Long Nian ca to a halt, and the court officials fell into a solemn silence. The attendants stood in formation, their long spears pointing skyward. Amidst the gaze of the masses, Long Nian's brocade curtains parted, revealing the graceful and imposing figure of Mu Yuyan.
Clad in a black and gold dragon robe, every gesture and movent she made seed to exude an innate nobility and elegance. This was the Empress—a figure of resplendent authority and unparalleled beauty.
Even in the capital city of Jing Nation, many commoners laid eyes on Mu Yuyan for the first ti. With just one glance, the people felt that their presence at this mont was justified, from queuing since dawn to kneeling now.
"Hail to Your Majesty!"
"Hail to Your Majesty!"
"Long live the Majesty! Long live!"
The mont Mu Yuyan appeared, the court officials bowed in unison. The commoners followed suit, so even falling to their knees in excitent.
The state of Jing Nation had been steadily improving, and so had the lives of its people. It was only natural to pay homage to the ruler, especially one as deserving of adoration as the Empress.
"Rise, my lords."
"I bid you all to rise."
"Today marks the birthday celebration of the little princess, a joyous occasion where formalities are unnecessary."
"This place is not the palace, and no one who sees needs to kneel."
Mu Yuyan's voice was calm and soothing, devoid of any sharpness yet commanding respect. It was what they called the deanor of a mature woman, reflected the musings of soone comfortably reclining in a carriage.
...
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Many thanks... many thanks to Her Majesty the Empress!"
Once again, both officials and commoners bowed in gratitude, this ti with even greater reverence. Mu Yuyan nodded slightly in acknowledgnt, no longer speaking.
With the assistance of palace maids, she descended from Long Nian. This was the protocol that must be upheld. Otherwise, with her temperant, she wouldn't bother with the sedan chair next ti.
At that mont, Lin Tan'er also erged from Long Nian. Following closely behind, Gu Lan carried Simu out.
"Hail to Prince Jingyang!"
"Hail to the little princess!"
Once again, the officials bowed, and the commoners continued their gestures of respect. This ti, their voices were filled with excitent, especially among the nurous cultivators who had co upon hearing the news.
Gu Lan, the pri hero who helped Jing Nation defeat Yu Nation, was the preeminent figure in the world today. Witnessing her was a sight to behold.
The birth of the little princess was a blessing bestowed upon Jing Nation, a harbinger of great fortune. These were the entities they were most grateful for.
"No need for excessive formalities."
Gu Lan had grown accustod to such scenes. However, Simu, nestled in Gu Lan's arms, observed everything with wide-eyed wonder, finding everything remarkable. Even within the swaddling clothes, a glimr of silver shone, as if a dragon were about to erge.
"Mumu! Behave yourself!"
Gu Lan gently tapped Simu's nose and sealed the sentient sword, which had recently acknowledged Simu as its master.
If the little one were to control the sword and fly around, not only would the ordinary folk be endangered, even martial practitioners would suffer injuries.
[Destiny: ???]
[Fate: ???]
This was Gu Lan's interpretation of Simu's aura. Having cultivated the heavenly path, neither Gu Lan nor Simu could see through it, perhaps defying the world's laws.
Such a destiny, fate, and extraordinary talent were bestowed upon Simu unimaginable power from birth.
Otherwise, the embryonic sentient sword wouldn't have acknowledged Simu as its master with just one glance. This blatant display of submission was hardly befitting of a sentient sword embryo with intelligence. It resembled more the actions of a sycophant seeking favor.
With Simu possessing the sentient sword, her destructive potential was even more astonishing. Therefore, while she was still unaware of the world, she must be closely watched. Not only for fear of her own safety but also to prevent her from harming others.
"Brother—"
As Simu realized she couldn't play with her new toy, her little mouth puckered. Beneath her long eyelashes, her eyes welled up, sparkling with tears.
"Ah, such a charming little troublemaker!"
Gu Lan sighed lightly, producing a Spirit Fruit from her hand. She had seen Simu's antics countless tis before. Every ti, there was only one goal—to acquire the Spirit Fruit.
Sure enough!
"Spirit Fruit!"
The mont the Spirit Fruit appeared, Simu wiped away her tears. Before the tears on her eyelashes could fall, she eagerly began nibbling on the Spirit Fruit in her arms.
Gu Lan watched with a mixture of amusent and resignation. He knew the little one was putting on an act every ti, yet he always gave in. After all, this human offspring was his daughter, and so adorable!
Gu Lan and Simu's parent-child interaction did not disrupt the birthday celebration festivities. The Empress cast a lingering gaze at them before gracefully entering the palace, allowing the court officials and commoners to enter the hall, where the ceremony and music comnced.
Mu Yuyan began the intricate rituals, even including Simu in the proceedings. As it was the birthday ceremony of the little princess and the first child of Mu Yuyan and Gu Lan, the court officials naturally treated it with the utmost solemnity.
"So, this is the royal protocol? Truly unparalleled grandeur in the world!"
"Of course! It's the first child of Her Majesty the Empress and Prince Jingyang."
"When she was born, there were seven-colored auspicious signs. Barring any mishaps, she's destined to be the next Empress!"
"We're so fortunate to witness the birth ceremony of the little princess!"
"Haha! What we've seen today is enough to brag about for a lifeti!"
The rituals took place in the palace hall, while the commoners could only sit in the outer hall.
Many couldn't see what was happening inside, but it didn't dampen their enthusiasm or their cheering. Imagine, which emperor of the four great dynasties would allow commoners to attend their children's birth ceremonies? Only the Empress of Jing Nation!
Not only did she allow commoners to attend, but she also arranged a banquet. Even before the ceremony concluded, delicacies were served one after another.
"Oh my goodness! Stead bear paw! I've only heard of it at the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, but this is the first ti I've seen it!"
"And there's more! Roast duck, roast goose, braised pork, braised duck, soy chicken, cured at, pine flower tripe..." Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire
"These are gifts from Her Majesty the Empress and Prince Jingyang!"
"Prince Jingyang said, that Jing Nation is not just the Empress's Jing Nation or the court's Jing Nation. Jing Nation belongs to every citizen of Jing Nation! We have the right to enjoy these delicacies, so don't be afraid!"
"Then let's eat!"
At first, so hesitated to pick up their chopsticks, but once one person started, others followed suit eagerly. These commoners, rich and poor alike, had never encountered such a feast before, especially one so delicious.
Everyone wanted to eat more, paying little attention to their manners. After all, what's more important than a full stomach?
The guards responsible for security watched the scene without surprise or disdain. Instead, each of them secretly swallowed saliva. They wanted to eat too!
At this mont, Sima Qin, who had just completed the rituals, quietly observed the scene. Normally, he despised people who lacked manners while eating.
Yet, as he watched the commoners' rough eating habits, he couldn't help but feel delighted...
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