CHAPTER 483: CHAPTER 483: PALACE BANQUET ARRANGEMENTS

Shortly after the Third Prince left the capital, Shengjing City became lively again.

The turmoil surrounding the Fifth Prince being established as the Crown Prince had not yet settled down.

A new wave emerged.

That was because the Imperial Armor Army, led by the Fourth Prince, finally returned at the end of June.

The people lined the streets to welcome them, and civil and military officials respectfully waited at the West City Gate.

And the Emperor, under the scorching sun, stood atop the city gate, silently gazing into the distance.

Soon, the sounds of their unified and grand footsteps and horse hooves grew closer.

When the figures of the Imperial Armor Army soldiers appeared before everyone’s eyes,

cheers and jubilant cries fervently erupted.

Before long, they all stood firmly in front of the West City Gate.

Each one stood tall and proud, yet without arrogance.

The Fourth Prince led on horseback, loudly addressing the Emperor on the city gate.

"Your loyal minister fulfilled Your Majesty’s trust, having subdued Great Yu this time, and the traitorous leader has been executed. Heaven blesses Da Wei with prosperity for ten thousand years."

As his words fell, the Imperial Armor Army also shouted.

"Heaven blesses Da Wei, prosperity for ten thousand years."

"Heaven blesses Da Wei, prosperity for ten thousand years."

"Heaven blesses Da Wei, prosperity for ten thousand years."

Just like when they set out to aid the Northwest, but upon returning, there was more assurance and humble brilliance.

The Emperor stood atop the city wall, looking down at the endless Imperial Armor Army.

He felt greatly touched inside.

Establishing a virtuous reign as an enlightened monarch, gaining loyal generals for the welfare of the people.

This, he accomplished after spending twenty years.

In the future, he would continue to uphold this attitude and firmly maintain the reign of Da Wei.

Thus, he loudly said a sentence.

"Brave warriors, you have labored hard. I have prepared everything to reward the three armies!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Now the National Treasury is abundant, and the Emperor stands tall.

These are the warriors who shed their blood for the country, deserving of good rewards.

Among the civil and military officials, led by Scholar Zeng, a few civil servants stepped forward.

Though the sun had slightly unsteadyed their steps,

their eyes were still full of respect and caution when facing the Fourth Prince and the Imperial Armor Army.

Speaking up on behalf of all ministers.

"The return of the Fourth Prince and soldiers is a blessing for Da Wei. With you here, we feel secure."

After saying this, they respectfully bowed deeply.

This bow, the Fourth Prince and the Imperial Armor Army are worthy to receive!

After accepting it firmly, the Fourth Prince did not forget the customary words to say.

Speaking to the long-waiting ministers and citizens.

"This is our duty, esteemed officials praised us."

Scholar Zeng is not a hypocritical and perfunctory man.

After all, his son is now the Crown Prince’s companion, clearly indicating the Emperor’s favor towards the Zeng Family.

And the Fourth Prince is the "sworn kin" of the Imperial Concubine.

Thus, equally a strong support behind the Crown Prince.

Therefore, thinking about this, he straightened his back and then made way.

"Prince, please."

"Thank you."

Generals of third-rank and above followed the Fourth Prince into the city on horseback.

Wherever they went, the citizens welcomed them.

The remaining soldiers retreated ten miles, camped outside the city.

Planning to rest for three days before departing for Huazhou.

Inside the city, voices rose, and people hustled.

And outside the city was no idle.

Thousands of cooks, conscripted from the populace, had already begun preparing food and drinks.

Ensuring that all the tens of thousands of soldiers were well-fed and satisfied.

The Emperor descended from the city gate, seated in the royal carriage.

The Fourth Prince accompanied by generals followed behind.

This was more reassuring than even being followed by the Imperial Guard.

Upon entering the palace, into the Purple Light Hall.

The banquet to welcome and wash away the dust had already been prepared early.

Lin Wanyi accompanied several Princes and Princesses, standing under the porch.

Seeing the Emperor and the Fourth Prince and others enter the hall, her exquisite face was full of smiles.

"This concubine has seen Your Majesty."

"This child has seen Father Emperor, seen Fourth Uncle Grandfather."

In truth, it was only the Second Prince and Second Princess who could articulate these words clearly.

The others followed suit and uttered a syllable.

The Sixth Prince remained in swaddling clothes, did not come out today.

And the five little ones that came, each dressed finely, yet not overly prominent.

Even the Fifth Prince, though he had already become the Crown Prince, was the same.

It was at this time that the Emperor saw clearly what Lin Wanyi wore.

A light veil of cloud blue color, a long skirt of autumn fragrant color.

Elegantly embroidered with some patterns, without being ostentatious.

Compared to past dressings of Lin Guifei and Imperial Concubine Yi, it appeared quite "plain".

Especially hair like ink, only tied with a jade hairpin.

Clear and unparalleled beauty, yet lacking some of the grandeur and majesty of the Heavenly Family.

The Emperor glanced at her, feeling gratified inside.

When their eyes met, everything was understood without words.

But it was the just-returned Fourth Prince who evidently understood her intent.

Fearing misinterpretation from others, he clasped his hands and said.

"Imperial Concubine, Crown Prince, Princes and Princesses care about those soldiers who sacrificed for Da Wei’s peace, this old minister is deeply moved."

Hence, those ministers who initially felt Lin Wanyi could not hold the scene responded.

Her outfit seemed elegantly simple, aimed at honoring the heroic spirits.

Those living can stand here today, it is their good fortune.

Yet, indeed they should not forget the soldiers who sacrificed.

Lin Wanyi also had this in mind.

Stepped forward and said.

"I am merely a concubine of the harem, unable to assist in affairs of the previous court. The Fourth Prince’s thanks, this concubine accepts with shame; you are truly the loyal warriors of Da Wei. With you watching over Da Wei and Your Majesty ruling, we indeed share the honor."

These words were simple and straightforward, yet also displayed Lin Wanyi’s distinction from others.

She never considered herself as high and esteemed palace concubine.

Nor felt that all should bow in submission before her.

Instead, she had a sense of equality and gratitude, to treat people.

This made everyone present feel as if a gentle breeze with clear moonlight brushed their faces.

And those wise ones started to understand why, eventually, victory belonged to her.

The Emperor looked at Lin Wanyi with loving protection.

As she spoke these words, the Emperor’s mouth was always adorned with a smile.

After consecutive exits of people from the palace, palace affairs could only be handed over to Lin Wanyi.

Fortunately, there were no excess concubines in the harem.

She only needed to check accounts once every ten days, making some decisions on palace affairs.

However, the banquet celebrating and welcoming is very important.

This was the first time ministers saw her in charge.

Therefore, it cannot afford mistakes.

Although she had never previously handled similar palace affairs.

But with Qin An and Qiu Ming, the matter was handled well.

At the banquet, Lin Wanyi’s seat was slightly lower than the Emperor’s.

Not long after sitting down, the Emperor rose, holding wine.

Speaking with a stern expression.

"I toast with this wine to the soldiers who returned to their homeland, thanking them for their contribution. Henceforth, I vow to ensure a peaceful and prosperous era for everyone!"