My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Chapter 192 Recollections 2.15 - The Feast at Hongmen

In the same year, the Imperial Preceptor advised Emperor Xuande to build Taoist temples throughout the Great Jing Dynasty, claiming that if people could sincerely worship, it would bring good weather and peace to the world, and even extend the country's fortune and prolong the emperor's life.

Emperor Xuande was overjoyed upon hearing the news. He not only approved the construction of the temple but also generously allocated tens of millions of taels of gold and silver from the national treasury for its construction.

However, the national treasury was already depleted by the construction of temples within the palace, and was further depleted by the need for the imperial advisor to refine elixirs and medicines.

Therefore, the national treasury is already stretched thin.

As a result, Emperor Xuande not only withheld officials' salaries and ordered increased taxes, but also forcibly conscripted laborers from all over the country, sparing no expense and harming the people in order to build Taoist temples.

All these factors have caused immense suffering for the people, leading to widespread public discontent.

Even though Emperor Xuande was so incompetent, no one in the court dared to voice any objections.

Local officials, each with their own ulterior motives, have intensified their efforts to exploit the people in order to please their superiors and line their own pockets.

For a time, corrupt officials ran rampant, and the people lived in dire straits.

And so, another Lantern Festival has arrived.

As night fell and the city lights came on, there was not a trace of festive joy in this vast capital city.

"Has grown tall."

Chu Ling reached out and tucked Fu Tingyu's collar in.

The fox fur cloak that barely trailed on the ground last year now can't even cover my ankles.

Due to the national treasury problems, apart from the Empress's palace, the other palaces in the inner palace were also forced to reduce their expenditures.

Even this year's winter clothes are nowhere to be seen, so they can only wear last year's old clothes to the banquet.

Fu Tingyu lowered his eyes, glanced at his half-worn clothes, and yawned wearily. "I wonder what this year's palace banquet will be like."

Unlike previous years, this year's palace banquet is said to be even grander and more elaborate than in previous years because the Imperial Preceptor is involved.

As he spoke, Fu Tingyu perked up and joked, "I'll pack some delicious food for you to bring back later."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ling chuckled softly, warmed his slightly cold hand, and concealed the worry in his eyes, saying, "Be careful."

"Ah."

Fu Tingyu winked at him, signaling him to relax, and then quickly left at the urging of the palace servants.

Even after Fu Tingyu's figure disappeared from sight, Chu Ling still did not look away.

He clenched his fist; a faint warmth still lingered on it.

For some reason, even though everything was as usual today, Chu Ling felt inexplicably depressed, as if something was about to happen.

The snow fell even heavier, fluttering down like goose feathers.

Fortunately, the palace banquet was always held inside the palace, so we didn't have to get soaked in the rain like last time.

The brazier inside the hall was burning brightly, and the charcoal was crackling and hissing.

When Fu Tingyu arrived, both seats in the main seat were still empty.

But the Empress had already arrived, yet she sat in the lower seat.

It goes without saying who those two spots are reserved for.

The concubines and princes of each palace were seated on the left and right according to their rank and status.

Although in the past six months, Emperor Xuande has rarely entered the inner palace and no longer favors any of his concubines.

However, Consort Chen's rank remained unchanged, and she continued to hold a high position, second only to the Empress.

Therefore, as in previous years, Fu Tingyu sat down to the left of the Fifth Prince.

The sixth prince, who always sat to his right, was now at the bottom of the table.

Looking further down, aside from the concubines and princes, there were for some reason far fewer court officials sitting in the hall this year.

Before Fu Tingyu could think further, he suddenly heard a sneer from his left.

"Seventh Imperial Brother, why are you dressed so shabbily this year?"

The voice rang in my ears, and when I turned around, I saw the Fifth Prince looking at me with a mocking expression.

Compared to Fu Tingyu, his attire was indeed exceptionally luxurious.

He wore a black brocade robe embroidered with a qilin pattern woven in gold thread, and a belt made of Hetian jade was tied around his waist.

The crown on her head was inlaid with seven glass gemstones, which reflected a dazzling light in the candlelight.

It was truly extravagant, even surpassing the past.

When Fu Tingyu looked over, the Fifth Prince's eyes immediately became more mocking.

"I do have a few old clothes that I don't want anymore, which I originally intended to give to the eunuchs."

“But if my brother really has no clothes to wear, I would not mind giving him those old things.”

Amidst his sarcastic remarks, Fu Tingyu opened his mouth, and his expression changed.

He actually laughed quite happily and said, "Really?"

"Then I want a set exactly the same as the one you're wearing."

Fifth Prince: "..."

This is not the answer he expected.

Just as he was about to say something more, the eunuch outside the hall suddenly announced in a shrill voice: "The Emperor has arrived! The Imperial Preceptor has arrived!"

Everyone quickly stood up and respectfully bowed and knelt down to pay their respects.

The next moment, the Emperor and the Imperial Advisor walked in together and took their seats at the head of the table.

As soon as Emperor Xuande took his seat, he sharply scanned the crowd, his face suddenly darkening as he asked in a deep voice, "Why has the Prime Minister not yet arrived?"

The air froze, and everyone looked at each other, unsure how to respond.

Only the Empress smiled and said, "Your Majesty, my father's clothes got soaked by the snow on his way here, and he is changing in the back palace now, which is why he was delayed for a moment."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuande frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face, but he did not react or press the matter further.

After a long while, the Prime Minister finally strolled in from outside the palace.

He walked straight forward, without kneeling or bowing, but simply gave a slight bow and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for being late."

Upon seeing this, Emperor Xuande, who was sitting upright on the dragon throne, narrowed his eyes and his gaze became obscure.

After a moment of silence, Emperor Xuande finally withdrew his gaze and gave a cold smile.

"Today is a family banquet, Prime Minister, there is no need for such formalities."