him feel as if he were in another world.

He entered a teahouse, ordered a pot of plain tea, and quietly observed the people around him.

He silently reckoned the days; the empress's birthday was just a few days away.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but frown.

Given the empress's status, the precious treasures sent by nobles and aristocrats are countless; how could he possibly compare?

He let out a light sigh, deciding to go out and look, perhaps he could find a suitable gift.

But no matter where he went, what he saw were only ordinary things, nothing that could move him in the slightest.

After wandering all day, Jiang Xiaomu still came away empty-handed.

Standing on a bridge, gazing at the gently flowing river beneath, he felt somewhat helpless.

Thinking of this, he decided not to waste any more time, and went straight back to the inn to sleep.

On the day of the empress's birthday, Zhang Yu early on sent people to fetch Jiang Xiaomu into the palace.

Looking at his reflection in the bronze mirror, dressed in fine attire, Jiang Xiaomu couldn't help but smirk at himself.

Accustomed to coarse hemp clothing, wearing this silk and brocade always feels somewhat uncomfortable.

The carriage from Zhang Fu proceeded without hindrance all the way, directly entering the Imperial Palace.

The lofty palace glittered with gold and azure, its carved beams and painted pillars magnificent in scale, leaving Jiang Xiaomu clicking his tongue in admiration.

The birthday banquet was set in the Golden Throne Hall; inside, the crowd teemed, civil and military officials filled the hall, every face wearing a fawning smile.

The air was thick with heavy perfume, mingled with the strange scents given off by assorted rare treasures, leaving Jiang Xiaomu somewhat ill at ease.

He noticed that nearly every official clutched a gift box, obviously prepared as birthday presents for the Empress.

Zhang Yu was no exception, holding a scroll in his hand, a smug smile on his face, flaunting it to everyone he met.

"This is the authentic Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting I painstakingly tracked down."

"I specially present it to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty blessings, longevity, health, and boundless longevity."

The surrounding officials cast envious glances, and praises rang without cease.

Only Jiang Xiaomu stood empty-handed, seeming somewhat out of place.

He looked around and saw that, aside from himself, every official wore formal robes, while he alone was in plain clothes.

He couldn't help a wry smile; he really was an oddball.

"Lord Jiang, why don't I see you preparing a birthday gift?"

Zhang Yu approached Jiang Xiaomu and asked in a sarcastic tone.

Jiang Xiaomu glanced at him lightly, his tone calm.

"I possess nothing of worth; merely being able to attend the birthday feast is already a great fortune."

Zhang Yu snorted, his eyes filling with contempt.

"Lord Jiang, you're so aloof—could it be you look down on the gifts we common folk offer?"

"Hehe, Lord Zhang, you flatter me!"

Ignoring Zhang Yu's provocation, he walked straight to a corner, found a seat, and sat down.

Soon after, a melodious tune rose, and the Empress, surrounded by a throng of palace maids, slowly entered the Golden Throne Hall.

She wore a golden phoenix robe, a phoenix crown on her head, dignified and splendid, her bearing myriad.

The birthday banquet officially commenced; civil and military officials came forward in turn, presenting their gifts and uttering various flattering words.

"Your humble servant respectfully wishes Your Majesty blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea, longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain, the sun and moon shining bright, and the spring and autumn flourishing."

"Your Majesty is naturally gifted, versed in both civil and military arts, truly an emperor for the ages!"

"Your Majesty governs well, the state is prosperous and the people at peace—truly a blessing for our Great Zhou!"

……

Hearing these nauseating flatteries, Jiang Xiaomu couldn't help but break out in gooseflesh.

He boredly propped his chin on his hand, watching the ridiculous scene before him, secretly amused.