The guests began feasting, and soon the murmurs began.
"This food is incredible; I haven't tasted anything like it since I left home."
"It's Prince Zhao, isn't it? He's such a thoughtful soul."
"And the wine! It's the finest I've had in a while. I heard Prince Jun looked for a master to brew it. A man of impeccable taste."
"Yes, both Prince Jun and Prince Zhao have shown such consideration. But… What about Prince Jingxuan? Did he even contribute anything?"
"I haven't seen anything from him; maybe he's been busy?"
"Busy? It's a feast! One would think he'd at least offer a simple dish. It's really a shame."
"Well they say he's more interested in… other things. Not exactly known for his generosity, is he?"
"It's a pity; a Prince should be concerned about the people, but it seems he let us down this time."
Sun Jingxuan never said a word; instead, he smiled and took a sip of his wine.
Sun Jun looked at Sun Jingxuan scornfully and muttered, "useless."
Sun Zhao, sitting next to him, leaned in and whispered in his ear, "First brother, why didn't you prepare anything? You're the Crown Prince; you need to stay in the people's favor."
Sun Jingxuan smiled and waved his hands, "It's Alright."
"Wait, don't tell me it's because you're broke," Sun Zhao assumed.
Sun Jingxuan almost choked on his food. He cleared his throat and replied, "I'm not broke."
"You can always tell me if you're broke. Mother gave me a lot of money; I can give them to you. You need it more," Sun Zhao offered.
"Keep it for yourself; you'll need it. I'll sort myself out," Sun Jingxuan said.
"First brother, so you're truly broke? Unbelievable," Sun Zhao teased.
Liu Yi chuckled but quickly composed himself.
Before Sun Jingxuan could reply, he was interrupted by the sudden commotion outside.
"Eh, what's going on outside?" Emperor Hong asked curiously.
"I'll go give it a look," Yu Gonggong offered and bowed, holding his horsewhip.
Moments later, he came back and announced to Emperor Hong, "Your Majesty, the people demand an audience."
"What's going on?" One guest whispered to another.
"I don't know, maybe the people have something planned for His Majesty," the other guest presumed.
"Let them in," Emperor Hong commanded firmly, and seconds later, a group of people filed into the palace, from old to young. They all sank to their knees and bowed, their heads touching the ground. "Long live Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, thank you for remembering us; we're grateful," one of the men in the group said.
"Yes Your Majesty, I now have quilts, thanks to your grace."
"Me too," another commented. "I have enough wood to make a fire to keep me and my family warm."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we now have enough to eat."
"We're thankful for your donation, Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" They all chorused, bowing their heads in utmost respect.
Emperor Hong, looking confused, beckoned his trusted eunuch. "What's going on?" he whispered into his ear.
"Your Majesty, the people claimed that they received your donations through Prince Jingxuan and are here to submit a petition," Yu Gonggong answered.
"Your Majesty," an elderly woman spoke, "this is the petition signed by every member of the community to thank and appreciate you and Prince Jingxuan for your support."
The murmuring began again.
"Prince Jingxuan? I thought he didn't prepare anything."
"It looks like so far his gift is the best."
"This is something the people would never forget."
"He has the people in his mind after all. He's really fit to be the Crown Prince."
Emperor Hong gestured to Yu Gonggong, who accepted the petition and presented it to the Emperor.
Emperor Hong read the petition, where the people expressed their commitment to continue supporting him and also recognized Prince Jingxuan's ability to rule as heir. Emperor Hong's laughter filled the room. "I'm so happy about this, thank you, everyone."
"Yu Gonggong?" Emperor Hong called. "From now on, make sure the people have enough to eat and have their taxes reduced."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yu Gonggong responded, bowing.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they all sank to their knees once again, bowing.
"Mian li" (no need to kneel), Emperor Hong said, and they all rose to take their leave.
Emperor Hong ensured that carriages were prepared to convey them back; in his heart, the people mattered. Without them, it is impossible to rule.
He looked at Sun Jingxuan, his smile deepening. "Jingxuan, thank you. This gift will forever be in my heart. I'm happy to know you have the people in your heart."
"Fù Wáng (King Father)," Sun Jingxuan replied by placing one hand on top of the other in respect. "I'm happy to share your concerns."
Among the ministers, some showed their support for Sun Jingxuan, while some supported Prince Jun and Prince Zhao accordingly.
"First brother, you're amazing, how did you think of donating supplies in King Father's name?" Sun Shao gave a thumbs up to Sun Jingxuan as he chewed on his food, while Sun Jun, on the other hand, curled his fingers to a fist, hitting his thigh in anger.
The ceremony soon returned to its earlier cheer as dancers moved into the room showing off their talents; drummers drummed, everywhere was lively and joyous. When it was time to present gifts, each family approached one after the other, offering their gifts and well wishes to the Emperor.
Emperor Hong looked around the crowd, his eyes searching for someone, while Consort Yao smiled at him, placing her hands on his.
Suddenly, the doors to the room opened, and Ruyi walked in like she owned the room, with a veil over her face. Xiao Lan followed behind, holding a box. She bowed, bending her knees. "Ruyi pays respect to Your Majesty, Your Grace. Happy birthday, Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"
"Rise," he commanded. "Ruyi, you're here," a bright smile graced his face.
Ruyi retrieved the box from Xiao Lan and presented it to Emperor Hong. "Happy birthday, Your Majesty. I wish you a good and healthy life filled with happiness."
"Good, thank you, Ruyi," he said with enthusiasm then beckoned to Yu Gonggong to accept the gift.
"I heard from Her Grace that this is your favorite fruit. I couldn't think of what to bring, but I grew them myself."
Emperor Hong opened the box, and he was immediately impressed. He turned to Consort Yao, offering her a warm smile. "I guess My Lady knows me best."
Every eye in the room rested on Ruyi like a heavy weight, and they began to whisper.
"I heard she's so beautiful, but why is she still covering her face?"
"Do you think she's shy?"
"How can someone so outspoken be shy?"
"I heard she's going to perform today."
"I've been anticipating hearing you play. I know you won't disappoint me," Emperor Hong stated.
Ruyi's face fell and she immediately got on her knees. "Your Majesty, forgive me, I'm afraid I won't be able to play today."
"Yes Your Majesty," Consort Yao intervened. "Ruyi injured her wrist while preparing her gift, and the physician said she can't play for a while; if not, she won't be able to play anymore."
"What! let me have a look," Emperor Hong said in concern hurriedly.
"I'm fine, Your Majesty," Ruyi responded, taking a step back.
Jing Yan signaled her maid closer and whispered into her ears, "is that Ruyi everyone has been talking about?"
"Yes, My Lady, it's her. I heard even His Majesty has taken a liking to her."
"Really?" Jing Yan asked with curiosity.
"Indeed, My Lady," her maid, Linglong responded.
Jing Yan smiled, taking a sip of wine, "this Ruyi has certainly caught my interest."
"Ruyi, don't worry, I'll have the imperial physician examine your injury," Emperor Hong declared.
Shen Chun's face soured, obviously irritated before muttering. "Such a pretense."
Murmurs spread through the hall.
"What! summon the Imperial physician?"
"This daughter of the Xu family surely has a way of grasping attention."
"How does she have the support of His Majesty and Her Grace?"
"It seems she's someone we can't afford to offend."
"The imperial physician only attends to the royal family, doesn't he?"
"For His Majesty to summon him, that means he must care for her."
"I'm truly fine, Your Majesty. Physician Ji has already attended to me; thank you for your grace."
"That's very good then," Emperor Hong replied with a hint of disappointment.
"Since I can't play today, why don't I perform a dance?" Ruyi suggested.
"A wonderful idea," Consort Yao agreed, turning to Emperor Hong, "Your Majesty, what do you think?"
"Excellent," Emperor Hong replied.
Ruyi clapped, and an instrument was brought in: a guzheng, with long rectangular body and moveable bridges. Twenty-one strings stretched over its body, widely known for its sonorous sound.
As the music began, Ruyi produced a fan, painted with a serene lake and mountain. She took a step, the fan twirling like a bird in the sky. She extended her arms, the fan opening wide, revealing another painting of a phoenix. She spun, and her beautiful flowing peach silk robe accompanied her. The sleeve billow with each twirl, creating a mesmerizing pattern. All eyes were captivated. Emperor Hong nodded and Consort Yao smiled.
She spun and suddenly snapped the fan shut, the sound echoing in the grand hall. The fan opened and closed repeatedly, following her commands. She swept it across her face, a coy gesture, then extended, flapping gently as she posed with a smile, her body arched. With a final wave, she shut the fan, ending the dance.