Thousand Autumn Banquet

The fifteenth day.

The Thousand Autumn Banquet.

His Majesty had decreed that the people should celebrate alongside him. The entire capital was decked in lanterns and colored banners, and the night curfew had been lifted.

Amid the festive air, Aaron changed into a brand-new Daoist robe with Pearl's assistance, then took his invitation and headed for Gen Mountain.

This imperial garden had been overseen by Jia Yan, built from rare stones gathered from across the realm. It was said to encompass all the world's scenery, and it truly was the pinnacle of garden design.

Today, it was even more heavily guarded, with a sentry every three steps and a watchman every five.

Following protocol, Aaron presented his invitation and underwent an inspection before being led to a small table.

Glancing around, he found quite a few Daoists seated nearby. Some wore golden belts and jade crowns, and seemed to have received official investiture.

Moreover, the Daoists formed one circle, the scholars another, and the military officers yet another, their boundaries as distinct as the Wei and Jing Rivers.

About two hours later, His Majesty, the Empress, the Empress Dowager, and other important figures entered, and the Thousand Autumn Banquet began.

Aaron made a point of sampling the imperial dishes and found them genuinely delicious, though a little cold.

There was no helping it when food had to be prepared for so many people.

"To congratulate the Son of Heaven! May His Majesty enjoy ten thousand years of life!"

After His Majesty took his seat, the civil and military officials, along with the monks and Daoists, were the first to offer birthday congratulations to the Son of Heaven.

Then came the senior ministers, Buddhism, and Daoism, each presenting their gifts in turn.

Of course...

Aaron could not see any of that.