funbook-pk Chapter 504 A successful ending
Chapter 504 A successful ending
It's not over yet?!
Under the emperor's expectant gaze, three "hoo! ho! ho!" sounds rang out, and the character "寿" (longevity) dispersed accordingly.
Forty-one strong men quickly stepped forward, each holding a huge banner!
The flags fluttered in the wind, and the large characters embroidered with gold thread, such as "Long Live the Emperor," "May the Mountains and Rivers Live Forever," and "May the Sun and Moon Shine Brightly," shone brightly in the sunlight.
Forty-one banners symbolize forty-one of the most beautiful wishes.
The men, holding up the banners, ran and danced in the square, bringing the atmosphere of the entire ceremony to its most enthusiastic climax.
With this, the birthday celebration in Liangzhou was completed.
However, neither the emperor nor the officials moved.
Everyone held their breath, as if still waiting for the next surprise.
"Father, the Liangzhou delegation's birthday celebration has been a complete success! We wish Your Majesty eternal glory, an everlasting empire, and a long and prosperous life!"
Prince Jing bowed deeply to the emperor, his loud and excited voice breaking the silence.
It's really over.
As the emperor looked down at the square, the scorching heat deep within his chest did not subside; instead, it surged even more violently against his heart.
The astonished discussions of the courtiers and the common people flooded into the emperor's ears like a tidal wave, and the images from just now kept replaying in his mind.
"it is good!"
A deep, trembling cheer finally burst forth from the emperor's throat.
"What a wonderful phrase, 'The sun and moon shine together,' what a wonderful phrase, 'The mountains and rivers live as long as the earth!'" The emperor's voice resounded throughout the land, filled with undeniable admiration: "The people of Liangzhou have put their hearts into this with utmost sincerity and ingenuity! I am deeply gratified!"
As soon as these words were spoken, a thunderous roar of congratulations erupted:
"May His Majesty live a long and prosperous life!"
"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"
A wave of cheers rose and fell, and Chengtianmen Square transformed into a sea of celebration.
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, the emperor slightly turned his head and whispered a few words to Changfu beside him.
Chang Fu's eyes trembled, but he dared not delay. He strode to the edge of the city wall and his shrill voice pierced the sky: "His Majesty has decreed that the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation is commendable for its loyalty and bravery, and its ingenuity is unique. All members of the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation shall be granted gold and silk and exempted from taxes for three years! All of Liangzhou shall share this favor! Furthermore, the entire Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation shall be granted a banquet at the Guanglu Temple!"
The moment this decree was issued, everyone present was astonished!
This reward is truly immense!
It's really enviable.
Some officials couldn't help but secretly berate themselves for not thinking of having their hometowns organize a birthday celebration delegation to the capital to celebrate the emperor's birthday.
Otherwise, they would be the ones basking in the limelight and receiving the rewards today.
Prince Jing was so excited that his body trembled slightly. He was certain that the honor bestowed upon the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation today would also belong to his Prince Jing's mansion!
Prince Jing couldn't help but glance at Crown Prince Mu Yao, only to find the other's expression calm, with no discernible emotion in his eyes.
Prince Jing curled his lip, too lazy to look at Mu Yao's "dead face" anymore, and instead gave Liu Congnan, who was nearby, a grateful smile.
If Liu Congnan hadn't suggested to the emperor that he be allowed to greet the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation, he wouldn't have been able to share in their glory.
Upon noticing Prince Jing's gaze, Liu Congnan quickly suppressed his inner turmoil and bowed to Prince Jing in return.
If he could, Liu Congnan would not want Prince Jing's gratitude.
After all, his original purpose was not to let Prince Jing shine in the spotlight today.
Liu Congnan's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing within them, as if he were plotting something...
Behind Mu Yao, Gu Yan's clenched fists were already white at the knuckles.
He looked down at the figure below who, though needing support, shone brightly, his heart filled with both pride and heartache.
He spearheaded the organization of the birthday celebration delegation from Liangzhou, which was not prepared with so many elaborate preparations when it set off from Liangzhou.
The fact that the birthday celebration group performed so well today is something he can't think of anyone other than Cheng Wan who planned it.
Gu Yan's cold and stern brows softened slightly, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
Cheng Jia's Awan, no matter where she is, always shines with the most dazzling brilliance.
The people of Liangzhou on Chengtianmen Square had no idea what the important figures on the city tower were thinking. After hearing the emperor's decree, they were stunned in disbelief for a moment, and then burst into wild cheers.
Their faces flushed with excitement, they knelt down again in unison, their shouts shaking the heavens: "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"The sun and moon shine together..." The emperor listened to the excited shouts of "Long live the emperor!" from the people of Liangzhou, and a deep smile appeared on his lips: "It's time for the world to have some new beginnings."
The Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation left in an orderly manner, and the forty-one brocade banners were solemnly accepted and put away by the palace guards.
The emperor led his officials out of Chengtian Gate, but on the way to the birthday banquet, many officials were whispering among themselves.
The conversation revolved entirely around the astonishing congratulatory gift from Liangzhou and the Emperor's extraordinary generosity in bestowing upon it.
"Sir, what should we do next?" Wei Hufeng asked in a low voice, slightly behind Liu Congnan.
Despite Wei Hufeng's best efforts to conceal it, his face still betrayed his unpleasant expression, which was mixed with a hint of panic.
Cheng Wan returned to Beijing alive.
Cheng Wan brought the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation to the emperor.
Cheng Wan somehow ended up getting involved with Prince Jing.
These incidents, one after another, gave Wei Hufeng a chilling feeling.
In particular, Wei Hufeng thought of the wooden plaque with the character "Wei" that had been presented to the emperor as evidence.
Why would the people who intercepted and killed Cheng Wan leave behind such a wooden sign?
Wei Hufeng dared not delve too deeply into the reasons behind it.
Although the emperor did not connect the wooden plaque with himself, and only asked a few casual questions.
But for some reason, Wei Hufeng had a bad feeling.
This ominous feeling reached its peak after watching the Liangzhou birthday celebration delegation's gift presentation today.
Liu Congnan's expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, "Next, we will naturally attend His Majesty's birthday banquet. Could it be that Lord Wei has other plans?"
Looking at Liu Congnan's cold and indifferent profile, Wei Hufeng suddenly felt a chill: "M-Sir, I did everything according to your wishes..."
“Lord Wei, be careful with your words!” Liu Congnan stopped and turned to look at Wei Hufeng, who looked alarmed. “Lord Wei and I are just officials in the same court. We occasionally chatted in private. What Lord Wei has done or what he wants to do in the future is none of my business.”
The sun was still high in the sky, but Wei Hufeng felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and his whole body was cold.
Liu Congnan stopped looking at him, turned around and continued forward with the flow of officials, leaving only a light, dismissive remark: "Lord Wei, take care of yourself."
Wei Hufeng stood frozen in place, watching Liu Congnan's back disappear into the crowd, feeling that the sight of that back was more piercing than the cold wind of December.
Wei Hufeng blinked unconsciously, then suddenly realized that Liu Congnan had never directly told him that he wanted Cheng Wan dead.
How did he come up with the idea of getting rid of Cheng Wan through Prince Jing, and how did he have the audacity to go to Prince Jing?
Wei Hufeng's face was pale, and a smile that looked more like a grimace stretched out from the corners of his mouth.
From the very beginning, he was a pawn that could be discarded at any time.
He... was so incredibly stupid!
He had always looked down on Cheng Wan, but Cheng Wan was much smarter than him.
Wei Hufeng closed his eyes, then suddenly opened them.
The worst is yet to come; anything is possible...