Eternal Love: A Love Story Chapter 784 - Bullying The Emperor

The following day arrived, and the main palace, designated for the grand banquet, was resplendent with a profusion of flowers, brilliantly illuminated lanterns, and ornate golden draperies adorning the pillars, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The banquet hall buzzed with attendees, all adorned in the most precious and opulent royal attire and jewelry, for this was the celebratory banquet of the Ji Dynasty's most beautiful and beloved Princess, alongside the charismatic Prince.

Wen Xu had already taken her position within the banquet hall, seated at a level befitting her status, alongside Ji Cheng and Zhao Ming. Clad in a royal blue gown, the exquisite ornaments she wore clearly signaled the authority she wielded at this assembly.

She turned her attention to Consort Jia shi, who was engaged in conversation with a maid regarding the banquet's preparations. "Jia shi, your efforts in arranging this banquet are commendable. It is truly beautiful," Wen Xu complimented, a remark that visibly surprised Jia shi.

Jia shi immediately turned to face Wen Xu, offering a deep, grateful bow. "I am honored by the Empress Dowager's recognition. Though I felt I was still lacking, I dedicated my utmost to preparing for our royal twins' banquet," she replied with a smile.

Over the past five years, the Ji Dynasty had not only seen significant shifts in its political and economic landscape but, in Xiao Li's absence, the atmosphere within the palace had become markedly more compliant and respectful. This newfound deference was especially evident among the consorts who had once been aligned with Xiao Li.

The primary catalyst for this transformation was the evolution of the Empress Dowager. Upon her acceptance of Zhao Ming as a daughter-in-law and her subsequent bestowal of due respect, all the maids and consorts within the palace promptly altered their demeanor towards Zhao Ming.

Furthermore, Zhao Ming was not merely the Empress of the nation but also the future Empress Dowager, a title she would soon inherit upon Ji Xicheng's ascension to the throne. Given their own subordinate positions, there was no conceivable reason for them to oppose her.

Wen Xu was delighted by Jia shi's courteous response and impressed by her evident capability in managing the intricacies of the harem. The perception of Jia shi in Wen Xu's eyes improved with each encounter; she was no longer merely a consort from a less prominent lineage, but the Head Consort of the Ji Dynasty, adeptly overseeing the harem and orchestrating significant events.

-

[All, please stand. His Majesty and Her Majesty are entering with the royal twins.]

As the guests mingled in small groups, a guard stationed at the entrance stepped forward, striking his spear upon the ground to command attention before making the formal announcement.

Instantly, all activity ceased, and the attendees rose, forming two respectful lines to create a clear path to the throne.

Wen Xu, also observing the customary protocol, favored Crown Prince Ji Cheng and Empress Zhao Ming with a smile as they entered the banquet hall, flanked by their two young children.

Ji Yaling was resplendent in a beautiful royal blue gown, accented with a delicate flower clip in her hair. Likewise, Ji Xicheng was attired in a matching royal blue ensemble, his composed expression alone conveying the power he already possessed. Even at his young age, his charisma was undeniable; one could only imagine the presence he would command as a grown man destined for the throne.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ming was adorned in a regal red gown, intricately embroidered with golden patterns to complement Ji Cheng's own red and gold robes. Her hair was elegantly styled into a sophisticated bun, secured with a magnificent phoenix jade hairpin.

She followed Ji Cheng to their throne, her movements measured and graceful despite the weight of her elaborate dress. After years of dedicated practice, she had finally mastered the art of walking with elegance, no longer betraying a tendency to hop like a penguin.

'I can't believe it took me years to learn this simple Empress-like walk,' she mused internally, mentally chiding herself for her inherent clumsiness.

-

Once seated upon the throne, Ji Cheng surveyed the assembled guests who were bowing to him and commanded, "You may be at ease."

At his word, everyone straightened and offered their greetings to the royal family. The young royal twins were seated on miniature royal chairs positioned on either side of Zhao Ming and Ji Cheng.

Following the exchange of greetings, the performances commenced. Dancers gracefully took to the stage, their elegant movements synchronized to the rhythm of traditional music. A faint smile graced Zhao Ming's lips, a sign of her unexpected enjoyment, prompting her to wonder when she had developed an appreciation for such performances.

"Aren't you being a bit too obvious with your glare? Anyone would think you're bullying the Emperor," Ji Cheng teased, nudging her elbow. The playful jab elicited a feigned grumpiness from Zhao Ming, though inwardly, she fought to suppress her laughter.

Teasing the Emperor? Oh, that's clearly her favorite pastime.

-

Once the performances concluded and gifts, along with pledges of loyalty, were presented to the royal twins, Ji Cheng addressed the assembled crowd. "Before we proceed to the dining hall," he announced, his expression turning grave, which immediately shifted the atmosphere and piqued everyone's curiosity, "I have a significant announcement to make."

"In the esteemed presence of all the nobles and aristocrats," he continued, "I, the Emperor of the Ji Dynasty, wish to declare the establishment of a new institution. This will be a place dedicated to teaching and guiding children with an interest in medicine, under the tutelage of the Masters of medicine who have served the palace and the country with their unparalleled skills."

Ji Cheng's declaration sent ripples of surprise through the banquet hall. A medical institution? Such a concept was unheard of; previously, anyone keen on medicine had to find a master independently, and opportunities to learn were scarce. Consequently, only a handful of individuals pursued medicine as a profession.

Zhao Ming turned to him, a look of astonishment on her face, and nudged his arm. "What is this? You didn't mention anything about this to me earlier," she whispered, puzzled. He typically consulted her before implementing any major policy or announcement concerning the country or the palace, unless it fell into the confidential military or specialized domains outside her purview.

A smile touched his lips as he turned back to the assembly. "Just as we have schools for children pursuing general knowledge," he declared in a voice resonant enough for all to hear, "I intend to establish a school for medicine. Here, aspiring young minds can learn from our esteemed Masters and become well-trained physicians, ready to serve the nation in the future."

A collective gasp of realization spread through the attendees. They marveled at how such a beneficial idea, one that could foster widespread interest in medicine and cultivate a greater number of proficient doctors, had never occurred to anyone before.

"The medical school will be under the capable leadership of Master Li, who served as the Imperial Physician during the reign of the Late Emperor. His wife, Shen Jia, who has diligently cared for the imperial family in recent years, will also collaborate with him to oversee the institution's operations." Upon hearing this, Master Li, standing beside Shen Jia and Jia shi, was overcome with emotion at the recognition and bowed gratefully to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, we pledge our utmost effort to instruct the future generation of the Ji Dynasty, impart our accumulated skills, and forge a robust foundation for medicine, ensuring a brighter future," Master Li proclaimed, earning a well-deserved round of applause from the assembled guests.

After wandering the mountains for an extended period, he learned of the war that had erupted. It took him weeks to finally reach the palace, by which time Ji Cheng had already returned victorious from the conflict, having restored peace. He was profoundly relieved that Shen Jia, who had been missing, was already at the palace, had returned safely, and was tending to Zhao Ming.

If he had known she was already within the palace walls, he wouldn't have squandered his time searching the mountains for her and would have reunited with his wife much sooner.