Chapter 37: The Emperor’s Birthday

Chapter 37: The Emperor's Birthday

Soon, the Emperor's birthday arrived. Jiang Hui couldn't participate in the noon banquet at the Purple Extreme Hall but knew that despite the unresolved debates about opening markets with foreign nations, the Hun envoy still offered their sincerest goodwill by presenting the Khagan's own sister, Princess Ayiguli, as a gesture of sincerity.

The princess from afar was bestowed the title of Consort He, a second-rank consort. Her official ceremony of becoming a consort was set to occur three days later, but she was already invited to attend the evening banquet at Qian Nian Hall.

With not many high-ranking consorts in the palace, the sudden entry of a second-rank Consort He placed a significant burden on the other consorts' minds. Many arrived early at the banquet, curious to see the appearance of this new consort.

Since Nian Er was still young and evening banquets tended to be lengthy, Jiang Hui instructed Hong Ying and Shi Liu to briefly present the child at the banquet for customary greetings before returning him to Yao Hua Palace.

Once everything was prepared, she boarded her palanquin and slowly made her way to Qian Nian Hall.

The Emperor, having instructed the Empress to keep the banquet simple, arranged a family dinner different from the more extravagant noon banquet. Aside from the Emperor and the Empress Dowager's seats, only spots for the consorts and royal relatives were set.

The arrival of the noble consort was announced, prompting everyone to rise and pay their respects. Just before the banquet began, Chang Ping Grand Princess took the opportunity to bring Jiang Yun over for a chat with Jiang Hui.

Although only fifteen, Jiang Yun was already taller than Jiang Hui, his fair face tanned. He looked at Jiang Hui with a calmness beyond his years, respectfully calling her "elder sister."

He had matured beyond the brash youth he once was.

"Ah Yun," Jiang Hui greeted warmly, "now that you are betrothed, although the wedding is two years away, you're practically an adult. Take good care of mother and grandmother at home, understand?"

"Hmm," Jiang Yun nodded, his gaze briefly sweeping over the consort's seats, then he leaned closer to Jiang Hui, whispering, "Elder sister, that Min Jieyu, Li Fei, I can take care of them secretly for you."

Jiang Hui, startled at first, was then filled with warmth. She whispered back, "Just take care of things at home. I can handle the palace matters myself."

Chang Ping Grand Princess, watching her children whisper, gently reminded, "It's time, Ah Yun. Let's return to our seats. The Emperor will be here soon."

Chang Ping Grand Princess gave Jiang Hui's hand a squeeze before leading Jiang Yun, who looked back three times, to their seats among the royal relatives.

Jiang Hui then returned to her own seat.

Her seat was on the second tier of jade steps, closest to the Emperor's throne. Below her, dressed in exotic attire, was the new Consort He, followed by Xu Xiuyun and Min Jieyu.

"The Noble Consort seems to have a close bond with her family," a slightly accented voice commented, sounding unaccustomed to speaking the Central Plains' language.

Turning her head, Jiang Hui saw that it was Consort He from the seat below who had spoken.

"This must be Princess Ayiguli, I presume?" Since she hadn't been officially titled as a consort yet, Jiang Hui referred to her as a princess.

Observing the Hun princess, Jiang Hui noted her thick brows, high nose bridge, braided long hair, golden disc and silver horns adorned with colorful feathers on her head, short tight-fitting top with loose trousers underneath, and an overcoat. Although her skin wasn't as pale as Han women, it was smooth and delicate, truly a unique beauty.

Princess Ayiguli smiled at Jiang Hui, performing a foreign gesture, "Yes, it's me. I've taken a liking to you, Noble Consort, at first sight. May I invite you to join me in horse riding and falconry sometime?"

Her Mandarin was heavily accented and lacked formalities.

Jiang Hui, intrigued by the phrase "horse riding and falconry," nodded slightly, "If there's an opportunity."

Consort Xu, listening by the side, puckered her lips, interjecting, "The princess might not know that once you enter the palace, you can only go horse riding during the autumn hunt with His Majesty."

Ayiguli paused, seemingly unaware of this restriction.

Before she could respond, the eunuch's announcement of the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress' arrival echoed through the hall.

The room was soon filled with greetings and salutations before everyone took their seats.

The family banquet had no strict protocol. The imperial relatives and consorts presented their birthday gifts and good wishes, followed by a few courteous words from the Emperor, marking the start of the feast.

After the Empress Dowager finished her birthday speech, the Empress stood up first, holding a golden cup, "On this auspicious day of Your Majesty's birth, the whole nation rejoices. I offer this cup to Your Majesty, wishing you eternal life and endless blessings!"

The Emperor graciously responded to the Empress, drinking the cup of wine in appreciation.

The Empress continued, "Your Majesty, burdened with state affairs, I have personally sewn a few garments for you, hoping you will take care of your health."

Several palace maids brought forward a box of dragon robes, the five-clawed golden dragons embroidered with golden threads were vivid and meticulously detailed.

For the Emperor's birthday, the Empress chose to gift personally sewn garments instead of lavish treasures, showcasing her virtue and simplicity.

The Emperor was visibly moved, complimenting the Empress with a few more words, and personally toasted her.

Following the Empress, it should have been Jiang Hui, the Noble Consort, to present her birthday tribute, but she was interrupted by a voice calling out "Imperial Brother" from across the hall.

The highest-ranking imperial kinsman present was the senior Rui Wang from the Xiao royal clan, well into his seventies. Sitting below him was the Emperor's youngest uncle, Prince Jin, the son of the former Emperor, who had interrupted Jiang Hui.

The former Emperor had five sons; the eldest, Crown Prince Xiao Yan, passed away in his prime; his second son, Xiao Ye, the Emperor's full brother, died young; the fourth son, Prince Qi Xiao Xu, was demoted to a commoner for treason; leaving only Prince Jin, the youngest son of Empress Ning, seated with the Emperor in brotherly harmony.

Thus, the Emperor showed considerable leniency towards his only surviving brother, asking gently, "What is it, Prince Jin?"