THE EMPEROR'S BIRTHDAY
The sun shone brightly, its majesty was in harmony with what was happening below. On Yingtian Capital City. At Feng Tian Palace.
The Imperial Palace was vivacious today. The greatness of the Ming dynasty had soared to the eight corners. State leaders, as well as envoys from various nations came to the Palace. Some of them had the same skin as the Chinese, but many others possessed brown, black, and white skin. Their clothes, their manners, and their culture became a unique scene that filled the splendor of the Palace. Today, Feng Tian Palace became the busiest palace in the world.
In the spirit of greatness, the Ming Empire did not want to be half-measured in entertaining its guests. The palace was decorated as beautifully as possible. The most beautiful lanterns all around the country illuminated every corner, some hanged nicely on the ceilings and tree branches, some stood elegantly in the corners of rooms and gardens. Every room in the palace was full of unique adornments. Items and building parts that were damaged were immediately repaired and they even made it more beautiful than before. Viewing such magnificence, everyone would gasp their breath in amazement - they would even automatically praise, "I've never seen such grandeur before!"
Of course, it was not just the palace that was beautified, the people showed the good-looks too. All palace residents wore their best clothes according to their respective ranks. In addition, the emperor also invited each Fan Wang and their respective families to attend the grand celebration today. The emperor's birthday.
"Ah! It has been a long time since I came to Yingtian, Feng Tian Palace is much prettier than before!" Following the court ladies who led them into the palace, Hu Nayin praised the palace decorations in awe.
"I haven't come here for a long time either," Zhu Su replied. "But this time Feng Tian Palace is truly different than usual."
"You're right, Su! It's has been a long time until we meet again!"
Zhu Di had been standing before them. Zhu Su and his entire family immediately bowed in a respectful manner. "Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor!"
"Your Majesty, we, Su as well as the whole of my family wish you a happy birthday! May Heaven bless you with long life, health, and glory for eternity! May Buddha and The Deities are always with you!" Zhu Su wished him a happy birthday.
"Thank you, Su!" Zhu Di replied happily. "And how about you?"
Zhu Su replied reverently, "Thank you very much for your attention, Your Majesty, I am very well." He cast his astonished gaze around him. "Today Feng Tian Palace is stunning. I am sure every guest will praise it as the most beautiful palace in the world."
"Hahahaha! That should be, since we've put much effort into it!" Zhu Di laughed happily. "Ming is a superpower, a great country, therefore the greatness we show must be matched with greatness and splendor commensurate with it!"
Zhu Su also chuckled. They continued their steps, and also met with more and more people.
"Fifth Brother, long time no see." A man with an elegant appearance greeted him. He had a graceful manner, implying his high intellect.
"Chun!" Zhu Su said delightfully. "How are you? I hope you are well."
"The fresh nature, delicious tea, and beautiful music and poetry always accompanies me, I always live in grace." While answering, Zhu Chun - Shu Wang - moved his luxurious fan elegantly. Zhu Chun was Zhu Su's half-brother who was so graceful that he became famous in the country as "Graceful Xiucai (Cultivated Talent)". He was very fond of philosophy and religion, and had written many Buddhist scriptures such as Zhen Xin, Guan Dao, Chong Ben, and Jing Xian.
"I've also never seen you for a long time, Fifth Brother!"
Zhu Su turned his head. A man with a smart look was standing beside him. "You... Hui?"
Zhu Hui smiled. Just like Zhu Chun, Zhu Hui was Zhu Su's half-brother. He had great skills in management and administration. Even the Hongwu Emperor listened to his opinion in governing the country so much.
"We are separated by a very far distance. I'm in Changsha while Brother is in Kaifeng. We can meet each other only in such great events," Zhu Hui replied.
"Hence, we should value this opportunity," Zhu Su said cheerfully.
More and more Fan Wangs came forward. And also the significant figures. Ministers, generals, magistrates, and important guests from other countries. Zhu Su had even met the envoy from Ava.
"Your Highness Zhou Wang," The envoy bowed respectfully to Zhu Su. "My great pleasure to meet you here. His Majesty The King can't come because he is dealing with important business. As for I am bringing messages from him, as well as from the Queen Dowager and Princess, for you."
Meeting with the Ava envoy, Zhu Su could seemingly see his past time riposted. All the struggles he endured in a hard time as an escapist until he got the high appreciation from the king, and the help that the king gave him at the most crucial moment. It was a kind of memory that drained all forms of emotion and touched his heart so much.
"Please give my regard to the King, the Queen Dowager, and Princess," replied Zhu Su, "Yet actually I would love to meet face to face with them."
"The King is very concerned with you. He must be assured now, since you have successfully regained your Fan Wang title."
"Ah... His Majesty is too kind. I really owe him a lot."
The envoy now stared closely at Zhu Su. His eyes sparkled in oddity; and his closed mouth also twitched as if he wanted to say something, but still, his mouth closed tightly.
"Is there something important, Sir?" In response to the envoy's strange behavior, Zhu Su decided to ask.
"Uhmmm... no... nothing..." The envoy mumbled. "Nothing..."
The envoy was obviously hiding something from him, but because he was unwilling to reveal it, Zhu Su did not dare to insist. The envoy himself was now having long discussions with the Ming foreign minister and other foreign envoys.