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墨書 Inktalez
May Pomegranate Blossoms is like fire, gradually entering the hot season as it welcomes the birthday of Kang Yuan Emperor. Bai Tang, dressed as a guard, followed the Fourth Prince into the imperial city. Unlike others who walked with their heads down in an orderly manner, Bai Tang eagerly observed the scenery along the way. This is the Palace, after all; who is as lucky as her to personally tour the Forbidden City from hundreds of years ago? It's worth noting that in modern times, she has never even visited the Forbidden City.
The majestic halls, expansive Square, splendid **, and deep, secluded paths… The buildings are magnificent and ancient, exuding a royal grandeur; within the Imperial Garden, there are towering pines and cypress trees, exotic flowers and unique stones, pavilions and terraces, winding pools and water pavilions, creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors; the eaves and windows are intricately carved, lifelike and exquisite.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is located at the center of the diagonal line of the Palace, known by all as the "Hall of Supreme Harmony." It is the largest among all the halls in the Forbidden City and also the most grandiose building. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is magnificent and spacious, symbolizing the supreme authority of feudal power. It features seventy-two large pillars with a diameter of one meter, six of which surrounding the imperial throne are decorated with dragon motifs in gold lacquer. Inside the hall are wooden pillars also coated in gold lacquer and an exquisite coffered ceiling adorned with dragons. In the center stands the symbol of feudal imperial power—the golden dragon throne, placed on a two-meter-high platform, with beautifully crafted cranes, incense burners, and tripods in front of it, while behind it is a screen carved with dragons. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is where major ceremonies are held by the emperor; to its east are Wenhua Hall, Wenyuan Pavilion, Shangzi Courtyard, and Nan San Suo; to its west are Wuying Hall and Imperial Household Department, resembling a mythical palace from legends.
The group’s destination is not the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but rather the Baohe Hall behind it. The Baohe Hall serves as both a banquet venue for ministers and nobles invited by the emperor and as the location for the final examinations of the Imperial Examination.
“Young Master Bai, in good spirits?” asked the Fourth Prince, stepping back slightly.
Bai Tang replied with a smile: “Being able to witness such a grand performance naturally puts me in a good mood!”
Hearing this, the Fourth Prince couldn't help but smile wryly; only Bai Tang would dare to act this way—royal authority was nothing more than air in her eyes! He recalled their earlier agreement about collaboration; only she would discuss business with a prince.
“After all, it’s my father and brothers; can’t you refrain from being so gleeful?”
Bai Tang rolled her eyes: “Isn’t it you who’s watching for entertainment?”
The Fourth Prince touched his nose and changed the subject: “Guards cannot enter the Baohe Hall, so you’ll have to bear with it.”
“It’s no trouble!” Bai Tang waved her hand; she wouldn’t be inconvenienced. She would enter the Baohe Hall openly without anyone noticing.
The Fourth Prince felt much more at ease; he had invited Bai Tang into the palace to find himself a capable bodyguard. Although this time it was his father and brothers who were pressuring him against the emperor, who knew if they would turn against their own brothers?
Upon arriving at Baohe Hall, the Fourth Prince entered alone, while Bai Tang moved to a corner out of sight and took out an invisibility talisman purchased from the marketplace, applying it to herself. Bai Tang confidently walked through the hall doors, where a banquet was laid out. The Fourth Prince sat at a table closest to the head, already occupied by five or six young men, including the visibly irritable Ninth Prince.
Bai Tang's gaze swept over the Ninth Prince, and she felt immensely pleased. She casually picked up a chicken leg and began to gnaw on it, completely ignoring the reactions of others when they noticed the chicken leg disappearing. The chicken leg tasted good, though it was cold. Looking around the table, not a single dish was steaming hot. Bai Tang pouted, no longer hoping to enjoy the delicacies from the Imperial Kitchen. She leaped onto a beam and leaned against a main pillar, munching on her chicken leg while observing the officials and royal family below, listening in on gossip.
About a quarter of an hour later, three cracks of a whip sounded, and the noisy hall fell silent immediately. With the sound of footsteps, Kang Yuan Emperor entered the hall.
"Long live Your Majesty!" Everyone except Kang Yuan Emperor seemed to shrink in stature.
"Rise!" Kang Yuan Emperor's authoritative voice resonated.
Bai Tang looked down at this emperor whose achievements surpassed those of his ancestors. The sixty-year-old man appeared spirited and rosy-cheeked, seemingly very pleased. However, his deep-set eyes glinted with coldness, and when his meaningful gaze swept over the Crown Prince and Second Prince, a hint of murderous intent slipped through—unfortunately, perhaps due to his pride, neither of them noticed.
Truly deserving of being an emperor who ascended at eight years old and changed his reign title twice, surpassing predecessors in both civil and military accomplishments. This aura and authority were not something actors on television could portray; those so-called professional emperors lacked even a fraction of Kang Yuan Emperor's imperial demeanor.
Bai Tang realized that the emperor's family were all born actors; their performances were such that even Oscar winners would fall short. The scene of paternal affection and filial piety made Bai Tang click her tongue in admiration. The segment where they presented birthday gifts left Bai Tang wide-eyed. They were all priceless treasures! How much could these fetch if brought back to modern times? Bai Tang wiped her mouth and pressed her eager hands down. The palace was not like the Ninth Prince's Mansion; stealing from here could lead to dire consequences!
"Father, I toast you! May you live as long as the pine trees on Golden Sands!" The Second Prince, also known as the useless prince, stepped forward with a wine cup raised to Kang Yuan Emperor. His face wore an expression of admiration and reverence; his demeanor was gentle and composed, causing many ministers watching this scene to nod approvingly—indeed, the Second Prince had changed significantly.
"Father, I also toast you! May you remain as eternal as Mount Tai and enjoy endless blessings!" The Crown Prince stepped forward as well; his bold manner won favor with the military officials.
The Fourth Prince lowered his head and took a swig of wine, a smirk playing at his lips—everyone thought themselves winners!
The emperor chuckled: "It's rare for both of you to toast me together; I must drink this cup whether I want to or not!"
The Second Prince glared fiercely at the Crown Prince: "What are you making a fuss about! I'll let you be arrogant for a moment, but once I achieve my goal, I will make sure to cut you into a thousand pieces!"
The Crown Prince responded with a meaningful smile: "The Mantis stalks the Cicada, unaware of the Oriole behind. You are destined to be my stepping stone."
Watching the Kang Yuan Emperor drink from his cup, the Second Prince stepped forward and said, "Father, I wish to ask you for something!"
"Oh? What do you want?" The Kang Yuan Emperor put down his cup and inquired calmly.
The Second Prince took another step forward, determination written all over his face: "I want the position you are sitting in right now!"
The Kang Yuan Emperor's expression changed drastically: "You dare! Are you planning to rebel?"
The Second Prince laughed wildly: "So what if I rebel? Isn't it because you forced me? If I don't rebel, I'm afraid the outcome will be that you force me to death! Father, you disregard our father-son bond for the throne; how can you expect your son to cherish that bond?"
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