Chapter 2348: 2345: Spirit Soap
Chapter 2348: Chapter 2345: Spirit Soap
“Miss Chu, it seems that only your mouth is tough. I wonder how long you can keep it up.”
“Don’t worry, Young Master Qi, I certainly won’t let you see me be the first to fall.”
The two exchanged sharp words, and outside, a Palace Attendant’s voice announced, “The Emperor and Empress Dowager have arrived.”
Everyone present stood up and knelt to pay their respects.
“We ministers greet the Emperor, wishing him ten thousand years of life, and the Empress Dowager a thousand years of life…”
Emperor Xuanming raised his hand slightly, “Rise, my beloved subjects. Today is New Year’s Eve, a grand day of celebration. Let us be seated.”
Everyone rose accordingly and returned to their seats.
Emperor Xuanming, accompanied by the Empress Dowager, sat at the top seat.
Alongside, the Empress had already taken her place on the other side beneath Emperor Xuanming, and favored concubines of beauty and above from the Imperial Harem were also present at this palace banquet.
As a result, there were quite a number of people.
Even so, several Princes sat next to the Empress Dowager and Empress.
The positions of the favored concubines were arranged further back.
Chu Ziluo’s seat was not too far away, but still, it was somewhat unclear to see the faces of Emperor Xuanming and the others.
Further away, minor officials probably couldn’t even hear clearly.
This made the front of the main hall very quiet, but at the back, where officials sat outside, it was a bit noisy, as they constantly sought to know what the Emperor was saying.
Fortunately, being distant meant that speaking softly wouldn’t reach the Emperor, as long as they didn’t look around too much, there was no problem.
The position of Hetu and others was also very strategic.
Prince Rong’s lower seat was Hetu and his men.
Above King Qi was Deng Jieyu, who harmed his mother, while Prince Rong sat closer to Emperor Xuanming, next to the Empress.
Below King Qi was the King of the Southern Border.
The arrangement didn’t go unnoticed by the court’s senior ministers.
Minister Qi’s gaze darkened upon seeing this arrangement, feeling that something might be beyond his expectations.
The banquet commenced.
During it, there were performances by palace dancers, but clearly, no one focused on the dance now.
Hetu, indeed, couldn’t contain himself.
“Emperor of Great Chu, today Hetu is honored to be invited to the banquet and brings a gift from my king of Beirong to congratulate you.”
Emperor Xuanming remained expressionless, “Oh? What gift has the king of Beirong prepared? I am quite curious.”
“Clap, clap.” Hetu clapped twice, “Bring the gift forward.”
Hetu’s guards, who accompanied him to the capital, carried in a wooden chest.
Hetu stood in the grand hall, personally opening the chest.
A red cloth wrapped item inside exuded a fragrant aroma, concealing its true nature.
“What is this?” Emperor Xuanming glanced at the chest and directly asked.
Hetu wasn’t here to keep people in suspense, he swiftly unveiled the red cloth before Emperor Xuanming.
Beneath the cloth lay an array of exquisitely carved, brightly colored, smooth-looking items.
Emperor Xuanming scrutinized them closely.
The Empress Dowager, catching the aroma, casually remarked, “It appears to be some sort of ointment? It smells nice.”
“The Empress Dowager is insightful; this is indeed Spirit Soap, developed by my Royal Court’s Spice Master, based on the method passed from Great Chu to Beirong, which is even smoother and more effective.”