Chapter 106.1

Chapter 106.1

The Banquet of Ultimate Bliss was held in a vast palace.

Under the arrangement of Li Linfu, the place was transformed into a vision of splendor. Various silks and fine cloths hung from above like auspicious clouds. The lighting shone brilliantly, illuminating the area as bright as day.

In the center of the palace, a huge pool was constructed, but it was not filled with water; instead, it contained clear liquor. The rich aroma of the alcohol wafted through the air, making one feel slightly intoxicated and as if they were floating in a celestial realm.

Delicious food and fine wines were in abundance and arranged neatly around the pool for everyone to savor freely.

In addition, Li Linfu arranged many performances, including court music, dances, illusions, and fire shows

The entertainment was non-stop, leaving the guests with no moment of boredom.

That evening, everyone arrived in their finest attire, accompanied by their families. The air was filled with the clinking of glasses and lively chatter.

Suddenly, a piercing voice rang out: His Majesty has arrived!

All heads turned as the crowd shouted in unison: We greet Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!

Lin Beifan, holding the hand of his Consort, approached slowly.

Taking a cup of wine from Eunuch Liu, he addressed the assembly of scholars and warriors with a loud voice: Tonight is the Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, where there is no distinction between sovereign and subject. Let everyone enjoy themselves to the fullest! I toast to you all, wishing everyone a prosperous New Year and success in all endeavors!

Thank you, Your Majesty! Everyone drained their cups in one gulp.

Lin Beifan took another cup of wine and declared loudly, I toast to everyone once more, wishing harmony in your families and success in every step!

Thank you, Your Majesty! Everyone drank up once again.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

This final cup!

Lin Beifan said with emotion, To the Great Xia, may all nations come to pay tribute; may it prosper for all eternity!

To the Great Xia, may all nations come to pay tribute; may it prosper for all eternity! Everyone drank the third cup of wine.

Alright, with the three cups of wine passed, let the music play on and the dance continue!

Lin Beifan waved his hand, Please feel at ease, dont mind me!

As you wish, Your Majesty! the crowd responded.

Following that, Lin Beifan took the Consorts hand and ascended to the elevated royal throne to sit down.

Then, together with the officials, he enjoyed the performance.

The officials gradually became more relaxed after seeing that Lin Beifan paid them no heed.

Wine Sword Immortal and Ouyezi engaged in a drinking contest.

The Grand General and the Prime Minister, two old men, also competed in drinking, one using a bowl and the other a cup.

The several former Emperors watched the song and dance together, clapping and cheering.

Empty Hand Master roamed the entire venue, playfully stealing everyones belongings and then returning them.

The other officials sat casually, a scene of peace and prosperity filled with song and dance.

Your Majesty, this is the fine wine from Lanling, please enjoy it at your leisure!

Lin Beifan took the fine wine and couldnt help but recite aloud, Lanlings fine wine, fragrant as tulips, served in jade bowls with the glow of amber! If only the host can intoxicate the guests, then who cares where ones homeland lies!

Excellent! The crowd around him cheered in approval.

Originally around 300 pounds, he now weighed at least 400 pounds, resembling a small behemoth.

Additionally, his aura had intensified. He walked with a fierce and commanding presence, exuding an overwhelming murderous air that made it difficult for others to look him in the eye.

Ignoring everyone around him, he approached Lin Beifan, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and shouted loudly, I, An Lushan, your humble general, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!

Lin Beifan smiled slightly and said, General An, please rise! You were supposed to be guarding the northern borders; what brings you back to the capital?

An Lushan said anxiously, Having not seen you for several months, I have missed Your Majesty immensely, to the point of sleepless nights! During the joyous festival of the New Year, I couldnt resist returning to pay my respects to Your Majesty. I beg for your forgiveness!

Lin Beifan laughed heartily, You have me in your heart, and your loyalty is commendable. Youve disobeyed military orders to return to the court, but what crime is there in that? How are things in the north? Has the recruitment of troops been going smoothly?

Reporting to Your Majesty, the northern frontier is now very stable! The Great Yues military forces are insufficient, so they dare not harass us. Faced with our Northern Defense Army, they retreat a good distance, which is why I dared to return to pay my respects to you! Additionally, the recruitment for the Northern Defense Army is going very smoothly! In another two months, I will surely be able to train a powerful army capable of fighting well for you!

Lin Beifans face lit up with joy, Excellent! General An has rendered great service to the court. Bring wine as a reward!

Someone brought over a jar of fine wine, and An Lushan drained it in one go, showing great boldness.

Your Majesty, I returned in such a hurry that I did not prepare any gifts, which was remiss of me! How about I perform a dance from the Hu people to liven up the mood?

Lin Beifan declared loudly, Granted! General An, since you have such refined tastes, why dont I play the drum for you?

Your Majesty, arent you tormenting this humble general?

The Minister worries too much. Today is the Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, where ranks and hierarchies dont matter. Bring the drum!

And so, An Lushan danced the foreign dance while Lin Beifan played the drum.

An Lushan, holding a sharp curved saber, rhythmically patted his round belly while his body vibrated with rhythm.

Lin Beifan struck the drum with both hands, equally adept.

The first time the two collaborated, they surprisingly worked together in perfect harmony.

Excellent! Everyone clapped their hands in applause.

Lin Beifan, caught up in the excitement, leaped down from the throne, beating the drum while engaging in a dance-off with An Lushan.

The two moved close to each other, then apart again.

At the closest point, An Lushans curved saber was less than a foot away from Lin Beifan.

Observing the defenseless Lin Beifan, An Lushans eyes sharpened with the thought of slashing him with his blade, knowing that such an act could lead to a change of dynasty.

But he quickly concealed the murderous intent in his heart.

The time was not yet right!

If Lin Beifan is killed now, he wont be able to get out, and there will be no talking of imperial conquests!

Just wait a little longer, it will soon be done!

The dance ended quickly, and the audience once again applauded and cheered.

***

Sponsored Chapter by Drangonk105

6/16

We are currently recruiting. CN/KR/JP Translators/MTLers are welcome!

Discord Server: https://discord.gg/HGaByvmVuw