The day after the Li Family's banquet ended.
Far away in Yu Province, in the Imperial City.
Within that lavish palace that drew countless gazes from across the world, though none could see past its towering walls.
An ancient hall that had stood for a thousand years rose in solemn majesty. A long carpet patterned with fierce, dark-gold dragon scales stretched from the entrance to the steps before the dragon throne.
The civil and military officials residing in Yu Province stood arrayed on either side.
From Principal First Rank ministers, the Grand Preceptor, the Grand Tutor, and the Supreme General, down to Subordinate Fourth Rank prefects and the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, all stood solemnly with heads bowed and hands lowered.
Even the lowest-ranking among these officials could make the people of dozens of cities bow and prostrate themselves with a stamp of his foot.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty."
"The Li Family of Qing Prefecture held a family banquet yesterday and proclaimed the news throughout the world. Another divine child has emerged from the Li Family!"
Someone respectfully presented the report.
The imposing figure seated upright on that deep, stately dragon throne had an aged face, but his body remained straight and tall. Wearing a dark robe embroidered with nine black dragons, he surveyed his ministers with eyes like candle flames, impossible to look at directly.
At those words, a faint smile seemed to appear on his face.
"Your Majesty, I hear that this Qilin Child is Li Hao, whom you blessed and named fourteen years ago!"
"He is also the son of the Minister of Justice, Marquis Xingwu, who came here a few days ago to receive his appointment!"
"Your Majesty is truly wise!"
The other ministers could not help offering praise and congratulations.
"Your Majesty perceived this child's