The Emperor pinched her little nose.
He was showing the whole world how much he adored his daughter, and he had spared no expense for the occasion. There were one hundred and eight dishes on the menu, showcasing all eight great culinary traditions of the realm. Every single dish had been prepared by a master chef brought in from its region of origin. The food alone was enough to draw a crowd, but he had also summoned dancers trained by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Such a level of pageantry was typically reserved only for grand sacrifices or the Emperor’s own milestone birthdays.
The imperial kinsmen, high-ranking officials, and their noble wives knew exactly what this meant. In fact, ever since the Emperor had brought the Little Princess to court, they had understood that they must never offend her. The Emperor’s display today was merely to reinforce that memory, ensuring they all understood the gravity of the situation and would treat his daughter with the proper respect.
Chapter 19