The next day, the birthday banquet for Imperial Princess Zhaode was held as scheduled at Jinlan Cottage. This royal feast was hosted by the Emperor to celebrate his young daughter’s eighth birthday. It served two purposes: first, to delight the Princess and her mother, Consort Liu; and second, to gather the imperial relatives, nobles, and veteran ministers in one place, where, amidst flowers and wine, he could secure their loyalties. Consequently, the banquet was organized to the highest imperial standards. For three days prior, Jinlan Cottage had ceased accepting outside guests, focusing entirely on the meticulous arrangement of the venue.
The banquet was set in a courtyard in the northwest corner of the estate. The grounds were filled with flourishing peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and magnolias. Through the center of the courtyard wound a meandering stream, its clear waters adrift with pink and white petals. The air in the courtyard was thick with subtle, lingering fragrances. Dozens of black sandalwood tables were positioned along the stream, laden with a wide array of exquisite delicacies.
Yuling wore a light, white silk gauze gown, embroidered with pale blue magnolias and stark, rugged black branches. The negative space was filled with white snowflakes outlined in silver thread. Zhao Lanzhi had specially selected this dress for her and sent it to Tingyu Pavilion; although Yuling had prepared three outfits of her own, she found it difficult to refuse the Prince’s ge…
Chapter 38