At the imperial palace banquet, all officials of the third rank and above had been invited. Although Su Mingyu was not of high rank, she was a close confidante of Emperor Chen, and her seat was placed just below those of the six cabinet ministers. This banquet was held for two reasons: to celebrate the triumphant return of the Second Prince and to welcome the three princes of the Canglang State, and thus it was held with the highest level of ceremony. Su Mingyu sat alone, sipping her wine with a detached air.
Before long, Emperor Chen arrived, and everyone rose to kneel and pay their respects. The Emperor was in an excellent mood today; he downed three cups of wine as soon as the feast began and proceeded to heap praise upon the Second Prince.
"My son, Prince Rui, is truly heroic! To lead an expedition for the first time and crush the Jin Army—you are indeed fearless, a master of military strategy! Ce’er, you have achieved such a great merit, what reward do you desire?"
Chapter 79