The sound of firecrackers soon followed as the group walked for a short distance. The entire street was filled with the cheers of the crowd, and the Lantern Festival night in Dongdu City had officially begun.
Feng Jinxu held Wen Shi in his arms by the window and asked in a low voice, "Are you cold?"
Wen Shi shook her head, "Not cold, my lord need not worry."
She had never seen such a scene before. Perhaps it was the warmth of her husband's embrace, or perhaps it was the joy of the people below that infected her. When she looked up at the brilliant fireworks in the night sky again, her eyes were filled with tears, and a smile played on her lips.
Zhengde Tower was already adorned with lanterns and decorations, bathed in a sea of lights, magnificent and resplendent.
Lanterns were hung in an orderly fashion, one after another, like a giant colored dragon coiled around the tower. The lanterns were painted with countless pictures, mostly immortal and demonic stories related to the Lantern Festival, or old tales from the common folk.
In the Bayue Pavilion, which was one story higher than Zhengde Tower, the imperial family and court officials were gathered. This was also a custom of the Great Jin, to celebrate the Lantern Festival with the people.
On both sides of the Bayue Pavilion sat the singers and musicians of the Xuanle Division, who were now performing melodious and beautiful music of universal celebration.
In the center, Emperor Qi sat at the head of the table. His usually stern face was much more relaxed today. Although he was wearing imperial robes, his expression was serene.
Looking at the brilliant lights below, he felt a sense of deep emotion.
For more than ten years since his ascension, the Great Jin had achieved this state of peace and prosperity through his diligent efforts, and a sense of pride surged within him.
He found everyone to be exceptionally pleasing to the eye.
To his left and right sat the Empress and Consort Wei, one in a majestic and opulent crimson and gold imperial robe, the other in a bright and dazzling crimson consort's robe.
Although they were locked in a fierce struggle behind the scenes, they maintained a facade of harmony.
The two women raised their cups to celebrate the arrival of the twelfth year of Tianqi. The Empress spoke first, "Today is the Lantern Festival. I, with a humble cup of wine, congratulate the Great Jin on its eternal prosperity and wish Your Majesty a long and joyous life."
"Well said, well said. The Empress's words deeply resonate with me. All my ministers, raise your cups and join me in celebrating the eternal prosperity of the Great Jin!"
"Cheers!"
At his command, everyone raised their cups in celebration, their faces beaming with smiles.
The Emperor and Empress drank in one gulp. Consort Wei added, "Your Majesty, the Empress is the mother of all under heaven, and her heart naturally cares for all. I, your humble consort, am not as magnanimous as the Empress. I only wish for Your Majesty's good health, so that I may accompany you more often."
"Good, good. I also like this wish of yours. I will spend more time with you in the future."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."
Consort Wei looked up at the Empress again. A bright smile still graced her face, her eyes sparkling as she cast a veiled glance at the Empress without speaking.
One was the wife of many years, dignified and generous; the other was a beloved concubine, charming and dependent. Emperor Qi enjoyed this polygamous bliss, which drew much envy.
Prince Yu stared at Consort Wei's neck for a long time, his lust aroused, but he knew he could not be presumptuous. He could only focus his attention on the wine cup before him, drinking cup after cup.
Prince Fu, sitting beside him, was not surprised. His brother, Prince Yu, had always loved beauties and fine wine more than anything else. It was not a big deal for him to indulge in a few cups of the imperial secret brew.
"Brother Prince Yu, this wine has a strong kick. You should drink less."
"Cough, it doesn't matter if I get drunk. This is not our brothers' affair anyway, so being drunk or not doesn't affect anything."
After saying that, he cast his gaze towards the old Prince Kang in front and pretended to be drunk, saying, "See? That's the uncle His Majesty relies on. We are merely here to fill the ranks."
Then, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Prince Kang, who was mentioned, was sitting closest to Emperor Qi. He was Emperor Qi's paternal uncle, and was of the same mother as the late Emperor. For many years, he had served diligently and never overstepped his bounds. His descendants were also mostly loyal and honest, posing no threat.
Therefore, Emperor Qi had always respected his uncle.
He picked up the golden goblet on the table, filled it to the brim, and said to the old Prince Kang, "Uncle Kang, you are the bedrock of our Great Jin. As long as you are here, I feel at ease. Taking this opportunity, I wish you a long life and ever-increasing vigor."
Upon hearing this, the old Prince Kang immediately rose with the old Princess Kang, the heir apparent, and the heir apparent's wife behind him, and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty is too kind. The Great Jin has achieved this prosperous era today entirely due to Your Majesty's wise governance. This old minister does not deserve the title of 'bedrock.' The prosperity and permanence of the Great Jin dynasty still depend on Your Majesty."
These words struck a chord with Emperor Qi. He drank the wine in his cup and then, after the old Prince Kang and his family also drank a cup, they dared to sit down.
On the other side, among Emperor Qi's generation, Princess Fulin was the most senior.
Wearing a dark blue princess's imperial robe, her well-maintained face showed no signs of age. Although her hair was streaked with silver, it did not make her look old, but rather added a touch of kindness.
Smiling as she looked at the lively scene below, she suddenly heard Xiao Tingyi on her left cough a few times. She immediately ordered, "Have more braziers brought over. Tingyi cannot bear the cold, or he will have to take those bitter medicines again."
The attending palace servants immediately went to fetch more braziers. Xiao Tingyi, however, appeared somewhat cold, "Imperial sister, there is no need for this."
His distant attitude displeased Princess Fulin and several other siblings behind her.
Princess Fulin worried more and more as she looked at him, "Despite the endless stream of tonics sent to your manor every day, you still cough like this? Did the last batch of Loquat Jade Dew not work?"
Loquat Jade Dew was specially purchased by Princess Fulin at a high price from a renowned physician in the southwest and immediately sent to Prince Ding's manor, but for some reason, it showed no effect.
She took a sip of warm water by her hand and remained silent. Although she was deeply moved by Princess Fulin's sincere concern, Xiao Tingyi still maintained his cold and aloof demeanor.
Having ties with Prince Ding's manor was not a good thing.
Emperor Qi's gaze quickly shifted to them. As the palace servants brought the braziers, the rich aroma of wine was enhanced by a touch of warmth.
"Is my seventeenth brother unwell again?"
Such solicitous care, who would not praise the imperial family's benevolence? Unfortunately, it did not impress Xiao Tingyi.
"Imperial brother, there is no need to worry. This subject truly feels unwell and wishes to withdraw."
"Very well, the night air is cool. Be careful on your way back." After saying this, he summoned the deputy general of the Imperial Guard, "Meng Da, escort Prince Ding back to his manor safely. There must be no mistakes on the way."
"Yes."
General Meng was Emperor Qi's confidant and had been coveting Prince Ding's army for many years. His eyes were fixed on Xiao Tingyi, like a hungry wolf staring at its prey, unmoving.
"Prince Ding, please!"
Yang Zhao helped him up. Meng Da followed behind. After he left his seat, Princess Fulin's eyes showed even more worry.