Within Changle Palace, the atmosphere brimmed with joy and harmony.
When Qin Zhao returned to the main hall, everyone felt that he had become even more imposing. His entire body radiated vitality, as though he had suddenly become decades younger.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!" The ministers all knelt in salute. Whether sincere or merely putting on a show, they offered him their congratulations.
Qin Zhao was exceedingly pleased. This was merely the initial refinement of the spiritual liquid within his body, preventing its essence from spilling out. Once he completely refined all that energy, his cultivation could advance another step.
"I am greatly pleased with this grand gift from the Peerless Marquis!"
Zhou Chen's expression darkened somewhat. Both he and Shen Yi had presented birthday gifts, yet Shen Yi alone had received Qin Zhao's praise. This was an action Qin Zhao, who was deeply versed in the arts of emperors, had never taken before. Zhou Chen could not help wondering whether Qin Zhao was using this to show goodwill toward the Later Zhou Dynasty.
After a brief pause, the birthday banquet continued, though no further ripples arose. Shen Yi had stolen the spotlight with overwhelming force, causing many who had intended to target him in secret to abandon the idea. Even Qin Jian was unusually well-behaved and did not leap out to provoke him.
When the birthday banquet ended, everyone departed one after another, but Shen Yi was secretly stopped. Qin Zhao wished to see him personally.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Shen Yi bowed. He had already roughly guessed Qin Zhao's intentions.
"Peerless Marquis, you truly are a man of outstanding bearing and extraordinary fortune. If you are willing to join my Qin State, I will surely reward you with high office and generous emoluments!" Qin Zhao was exceptionally