Chapter 534: Chapter 25: New Year’s Eve Discussions

The last day of the 35th year of Yuanhe, New Year’s Eve.

The palace was adorned with rare decorations.

Over the past decade or so, the Emperor felt that the extravagance of the harem needed a good reformation.

Thus, many places in the palace were mainly maintained without extensive renovations.

Including many times during the New Year, it was just the family celebrating in Yihua Palace.

This year, however, broke the usual low-key tradition, and Huasheng Building, hosting the palace banquet, was especially well-decorated.

Hundreds of palace lanterns adorned the majestic and beautiful grand hall.

The Emperor sat high on the central Dragon Chair, displaying the majesty of the Emperor.

Beside him, there was only one Phoenix Chair, naturally occupied by Lin Wanyi, who was attending in full dress.

Even though her title now was merely that of an Imperial Consort, all her attire and arrangements, every aspect, were not inferior to those of an Empress and even surpassed what an Empress could have.

Thus, the Emperor and Imperial Consort appeared very harmonious.

The lower positions on both sides were also filled with people.

The Crown Prince held the highest respect, naturally taking the first position on the right side, dressed in the Crown Prince’s formal attire, embodying both nobility and imperial dignity.

Beside him sat the Han King and his spouse, the Prince Pei couple, Lin Xiruo and her spouse, along with the Third Princess.

Behind them were seated the attendants from the Eastern Palace and various Prince Mansions.

Looking across, the civil servants held the Fourth Prince Consort in respect.

This year, both Fourth Prince and Prince Xiao had military duties and could not return, hence their absence from the palace banquet.

But many new faces appeared.

For example, Duke Li and his wife, who had married off their daughter to Prince Pei, General Dezhao and his wife’s future in-laws to Lin Zong.

As for others like Lin Xingzhi and his spouse, Mrs. Feng and her husband, the Countess Rongchang of the Earl Mansion, Mr. Lin and his spouse, Doctor Dou, and the Dong Family, they were familiar faces, so nothing particularly special.

Altogether, there were dozens of people.

Men, women, young and old, all related to the Royal Family, adding to the night’s liveliness.

Before the tables were fine wine and banquet dishes, while dance and song filled the hall.

The children were watching the performances with delight, especially Hua Ling, who sat extra upright today.

Exuding the demeanor of a Royal Commandery Princess.

As for her younger brothers and sisters, they were too young and accompanied by their nurses.

But they also remained quiet, without any fuss.

Lin Wanyi glanced at everyone, her brows filled with peace and joy.

Especially when she looked at the newly married Prince Pei couple, who appeared harmonious, complementing each other.

She couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional.

Now that Little Four’s marriage was arranged, among all the children, only the Third Princess and Prince Xiao remained unsettled.

As for the Crown Prince, he seemed currently alone, but she had heard rumors from the harem, stating that recently he had been visiting the Zeng Family frequently.

From the looks of it, within a year, a Crown Princess Consort might emerge.

Therefore, she wasn’t worried.

The Emperor’s face typically looked stern, but he seemed considerably relaxed today. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

While watching the performances, he didn’t forget to turn and talk to Lin Wanyi.

At one moment, praising the dish for being well-prepared, at another, complimenting Hua Ling’s excellent etiquette teachings.

Lin Wanyi listened quietly, occasionally adding a few comments.

The palace banquet seemed even more festive.

After rounds of wine, the Emperor stood up, raised a cup of imperial brew, and spoke loudly.

"Today, the world is at peace, and the people are affluent, all thanks to you, dear ministers, civil servants, and wise generals. This is a blessing from heaven to me. Let us raise a humble cup to you, to the people, to Da Wei!"

Seeing this, everyone promptly stood up, raised their cups, and loudly responded.

"To the Emperor, to the people, to Da Wei!"

Wine was fully drunk, people were satisfied.

Dong Yuzhong entered from outside the hall and whispered beside the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, the fireworks are ready. Shall we step outside to watch?"

"Let’s go."

"Yes, I obey your command."

As the Emperor stood up, Dong Yuzhong followed closely, saying.

"The New Year’s Eve fireworks show is ready. Please move outside the hall to share this grand event with the Emperor and Imperial Consort."

"Yes, we obey."

Grandly, a group of people left the grand hall.

Standing quietly on the white jade and Han stone platform outside the grand hall, they waited.

Before long, the fireworks show began.

Since the Emperor ascended the throne, every New Year’s Eve there was a grand fireworks display.

And every year, the fireworks were different.

Sometimes they focused on dragons and phoenixes, other times on a variety of flowers blooming.

But this year, there was a difference.

It began with four big characters "Peaceful and Prosperous Times" echoing through the skies, stunning everyone.

Accustomed to pattern-focused fireworks, this year they saw rare letter-formed fireworks, exciting everyone.

All these fell into the Emperor’s eyes as satisfaction.

Looking at the Crown Prince beside him, he said.

"Well done."

The Crown Prince chuckled modestly.

"This idea was from Second Brother and Fourth Brother, and Mr. Zeng provided the method. I merely found skilled craftsmen, not deserving Father Emperor’s praise. They should be the ones praised."

Hearing this, all the ministers looked at the Crown Prince with satisfaction.

Inside, they were eager for him to ascend immediately.

So they could jointly open a new peaceful and prosperous era with the new Emperor.

The Emperor looked up at the sky, tightly clutching Lin Wanyi’s hand beside him.

Now, the world, the people, his lover, children, loyal ministers, wise generals, territories, he had it all.

It seemed it was time for him to retire gracefully.

Only, there were two things left unsettled. Once finished, he would "abdicate and let the worthy take over."

He didn’t want to be trapped in the Imperial Palace all his life, nor did he want to always be driven by power. For the latter half of his life, he wished for a change.

Hence, he turned to Lin Wanyi, his grip on her hand tightening a bit.

Feeling it, Lin Wanyi turned her head with some confusion and asked.

"Your Majesty, what’s wrong?"

Seeing Lin Wanyi’s eyes filled with the color of fireworks, the Emperor smiled tenderly.

Then, he publicly announced a piece of news to everyone present.

"In March, I will take the Imperial Consort, Prince Pei and his spouse, and the princesses on a southern tour, firstly to see the Empress Dowager, and secondly to observe the condition of the Jiangnan people. Therefore, after the court opens next year, the Crown Prince will handle all affairs. Once he marries, I’ll be able to retire in glory."

Upon hearing this, some understood, while others were slightly shocked.

But no one present objected.

The Crown Prince’s expression was quite calm, obviously aware in advance of his father’s actions.

Thus, he led, respectfully saying to the Emperor.

"I shall not fail the mission."

Seeing this, the ministers and princes also knelt down willingly, saying in unison.

"We abide by the decree."

In the night, amidst a crowd bowing toward them, the Emperor and Lin Wanyi stood calmly in the center.