The Task of Returning Them

On June 7.

The grand celebration of Zhou Ming's twentieth birthday began in grand fashion.

That day, the entire realm celebrated. There was singing, dancing, and nationwide revelry.

Dressed in magnificent formal attire, Zhou Ming sat in the center of the Ceremonial Hall, receiving gifts from ministers and nobles.

Whenever an official presented a gift, the master of ceremonies announced it loudly.

"Prime Minister Oruskoni presents Your Majesty with ten stones of gold, ten chests of jewels, one hundred rare treasures, and ten peerless beauties. May Your Majesty live as long as heaven and shine over the Empire forever!"

"His Highness Imperial Uncle Rubuster presents Your Majesty with ten stones of gold, ten chests of rare treasures, ten pieces of priceless jade, and ten royal beauties. May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, and may the Empire prosper forever!"

"Chief Cabinet Minister Haguosi presents Your Majesty with nine stones of gold and silver, nine chests of jewels, fifty treasures, and ten beauties. May Your Majesty be valiant and healthy, and may the Empire flourish eternally!"

"Deputy Cabinet Minister Weilong Pound presents Your Majesty with XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and ten beauties. May Your Majesty XXXX..."

"..."

Sitting on the throne, Zhou Ming grew increasingly irritated as he listened to the announcements.

Beauties, beauties...

Every minister or noble had included so-called "beauties" among their gifts!

The greatest number anyone had sent was ten.

Even those who sent the fewest had sent at least two... symbolizing that good things came in pairs.

Most shameless of all, some ministers had used backdoor channels, pulled strings, and paid heavy bribes to have those carefully made-up, seductively dressed beauties pass through the Ceremonial Hall and parade before Zhou Ming's eyes.

Some displayed their talents, some came from foreign lands, and there were twin sisters, triplet