Chapter 189 What Happened on New Year's Eve

The banquet tonight had been planned by the empress herself. Walking down the eastern corridor of Tianfeng Palace, one would eventually reach a small forest. Stepping through it, they would find themselves in the plum blossom courtyard. This was one of the three gardens near the palace. There was also an Osmanthus garden and a peony garden. The empress treasured these gardens and liked to have a banquet in each one according to season. They were always interesting to attend. The fruits and cold platters had been delivered long ago. The imperial concubines greeted each other warmly and gently. The palace grew busier and busier. There were no outsiders. This was a family banquet, so there was no need to be so formal. "His Majesty is here!" a eunuch outside said loudly. The imperial concubines went out and knelt, led by the empress. "Rise, everyone!" called the emperor. Emperor Zongwen of the Great Qin looked to be about fifty. He was a surpringly ordinary looking ma