Chapter 4

As the grandson and grandfather arrived around lunchtime, the mansion's servants were busy preparing food for them. In the main hall, the two grandsons and their grandfather caught up on everything. Zhao Yang also discovered the reason behind their return. His grandfather would be retiring from his position as general, with his brother taking over. His brother would no longer need to go to the borders unless there was a threat of war, which meant both his brother and grandfather would be staying with him. The reason for their delay was their visit to the imperial palace to discuss matters with the Emperor. Additionally, when they entered the mansion, Zhao Yang noticed large boxes being transported inside. When he inquired about them, the old man explained that they were rewards bestowed by the Emperor in recognition of their years of service at the borders.

Lunch was a joyous affair as the three of them sat down and savored their meal until they were pleasantly stuffed. Laughter filled the room as they chatted and relished each other's company, lifting the spirits of the servants who felt the warmth of a lively mansion for the first time in a decade. Exhausted from their long journey, Zhao Yan and Zhao Ai decided to retire early to bed, and the rest of the mansion followed suit, embracing the peaceful night.

Amidst the slumber that enveloped the entire Zhao mansion, one person remained wide awake. Zhao Yang found sleep elusive, or perhaps he consciously avoided it. Engrossed in his cultivation for the past week, he often resorted to brief naps whenever he could spare the time. Unfortunately, his dreams were consistently haunted by memories of his past life as Ming Chen and the pain inflicted upon him by his own family. Reliving those moments in his dreams was unbearable, and he yearned to distance himself from that painful past. Instead of succumbing to sleep, he chose to continue his cultivation.

In one of the books he had read, it mentioned that as one's cultivation and foundation strengthened, trivial matters like sleep and hunger would become less of a concern. Yet, many people still slept and ate despite their advanced cultivation, for those basic human needs served as a constant reminder of their mortality and the fragility of life. Although he couldn't fully grasp the correlation, Zhao Yang understood the importance of embracing his humanity, even in the pursuit of power.

In the early morning, as the pair of grandsons and their grandfather joyfully indulged in breakfast, an unexpected visitor arrived unannounced. It was a palace eunuch, bearing a message from the Emperor for the Zhao family.

"The Emperor has summoned a banquet to celebrate General Zhao's safe return and the promotion of Captain Zhao Yan to the new general. Additionally, it will be announced that Zhao Ai will retire. All members of the Zhao family are expected to attend," the eunuch respectfully conveyed the Emperor's words. The banquet was scheduled for the following day, prompting the head butler to engage a skilled tailor to fashion new robes for the three of them.

As the day of the banquet arrived, Zhao Yang felt unusually nervous compared to his brother and grandfather. This marked his first visit to the imperial palace, and despite reassurances from his family, he couldn't shake off his apprehension. A grand carriage awaited outside the Zhao mansion, a mode of transportation unfamiliar to him. 

Having mostly confined himself to the mansion since taking over this body, much like the previous Zhao Yang, he had little experience venturing outside—except for that one time. Accompanied by his grandfather Zhao Ai, he took his place in the carriage, while his brother preferred the company of his horse.

Anticipating a grand spectacle reminiscent of what he had seen on television, Zhao Yang couldn't determine whether he felt disappointed or surprised as he gazed upon the imperial palace before him. Despite the fantastical nature of the Da continent, many aspects of its traditions, clothing, and culture mirrored ancient China. However, the palace in front of him lacked the dignified and orderly aura he had come to expect from television portrayals. The guards' uniforms appeared haphazard and frail, as if a gust of wind could easily blow them away.

"Yes, disappointed, that's what I'm feeling. Hopefully, the inside looks better than the outside," Zhao Yang thought to himself, but he had set his expectations too high for the imperial palace. However, as he and his family were escorted into the main hall where the banquet was being held, his surprise surpassed any disappointment he had felt earlier.

The hall dazzled with bright lights and vibrant decorations. Rather than exuding the solemnity befitting a celebration of a war hero's return, it resembled more of a lively circus. While the Ming family lacked royal status, their parties in Dandong City were the talk of the town.

Zhao Yang couldn't help but wonder if the Emperor intended to mock his family with this absurd banquet. Glancing at his brother and grandfather, he sought their reactions. Despite spending a few days together, he had come to realize their immense pride.

To his astonishment, neither of them displayed any hint of surprise on their faces. Confusion engulfed Zhao Yang. "Could it be that this is how the royal family typically hosts a banquet?" he pondered. The Zhao family arrived punctually, but there were already people present. Observing their expressions, any doubts he had were dispelled. The ministers who had arrived earlier approached his brother and grandfather, greeting them with deference.

One might expect his grandfather to boast about his eldest grandson's remarkable achievements at such a young age. However, it turned out that the person being praised was Zhao Yang himself. This unexpected recognition left him perplexed.

The banquet commenced, and guests entered one by one, paying their respects to his grandfather and brother. Occasionally, they extended greetings to Zhao Yang as well. He responded with polite acknowledgments, adhering to basic etiquette.

Finally, the banquet concluded. As for the events that transpired during the feast, even Zhao Yang was unsure. Once the Emperor made a lengthy speech, everyone indulged in wine and food. Unlike modern parties that allowed mingling and standing, this affair required guests to be seated. If someone wanted to propose a toast, they had to rise before the entire hall. Zhao Yang also discovered that the Emperor himself had personally overseen the preparations for this banquet, a task usually delegated to the head eunuch or the Empress. Given that it concerned his grandfather, the Emperor took it upon himself.

From that day forward, his grandfather would no longer hold the title of general, while his brother would ascend to the position. "Ah, what a hectic day. I should remind myself never to attend a royal banquet again," Zhao Yang reflected wearily.