In the 1,023rd year of the founding of Zhao Country in the Thick Earth Realm of the Western Continent of the Vast Sky Continent, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the tenth year of Emperor Zhengde's reign—which marked the fiftieth birthday of the Empress Dowager—the entire realm was in joyous celebration, wishing the Empress Dowager longevity akin to the Southern Mountains and boundless prosperity for Zhao Country.
Deep within the inner palace, outside the Empress Dowager's bedchamber, the small plaza was already laid with carpets and adorned with fresh blossoms everywhere, presenting a scene of great jubilation. A stage was set up facing due east, and seated below it was the guest of honor for the day: Empress Dowager Song.
Empress Dowager Song beamed with joy and radiance. All the civil and military officials had come today to offer their birthday greetings to her; truly, this was a golden age unprecedented throughout the land!
Chapter 134