Besides the various Oirat and Tatar tribes, Korea, Japan, Ryukyu, Jiaozhi, and other places had also been invited.
The scale was no smaller than the Emperor's previous birthday celebration, and he cared far more about it than his own birthday. If the State Preceptor had not shot him a few warning looks, he would nearly have indulged in extravagance for this birthday banquet.
Fortunately, Pan Yun mentioned it twice, and the Emperor suppressed his urge to spend lavishly. He sighed to the officials, "The State Preceptor has truly been wronged. She has given so much to the realm that I wish I could offer her every treasure under heaven."
Yu Qian said irritably, "If His Majesty does his duty as Emperor, governs the realm well, and lets the people live and work in peace, that will be the finest gift for the State Preceptor."
The officials all agreed wholeheartedly.
After Pan Yun successfully divined the will of Heaven, not a single civil or military official in the entire court could raise any opposition to her.
Especially since the State Preceptor was so virtuous and capable.
The Oirats had suffered a crushing defeat, the Ming Dynasty had recovered Lingbei Province of the former Yuan and established three loose-rein states there, and the State Preceptor had rendered great merit by successfully divining Heaven's will and driving the great army farther north. Yet she had not grown proud, nor had she sought credit. Instead, she reminded the Emperor to heed the opinions of the officials. When he wished to hold a birthday celebration for her, she had also insisted on frugality.
Even Yu Qian, who was always strict with himself and even stricter with others, could not help saying, "To achieve success at such a young age without becoming arrogant or impetuous—few can