The four seas were at peace, and everywhere the eye could see was a scene of prosperity. Looking upon this realm, Di Xin felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Yet the heavy daily affairs of state left him no time for anything else.
On the fourteenth day of the third month, in the brilliantly gilded city of Chaoge, Prime Minister Shang Rong stepped into the royal palace with a memorial in his hands, his expression grave as he went to report to Di Xin. Di Xin sat upon the dragon throne, looking utterly exhausted; the crushing weight of state affairs left him scarcely able to stand straight.
Shang Rong knelt upon the floor, holding the memorial high above his head with both hands, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, tomorrow is the birthday of Empress Nuwa. This humble minister earnestly begs Your Majesty to visit Nuwa Palace to offer incense, thereby showing our utmost sincerity and praying that the Empress will bless our dynasty with favorable weather and national peace and security."
Chapter 44