Chapter 78 - 76: Great Events in the Court, a Grand Celebration for the Entire Nation

Chapter 78: Chapter 76: Great Events in the Court, a Grand Celebration for the Entire Nation

Translator: 549690339

Xia’s Imperial City.

The vermilion gates exude an ancient charm, the white jade steps are covered in fallen petals that break one’s heart, the colorful glaze tiles reflect dazzling brilliance, pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing water, all arranged with care.

Layer upon layer of exquisitely carved jade reliefs of palace buildings, countless elegantly designed corridors, and lush gardens adorned with exotic flowers and plants.

Even little eunuchs and palace maids, who had lived in the palace for several years, often had the amusing experience of taking the wrong path. It showed the vastness of the Imperial Palace.

However, this palace was originally built by the Yan Country, which had spent a great deal of resources, cutting down all the tall trees within a hundred miles radius. Now it had become the wedding dress for others.

Golden Dragon Palace.

All civil and martial officials held tablets in their hands, standing on the left and right, the hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Emperor Xia Yu Daocheng sat on the Dragon Chair, his old face looking down at the officials with bright eyes.

“Your Majesty, you can start the morning court session now,” whispered the eunuch in charge standing beside the Dragon Chair.

Yu Daocheng glanced over the officials and slowly opened his mouth:

“My beloved ministers, what has happened lately? If there’s nothing, let’s adjourn the court.”

His voice was calm, yet authoritative without anger.

“Your servant has a report to present.” A minister in a crimson robe slowly stepped forward.

“Speak, Minister Fan.”

The one who spoke was Fan Yan, Grand Secretary of Wenchang Pavilion.

Fan Yan began solemnly: “This year, we suddenly encountered a great drought.

I have asked Your Majesty to allocate grain from all over the world to Su Lake. However, there is a cult in the south that has repeatedly disrupted the grain transport route, causing the grain transportation plan to be abandoned.”

“A cult?”

Yu Daocheng narrowed his eyes with a hint of doubt, apparently, it was the first time he had heard of it.

“Yes, Your Majesty, this cult is called Raven Sect and has been growing rapidly in the south, causing great difficulties for our administration. Even in the capital, we can see their presence.” Another minister stepped forward to explain.

“Just a mere cult, send people to eliminate them. Issue my decree to have the Black Guards thoroughly investigate the Raven Sect and exterminate them.” Yu Daocheng said lightly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The minister nodded in agreement.

The Black Guards were specifically established as the emperor’s eyes and ears, somewhat like the guards before the emperor, but of a higher rank and more intimate.

There were many talented people in it, including dissatisfied cultivators, guest officials from Immortal Cultivation Sects, and cultivators struggling at a bottleneck. Those who really couldn’t make it would join the Black Guards and receive a generous salary.

He glanced around and announced the decision: “Tomorrow, let King Yan set out to the west to handle military affairs.”

“Yes.”

The ministers responded in unison.

“Why do I only hear about troubles? Isn’t there anything pleasant to report?” Yu Daocheng seemed a bit dissatisfied.

Minister of Revenue Liu Longqing stepped forward with a smile, “Your Majesty, it’s time to hold your sixtieth birthday celebration. The event was postponed because you were seriously ill some time ago. Now that you are on the mend, it is time to resume preparations. Don’t you agree, Lord Wang?” The Minister of Rites standing nearby also stepped forward and chimed in.

“Lord Liu is right.”

He paused and then added, “Furthermore, two days ago, a disciple from the Limitless Immortal Sect presented a longevity pill, claiming that it could prolong your lifespan, nourish your health, and help you recover.”

Hearing the idea of a grand birthday celebration, Yu Daocheng’s wrinkled old face finally showed a trace of a smile.

“Oh? Thank them on my behalf.”

Limitless Immortal Sect was one of the Five Immortal Sects from ancient times. If the history of the sect was to be traced, it would predate the Immortal Calendar. It was rumored that immortals had ascended from their sect, making them a truly great sect.

The relationship between Xia Country and the sect was quite close, and they generally cooperated with each other.

One managed the mortal world, and the other managed the cultivators.

They didn’t interfere with each other and took what they needed.

The sect wouldn’t care who sat on the Dragon Chair, as long as the mortal world was stable. Occasionally, they would send gifts to show friendly intentions, which was sufficient.

Xia Country wouldn’t interfere with the sect, as they already had enough headaches with people’s affairs.

Liu Longqing bowed and said, “According to the rituals, Your Majesty should invite the elders to the capital for a feast during the nationwide celebration. On one hand, it showcases your virtuous character by respecting elders, on the other, it demonstrates your youthful spirit and far-reaching ambitions to the world. Furthermore, it exhibits the benevolence of our Xia Country in respecting and valuing the elderly.”

After listening, Yu Daocheng nodded approvingly, feeling that it made sense.

But Fan Yan immediately objected, “Most old people are inconvenient to move around. Traveling long distances could cause them their lives. Besides, the disaster has not yet passed, so it is not advisable to hold a grand celebration at this time, as it would cost money and burden the people!”

Liu Longqing sneered and retorted sarcastically, “So are you suggesting that we don’t celebrate His Majesty’s sixtieth birthday, Lord Fan? Or is it that you don’t have His Majesty in your heart?”

“How could I mean that? I just don’t advocate for a grand celebration!” Fan Yan rebutted angrily.

Seeing them start arguing again, Yu Daocheng frowned and said:

“Feeding a few more people won’t matter much. I’ll foot the bill if necessary. Lord Liu made a valid point about educating the younger generation to value filial piety and respect the elderly. Those who can attend the feast will, but those who cannot need not be forced. Is that acceptable?”

Paying out of his pocket still meant taking from the people, and the nature of the matter remained unchanged.

However, Fan Yan had learned his lesson from the previous occasion and became smarter, not outright refusing but taking a detour, “This servant believes that the issue requires further consideration.”

Yu Daocheng waved his hand,

“There’s no need for further consideration. Lord Liu and Lord Wang will be responsible for handling matters related to the banquet and arrangements.”

“Let’s conclude the court session.”