At Hundred Lantern Temple, Minister of Rites Yan once again arrived with his colleagues to pay a visit.
Unlike last time, however, Minister Yan and the others brought quite a few gifts, and all their faces bore traces of embarrassment.
"This humble official, Yan Zhen, pays his respects to Master Wang Xin."
In the temple's front hall, Yan Zhen and the others bowed to Wang Xin.
Wang Xin blinked gently as she looked at them. Assuming they had come about the prayers, she said slowly, "I will go to the Altar of Heaven shortly to pray for your sovereign. I won't delay things."
"Well..."
The embarrassment on Yan Zhen's face deepened, mingled with a measure of apology.
"Master Wang Xin, thank you very much for praying for our sovereign these past days. But starting today, we need not trouble you any further. You no longer need to visit the Altar of Heaven."
"There's no longer any need?" Wang Xin asked calmly.
"That's right."
Yan Zhen sighed. Master Wang Xin had finally wandered into the Zhou Kingdom and agreed to pray for their sovereign and his daughter, only for their plans to fall through.
"To be frank, Master Wang Xin, the ceremony has been postponed for now. The coronation of the empress will likely have to wait another year, so we shall trouble you no further."
Yan Zhen straightened and waved a hand. The officials beside him stepped forward, carrying several gift boxes.
They opened the boxes to reveal gold, jewels, a gold-threaded kasaya, snow cicada silk, and other expensive gifts.
Yan Zhen bowed respectfully. "Although the ceremony has been postponed, we are truly grateful for your efforts these past days, Master Wang Xin. Our Zhou Kingdom has prepared a few gifts of thanks. Please do not disdain them."
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